An Open Mind
During the German siege of Paris in 1870, residents had to eat whatever animals were at hand. Daily News correspondent Henry Labouchère recorded his opinions:
- Horse: “eaten in the place of beef … a little sweeter … but in other respects much like it”
- Cat: “something between rabbit and squirrel, with a flavor all its own”
- Donkey: “delicious — in color like mutton, firm and savory”
- Kittens: “either smothered in onions or in a ragout they are excellent”
- Rat: “excellent — something between frog and rabbit”
- Spaniel: “something like lamb, but I felt like a cannibal”
“This siege will destroy many illusions,” he wrote, “and amongst them the prejudice which has prevented many animals being used as food. I can most solemnly assert that I never wish to taste a better dinner than a joint of a donkey or a ragout of cat — experto crede.”
