DINERS with the taste for the exotic can now sample ALLIGATOR TAIL which is being cooked up and served on the streets of Greenock.
The reptile, which diners have said tastes like ‘fishy pork’, is being offered to customers at Jax Snax in Pottery Street.
Owner Gary Lewis says the protein-rich meat — which he fries and serves up as a ‘Gator and Crayfish Gumbo with chips’ — has gone down a storm since he introduced it at his street food van.
Gary told the Tele: “The reaction to this dish has been mindblowing.
“The other day a guy came up and asked for his usual roll and sausage but when he spotted the gator gumbo he asked what it was and couldn’t believe it.
“When I told him so he cancelled his order and asked for that instead.
“I let people try it and they seem to really like it. It’s just so different.” Gary says he was inspired to serve up alligator after working in America.
He said: “I worked in a restaurant in New Orleans and this was the kind of food they offered — it was really popular over there.
“I get the alligator tail from Maitlands Butchers in Greenock and then I just pan fry it.” Tele reporter Rosemary Lowne was brave enough to try the new dish.
Rosie said: “I was a bit nervous to try this as I’m not usually too adventurous with my food.
“It tasted like chicken with a mild spicy sauce. I really enjoyed it – it’s highly recommended.” Gary’s friend Danny Chundoo, who is originally from Mauritius but now lives in Greenock, is a massive fan of the new dish — and his chef pal.
He said: “It’s a fantastic dish and tastes really good. Gary is actually going to set up a restaurant for me out in Mauritius soon.”
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