Asian carp: yum or eww?

July 10, 2012|RedEye

On Tuesday, it was announced that the Taste of Chicago would be serving Asian carp "sliders"--for free. That got us at RedEye wondering: would we eat it? And, therefore, this edition of food fight was born. So, without further ado ...

Would you eat Asian carp?

YES

Would Asian carp be my first choice on a restaurant menu? Probably not. But if it's free and dished up by expert seafood chefs from Dirk's Fish, and I'm a little bit hungry and happen to find myself at the Taste of Chicago—you bet I'll eat that. I'd be more grossed out downing half the other items at the Taste. Do you really think an Asian carp slider seasoned with oregano, garlic and lemon zest would taste worse than mac 'n' cheese bites, fried ravioli and beef on a stick in 90-degree heat?--Dana Kavan, @chicagodana

No

Let's forget for a moment that I'm a vegetarian. When I have to be told Asian carp is not a bottom feeder, therefore tastes better than regular carp, I don't necessarily take that as an appetizing endorsement. And hearing that Asian carp has a "fattier" taste than tilapia or whitefish doesn't sway me either. Here's the thing: Asian carp are seen as a cancer in local waterways, and researchers have been searching for the perfect bio-bullet to kill it off. I don't know about you, but I don't want to eat the pests that are nature's nuiscances. I just want to see them gone.--Brian Moore, @brithewebguy

Your turn: Vote in our poll to help decide the winner and feel free to leave us a comment.