There are many reasons I am distraught about not being able to visit Istanbul this winter. Missing hamsi (Black sea anchovy) season is one of them. I have already written about my love for hamsi here and just knowing that I am missing their peak season is killing me. RIght now, they are at their fattiest and most flavorful. I just want to roll them in flour and deep fry them in oil. Yet another gastronomic opportunity foiled by geographic obstacles. The only thing good about missing hamsi season is that this year, I will not see this frightening scene in person. Ah, the hazards of google image searches.