Sensory Evaluation Assignment

For my sensory evaluation assignment I chose to try octopus. I went to Volos Restaurant and ordered the grilled octopus. I love trying new things and have always loved seafood and so I was rather excited to try octopus. When it first arrived on the table the smell reminded me of being on an island. It was exotic, grilled, and held a hint of umame. Looking at the dish, the colour was a dark purple with some nice distinct grill marks which looked lovely on top of the bright green and red in the salad. The suction cups on the tentacles were slightly off-putting but I decided to taste it nonetheless. I poked at the tentacles and they were a little squishy but I cut off a piece and tried it. The tentacle was very tender and not at all chewy as expected, the octopus itself had a very strong seafood flavour and was accompanied with a savory sauce; a little sweet, a little salty and a little sour. There was also a slightly bitter element from the grilled charcoal flavour. The only item I can relate the octopus to is calamari, however calamari has a lighter flavour and a more rubbery texture. To this, octopus is very unique with its bold sea flavour and tentacles. Overall it was an excellent experience. I love trying new things and look forward to doing so in the future!