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I have talked to many people about this particular dish and most of them said "hell no, I wouldn't be able to eat that". They say that seeing the whole piglet (head included) on a plate disturbs them and are reluctant to eat it that way.
I find it less disturbing than fish served with the head attached.
I think the aversion to food served with the head attached is an "American" thing and a more recent one at that. We no longer have the neighborhood butchers with the animals hanging in the windows as was likely present in our grandparent's time. It is rare to be able to purchase "undressed" meat to take home to prepare. One must hunt or live on a farmstead for such association with food.
In a reception held at our home for my daughter's christening 14 years ago, I had about 50 or so guests, about 30 of whom were Americans. They devoured that pig so quickly and then told the rest of the really large company about it. In many cultures, it is fiesta fare. We thought that serving it at that party might make our guests squeamish. Of course this was in California, where the cuisine is absolutely diverse. Well, we were proven wrong, but we were delighted that our guests enjoyed it as much as my family did.
In a reception held at our home for my daughter's christening 14 years ago, I had about 50 or so guests, about 30 of whom were Americans. They devoured that pig so quickly and then told the rest of the really large company about it. In many cultures, it is fiesta fare. We thought that serving it at that party might make our guests squeamish. Of course this was in California, where the cuisine is absolutely diverse. Well, we were proven wrong, but we were delighted that our guests enjoyed it as much as my family did.
I'd agree with the "fiesta fare". It doesn't bother me to watch the meat fall off of a pig at a luau.
I went to many a whole pig roast. I may be disturbed but not from a pig. I had planned on doing one myself but couldn't come up with a grill in time for Thanksgiving. I'm working on it though. Going to have a custom made one for the job that is on a trailer so it can cook while traveling.
I find it less disturbing than fish served with the head attached.
I think the aversion to food served with the head attached is an "American" thing and a more recent one at that. We no longer have the neighborhood butchers with the animals hanging in the windows as was likely present in our grandparent's time. It is rare to be able to purchase "undressed" meat to take home to prepare. One must hunt or live on a farmstead for such association with food.
Then don't go to Spain where small sardines are swallowed whole (head included)
Location: Los Angeles>Little Rock>Houston>Little Rock
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Yes, I find it disturbing. I would eat it if someone brought me a plate and I didn't have to see the pig.
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