Skip to main content

23 Flavors (Hey Mikey! He Likes It!)

I've learned to loathe Mikey and that damned Life cereal commercial....

I wound up having the day off...and I'm sitting here trying to think of what to make for dinner. I'm actually craving stuff that I know I can't easily find. I could really go for a nice Cornish pasty, or a cold pork pie, or any number of delicious treats I've had in my travels...but my options in the pantry are limited. I could make some chorizo, I know I have that in the freezer.

Thinking about food has me thinking about some of the foods I've eaten, and how friends in different cultures view them. It's odd, really, when one takes into account societal viewpoints on food. Food is fuel. It serves the purpose of keeping our bodies running. It can also be delicious, fun to prepare, and made to look fancy! But...really, why do people get so bent out of shape about certain foods? Sure, the Bible says not to eat certain things, for various reasons...and I'm sure other religions have their own take on foods. To eat meat or not, vegetarian vs. vegan, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, fat free...so many choices. And really, that's all it is. Choices. And opinions. And we all know about opinions....

Here's a list of some of the wild and wonderful foods I've had over the years,  that folks have commented about...mostly by saying things like "EWWWWWWWW" or "I could never..." I've enjoyed most of these...not all, but most.


  • Kangaroo - This is the one that most people flip over. Personally, I love me some roo! I've had roo burgers, steaks, sausage, kabobs, and jerky, and it's all wonderful! You'd probably enjoy it...if you gave it a try.
  • Emu - I liked it. Reminded me of ostrich, which I also enjoy. Beefy but without that blahh feeling you get from eating a large portion. 
  • Crocodile - Nope. Didn't like it. Reminded me of alligator...which I don't like. Tasted nasty, had a texture I didn't enjoy, and smelled odd. 
  • Alligator - See Crocodile.
  • Rattlesnake - Lovely! Imagine a chicken-like texture, but with a milder flavor. Great for batter-frying. 
  • Skunk - Only had it once...in a stew...and really, it wasn't bad. Gamey and a bit stringy...but tasted similar to most rodent meat. 
  • Groundhog - Again, had it in a stew. A bit greasy, gamey, and stringy...but not awful 
  • Squirrel - Have eaten squirrel a number of times. Really not bad. Very reminiscent of rabbit. Takes a few to fill up on. Good in stew but also good over an open fire. 
  • Ostrich - If you want to enjoy a burger, this is the way to go! Tastes much like beef, but less greasy and without the blahhhh feeling afterwards. 
  • Wild Boar - I am a big fan of wild boar meat! It's like pork but tastier! Can be a bit tough...but learn how to cook it right, and damn, this is good eating!
  • Buffalo - My trips to Sturgis, SD can be blamed for my love of buffalo meat. From that 1st buffalo burger at a diner, in the middle of the night, to the most recent buffalo steak I've had, it's been delicious from start to finish. Imagine low fat beef. That's what it tastes like. It can be dry and tough if not cooked properly, so if its your first time making it, follow your recipe to the letter!
  • Deer - While not uncommon where I live, it might be to some folks. I like deer. It can be gamey as hell, but can also be delicious. Steaks, chops, chili, you name it...its great! Deer bologna (aka trail bologna) is a treat!
  • Ram - Only had it once, but damn it was good! Similar to lamb but gamier. I'd love to have it again!
  • Elk - Reminds me of a cross between deer and moose...seriously. It's gamey...but its good.
  • Moose - Delicious! Big hunks of dark red meat, low fat, strong flavor...this is meat lover's meat!
  • Bear - Best I can describe this is kinda like a strong, sweet pork chop. I like it! Can never get it...but I like it! As long as I don't have to hunt it, skin it, or cook it.
  • Shark - Shark, to me, is weird. I don't like seafood, as a rule...but shark ain't bad. I've had shark fin soup a number of times, and dammit...as much as I hate to admit it, I like it! I can't really compare the flavor to anything else. It tastes like...shark.
  • Rabbit - No, it doesn't taste like chicken...at least not to me. It has a similar texture, but that's it. I cried the first time my dad tried to get me to eat. (OK, I was 7) I have since learned that a properly marinated, and well-cooked rabbit is a wonderful meal! Great for BBQ!
  • Horse - Yep. Had it. Liked it. Get over it. It's a cultural thing. Most Americans freak out over the thought of eating "this majestic creature". That's stupid. It's meaty and loaded with protein. And it's tasty.
  • Ox - Beef for the serious beef eater! Hell, even the tail is good! I've eaten ox tail soup, stew, and sammiches...as well as ox roast, steaks, etc. Seriously good eating! Don't skimp on the onions!
  • Shellfish - Like I said, not a huge seafood fan, so I'll lump all shellfish together. I can take it or leave it. I like some shrimp in my gumbo, but some folks get weird about it. Lobster is a nice treat...once every 10 or so years. Crab...could care less. I know that shellfish isn't unusual to most people...but my family, if they read this, will be in shock that I HAVE eaten it. 
  • Cactus - A surprisingly tasty plant! It's like a big chunk of lettuce. Grill off the needles. Dip it in salad dressing. Really...it's tasty!
  • Ghost Peppers - Really, you don't need these. These are only for the culinary masochists out there. I LOVE hot, spicy food...but these are just ridiculous. You DON'T need to eat them. They don't add to anything...they're just painfully hot. Hot isn't even the right word. Imagine molten lava sliding down your esophagus. That's the best way I can describe them. I make an intense, concentrated habanero sauce that is all the heat & spice I will ever need to add to a dish. 1 spoonful in a pot of chili or gumbo is usually more than most of my friends are comfortable with. Ghost peppers...just insane. Again, you DO NOT need to ever eat these. Remember, at some point they WILL be coming out the other end. See how funny you think it is then. NOTE: whenever handling hot peppers, if possible, wear gloves. I once made the mistake of NOT wearing gloves. Hours later, and after numerous hand washings, I scratched a very private part of my anatomy...the searing pain from the residual capsaicin left me in agony for hours...even after a few healthy scrubbings!  
Writing this reminded me of an ex girlfriend...who was not an adventurous eater. I used to terrorize her by answering her question, "What's for dinner?" with "Roast beast".  She eventually stopped eating my cooking. Her loss. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Not At MY Age! (for the nebby folks)

 This will come as no surprise to anyone - I'm not a morning person. Those of us who prefer the dark, quiet hours of the night do occasionally have to deal with the reality that there is a 5:30 in the AM as well as PM. It's an uncomfortable reality, but that's just life.  I had to deal with the AM version yesterday. Long story short, I had a doctor's appointment at 8:30, had no idea where the office was, and still had to attempt to function. My morning routine is non-negotiable. It's really the only way I can deal with most people. Yes, copious amounts of coffee are involved.  I had a check-up last week. My regular doc (I call him "Doogie" but I'm not convinced he fully understands the reference), who is younger than some shoes I own, was concerned about a growth on my nose. I wasn't...but I don't have the magic letters following my name, so my opinion is moot.  Let me be clear, I've dealt with this before. As cancers go, my previous bout o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Meatball

 I was always a dog person. I grew up with dogs. Dear ol' dad was never a fan of cats. Mom loved all animals. But ours was a dog house. Plain and simple. My first experience living with a cat was thanks to a roommate. He had a 40-pound lump of feline ferocity named Meatball. When he moved in with his girlfriend, the cat was left behind, due to the girlfriend's alleged allergies. I believe the reality was more like she was allergic to the oversized beast's personality.  Meatball was just mean. Maybe that's the wrong word. In his defense, he was a foundling. My roomie worked at a pizza joint, and Meatball was found in the alley behind the place...noshing on a discarded meatball. This was the cat's preferred food.  Aside from his obesity, Meatball had ear mites or something as a kitten. His ears flopped down, not unlike a pig.  Just imagine a 40-pound cat, with floppy ears, and a bad disposition. Oh, he was mostly white with some black spots. On the rare occasions he w...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Alleged Life and Times of Wynn Rainey

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected situations. - MCM Everyone in town knew Wynn Rainey, but no one really knew Wynn Rainey. Even today, in and around Downey Bluff, the Rainey name will get folks to talking. As far away as Norwich, people still remember him. Everyone has a story, and more importantly, an opinion. Depending on who you talk to, some will say Wynn Rainey was a man of means. The Wenberg family, who owned and ran the local savings and loan, did a lot of business with him, if stories are to be believed. Oddly enough, there never seemed to be an active account in his name. The same people who told these tales were the same ones who’d tell you that assets are better than cash. Wynn Rainey always seemed to have the latter. Usually at least a pocketful. Some would tell you he was loose as a goose with his money. Some would tell you he could squeeze ten cents out of a buffalo nickel’s ass. Lots of the old timers will share stories of Rainey paying everyone’s tab at...
Post a Comment
Read more