An appeciation for strong tastes
If this turns into an anything goes thread, move it there, but I am serious about this.
Do you notice any correlation between types and the severity of tastes they enjoy?
Myself, I prefer almost ONLY strong tastes. I dislike anything diluted, watered down, or weakened.
For example, I just covered my hamburger(s) in a bunch of Jalapeño mustard, and I figure I would have some Schweppes (the hardest ginger ale available at the time) with it as well. The hot mustard and the burning carbon/ginger mix was very enjoyable.
And yet, I know other people who do not like such things. Personal preference you think?
Re: An appeciation for strong tastes
Quote:
Originally Posted by UDP
If this turns into an anything goes thread, move it there, but I am serious about this.
Do you notice any correlation between types and the severity of tastes they enjoy?
Myself, I prefer almost ONLY strong tastes. I dislike anything diluted, watered down, or weakened.
For example, I just covered my hamburger(s) in a bunch of Jalapeño mustard, and I figure I would have some Schweppes (the hardest ginger ale available at the time) with it as well. The hot mustard and the burning carbon/ginger mix was very enjoyable.
And yet, I know other people who do not like such things. Personal preference you think?
Well I hate weak coffee, as it would probably be just as well to drink hot water. And I will generally not put cream or sugar in my coffee.
Re: An appeciation for strong tastes
Quote:
Originally Posted by UDP
If this turns into an anything goes thread, move it there, but I am serious about this.
Do you notice any correlation between types and the severity of tastes they enjoy?
Myself, I prefer almost ONLY strong tastes. I dislike anything diluted, watered down, or weakened.
For example, I just covered my hamburger(s) in a bunch of Jalapeño mustard, and I figure I would have some Schweppes (the hardest ginger ale available at the time) with it as well. The hot mustard and the burning carbon/ginger mix was very enjoyable.
And yet, I know other people who do not like such things. Personal preference you think?
One time, I ate an anchovies and jalapeño pizza with ginger beer to drink. Talk about sensory overload.
Being a cook, I've learned pretty well to appreciate both strong and subtle flavors. They definitely require an entirely different kind of appreciation.
When it comes to favorite qualities of a food, I'd say fresh and crispy. I love the taste of fresh vegetables. As far as types of food go, Mexican is amazing: I loves chips and salsa, guacamole on pretty much anything, chimichangas, tacos, etc. Spicy is definitely good, but I can't run with the people who dump habanero all over everything. Seafood is also excellent. I prefer lobster to any other meat on the planet. Sushi or sashimi is heavenly. Also, when seasoned properly, a nice white fish can taste better than any steak. Salmon and tuna are best raw. Clams and oysters with melted butter is heavenly. And of course I have to say, a nice medium-rare filet with garlic mashed potatoes and glass of merlot is hard to beat :D
Re: An appeciation for strong tastes
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilly
Being a cook, I've learned pretty well to appreciate both strong and subtle flavors. They definitely require an entirely different kind of appreciation.
When it comes to favorite qualities of a food, I'd say fresh and crispy. I love the taste of fresh vegetables. As far as types of food go, Mexican is amazing: I loves chips and salsa, guacamole on pretty much anything, chimichangas, tacos, etc. Spicy is definitely good, but I can't run with the people who dump habanero all over everything. Seafood is also excellent. I prefer lobster to any other meat on the planet. Sushi or sashimi is heavenly. Also, when seasoned properly, a nice white fish can taste better than any steak. Salmon and tuna are best raw. Clams and oysters with melted butter is heavenly. And of course I have to say, a nice medium-rare filet with garlic mashed potatoes and glass of merlot is hard to beat :D
Gilly, you are a man after my own heart! I agree with everything you've written here, to the word. With the notable exception that I prefer clams and oysters raw along with salmon and tuna. And the merlot. F**ing merlot...
Sushi/sashimi! I need an unagi fix. :(
I like complex flavors; a cook's ability to match and pair flavors is always intriguing. I very much enjoy going out to new restaurants, and will usually choose a meal based on how interesting I find the pairing of ingredients. Never used to be able to tolerate spicy, but lately, I've been becoming more tolerant. Thai food, wasabi, mexican w/a bit of kick. Don't know that I'll ever graduate to habanero, though. Too much and my tongue and lips begin to burn. I'm of the mindset that it's not a good thing when all taste is entirely obscured by searing pain.
But I can't stand bland overall. Usually find mass market things "too sweet" or "too salty" for my taste. And when I make tomato sauce, I throw in lots of oregano, basil, a bit of cayenne, and garlic until it tastes balanced. Rich food (like cream sauces) simply tastes too heavy for my palate. Ditto with overly fried or dense.