Shows from Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern have pushed a brand of adventurous eating that has caused many to look at food they previously found shocking in a new way. As someone growing up in a family that loved its offal, these things still seemed a little weird. But little by little, starting with the miniscule bites of meat on pigs' feet, I found myself growing more interested in the "nasty bits." more ›

It may be a bit kitschy going with a Halloween theme for the dish of the week, but offal is delicious, though perhaps a little stomach-turning for some. In olden times, it only seemed obvious to make something out of every part of the animal. But in a world of industrial food production, it seems most people only turn to the prime portions - breasts, hams, steaks, etc. That leaves behind a multitude of organs, bits and bobs that no longer seem as palatable in the face of conventional proteins. Offal can be a challenge for some - gelatinous, chewy, squeaky or pasty textures. But for those who love the variety it is a treat. more ›