Looking for an Alternatives to Steak and Hamburger?
With concerns over mad cow disease, and Atkins still being the hot diet of choice, Americans are looking for alternatives to steak and hamburger. And they're finding it in exotic meats-- Sales of bison, zebra, elk and rabbit meat are on the rise, according to Time magazine. They say that sales of these meats have gone up 20% in popularity over the past three years. There's even a "wild-game" cook-off that's held in Welches, Oregon-- When it started in the year 2000, there were only 50 contestants. But last year, there were over 600.
Wild game is lower in fat and cholesterol than beef, which appeals to those on a high-protein or low-fat diet. Also, people who are worried about the use of antibiotics and hormones, used to fatten cattle, are gravitating to exotic meats-- The Mad Cow scare has also increased sales. The National Bison Association reports that sales of bison rose by 30% immediately after the U.S. government announced just ONE case of mad cow disease in Washington State. But is exotic meat more expensive? Yes, bison typically costs 25 percent more than beef, but the increased demand could raise prices even more. And chefs are getting more and more creative in cooking these gamier meats. Seattle's Harvest Vine restaurant features pheasant with Cabernet and sherry vinegar sauce. Ted's Montana Grill - a national chain - features bison burgers and bison filets. And if you're in New York, check out Thalassa Restaurant, which has roasted boar in honey on the menu-- So the next time you hear the call of the wild, it might just be from your own dinner table.
Wild game is lower in fat and cholesterol than beef, which appeals to those on a high-protein or low-fat diet. Also, people who are worried about the use of antibiotics and hormones, used to fatten cattle, are gravitating to exotic meats-- The Mad Cow scare has also increased sales. The National Bison Association reports that sales of bison rose by 30% immediately after the U.S. government announced just ONE case of mad cow disease in Washington State. But is exotic meat more expensive? Yes, bison typically costs 25 percent more than beef, but the increased demand could raise prices even more. And chefs are getting more and more creative in cooking these gamier meats. Seattle's Harvest Vine restaurant features pheasant with Cabernet and sherry vinegar sauce. Ted's Montana Grill - a national chain - features bison burgers and bison filets. And if you're in New York, check out Thalassa Restaurant, which has roasted boar in honey on the menu-- So the next time you hear the call of the wild, it might just be from your own dinner table.
