03 October 2012

Not all it's cracked up to be

OK.  Y'all are not helping me out here.  When I mentioned Balut last post, I thought I would spare you a picture (figured some knew what it was, others would Google it).  So, for the sake of transparency and those who are really twisted, I've posted a generic shot of a Balut off the net.  Yes, it is that kind of egg.  




In my younger, wilder days, when I was more adventurous and less worried about tomorrow (and, yes, stupid), I might have jumped all over this chance.  Especially on a dare or if there was some sort of contest involved.  Nowadays, I really don't have any burning desire to sample this gastrointestinal treat, even if it is considered by some to be an aphrodisiac and and a high protein, hearty snack.  But, seeing how this is my first and only trip to this region and I am a bit of an explorer (when in Rome), I may have to check it out, just because.  

The wife thinks that is some really sick stuff, but is it?  Looking back, compared to some of the exotic things I have partaken of over the years, this may be just another one to mark off the list.  So far, in my short 55 years on this rock, I've had the pleasure of tasting:

  • Caviar
  • Frog legs
  • Alligator
  • Beef tongue
  • Cabrito
  • Menudo
  • Rattlesnake
  • Milk Bone
  • Foie Gras
  • Mud bugs/crawfish/crawdads
  • Sushi (different varieties)
  • Alaskan King crab
  • Maine Lobster
  • Raw Oysters (not a fan)
  • Calamari
  • Rocky Mountain Oysters 
  • Sticklefish (Germany)
Trust me.  Some of these you only need to sample once to get the gist of it.  And several were consumed under duress.  Of course, if I were to partake of such a delicacy, I am quite sure a fair amount of alcohol will be required.  

And, No, no videos.  After all, this is a PG-13 show.

What's the most exotic/interesting thing you've ever eaten?  

10 comments:

Rock Chef said...

I stay away from stuff like this - naturally cautious, I guess!

I guess the most outstanding thing for me was to eat rabbit last time I was in Malta. Once I put thoughts of Bubbles and co at home it was rather nice!

agg79 said...

I am a bit more circumspect now than I used to be in my youth. I forgot I've also had Hasenpfeffer (rabbit) in Germany.

meleah rebeccah said...

Oh hell no!

*gags*

ShadowRun300 said...

I had plenty of chances as a young girl to eat monkey brains and such, but never did. The deli counter in Greece is quite different than ours at home.
I thought I was brave to eat the lamb that minutes before had been roasting whole over a fire. Pig too. I've had buffalo meat - not a fan. And I like deer sausage, but not deer steaks or deer burgers.
Although I am not a picky eater, I would NOT be partaking in Balut. That being said, if I was on the Amazing Race and had to eat it to win... I would be eating it.
With all the delicacies you've tried in the past, I have a feeling you won't be able to pass up at least a taste of the Balut. But not sure anyone would blame you if you do. :/

Abby said...

First, I'm shamed to say I've never had Rocky Mountain Oysters... or should I say, I've never "eaten" them?
I have eaten alligator (chewy), and I feel rather guilty for having eaten veal and lamb. Never again. They're both delicious, but *sniff* babies!
I've never had balut, but I think my parents and both brothers have. I've just never had the opportunity. Thank goodness!!

agg79 said...

RC - smart man. Sometimes I get talked into things I should know better.

Melba - oh yes. And you thought raw oysters were something to gag over.

SR300 - I was wondering if you got to sample any of the delicacies when you were in Greece. Everybody has a line they won't cross.

Abby - On Snap! You mean Guano has had Balut? Any secrets/pointers to eating Balut he'd be willing to share?

meleah rebeccah said...

I sure did! And, I am NOT a fan of crazy foods like this - or anything on your list either!

*mortified*

ShadowRun300 said...

After Abby mentioned that alligator is chewy, I remembered having had octopus tentacles while in Greece. They still had the suction cups on them. I took one bite, but couldn't get past the chewiness and the texture. yuck.

agg79 said...

Mel - Crazy food? Depends upon your point of view.

SR300 - Chewy, yes. But it depends on how fresh it is and how you cook it. Deep fried, served as bites with some lemon and a little wasabi sauce really jazzes it up.

terri said...

Okay, I totally didn't picture Balut to be what you showed here! And I didn't Google it either. EEW! I've had frog legs and alligator. The most adventurous I get these days is to eat the duck that Mark and the boys bring home from their hunting trips. I used to dislike it, but now love it! Funny how one's tastes can change!