In response to a recent article on edible fungi and tubers, a reader noted that mushrooms and truffles are not “weird” at all. He went on to note that they are very nutritious and found in a variety of recipes all around the world. I could not agree more. Yet, as another reader noted, they just do not sound as appetizing referred to as fungi and tubers. After all, which would you rather eat, the “Cream of Fungus Soup with Slices of Tuber”, or the “Cream of Mushroom Soup with Truffles”? In Shakespeare's play, “Romeo and Juliet”, Juliet Capulet remarks, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. Yes, even in modern times, a name might not affect the smell, but now it sure seems to have an effect on the taste.
When cousins from California came to visit Colorado once, an aunt took them all out to dinner. Since the cousins were from California and had a taste for seafood, one was very anxious to try Oysters cooked “Rocky Mountain” style, or “Rocky Mountain Oysters”. He was a bit shocked and dismayed to discover that these were not oysters at all, but, rather, the former roses of once proud bulls even though they shared a name with his seaside favorites. He ordered the Trout instead.
I cannot remember the movie, but, in a similar situation, a comedian went into a mountain restaurant and was attracted to the “All-You-Can-Eat” Goat Fries special. Being a frugal man in search of value, he consumed three or four plates of the little gems before learning what Goat Fries really were. Those roses tasted fine when named “fries”, but not so fine by their true name. Apparently, folks in Throckmorton, Texas do not care, or at least not too much. Throckmorton is the home of the annual “Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival” and visitors can sample the finest roses from throughout the state. They know what they are eating, they know where they come from, but they still hide behind the more palatable name. In Huntley, Illinois, they throw caution to the wind and proudly sponsor the annual “Turkey Testicle Festival”. Usually, people refer to these as “Turkey Fries” and are quite a delicacy for the less faint of heart. Now, with the knowledge gleaned from the movies and these festivals, I caution concerned readers to inquire as to exactly what is being “fried” before sampling any “fries” not made from potatoes. Even so, if so many people like roses enough to sponsor these festivals, there might be something worth trying there. Personally, I still prefer to take their word for it. Some other foods and some other festivals, however, may require more in-depth research. If you want to attempt some new culinary adventure, start with names, learn about what you are trying and never make assumptions.
A name like The Gilroy California Garlic Festival is pretty straight forward. The name and the smell both clearly are recognizable. They make the festival easy to find and the participants easy to identify just by the scent. If you plan to attend, however, you had better eat some garlic in self-defense, or wear a gas mask. Other festivals, such as the “Chitlin Strut” of Salley, South Carolina, the San Fernando, California “Menudo Festival”, and the “Spam Jam” in Waikiki are just as easily identifiable and enjoyable, but keep in mind that Chitlins, Menudo, and Spam are all made from “By-Products”. The Bug Fest of the Museum of Nature and Science in North Carolina is a little tricky. Just know that this is not a petting zoo, and both Stir-Fry Grasshoppers and Mealworm Marinara are on the menu. Also note that Louisiana, “Bugs” are something completely different. Someone from New Orleans might expect to find pots of boiled “crawfish” scattered about instead of insects and worms. A little research goes a long way.
If you find your way to Pocahontas County, West Virginia and come across the “Roadkill Cook-off”, do not be afraid. The name may make you cringe, but it is actually much more civilized than you might think. Cooks prepare dishes made from a wide variety of local favorites and exotic tastes, but actual road kill is against the rules. If judges find pieces of gravel, chrome or asphalt in your recipe, these are grounds for immediate disqualification. Better yet, if the research seems like too much trouble and you want to simplify your dine on the wild side, just head for the wild and weird city of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles “Weird Food Festival” is as straight forward as it gets. If you partake in this festival, you know ahead of time that your tongue, your palate and your stomach should be ready to run the gauntlet.
So, go ahead, broaden your horizons a bit and try some new, different, and “weird” foods. Be sure to do some research ahead of time, and do not be afraid to ask about ingredients if you are uncertain. Just remember that although roses of different names may share a similar scent, their ingredients and flavors vary widely according to personal tastes. Is it any wonder so many people are turning vegetarian? There must be something in that name.
