Double Dare

You're right, that was totally a Far Side comic, and a fair point. How many times in your life can you say that you've tried a new food, independent of any outside influence (watching someone else eating said food, etc). Probably never...

Speaking of new foods- I've been dying to try duck fat fries and finally had the opportunity tonight at a place called Senate. The way they've been talked up in food articles and blog posts, I was expecting the holy grail of all french fries- some subliminal, crunchy, meaty experience that transcends any possible potato experience on this earth. As a Jew, I should have known better. Have you ever had the pleasure of trying schmaltz? If not... it's the most commonly used ingredient in traditional Jewish cookery. Keeping kosher means no bacon, but butter and oil don't seem to recreate the meaty base in stews and casseroles. Ever wonder why matzah ball soup has that funky, musky aftertaste? That's right- schmaltz. It's actually a little gross to look at in pure form, all clear, giggly, and wibbly (ugh, you can actually buy it in the store).

But- I digress. My point on the schmaltz tirade is that the duck fat fries tasted like my Jewish grandmother's roasted potatoes. Don't get me wrong- they were good... definitely had a mellow aftertaste. But duck fat tastes nearly identical to chicken fat, and I'm plenty familiar with that flavor. So- the "organic," "fresh," "straight from the heart of France," flavor that duck fat imparts upon fries? In reality, it wasn't nearly as impressive as it sounded. Tasty- but not an epiphany.