I wanted to try cod tongues while in Newfoundland but Joanne wasn’t having any of that. We were at The Rooms in St. John’s (mere steps from our apartment), and sitting down to eat at the excellent cafe there when I spied them on the menu. I didn’t want to eat a whole order by myself as I had my heart set on the Fisherman’s Bake (which sounded filling) so I asked Joanne if she wanted to share. She said no.
Then I thought maybe if our server described them to us Joanne would change her mind. This is the exchange that followed:
Me to server: I’d like to know more about the cod tongues appetizer. What are cod tongues like?
Server: Well, they’re not tongues, exactly. They are glands.
Joanne: OK, this is not helping.
Me to server: You are really NOT helping.
Me to server while Joanne placed her order: And can you throw a cod tongue on top, you know, for decoration?
What I imagined our server was thinking: Spare me these CFAs*!
Needless to say, Joanne did not get a cod tongue on top of her chowder. Also: I didn’t get any either.
And guess what I found out today while putting together this post? Cod tongues are neither tongues nor glands. They are muscles – like steak. Or pork chops. And a delicacy that tastes like scallops!
Next trip to the Rock it’s gonna be cod tongues at every meal, Joanne. 😉
For more stories about our trip, please visit Joanne’s blog here, here and here or mine here and here.
Rock on,
The WB
*CFA or Come From Away – a term used to describe those not born in Newfoundland. Also: a hella fine musical production and true story about the hospitality and humanity shown by the town of Gander when many planes were grounded with passengers stranded there by the events of September 11, 2001.
I remember my father thought they were a delicacy.
Leslie
That’s what I heard too.
🙂
Never heard of them. We have cod here, freshwater and saltwater, but all I’ve heard of is using the cheeks. Wonder how different the fish are and if you could do the same with the species we have?
Well, don’t all fish have the same basic anatomy 🤷♀️
Too bad they didn’t serve a sampler plate. But now you have something to draw you back.
Right you are, Jean!
Since I’ve eaten grasshoppers in Mexico, I’m pretty sure I’d have to try cod tongues in Newfoundland if I saw them on the menu. Next time you have to order them and let us know how they taste (and make Joanne try them too). Travel should be an adventure.
Thanks Janis. I really should have done my research before I went out to eat! Lesson learned…
They’re regarded as a delicacy and crop up in Basque cuisine.
Thanks Sheree! I’ll definitely try them next time I get the chance.
ummm – no, I’m still not convinced 🤢 … but let’s agree to return to Newfoundland and consider it 😉
Yes let’s! And this time I will make sure I leave room in my tummy for a full order of cod tongues! 😁
It’s funny how the mere description of something can turn you off! We had a similar experience on a tapa food tour in Spain when our guide explained we were going to eat cows cheek. We all looked at each other like, “ewwwwww”! It took some convincing but she assured us it was absolutely delicious! She was right😋.
So true Lynn! I’d eat a cheek before something called a gland though. Weird how we are conditioned because organ meats are more nutritious than muscle meat. In the wild, carnivores go for the organs of the kill first.
If you want me to try something, don’t give it a stupid name! I wouldn’t have tried it either. It’s a shame you couldn’t get a half portion or something small.
Yeah, why couldn’t I have ordered just one, to try? Oh well, just like seeing whales, it wasn’t in the cards for me this trip…
Then you will have to go again!
Oh yes 😍
I once kissed someone who had a cod-like tongue. I guess that wouldn’t count, though. I’m one for trying exotic cuisine, so if I ever get up to Newfoundland it will be a full order of cod tongues for me.
I’m afraid to ask what having a cod-like tongue means 😜
Slimy, slick, and salty.
Ewww. I knew I shouldn’t have asked.
I probably shouldn’t have answered.
And here I thought they would taste like chicken, who knew? Sounds amazing though. Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you. Mangia.
Hehehe! Thanks Don.
They really should call cod tongues something else if they want people to try them. What can be more gross than eating a lobster? It looks like a giant bug and it scavenges its food at the bottom of the ocean. Good thing they didn’t call it an ocean cockroach or a whole industry would be down the drain. Haha! Have fun!
You’re right Molly. It’s all in the name. I wouldn’t eat an ocean cockroach but I like lobster. And what if killer whales were called tuxedo whales instead, imagine how much more they’d be loved and admired!
How was it… the tongue?
I never did get to try them on this trip. I should’ve titled my post “cod tongues I never got to try” 🤣🤣🤣
haha! Do you know how many people would click on that post? Too funny.
When we were on the West Coast of NF visiting Gros Morne in 2017 I don’t remember seeing cod tongues on any menus. I will definitely be looking for them if we go back.
Let me know if you get to try them!
Hi, Deb and Joanne – I knew that your adventures together would totally make me laugh out loud…and I was not disappointed! I can’t wait to read more!
Hehehe! Thanks, Donna!
Well, I would probably be with Joanne on this one. I won’t eat any animals’ tongue or brains or ears or balls. Not sure why I draw this distinction, (as my son points out… it’s good to eat as much of an animal thats been killed for food and not waste any of it.) But it just doesn’t feel right to me. But, by the time I got to the end and found out what they really were, I’d have ordered my own plate!! Good story…
Peta
Thanks Peta. I agree with your son but also share the “ick” factor with you and others. The privilege and luxury of the well-fed…
While I live in Maine and we eat Cod, I’ve never been offered…or honestly ever been tempted to try… their tongues. Honestly, the mere thought of one floating on top of my chowder gives me the shivers! But food is cultural, and I felt the same way when someone offered me deep fried grasshoppers years ago. To each their own!
Cod tongues aren’t even tongues! Thanks for the comment, Rivergirl.
Hahahaha. My first thought was, wait, cod has tongues? I might try it if nobody tells me what it is ahead of time but once the name is out it’s a no go. Plus, I don’t think I want to eat something that can taste me back… 🙂
Hah! Good point, Mimi!
Hi, Deb. What held you back? I would have tried it, and took a doggie bag home to snack on afterward. LOL. I enjoy trying weird and/or gross things, I’m outgoing in that way. I’d take it as a challenge. You know, another thing to add to the bucket list. lol. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. 😀
Usually I’m that way too, GW. I’ve lost some weight and been trying to change some eating habits (like eating too much on vacation 😜) so if Joanne wasn’t going to help me eat them, I thought it best not to order. And it didn’t help when the server described them as “glands” either. Thanks! It was so enjoyable 💕
Hi Deb, I have heard the term “cod tongues” although I didn’t know what they are. Now I know. Delicacy like scallops has my vote. Most fresh seafood is usually good. I was going to ask about “CFA” and thanks for your explanation at the end. I have not seen this show although I have heard it is excellent. The story poignant and true and I am surprised how many Canadians did not hear about this. Humorous, informative post. I love reading the Adventures of Deb and Joanne:)
Thank you Erica! Or is that Erika? 😉
This would be just right up my father’s culinary alley! I don’t think I could eat them either! I would just claim I am vehemently vegetarian (although I am quite flexi on this count – just depends on how grossed out I am).
Hehehe! That’s a great claim to make if offered something unappetizing (and with meat in it). I’ll keep that in mind 😜
CFA — strange — kind of an insult in the politest possible way. I prefer FNG…(fucking new guy).
Hah! Never heard of FNG.
LOL! I think I would have sided with Joanne! 🙂
I remember hearing about the town of Gander , was so very nice of them!!!
So glad you 2 are sharing your adventures with us and that you had a great time!
Thank you! It was a great time 😁
You are very welcome! 🙂
My daughter and I saw “Come From Away” in Toronto; it’s an amazing, utterly unforgettable show
Agreed! Everyone should go if they have the opportunity.
Well, if they taste like scallops….maybe.
I learnt that cod tongues taste like scallops. I am “in” – all seafood is fantastic.
Agreed!