When I was younger, oysters were slimy things, often bought from the tin, and often smoked ... Now as I've aged (and have moved to a region of the country where oysters are plentiful), I find myself migrating to dishes that contain the mollusk, regardless of whether it's raw, cooked, or deep fried.Why and how do our tastes evolve? It's mostly a mystery. Of the five tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami), children seemed programmed to react positively to sweetness and adversely to bitterness. As people reach adolescence, saltiness starts playing a more important role and sweetness takes a back seat. (People remain divided on bitter.) It stays relatively the same for adults, though our sense of smell decreases with age, causing older people seek out stronger foods.But it's not just oysters. Other foods that I have once disdained I've recently rediscovered. The ultimate test, I suppose, if anyone could make liver an interesting treat.
Showing 1-4 of 4
I've said it a million times (okay, maybe just a few dozen) - it's all in the preparation! So many people don't like something because it's just not prepared correctly... mushy peas, slimy spinach, squishy brussel sprouts, bland tofu... gross. But really, how can you turn down roasted baby brussel sprouts tossed in a lemon caper butter? Or a fresh spinach salad with sliced strawberries, toasted hazelnuts, and a light poppyseed or balsamic dressing? mmmmm! It's definitely worth trying something prepared a few different ways before making a decision.
I'll take your oysters, though, Realist. :)
The people most responsible for expanding my food horizons were Wendy and Martin Rudderforth of the late and much lamented Pangea Cafe & Market. I can't even tell you how many times I thought, "Gee, I didn't think I liked (whatever)" after enjoying one of their dishes.
They even got my wife to eat (and enjoy) Brussels sprouts, which she'd hated since childhood.
I finally came to the conclusion that it wasn't so much that I disliked (whatever) as that I'd never had it prepared properly before.
like
dislike
