Just had my first experience with veal sweetbreads last weekend. I'm always a fan of trying new foods and this one did not disappoint. Any other thoughts on this delicacy? What was the last "first food experience" for you?

kimber, my last "first food experience" was Friday night at Martini House in St. Helena. I had Veal Cheeks & Veal Trotters. BTW, the 2000 Behrens & Hitchcock Petite Syrah went well with this and the Venison my wife had for dinner.

I adore sweetbreads and order them every chance I get. The last time I had them they were part of a surf and turf combo - sweetbreads and lobster bathed in a black truffle sauce.

Interesting. I also order sweatbreads every chance I get. Last time was I had it was a couple of weeks ago at Le Salamandre in Danville as part of a first course. It was breaded sweatbreads on some kind of salad dominated by arugula - great dish.

My favorite sweatbread dish was at Scala's in SF near or in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Unfortunately, they did not offer it the last time I was there. Used to enjoy going there and having that dish after an opera (don't think I'm a snob because I love opera).

I know I should know this, but could someone please describe this food to me?

Definition, description, texture, smell -- everything. I might try it if I understand it. Or, uh, I might not.

Veal sweetbreads are the Thymus gland of a young cow. Not much smell but the texture is both firm and soft. Generally prepared so that the product turns crispy on the outside while remaining velvety soft on the inside.

Thanks Jones. That doesn't sound too bad. I might have to try it the nexttime I see it on a menu. As long as I am niot having dinner with one of my vegetarian brothers!

I like it with fava beans and a nice chianti


(sorry, I couldn't help myself)

If I remember correctly, they are fairly inexpensive at the store. But cutting the tough membranes and separating them from the "meat" was pretty difficult. It also needs a good sauce. It must absorb flavors well (like mushrooms). I remember Jeremiah Tower's version at Stars where he basically roasted the whole thing and it was fairly bland. Surprising, but that was the worst preparation of sweatbreads that I've ever had.

i had this last weekend for the first time. i wasn't overly impressed. maybe because it seemed to be breaded? is this the way it is normally served?

I love sweetbreads. I've only had them twice, but I really enjoyed them. Mine were not breaded at all, IIRC. If you're ever out this way Tbird, I can tell you where the serve them up real good.

+ another 1 as a fan of Sweetbreads.

I've had sweetbreads several times and never liked them. I've always believed that when I go to a fine restaurant, it's worthwhile trying new things or dishes I haven't liked in the past. When we were in Chicago, we ate one evening at The Dining Room in The Ritz Carlton. This place was far superior to Charlie Trotter's. I ordered a veal chop that came with sweetbreads so I thought I'd give it a try. The sweetbreads were exquisite, rich and velvety-textured with delicate flavor.