In 1997, I worked as a facilitator(once in a while, I used to do this
kind of job as hobby) for this International Election commissioner
conference for how to organize fair election in Manila, Philippines.
Chief Election commissioner from all around Asia and
Asia-Pacific(Australian, New Zealand) came to join this conference to
share and learn their experience how to conduct fair election. Part of
my job was to received the VIP guest from the airport, take care of
their security with local government, take care of the conference
facilities, food etc. This people were flying from different cities and
I had to spend almost whole day and night in the airport to receive
them and make sure their security. I met the Chief Election
Commissioner from Papua new Guinea and drove together in the same car
to the hotel. When he learn that I am an adventurous eater who would
love to try any kind of food, he asked me if I ever tried Crocodile
meat. I said nop, he told me then I never had the best meat on earth.
From that day, I was waiting for this chance to try crocodile meat.

I talked about the restaurant "Costa De Sol" before. The restaurant is
very popular with foreigner. Yesterday I learn from someone, they are
offering crocodile steak. I was so excited and wanted to try with my
recent favorite tea Ying Nu Huang(Lapsang Souchong). I always love
Lapsang with my fish and chicken dish. I stepped Ying Nu Huang and put
in a thermo to carry with me for dinner. BTW, I asked in the RFDT about
this tea and the information was- this tea meaning is " Queen
Elizabeth in England ". I did some furture investigation and my
supplier told me- This Lapsang is Zheng Shan grade from Mt. Wuyi/Tong
Mu Guan, Xing Village. This is the best quality of their factory. There
are some factories in Guangzhou or Fujian but only one can be
considered their tea as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, the original Lapsang.

Well, I can say that this is my most favorite Lapsang so far. No wonder
why they call it- "Queen Elizabeth In England"- The smoky flavor is
very balanced, it is smooth, full bodied, has a very mild biscuity and
Vanilla aroma. This Lapsang tea leaves are well twisted.

I know, some of you the thinking why should I eat crocodile meat and
encourage poachers to kill animal. The fact is different in this case.
I am a supporter of wild life conservation. The wild life food chart
had been broken in every part of the world. Crocodile usually eat fish
but lot of African rivers are loosing fish by illegal fisherman.
Crocodiles don't have enough fish to eat, so this gentleman crocodiles
are attacking nearer area where people has domestic animals like- cub,
goat, hen, rabbit etc. This crocodiles come to the village and small
towns to steal and eat the domestic animals, sometimes even attack
small children and senior people. For this reason- government allow to
kill some crocodile once in a while. Right now in Canada, they are also
thinking to kill some over populated seal. Also in US, we don't have
enough wolves who can maintain the number of deer. For urbanization,
deforestation or for un-planned hunting- we the human being broke the
natural food cycle. In Africa, this is sometime very necessary to kill
some animals to maintain a proper animal cycle.

This crocodilemeat came from South Africa and this is the prime season
when South African government allow to hunt some crocodile. Now back to
the crocodile steak-

The steak was medium done. According to my taste, it was in between
fish and chicken with some extra fat. I need to try one more time for a
better description. My guess is, well done crocodile steak will be even
better. The steak came with chips(here they call French fries as chips,
I know it is funny), lots of fresh vegetables with plain yogurt(made
from goat milk) and grilled tomato, onion and garlic. I think, still my
favorite meat is Kansas T-bone steak and Omaha steak house. Mu guess is
the gentleman from Papua New Guinea didn't get the time or experience
to have good American beef.

I liked the steak with my Lapsang just thought well done might make the
steak better. I will consider crocodile steak as a soft meat, with a
little extra fat. I am just very happy to full fill one of my dream to
try crocodile meat after eight years. I have plan- while I am in
Africa, I will try to taste every single legal animal meat with my
favorite tea. If some of you think- it is disgusting to talk about this
kind of topic(animal meat), please let me know. I won't post any
further.

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

So, Ripon. Does this mean you aren't a vegetarian anymore?

Michael


4/5/05


In 1997, I worked as a facilitator(once in a while, I used to do this
kind of job as hobby) for this International Election commissioner
conference for how to organize fair election in Manila, Philippines.
Chief Election commissioner from all around Asia and
Asia-Pacific(Australian, New Zealand) came to join this conference to
share and learn their experience how to conduct fair election. Part of
my job was to received the VIP guest from the airport, take care of
their security with local government, take care of the conference
facilities, food etc. This people were flying from different cities and
I had to spend almost whole day and night in the airport to receive
them and make sure their security. I met the Chief Election
Commissioner from Papua new Guinea and drove together in the same car
to the hotel. When he learn that I am an adventurous eater who would
love to try any kind of food, he asked me if I ever tried Crocodile
meat. I said nop, he told me then I never had the best meat on earth.
From that day, I was waiting for this chance to try crocodile meat.

I talked about the restaurant "Costa De Sol" before. The restaurant is
very popular with foreigner. Yesterday I learn from someone, they are
offering crocodile steak. I was so excited and wanted to try with my
recent favorite tea Ying Nu Huang(Lapsang Souchong). I always love
Lapsang with my fish and chicken dish. I stepped Ying Nu Huang and put
in a thermo to carry with me for dinner. BTW, I asked in the RFDT about
this tea and the information was- this tea meaning is " Queen
Elizabeth in England ". I did some furture investigation and my
supplier told me- This Lapsang is Zheng Shan grade from Mt. Wuyi/Tong
Mu Guan, Xing Village. This is the best quality of their factory. There
are some factories in Guangzhou or Fujian but only one can be
considered their tea as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, the original Lapsang.

Well, I can say that this is my most favorite Lapsang so far. No wonder
why they call it- "Queen Elizabeth In England"- The smoky flavor is
very balanced, it is smooth, full bodied, has a very mild biscuity and
Vanilla aroma. This Lapsang tea leaves are well twisted.

I know, some of you the thinking why should I eat crocodile meat and
encourage poachers to kill animal. The fact is different in this case.
I am a supporter of wild life conservation. The wild life food chart
had been broken in every part of the world. Crocodile usually eat fish
but lot of African rivers are loosing fish by illegal fisherman.
Crocodiles don't have enough fish to eat, so this gentleman crocodiles
are attacking nearer area where people has domestic animals like- cub,
goat, hen, rabbit etc. This crocodiles come to the village and small
towns to steal and eat the domestic animals, sometimes even attack
small children and senior people. For this reason- government allow to
kill some crocodile once in a while. Right now in Canada, they are also
thinking to kill some over populated seal. Also in US, we don't have
enough wolves who can maintain the number of deer. For urbanization,
deforestation or for un-planned hunting- we the human being broke the
natural food cycle. In Africa, this is sometime very necessary to kill
some animals to maintain a proper animal cycle.

This crocodilemeat came from South Africa and this is the prime season
when South African government allow to hunt some crocodile. Now back to
the crocodile steak-

The steak was medium done. According to my taste, it was in between
fish and chicken with some extra fat. I need to try one more time for a
better description. My guess is, well done crocodile steak will be even
better. The steak came with chips(here they call French fries as chips,
I know it is funny), lots of fresh vegetables with plain yogurt(made
from goat milk) and grilled tomato, onion and garlic. I think, still my
favorite meat is Kansas T-bone steak and Omaha steak house. Mu guess is
the gentleman from Papua New Guinea didn't get the time or experience
to have good American beef.

I liked the steak with my Lapsang just thought well done might make the
steak better. I will consider crocodile steak as a soft meat, with a
little extra fat. I am just very happy to full fill one of my dream to
try crocodile meat after eight years. I have plan- while I am in
Africa, I will try to taste every single legal animal meat with my
favorite tea. If some of you think- it is disgusting to talk about this
kind of topic(animal meat), please let me know. I won't post any
further.

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

So, Ripon. Does this mean you aren't a vegetarian anymore?

Michael


4/5/05


In 1997, I worked as a facilitator(once in a while, I used to do this
kind of job as hobby) for this International Election commissioner
conference for how to organize fair election in Manila, Philippines.
Chief Election commissioner from all around Asia and
Asia-Pacific(Australian, New Zealand) came to join this conference to
share and learn their experience how to conduct fair election. Part of
my job was to received the VIP guest from the airport, take care of
their security with local government, take care of the conference
facilities, food etc. This people were flying from different cities and
I had to spend almost whole day and night in the airport to receive
them and make sure their security. I met the Chief Election
Commissioner from Papua new Guinea and drove together in the same car
to the hotel. When he learn that I am an adventurous eater who would
love to try any kind of food, he asked me if I ever tried Crocodile
meat. I said nop, he told me then I never had the best meat on earth.
From that day, I was waiting for this chance to try crocodile meat.

I talked about the restaurant "Costa De Sol" before. The restaurant is
very popular with foreigner. Yesterday I learn from someone, they are
offering crocodile steak. I was so excited and wanted to try with my
recent favorite tea Ying Nu Huang(Lapsang Souchong). I always love
Lapsang with my fish and chicken dish. I stepped Ying Nu Huang and put
in a thermo to carry with me for dinner. BTW, I asked in the RFDT about
this tea and the information was- this tea meaning is " Queen
Elizabeth in England ". I did some furture investigation and my
supplier told me- This Lapsang is Zheng Shan grade from Mt. Wuyi/Tong
Mu Guan, Xing Village. This is the best quality of their factory. There
are some factories in Guangzhou or Fujian but only one can be
considered their tea as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, the original Lapsang.

Well, I can say that this is my most favorite Lapsang so far. No wonder
why they call it- "Queen Elizabeth In England"- The smoky flavor is
very balanced, it is smooth, full bodied, has a very mild biscuity and
Vanilla aroma. This Lapsang tea leaves are well twisted.

I know, some of you the thinking why should I eat crocodile meat and
encourage poachers to kill animal. The fact is different in this case.
I am a supporter of wild life conservation. The wild life food chart
had been broken in every part of the world. Crocodile usually eat fish
but lot of African rivers are loosing fish by illegal fisherman.
Crocodiles don't have enough fish to eat, so this gentleman crocodiles
are attacking nearer area where people has domestic animals like- cub,
goat, hen, rabbit etc. This crocodiles come to the village and small
towns to steal and eat the domestic animals, sometimes even attack
small children and senior people. For this reason- government allow to
kill some crocodile once in a while. Right now in Canada, they are also
thinking to kill some over populated seal. Also in US, we don't have
enough wolves who can maintain the number of deer. For urbanization,
deforestation or for un-planned hunting- we the human being broke the
natural food cycle. In Africa, this is sometime very necessary to kill
some animals to maintain a proper animal cycle.

This crocodilemeat came from South Africa and this is the prime season
when South African government allow to hunt some crocodile. Now back to
the crocodile steak-

The steak was medium done. According to my taste, it was in between
fish and chicken with some extra fat. I need to try one more time for a
better description. My guess is, well done crocodile steak will be even
better. The steak came with chips(here they call French fries as chips,
I know it is funny), lots of fresh vegetables with plain yogurt(made
from goat milk) and grilled tomato, onion and garlic. I think, still my
favorite meat is Kansas T-bone steak and Omaha steak house. Mu guess is
the gentleman from Papua New Guinea didn't get the time or experience
to have good American beef.

I liked the steak with my Lapsang just thought well done might make the
steak better. I will consider crocodile steak as a soft meat, with a
little extra fat. I am just very happy to full fill one of my dream to
try crocodile meat after eight years. I have plan- while I am in
Africa, I will try to taste every single legal animal meat with my
favorite tea. If some of you think- it is disgusting to talk about this
kind of topic(animal meat), please let me know. I won't post any
further.

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

Michael:

You might forget, you had chicken kabob in my house during our
Washington DC tea fiesta. I was never been a vegetarian?-

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

Michael:

You might forget, you had chicken kabob in my house during our
Washington DC tea fiesta. I was never been a vegetarian?-

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

4/5/05


Michael:

You might forget, you had chicken kabob in my house during our
Washington DC tea fiesta. I was never been a vegetarian?-

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique



Ah, yes! How silly of me. But, on the other hand, couldn't chickens be
vegetables? After all, the South African government was able to designate
the Japanese white and the Chinese colored to accommodate their trading
needs, so why can't......? Never mind.

Michael

4/5/05


Michael:

You might forget, you had chicken kabob in my house during our
Washington DC tea fiesta. I was never been a vegetarian?-

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique



Ah, yes! How silly of me. But, on the other hand, couldn't chickens be
vegetables? After all, the South African government was able to designate
the Japanese white and the Chinese colored to accommodate their trading
needs, so why can't......? Never mind.

Michael

Michael:

hmmm... got your point. I didn't mind-

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

Michael:

hmmm... got your point. I didn't mind-

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

And a fine meal it was, many thanks once again.....

Now if I remember correctly the shrimp in that part of Africa are quite
large and tasty, what tea would you have with them?

Mike

And a fine meal it was, many thanks once again.....

Now if I remember correctly the shrimp in that part of Africa are quite
large and tasty, what tea would you have with them?

Mike

And a fine meal it was, many thanks once again.....

Now if I remember correctly the shrimp in that part of Africa are quite
large and tasty, what tea would you have with them?

Mike

This kind of ties in with the "cooking with tea" thread... shrimps probably
goes well with Long Jing. cuz there's a Chinese dish in which you cook
shrimps and Long Jing. but of course I assume that not a lot of spice should
be put in with the shrimp or else you wouldn't be able to taste the Long
Jing at all...

Katie

"Mike Petro" wrote in message
ps.com...
And a fine meal it was, many thanks once again.....

Now if I remember correctly the shrimp in that part of Africa are quite
large and tasty, what tea would you have with them?

Mike

Hi Mike,

You are right about huge tiger prawn(can be 6-10cm.), shrimps,
lobster(they are gigantic), Indian white banded shrimp, Ninja shrimp
and many fishes. Buying shrimp is not cheap because most of them are
for export market. You have to buy many types of shrimp with high price
but the advantage is 100% fresh. If anyone compare side by side the
fresh shrimp and frozen shrimp- you know, what I am talking about.
There are also difference between fresh water and salt water shrimp.
They have both here and two different taste.

I can't stop myself to share this interesting and funny experience
about local fish market in Mozambique. They sell all kind of shrimps,
lobster and fish per kg. Every time if the fish sellers scale show 3kg
shrimp actually it is 1 and half kg or maximum 2 kg. So, you have to
have your own scale or use government market scale. Every fish market
here has a small tin shade room where they have a scale. You take the
bag from the fish seller and check with that government scale and pay
10 cents for the service. The fish sellers always act, what's wrong
then say- ok friend, this scale is better then mine and smile. Another
interesting thing is- they always display the largest shrimp on the top
of the pot but when they pack your shrimp, they start giving you the
small one. They know foreigners don't want to deep their hands as local
customer. I bought a pack of disposable hand gloves and deep my hand
inside the pot and choose only the large shrimps. It is so much fun to
buy fish and shrimp here. Now a days some of the sellers know my habit
and from the beginning they ask a different price for the large shrimp
and different price for the small shrimp. I never allow my cook to buy
my fish or shrimp because sometime, they make some sort of
understanding with the fish sellers.

I love to eat shrimp couple of times a week and now a days I cut down
my meat meal 75% from my daily menu. I feel really healthy with shrimp
and fish.

With shrimp, my choices are-

Light Formosa Oolong only (No Wuyi Oolong)
Keemun Mao Feng(If the shrimp dish has extra garlic and salt)
Light Lapsang Souchong(with spicy fish and shrimp curry or Tandori
lobster or tiger prawn)
Japanese green or Wu Xi Hao (Any green tea which has full body and
mouthful ,buttery taste)

Mike you told me once before, you like shrimp. You know that, I love to
cook. Here is a wonderful shrimp recipe from Mozambique:

Shrimp Pili-Pili(In US, they call it Piri Piri spice):

Pili-Pili is the generic name for African chiles as well as the name of
this shrimp dish from Mozambique. Shellfish is abundant off the coast,
and the prawns are so large that a couple will make a meal. The
marinade not only goes well with shrimp or prawns, but also with fish
and chicken. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.

Marinade:


1 tablespoon crushed dried African birdseye chile


1/4 cup butter or margarine


1/4 cup peanut oil


4 cloves garlic, minced


3 tablespoons lime or lemon juice, fresh preferred


1 pound large shrimp or prawns, shelled and divined

Melt the butter and add the oil and the remaining marinade ingredients.
Simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors. Transfer to a
ceramic bowl.

Toss the shrimp in the marinade and marinate for a couple of hours in
the refrigerator..

Thread the shrimp on skewers and grill over charcoal or broil, until
the shrimp are slightly browned and done.

Note: Double the marinade recipe and use it as a sauce over the cooked
shrimp. and serve on the side.

Yield: 4 servings

Heat Scale: Hot

Enjoy.

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique

Hi Mike,

You are right about huge tiger prawn(can be 6-10cm.), shrimps,
lobster(they are gigantic), Indian white banded shrimp, Ninja shrimp
and many fishes. Buying shrimp is not cheap because most of them are
for export market. You have to buy many types of shrimp with high price
but the advantage is 100% fresh. If anyone compare side by side the
fresh shrimp and frozen shrimp- you know, what I am talking about.
There are also difference between fresh water and salt water shrimp.
They have both here and two different taste.

I can't stop myself to share this interesting and funny experience
about local fish market in Mozambique. They sell all kind of shrimps,
lobster and fish per kg. Every time if the fish sellers scale show 3kg
shrimp actually it is 1 and half kg or maximum 2 kg. So, you have to
have your own scale or use government market scale. Every fish market
here has a small tin shade room where they have a scale. You take the
bag from the fish seller and check with that government scale and pay
10 cents for the service. The fish sellers always act, what's wrong
then say- ok friend, this scale is better then mine and smile. Another
interesting thing is- they always display the largest shrimp on the top
of the pot but when they pack your shrimp, they start giving you the
small one. They know foreigners don't want to deep their hands as local
customer. I bought a pack of disposable hand gloves and deep my hand
inside the pot and choose only the large shrimps. It is so much fun to
buy fish and shrimp here. Now a days some of the sellers know my habit
and from the beginning they ask a different price for the large shrimp
and different price for the small shrimp. I never allow my cook to buy
my fish or shrimp because sometime, they make some sort of
understanding with the fish sellers.

I love to eat shrimp couple of times a week and now a days I cut down
my meat meal 75% from my daily menu. I feel really healthy with shrimp
and fish.

With shrimp, my choices are-

Light Formosa Oolong only (No Wuyi Oolong)
Keemun Mao Feng(If the shrimp dish has extra garlic and salt)
Light Lapsang Souchong(with spicy fish and shrimp curry or Tandori
lobster or tiger prawn)
Japanese green or Wu Xi Hao (Any green tea which has full body and
mouthful ,buttery taste)

Mike you told me once before, you like shrimp. You know that, I love to
cook. Here is a wonderful shrimp recipe from Mozambique:

Shrimp Pili-Pili(In US, they call it Piri Piri spice):

Pili-Pili is the generic name for African chiles as well as the name of
this shrimp dish from Mozambique. Shellfish is abundant off the coast,
and the prawns are so large that a couple will make a meal. The
marinade not only goes well with shrimp or prawns, but also with fish
and chicken. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.

Marinade:


1 tablespoon crushed dried African birdseye chile


1/4 cup butter or margarine


1/4 cup peanut oil


4 cloves garlic, minced


3 tablespoons lime or lemon juice, fresh preferred


1 pound large shrimp or prawns, shelled and divined

Melt the butter and add the oil and the remaining marinade ingredients.
Simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors. Transfer to a
ceramic bowl.

Toss the shrimp in the marinade and marinate for a couple of hours in
the refrigerator..

Thread the shrimp on skewers and grill over charcoal or broil, until
the shrimp are slightly browned and done.

Note: Double the marinade recipe and use it as a sauce over the cooked
shrimp. and serve on the side.

Yield: 4 servings

Heat Scale: Hot

Enjoy.

Ripon
Maputo, Mozambique