Monthly Archives: April 2016

Bug Got your Tongue?

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There’s a spider that lives in a corner of my shower. I say hi to it, it cowers in the corner trying not to get splashed, I splash it a little sometimes cause I’m a jerk. :)The thought of putting it in my mouth for sustenance has never crossed my mind. Matter of fact, not too many of us think about doing it either. The only times we ever witness anyone consuming an insect is in shows like fear factor, and survivor man, where one would only eat those disgusting things out of desperation for money, or survival.

I don’t know why do we have this attitude about insects. I mean, insects are eaten all over the world, and with our modern knowledge we know that they have more protein packed in them than the meat we consume.
So, when I heard that they’re having an alternative food festival at the Gladstone hotel, with different vendors selling different beers, kombucha, and yes, bugs, I got curious.

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I spoke with sous chef Bryce McCracken about the upcoming event. He had working experience in kitchens of 15 years, and while he’s never had to cook with insects prior to this, he has been able to get a hold of snacks made of insects though.  Yes, in Toronto, you can get bags of crickets, and worms all seasoned as to be tasty.

Me: what was your first time putting a bug in your mouth Like?
Him: It’s unusual, but it makes sense why we should be eating them…It’s like a mental block for North Americans, other cultures eat them, a lot of times as snacks like bbq’d scorpions

Me: is this a trend you see starting?
Him: It’s starting, but it’s still more in other countries
Me: so, it’s not gonna be taking over Queen St. West in the next 5 years
Him: Maybe (laughs), maybe people will get tired of eating quinoa, and start going for a meatier protein.834.JPG

Insects nowadays get mixed with items such as tofu in order to be mixed with other foods to both A) Make it easier to cook with other dishes, and B) make it more visually appealing to the public

The event will happen April 21st at the Gladstone hotel (1214 queen st.west), and there’ll be more than bugs there.  There’ll be craft beers, kombucha drinks, and many other goodies.  Will I eat a bug?….I’ll let you know next Blog.  🙂

https://www.facebook.com/events/476408205902598/489478644595554/

#cuisine #food #vegetarian #vegan