Cooking with Critters: Downtown New Philadelphia plays host to a different kind of culinary contest
Most people have heard the expression, “It tastes just like chicken,” when in fact, whatever it is that’s eaten, is not actually chicken. Whatever tastes just like chicken, steak, or turkey could actually be venison, squirrel, or any number of critters from the Tuscarawas Valley, and visitors to the downtown New Philadelphia Sidewalk Sales had the perfect opportunity to try delectable dishes, not made of chicken, during the third annual Critter Cookoff and Competition on Saturday, July 30, right on the square.
As Chief of Police Jeff Urban welcomed guests, handing them a mysterious fried meat dish, he smiled as he coerced them into trying their first of many critters. Although “tasting just like turkey,” according to Amanda Stephan, of Dover, the meat was actually squirrel, prepared by Urban himself.
An avid hunter, Urban and New Philadelphia Service Director Jim Zucal were asked to assist in hosting the annual event again this year, after witnessing two other successful critter cooking events. Urban was also asked to bring something unusual along with him. The squirrel was his dish, with a crispy fried exterior made from wheat flour and olive oil. As interested guests hovered over the tables, checking out venison chili, trail bologna and fajitas, Urban could be heard encouraging people to try his concoction by saying, “If you want to grab a leg and chew on it, it’s good!”
Although many were apprehensive to try the squirrel, crowd favorites included the venison fajitas and venison stir-fry.
“I have to say, that out of everything here, I like the fajitas the best. I wasn’t wild about the squirrel,” explained Lorain Huey, of New Philadelphia.
The venison stir-fry, created by Rita West, of Dover, was announced the winner of the competition, and as hungry guests dined and the roaster full of rice, peppers and deer began to dwindle, it became obvious the savory meat pleased the palate.
Two New Philadelphia women, who were out shopping at the sidewalk sales, agreed. “I have a grandson that hunts and gets at least one deer every year,” said Joyce Frantz. While her friend, Carol Porter, continued, “Deer meat is great! Turtle is good too.”
And as guests mingled and chatted with one another, they continued to snack on whatever critters they could find, many of which tasted a whole lot better than an ordinary chicken.
As Chief of Police Jeff Urban welcomed guests, handing them a mysterious fried meat dish, he smiled as he coerced them into trying their first of many critters. Although “tasting just like turkey,” according to Amanda Stephan, of Dover, the meat was actually squirrel, prepared by Urban himself.
An avid hunter, Urban and New Philadelphia Service Director Jim Zucal were asked to assist in hosting the annual event again this year, after witnessing two other successful critter cooking events. Urban was also asked to bring something unusual along with him. The squirrel was his dish, with a crispy fried exterior made from wheat flour and olive oil. As interested guests hovered over the tables, checking out venison chili, trail bologna and fajitas, Urban could be heard encouraging people to try his concoction by saying, “If you want to grab a leg and chew on it, it’s good!”
Although many were apprehensive to try the squirrel, crowd favorites included the venison fajitas and venison stir-fry.
“I have to say, that out of everything here, I like the fajitas the best. I wasn’t wild about the squirrel,” explained Lorain Huey, of New Philadelphia.
The venison stir-fry, created by Rita West, of Dover, was announced the winner of the competition, and as hungry guests dined and the roaster full of rice, peppers and deer began to dwindle, it became obvious the savory meat pleased the palate.
Two New Philadelphia women, who were out shopping at the sidewalk sales, agreed. “I have a grandson that hunts and gets at least one deer every year,” said Joyce Frantz. While her friend, Carol Porter, continued, “Deer meat is great! Turtle is good too.”
And as guests mingled and chatted with one another, they continued to snack on whatever critters they could find, many of which tasted a whole lot better than an ordinary chicken.
Published: August 1, 2011
