About two years ago, J bought me a blowtorch for my birthday. No, I'm not going all Flashdance on you with dreams of becoming a food-blogging welder- he figured I'd need it in case I ever wanted to brulée something. I think the main motivation for him to buy me the torch was because he wanted me aburi something. Aburi means "flamed" in Japanese, and if you go out to sushi often you've probably seen the chef whip out his blowtorch and lightly sear the top of a piece of salmon, toro or mackerel. The heat of the flame melts the fat in the fish and creates a beautiful, soft, fatty flavor and texture. If you haven't had the chance to try any aburi sashimi or sushi, make sure to request it next time because it is, in a word, heavenly.
