Two weeks ago, we tried a new (for us) sushi bar, and the itamae handed me a sardine sushi without telling me what it was. Blew me away! I'd actually never had sardine sushi before, and I've eaten a lot of sushi. I do love fresh sardines too, as well as good sardines out of the tin. I never age them as some of the French do, but that could be interesting to do some day.