posted by Susan Sueiro
I consider myself an omnivore. While there are many things I choose not to eat, I can eat and enjoy almost anything that can reasonably be considered to be food (reality show stunts need not apply).
I credit my adventurous palate to my parents, both excellent cooks, who set only two rules in regard to food:
1. You cannot refuse to eat something you've never tried. If after three tries you decide you don't like something, you never have to eat it again, as long as you cook your own alternative.
2. When a guest in someone's home, rule #1 doesn't count. Always eat what you are served, graciously.
A fair and polite policy, though rule #1 was tested beyond what you might expect in your average American suburban household, (i.e. a traditional spanish dish of pig's feet, ears & tail stewed with cabbage was a staple), and rule #2 almost killed me when travelling in Asia (eating dried yak cheese or dog were never part of the bargain). But I digress...
I believe in these rules so strongly that I am somewhat intolerant of picky eaters (and accomodating parents). I find YUCK to be the most offensive of four-letter words. So it embarrases me greatly that there is one thing that I have a reputation for refusing to eat.
Those who know me know I dislike foie gras and frown on veal, but I have smiled through many a serving, especially in this line of work. But the thing I just can't choke down in any situation is cilantro.
I find cilantro to be positively poisonous. It not only kills the taste of wine, it kills the taste of food, overwhelming everything with its pungent algae stink and soapy taste.
I've debated this with many tireless champions of the stuff, and it seems to me that no one is lukewarm on the stuff - you either love it or detest it. True? I'm taking a poll..
