This year, along with trying new things, I’m also trying new foods. Some of which I just had never gotten around to (like kumquats – awesome stuff!) and some that I really never had any desire to eat … like today’s entry.
We went to Eureka down the street for brunch this morning, and Mom saw “Crispy Chicken Livers with Horseradish Sauce” on the menu. She said she hadn’t had chicken livers in a while, but she wasn’t going to order them because she figured no one else would eat them with her. Well, Nick will eat anything, and I figured I needed to try these at least once, so Mom got to order her fried chicken livers.
When they came, they looked pretty good, and I kept thinking to myself, “People like these, right? Or else they wouldn’t be selling them. And if you batter and fry anything, it tastes good, right? Especially with dipping sauce.” Memories of reading “How to Eat Fried Worms” as a kid came flooding back.
I picked a piece, dipped it in the sauce, and took a bite. There are times when something you’re totally not excited about and expect to taste weird and gross, surprises you – and you really love it.
The batter was fine. The sauce was great. The chicken liver … was sort of mealy, and kind of bitter (granted, these are two food qualities I’m really sensitive to). There was absolutely nothing wrong with the way Eureka prepared these – they were great for what they were (Mom and Nick can attest to that) … but they were still liver. I did finish my piece, and tried really hard to figure out what was in the flavor that could grow on you, but I just couldn’t find it this time. I was hoping I’d like these, but it was a no-go. I’ll keep trying, though!
Sorry you didn’t like them….it does seem to be an acquired taste. Next time you can try a different kind of liver (if there is a next time). As I recall, calves liver is not bitter or mealy.