You are offal...
A colleague wandering around one of Birmingham's northern suburbs returned asking if I'd ever heard of chitterlings, which he'd seen in a butcher's window.
Not only heard of them, but eaten them.
For the uninitiated, they're intestines - usually from pigs - and were once common fare among working class families.
We lived with my gran in Perry Common until I was five and I remember she used to cook them - and, these being the days when kids finished what they were given, I ate them without question.
I also remember her bringing home live eels, bashing in their heads on the kitchen table and then serving them with a floury parsley sauce and plainly boiled spuds a couple of hours later.
All of which explains why I'm not squeamish about food.
It's a shame today's children aren't introduced at a young age to such cheap, flavoursome ingredients.
But, with the credit crunch biting, maybe it's only a matter of time before pig's intestines once again grace our tables.
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Paul Fulford - Features Editor Paul Fulford gives his verdict on the region’s restaurants.
I have been eating at Top taste take-away for over 5 years now and always recieved a warm welcoming from the staff and a excellent money for value food.
I order from my favorite rice,peas and fried chicken to a quick curry pattie and guiness punch.
It's a family run business,but they never realise how much i value there service in the community.
I have eaten in a lots of caribbean take-away,but the name speaks for itself......
Top Taste Caribbean Take-Away & Catering Service
391 Dudkey Road,Winson Green.Birmingham.B18.
5 star rating in my eyes.
Well done to all the staff and management.
Hi Paul...
Love the blog and the review column in Mail (I must try the Asian place in Selly Oak you tried last week).
I was in London last week at The Bleeding Heart restaurant (French) which had great dishes on offer.
Among the specials was 'open lasagne of pig's cheek' (I had it, 'twas gorgeous, stringy lumps, but tender-stringy, lovely juice). On a la carte was 'pigs' ear salad' which I didn't try, but was assured this was genuinely pigs' ears!
Ever had that Paul?
Thanks for the recommendation, Jo. Have to admit my experience of Caribbean food isn't wide so I look forward to giving the place a try.
Donya (the Selly Oak place) is well worth a try, Meat Eater.
I've eaten pig's cheek and love it. But pig's ear is a delicacy that has yet to grace my plate. I guess it needs long, slow cooking and then (perhaps) frying.
Why don't we Brits eat more cheap cuts?
You may be interested to know that my Birmingham=based company runs a supper club for the creative industries and the club is called Chitterlings. http://www.uktype.com/index.php?chitterlings-15
Sounds interesting, Caroline. Where do you meet/eat?