Robin Garr wrote:and I'm not that eager to discover the joys of spiders and insects
Robin
If you ever make it to Northern Territory, Australia, I can honestly recommend the green-bottomed ants. They have a sack at the ...erm... rear and this is the bit you bite off (they're not big, so sadly this means goodbye to Mr ant - however the B*ggers bite, so after 3 or 4 times of them biting me I figured it was no more than revenge).
The taste is the singular most refreshing taste I've ever experience and even one tiny ant can give a massive citrus hit (think refreshing lemon, but without bitterness).
Definitely not a wind-up, definitely a true culinary highlight.
To answer the question, I tried tripe for the 1st (and last) time in Italy at the end of last year. Happy I tried it, but happier in the knowledge that I don't have to try it again!
Other stuff I have a problem with is based around squeemishness or ex-pets. After not liking tripe, I'll pass on the local dish called "Chitterlings", which, how can I put this subtly, is a little further down the digestive tract...
No-ones mentioned brussels sprouts! In a survey a while ago, it came out as both the least and most popular vegetable - i.e. you either love it or hate it, there is no middle ground.
regards
Ian