THE IDES OF MEAT

Delicious, succulent osso buco, carved from the legs of a tender baby calf.

March 15 - the Ides of March - marks the tenth international EATAPETA Day, the day on which we eat animal protein morning, noon and night for the sole purpose of sticking a thumb in the eye of PETA. (Well, that, plus animal protein tastes good.)

EATAPETA (Eat a Tasty Animal for PETA) Day is the brainchild of Meryl Yourish, who explains its historic origins in this post.

I’ve been observing the occasion - nay, celebrating it - for seven years now. Only question right now is, what to eat? Perhaps some lovely veal shanks: I love osso buco. (It’s osso very buco.) But lamb, venison, duck, chicken, or good ol’ beef are all possibilities, too. And fish!

[My buddy Houston Steve suggested oysters, foie gras, and veal. “I understand the foie gras and the veal,” I replied. “But what’s up with the oysters?” “They’re still alive when you eat ’em,” said he.]

There’s only one rule with respect to EATAPETA Day, and Alex Bensky said it best: If it didn’t have a mother, it’s not on the menu.