I grew up eating offal. For Mom, who was feeding five kids, it was cheap. Luckily, she's a miracle worker when it comes to making delicious dishes from leftover animal parts. She grew up in a family of ten -- and her mother taught her how not to waste anything -- and how to make it taste good.
Hubby doesn't sigh with joy when he eats beef tongue, as I do. He doesn't appreciate Mom's meltingly tender meat and ragu sauce. Philistine.
We were running through our list of desired eating experiences in London. He was cool with everything till I said, "Fergus Henderson's restaurant, St. John."
He cocked a brow, and looked thoughtful. I knew his brain was trying to connect where he'd heard that name. Uh oh. "Is that the guy in Bourdain's book -- " Damn.
"Yeah, the guy who cooks offal."
"NO."
"Oh come on! Look at the menu! Turbot and Monk's Beard. You like turbot."
"No."
'"Are you sure? Look! They have Crispy Pig's Cheek and Dandelion."
His glare can be so eloquent.
I guess I'm eating there by myself. Any London based foodies interested in joining me?
I just came across a Q&A with Anthony Bourdain and he talks up Fergus Henderson's London restuarant. I was thinking of passing it along to you but it seems as though it's already on your radar :). I'm just sorry I won't be in London to be able to join you!
Posted by: Geneve | June 23, 2006 at 04:04 AM
If I were there, I'd join you in a heartbeat!
Posted by: Ivonne | June 23, 2006 at 09:50 AM
I think that I would be with Hubby on this account. Hopefully, you will find someone to keep you company there.
Posted by: beastmomma | June 23, 2006 at 11:20 AM
I'm afraid I'm very much on the hubby's side with this one.
Even if I still ate meat...there's just...No. Freaking. Way.
Sorry...but enjoy!
Posted by: Stephanie | June 23, 2006 at 12:53 PM
I thought I was the only one who liked beef tongue!!!! I'll join you anytime!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: joanne | June 25, 2006 at 03:04 PM
Hi there! My husband loves tongue... his mom cooks it for him every time he goes home. I've yet to try it.. the idea of eating the organ that the cow uses to taste its food seems weird to me. But one of these days I'll bite the bullet. Hope you have a fabulous time!
Posted by: Sarah J | June 27, 2006 at 01:33 AM
So would be there for you and trust you would pick something I would love!
Posted by: Dude | June 27, 2006 at 08:49 PM
if I was in london right now I would be there in a flash for that pig's cheek! Enjoy!
Posted by: sam | June 27, 2006 at 10:18 PM
Pig' Cheek? I honestly did not know you could eat that.
Posted by: Gabriella | July 02, 2006 at 12:43 AM