Posted by Malbrough_LA on 1/13/13 9:25pm
Msg #450249

Have you ever been told to eat before signing?

I had this happen at a signing earlier in the week around 6:30pm. I get to the door with my briefcase, ring the bell, and am greeted by a nice elderly Cajun woman. She explained to me that I was a bit too early. I was indeed 5 minutes early to the appointment. I was then told I could have a seat and we would sign after we had all eaten (about 4 of us present for two witnesses). I'm not one to pass up good home cooking...especially from a Cajun.

We ate some of the best and spiciest red beans with sausage I've had in a good long time! She asked me how it was, and I told her it was excellent. That's when she told me the secret was in the sausage mixture which was alligator and armadillo...What the heck, I'll try anything once.

Signing went wonderfully and she asked for some business cards before she escorted me to the door with some leftovers to bring home because "you're just too skinny!" I love being right off the Mississippi; you meet some of the most interesting people down here!

Reply by emilysigns on 1/13/13 9:30pm
Msg #450250

I've been offered goodies (cookies, baklava, etc.) at a signing and declined. I am absolutely convinced that the first time I accept I will do something stupid like make a mess or choke.

I have never been offered a meal, but that was very kind of your BO. I love anyone who tells me I am too skinny! (It's been awhile since I have heard those words!)

Enjoy those leftovers I had allegator once, it wasn't bad. Never had armadillo.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 1/13/13 9:39pm
Msg #450252

Does it taste like chicken? LOL

Reply by emilysigns on 1/13/13 9:42pm
Msg #450253

When I had it, I had been visiting my friend in Ohio and she had taken me to this restaurant which only served deep fried food. (I'm an eater. I love the fried group!) They offered gator tail with dipping butter.

I would say it was like shrimp, but it was breaded like a cod filet. So, it was like the worlds largest popcorn shrimp.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 1/13/13 10:34pm
Msg #450265

Emily, I would like to know where you ate that in Ohio? I have some sons that would love to go to a place like that..We are in Ohio..We had frog legs just last night..lol Thanks

Reply by emilysigns on 1/13/13 10:48pm
Msg #450266

Oh geez....I can't remember the name. I will have to ask my friend and PM you later.

It was just outside Columbus, I believe. Everything was fried, it was all wooden planks and sawdust. You know the type of place. Fun.

Let me see if I can get the name for you.

Reply by emilysigns on 1/13/13 11:11pm
Msg #450268

Gator restuarant

My friend couldn't remember either. LOL. It was one of those nights.

She *thinks* it was either Creole Kitchen in the King-Lincoln district off of Mt. Vernon, or Eadies on Wise, behind Whipple.

I hope that makes sense to you, because I have no idea where I just sent you. hahaha. Good luck!

Reply by Malbrough_LA on 1/13/13 9:53pm
Msg #450254

This was wrapped in casing and smoked which means she probably made it herself from something a family member brought home. It had a smoked andouille flavor (hard to describe because it's such a unique flavor) with a ton of bite to it. VERY spicy. The wife and I were popping Tums like crazy that night lol.

Reply by Shan/CA on 1/13/13 11:50pm
Msg #450272

Emily, stop it! No you did not say "choke" LOL I'm a Texan through and through. You have to try coon, armadillo, possum, frog legs, and turtle! Oh, my mouth is watering! Is there a way I can post a pic? I caught a possum 2 weeks ago, in the cage that was set to catch stray cats. No, we didn't eat it

Reply by 101livescan on 1/13/13 10:06pm
Msg #450258

alligator is delicious!

Reply by emilysigns on 1/13/13 10:15pm
Msg #450261

How is it typically prepared? Fried like I have had it? Is sausage the norm?

Reply by 101livescan on 1/13/13 10:19pm
Msg #450263

grilled, sauteed, litely breaded in cornbread

Reply by Malbrough_LA on 1/13/13 10:21pm
Msg #450264

Sausage is not the norm, but I've had it that way before...the armadillo, I have no clue what the norm is cause that's the first time I've ever eaten it! Being seasoned with the gator though I couldn't tell you what the different flavors of the two meats were.

Usually alligator's fried in a deep frier, but when my brother-in-law brings it over we throw it on the grill. Now THAT is some good eating!

Reply by jba/fl on 1/13/13 11:05pm
Msg #450267

I've had both, love both.

Does it taste like chicken? Only that both are white meats, with a bit of sweetness to the gator tail. Armadillo - that has been a long time - again white meat as the critter is a vegetarian, so not unlike chicken. There are differences though. Gator I can get anytime; armadillo is harder to come by....except for their eggs, which are not really eggs though.

Some cheddar cheese, wrapped with jalapeno pepper, wrapped with mashed potatoes, then deep fried. They only look like eggs. Can find them served at Lone Cabbage bar and restaurant on the St. John's river on 520. Scrumptious.

Reply by HisHughness on 1/13/13 11:44pm
Msg #450270

Uh...don't know whether I should be the one to tell you this

I grew up eating bush meat. My daddy could plug a squirrel though the eye with a .22, at night and by the beam of a headlamp; most people use a shotgun when hunting squirrel. Squirrel drumstick spiced with lead shot has ruined more Southern dentition than sugar ever did.

However, are you aware that armadillos are the few known respositories of leprosy, other than humans? Further, interspecies transmission is possible, by handling or by eating the meat. Because so many things about the armadillo are similar to humans, they are frequently used as human surrogates in research. Texas and Louisiana have especially large populations of carrier armadillos.

So, take your choice: Mad cow disease from a burger, or leprosy from red beans and rice sausage.

Reply by Shan/CA on 1/13/13 11:53pm
Msg #450273

Re: Uh...don't know whether I should be the one to tell you this

Hugh!

Reply by Malbrough_LA on 1/14/13 9:37am
Msg #450290

Re: Uh...don't know whether I should be the one to tell you this

HaHa! Thanks for the PSA regarding leprosy. No, I do not mean that as a sarcastic or smarmy comment (I know A LOT gets lost in translation via text). Your statement is indeed correct and the primary reason why I've never sampled dillo as a "delicacy". However, my mother also told me, "Never say no to an old Cajun woman." Thus far, her advice has proved to be very compelling.

Reply by Karla/OR on 1/14/13 12:31am
Msg #450276

Admittedly I am a wimp when it comes to things like alligator, squirrel, and armadillo, just to name a few! Just can't do it. Maybe it was my meat and potatoes childhood that did it for me! Anyway, glad you had such a great experience with these BO's!

I recently had the same experience but with pork sausage, "gravy" (red sauce), and pasta made by a true Italian young man and his girlfriend. They were cooking it when I arrived which really caught me off guard - couldn't figure out whey they would be cooking dinner when they knew I was showing up!! They insisted I sit and eat before signing. I was sooooo glad I did - delicious- they too sent me home with leftovers!!! Great experience. I sent them a "Thank You" card. They responded with a card with such nice words and asked that my husband and I come back for dinner!!

How wonderful is it to be invited to the table of people you just met - a blessing for sure.

Reply by pdl/cali on 1/14/13 12:38am
Msg #450277

Yes its a blessing to be able to bring home a few good recipes as well.

Reply by Malbrough_LA on 1/14/13 9:39am
Msg #450291

Here Here! I concur, Karla!

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/14/13 6:54am
Msg #450283

Shades of "The Water Boy"

My stomach is rolling just thinking about the gator/dillo sausage.

Reply by Luckydog on 1/14/13 3:19pm
Msg #450383

Re: Shades of "The Water Boy"

Went to a late night closing, and they had BBQ goat in the oven. I was polite and tried a piece, and it was stringy. They ate After the closing, which was perfect for me. I always have another appointment or some place to be. lol