Small Game Hunting in France with Pics!

[jinman]

Rox, that's some wonderful information about snails and preparation. I've never had the French version of escargot, but when I was in the U.S. Navy, we stopped many times in Barcelona, Spain. Just off the famous Ramblas in Barcelona is a restaurant that is world renowned called Los Caracoles. The word "caracol" is Spanish for snail. I visited that restaurant many times back in the early '70s and always enjoyed a plate of their delicious snails. They have a dark sauce that I would compare to a very light barbecue sauce with garlic and butter. Your recipe sounds delicious and I'd probably make a pig of myself.

 

[RobertN]

This is interesting, in that we have had snails around here, but never tried to save them.

Instead of hunting them, we attracted them... A thin dish plate, pizza pan type thing, with Budweiser in it attracts them and drowns them. Only time you'll find a Bud can around our house They do not seem attracted to pale ales or stouts, nor do we waster that on them

Hi Rox,
Interesting story you wrote.
I love escargot but it is an expensive appetizer here in So Cal. I think it's great you guys can hunt down your own. I've hunted snails myself, but not to eat. Mostly to get rid of them in my gardens. I didn't even use a waste basket either, but chased them down on foot and spread pellets.
BTW, what caliber waste paper basket does your husband use?

 

[rox]

3RRL - My husband chuckled when I told him your comment about what caliber wast paper basket he used. Oh the drama with the snails. My husband has figured they will not have enough time to disgorge and for him to prepare them before we leave. He called his brother in law Roger for support. Roger is a huner, a retired butcher and knows lots of things about lots of things. So Roger said we should feed them that they won't live 3 weeks if we don't feed them. He suggested to feed them lettuce, my husband will be back home in 3 weeks and hopefully they will all still be alive and he can process them then. I stay a week longer in the states so hopefully by the time I get back he will have the snails all prepared. I wonder if they will live that long?

To everyone else I enjoyed having fun with the topic and appreciate all your comments.

 

[WayneB]

Well, I was thinking fox or rabbit hunt and wondering if it would be with dogs!

Looking at the wastebasket, one has to wonder how many of the snails each person must eat!

I prefer the little snail dishes that will hold about a dozen of them with all that wonderful butter and garlic!!! and french wine

 

[Bird]

Rox, hope you and your husband have a nice vacation back in the states.

 

[TBDonnelly]

I didn't even use a waste basket either, but chased them down on foot and spread pellets.
BTW, what caliber waste paper basket does your husband use?

Wait a minute, how fast can snails run?

Don

 

[gsganzer]

Rox,
My wife and I were in Paris, a few weeks ago. This was our second trip to Paris in 2 months. We're already looking at going again.

I love escargot and had it every chance I could. I also enjoyed mussels one evening. I don't believe I've seen escargot served anywhere in the states yet.

 

[Bird]

I don't believe I've seen escargot served anywhere in the states yet.

Gordon, you just haven't been visting the right restaurants. I believe there are at least 8 restaurants in Dallas, and some in Ft. Worth, that have escargot on the menu.

 

[rox]

Oh my the escargot drama continues. Tomorrow morning I'll take a pic and when I have a chance post it. I go down the basement to get suitcases and there is now a cage sitting on a huge chunk of cardboard and the snails have been moved from the waste paper basket to a holding pen. Inside is a bunch of what looks to me like weeds. Snails are either sloppy eaters or big poopers becasue the cardboard is already soiled, a LOT. Wait till you see the pic it is hysterical.

I'll have to remember to leave them some water before we go. See this is why we dont' farm animals, look how much trouble this is and it is only snails. For the cat I am just dumping out a huge amount of dried cat food and the cat is on his own. He has a window in the basement that has an iron grate he can jump in and out of.

So after 3 weeks we'll find out if the snails survided in the holding pen in the basement. They will have some light as it is a walk out basement and there are windows. I guess we'll find out in 3 weeks.

 

[Egon]

I don't believe I've seen escargot served anywhere in the states yet.

Ohh - You must change the resturants you visit. The fast food variety will not serve " Escargots ".