The Bug Chef said at a cook-off in Hollywood on May 23 that bugs such as millipedes and grasshoppers should be considered their own food group.
Chef David Gordon, author of the Eat-A-Bug Cookbook, made such a suggestion as he joined in Ripley’s Believe It or Not’s fourth annual “Bug-A-Thon” insect cook-off.
Gordon, wearing a white chef hat with antennas, said he believes that protein-rich bugs are good for you, if you can get over your attitude about food.
“We have very strong feelings about what counts as food,” Gordon said. “If you grew up with it, or your grandparents served it … that’s a comfort food for you.”
Gordon said there is nothing to fear because 80 percent of the world eats bugs.
“So we’re basically talking about a food group,” Gordon said. “It’s like talking about berries or grapes.”
He said those brave enough to try to down a critter or two should follow a few simple rules, including cooking the insect and not taking bugs from the backyard.
“They might be eating pesticides,” Gordon said. “Then you are eating the pesticides.”
Gordon will be demonstrating recipes from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday (May 24) at 6780 Hollywood Boulevard.
For tickets and other information, visit www.ripleys.com/hollywood.
