My Love Affair With Grilled Scallops

Whenever I open a cookbook in search of seafood recipes, there’s something in particular that I’m hoping to find. Once, at my brother’s wedding, I ate grilled scallops that blew my mind. They were wrapped in crispy, salty, mouthwatering bacon, and grilled to tender perfection. There was also a hint (but not an overwhelming, annoying surfeit) of sweet sauce. So I keep trying to find grilled scallop recipes that will bring back even a pale shadow of that fond memory. Sometimes, browsing seafood recipes, I’ll try grilled shrimp instead. Grilled shrimp with pineapple almost hits the spot, with a similar juxtaposition of flavors.

Just the act of grilling shrimp or scallops brings back a flood of aroma-induced memories. Or how about some grilled shrimp, served with a cool side of gazpacho? The seafood is accented well by the sweet cucumbers, delicious tomatoes, and zesty fresh cilantro. I am left with wanting something more. I am left with wanting better. I was left wanting a short moment back in the past that I will never get. Then I page hurriedly through the fish section, seeking anything vaguely resembling a recipe for scallops.

I don’t care if it’s sweet or savory, crisp or creamy, I must have my scallops! I must have them and consume them and enjoy them and gorge myself! I’d always have grilled scallops if I could, whether as a kebob or as part of a buffet. Grilled scallops on a bed of greens. Grilled scallops tangled up in pasta. Grilled scallops surrounded by tasteless cafeteria mush. Grilled scallops as my last meal in prison. Dehydrated and reconstituted grilled scallops are served to me in space. I’d eat grilled scallops with a side of brains if I were a zombie.

If I were a vampire, I’d ignore Bella’s thumping pulse entirely and dive into the ocean in search of scallops. Those scallops were delectable. I haven’t found any since that tasted so good. I wish I had a lifetime supply of those scallops. They are so good! I could eat them all the time.