Culinary Explosion of Exotic Foods to Wow the Senses

When you think about it it is truly amazing to see such a vast diversification when it comes to cultural differences. Clothing, music, costumes, language and history that distinguish different countries throughout the world. Nothing is quite as diverse, colorful and interesting as the culinary explosion that is happening around the world. Many of these countries not only serve up foods that may be thought of as "come on your kidding", to wow! that sounds awesome and I have got to try that! Not only are the foods and preparation tactics diverse and interesting, but many of these dishes are prepared in such a delicate and painstaking manner by the various chefs and entrepreneurs that prepare them. Like a vision in the minds of artists such as Van Gogh, Kincade or Dali that comes alive on canvas, many of these dishes stand out with the presentation on a plate instead of canvas. Presentation can be just as important, even more so, than the dish itself, which offers an explosion in the eye appeal department. Have I mentioned anything about aroma that can infuse and possibly stir up a breathe of fresh air as spices and other delectable concoctions are brought together in a wok, pot or pan within the kitchen.

In the United States, it seems like most of the foods are prepared as if they are prepared on an assembly line by robots, much the same was a a car would. Preservatives, additives and processed foods tend to be the norm here as anyone who has visited their all to familiar local Duncan Donuts, McDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken can attest. Yes, it is true that you can find some restaurants that specialize in a nice piece of steak, Chicken Cordon Blue or shrimp scampi served over fresh linguine, but to really get into the know and expand your culinary interest and knowledge, you will be required to travel a bit.

The most interesting and fascinating foods to either stir up the senses or send you running to the nearest bathroom can be encountered in a local restaurant or market closest to the source in exotic ports of call around the world. Local cuisine can be as commonplace as chicken with broccoli or steak served a number of unique and appetizing ways to some of your more exotic fare as urchin on the half shell, sheep eyes, frogs legs, cows urine and blood sausage. Ah yes, the list is endless when it come to experimenting and experiencing some of the local flavor, smells and presentation centerpieces to wow the senses.

The Travel Channel provides a wonderfully entertaining show, though albeit sometimes, that touches upon dining experiences and foods that are staple and often times delicacies that couldn't be furthest from our fork and dining room tables. "Bizarre foods" with Andrew Zimmern is a show for the connoisseur, people that love food and food critic alike. From catching Puffins in Iceland to pigeon in China to lizards in Thailand you won't be disappointed if you are looking for a dish that isn't found on your typical menu.

Paris, France features hundreds of varieties of cheeses, pastries, breads, pressed duck in blood gravy and who can forget the wines that accompany any meal or type of food dish. Blood sausage, head cheese, snail caviar and escargot are also commonplace in Paris. How about mold/fungus? Their is a locally specialized fungus that grows around dead decaying wood that offers a nutty and delectable flavor that goes great on toast with olive oil and garlic. At around $1500 a pound, a little goes along way as does your money in your wallet for this fine delicacy.

Guangzhao, China is a great place to try frog legs, donkey skin, penis soup, live worms, bugs and scorpion fried and seasoned. The two market places centering around this city hosts a number of delectable alternatives for a meal from fresh vegetables and fruits to live birds, Tuttle, frogs, succulent pig and a variety of seafood from all over the world. Snapper, perch, sea urchin, sea star, crab, squid, eel and octopus fill the market place offering a fresh array of options.

If these really don't interest you why not experience other traditional delicacies such as raw camel kidneys with berbere and lemon juice, or niache(seasoned lamb's blood, or hakari(putrefied shark in slater-blood pudding) or maybe tofu skin with hana snails and salmon roe. What ever you decide it is a far cry from your hamburg and hot dog with fries and baked beans, eh?

Sometimes it isn't the food but the way it is served, seasoned and prepared that sets apart the food dish and makes you take a double take. Many times it isn't the size of the entrée that matters but the smell and the way it is presented on the plate or in the bowl. Often times alot of time goes into the preparation of a dish but the sight and smell will captivate and infuse the senses. The saying "it looks to good to eat" can be applied here!

So, you now have some exciting choices to make and endless possibilities for dinner tonight. Whether you want something to tickle your fancy like giant flying ants, a delicacy in Uganda or perhaps that will slide down your tongue like giant clam sashimi a delectable treat of Samoa, their are many alternatives to satisfy even the most hard-nosed critic. What may be someone's poison can be another's delicasy...you just need to experiment and try out the many exciting dishes out there to see what's best for you.

ENJOY and BON APPETIT!

I Think...

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Bizarre_Foods?idLink=6356df0d995d7110VgnVCM100000698b3a0a____