Is This Locavore Enough For You?

Carnivores in the US are typically shielded from the animal nature of their meat meals. In the store, it’s trimmed to conceal any anatomical reference points, shrink-wrapped and packaged to look like a product- not a creature.

Many Americans traveling abroad are shocked to see heads or even entire carcasses of animals displayed in the windows of markets. They tell tales to their friends upon their return home. Typically squeamish, they seldom will have sampled whatever it was they saw.

Live-poultry fresh killed, however, is not unheard-of in this country, though it is usually found only in immigrant-rich neighborhoods.

And so, in my Dominican stronghold here in lovely Inwood, there is a live poultry market that has captivated me for some time.

Finally, after my local search for a sub ten-dollar chicken proved fruitless, I decided that I might as well go for the live bird rather than the factory-farmed Perdue in the supermarket.

I chose the red chicken. It was weighed and the price calculated: $9.45. Then it was conveyed to a back room, dispatched summarily, out of view, and given to me in a plastic shopping bag. Yes, it was odd to carry home a warm chicken, but everyone has their first time.

The consensus among those to whom I served the roast bird was that it was the best chicken they ever had. My daughter  (4.5yrs) ate more than ever before, even asking for a third helping. It’s now our go-to bird.

Turns out they also have pigeons, guinea foul and rabbits.

I asked my pop to go fetch us a bunny for dinner last night. He got a 6 pound-er. I browned it and braised it in mustard sauce and the result is pictured above. It was yummy and three adults ate their fill and left some for lunch.

Email obsessedchef@gmail.com for a recipe.