1-Jul-21
This podcast goes deep into the world of Jesse Griffiths, a butcher, hunter, author, and restauranteur. It explores his passion for cooking with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, particularly wild game. Provocative topics include the controversial view of feral hogs, the importance of humane hunting practices, and the cultural impact of food traditions. Underlying themes explore the connection between food and nature, the value of understanding the origins of our food, and the importance of respecting and utilizing resources responsibly.
1. **Jesse Griffiths’s Journey to the World of Food:**
* Griffiths was initially drawn to cooking due to his passion for it, not through formal culinary training.
* His desire to connect with food and its origins led him to reject the disconnect he saw in restaurants, influencing his approach to sourcing and cooking.
* Travel to Mexico and Europe exposed him to diverse, ingredient-driven cuisines, emphasizing the importance of locality and seasonality.
* This journey inspired him to create Daigou Way, a restaurant focused on showcasing the bounty of Central Texas through a culinary lens.
2. **The Philosophy of Cooking and the Chef’s Role:**
* Griffiths champions the idea of “craftsman over artist” when it comes to cooking, emphasizing the importance of technical skill and understanding the fundamentals.
* He believes in the power of simplicity, advocating for respecting the inherent goodness of ingredients and avoiding excessive manipulation.
* Sourcing becomes a central aspect of his culinary philosophy, highlighting the importance of relationships with farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.
* This approach emphasizes the responsibility of the chef to understand the entire food system, from source to table.
3. **The Impact of Hunting and Butchering on Food Appreciation:**
* Griffiths views hunting as a crucial tool for understanding the importance and value of food.
* He believes that experiencing the process of taking an animal’s life cultivates a deeper appreciation for all food sources, not just meat.
* He emphasizes the need for ethical hunting practices, focusing on humane killing and utilizing the entire animal to minimize waste.
* His workshops combine guided hunts with butchering and cooking lessons, empowering participants to connect with the entire process of food production.
4. **Feral Hogs: A Controversial and Complex Issue:**
* The podcast dives into the explosive population of feral hogs in Texas, highlighting their impact on agriculture, ecosystems, and human safety.
* Griffiths emphasizes the importance of controlling the feral hog population while advocating for utilizing their meat as a sustainable food source.
* He addresses the stigma associated with feral hogs, dispelled myths about their taste and safety when properly processed.
* Griffiths highlights the lack of understanding about the versatility of feral hog meat and the need for broader education on its culinary potential.
5. **The Rattlesnake Debate: A Curious Case of Nature’s Adaption:**
* The podcast explores the interesting and controversial theory of rattlesnakes evolving to be less vocal due to predation by feral hogs.
* While Griffiths doesn’t fully subscribe to the theory, he acknowledges the potential for adaption in natural systems, drawing parallels to the remarkable camouflage abilities of animals like octopuses and cuttlefish.
* This discussion highlights the ongoing dialogue about animal behavior and the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
* The theory raises questions about the complexities of natural selection and the interconnectivity of species within an environment.
6. **The Importance of Proper Game Meat Handling:**
* Griffiths emphasizes the importance of cold and dry handling for game meat, particularly feral hogs, to preserve its quality and taste.
* He advocates for avoiding direct contact between ice and meat, promoting a more gentle cooling process that minimizes moisture absorption.
* He shares personal anecdotes and scientific reasoning to support his approach, highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive moisture on meat.
* This discussion challenges traditional practices and encourages a more mindful approach to handling game meat.
7. **The Fascinating World of Game Meat Flavors:**
* The podcast explores the diverse flavors of wild game, highlighting the impact of diet and stress on the final taste.
* Griffiths explains how the stress experienced by an animal before slaughter can significantly affect the flavor profile of the meat.
* He emphasizes the importance of understanding the various qualities of different cuts of feral hog meat and the need for tailored cooking methods to maximize their potential.
* This discussion underscores the importance of respecting the animal and its life as a vital aspect of creating delicious and sustainable cuisine.
8. **Exploring the Culinary World of Feral Hog Meat:**
* Griffiths shares tips and techniques for preparing feral hog meat, including the use of sausage making to utilize leaner cuts.
* He discusses the importance of balancing fat content in sausage recipes and his preference for incorporating beef fat or bacon for added flavor.
* He shares a personal anecdote about a severely stressed hog that showcased the negative impact of stress on the taste of the meat.
* This segment emphasizes the importance of understanding how to properly prepare feral hog meat to achieve a desirable taste and texture.
9. **The Role of Sous Vide and Other Cooking Technologies:**
* Griffiths acknowledges the benefits of sous vide for certain game meats, particularly for tougher cuts that benefit from long, controlled cooking.
* He highlights the empowering nature of cooking technologies like sous vide and crockpots, allowing individuals to achieve consistent results and explore different culinary approaches.
* He emphasizes the importance of being mindful of potential environmental concerns associated with plastic-based cooking methods.
* This discussion reflects the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of technology, sustainability, and culinary practices.
10. **The Art of Reverse Searing and its Mexican Influence:**
* Griffiths champions the use of reverse searing for game meats like ribs, highlighting the technique’s ability to create tender and flavorful results.
* He explains how this technique, which involves pre-cooking meat until tender, then searing it, enhances texture and flavor.
* He draws parallels to traditional Mexican cooking methods, emphasizing the cultural importance of slow cooking and searing.
* This segment illustrates the potential for cross-cultural inspiration in culinary practices and the benefits of adapting techniques to different contexts.
11. **The Importance of Fire and its Culinary Significance:**
* Griffiths expresses a deep appreciation for cooking over live oak fires, highlighting the unique flavor and cultural significance it brings to his cuisine.
* He acknowledges the connection between fire and ancient human experiences, emphasizing the primal satisfaction of cooking over a live flame.
* He describes the design of his restaurant, Daigou Way, which prioritizes an open kitchen where guests can witness the process of butchering, cooking, and dining over fire.
* This segment highlights the integral role of fire in both culinary and cultural traditions.
12. **The Value of Hunting Education and Outreach:**
* Griffiths expresses a strong commitment to making hunting more accessible and inclusive, encouraging a wider range of individuals to participate in this activity.
* He emphasizes the importance of responsible gun ownership, resource management, and understanding the impact of hunting on ecosystems.
* He discusses the importance of overcoming demographic barriers to entry, promoting diversity in hunting communities.
* He highlights the potential for hunting to connect people to nature, foster a sense of stewardship, and promote a deeper appreciation for food.
13. **The Significance of Local Food Systems and Relationships:**
* Griffiths emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and suppliers, highlighting the essential role of trust and collaboration in sustainable food systems.
* He shares personal anecdotes about long-standing partnerships with local producers, emphasizing the value of mutual loyalty and respect.
* He describes the positive impact of a growing market for local, high-quality produce, allowing farmers to scale their operations and provide consistent sourcing for restaurants.
* This segment emphasizes the interconnectedness of food systems and the importance of supporting local communities through responsible food choices.
14. **Navigating the Regulations and Ethical Considerations of Wild Game:**
* Griffiths delves into the regulations surrounding the sale of wild game in Texas, highlighting the distinction between non-game animals (like invasive species) and game animals (like white-tailed deer).
* He explains the strict inspection protocols required for feral hogs, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their safety for human consumption.
* He raises questions about the potential for balancing responsible use of feral hogs as a food source with the need for population control.
* This discussion highlights the complexities of navigating legal, ethical, and ecological considerations in the wild game industry.
15. **The Impact of Stress on Game Meat and its Culinary Implications:**
* Griffiths discusses the impact of stress on the flavor of game meat, particularly feral hogs, highlighting the need for humane handling to minimize stress levels.
* He explains how the stress response can negatively impact taste, resulting in a stronger, more gamey flavor.
* He addresses the challenges of minimizing stress in wild-caught animals, highlighting the need for ethical and efficient trapping and processing methods.
* This segment underscores the importance of considering the animal’s welfare in the pursuit of delicious and sustainable food.
16. **A Deep Dive into the World of Exotic Game Meats:**
* The podcast explores the popularity of exotic game meats like Axis deer, highlighting their unique flavor and texture.
* Griffiths discusses the advantages of serving exotic game in restaurants, including their sustainability, lack of dependence on corn feed, and abundance in certain areas.
* He shares personal preferences for different types of game meat, emphasizing his preference for slow-cooked and ground preparations for feral hog.
* This segment expands the discussion on culinary diversity and the exploration of different flavors beyond traditional meat sources.
17. **The Importance of Understanding the Origins and Impact of Food Choices:**
* The podcast prompts listeners to reflect on their own dietary habits and the impact of their food choices on their health, the environment, and the lives of animals.
* Griffiths highlights the significance of being mindful consumers, considering the origins of their food and supporting ethical and sustainable practices.
* He emphasizes the value of understanding the entire food system, from production to consumption, to make informed decisions about what they eat.
* This conversation encourages a broader conversation about food systems, ethics, and personal responsibility.
18. **The Future of Feral Hogs and Sustainable Food Systems:**
* Griffiths expresses his hopes for the future of feral hog utilization, envisioning a future where their meat becomes a more widely accepted and sustainable food source.
* He advocates for a more nuanced approach to managing feral hog populations, balancing their control with their potential as a valuable food resource.
* He emphasizes the need for open dialogue and collaboration to find innovative solutions for integrating feral hogs into food systems.
* This segment highlights the potential for change and the importance of finding solutions that benefit both human and ecological well-being.
19. **The Importance of Transparency and Sharing Culinary Knowledge:**
* Griffiths expresses a commitment to transparency and sharing his culinary knowledge, emphasizing the importance of open communication and education about food systems.
* He welcomes open dialogue about his culinary choices, highlighting the value of sharing information and exploring different perspectives.
* He encourages listeners to embrace a sense of curiosity and experimentation, challenging traditional biases and encouraging a more informed approach to food.
* This segment underscores the power of sharing knowledge and building a more informed and engaged community around food.
20. **The Role of Culinary Traditions and Cultural Identity:**
* The podcast explores the intersection of food, culture, and identity, highlighting the significance of regional cuisine and the traditions that shape our relationship with food.
* Griffiths emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context of food choices, acknowledging the diverse perspectives and experiences that contribute to our culinary landscape.
* He reflects on the influence of specific food practices on regional identity, emphasizing the connection between food and place.
* This segment encourages a broader appreciation for the diversity of culinary traditions and the role they play in shaping our understanding of the world.
**5 Memorable Quotes**
* “I love food. And most of my life revolves around gathering it in some way or another.” – Griffiths expresses his deep passion for food, highlighting its central role in his life.
* “We’re more craftsman than artists.” – Griffiths emphasizes the importance of technical skill and understanding the fundamentals of cooking, contrasting it with the notion of culinary artistry.
* “I think it’s imperative that cooks get out there and see what it’s like to grow a carrot or catch a fish, kill a deer, things like that.” – Griffiths emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire food system, from source to table, for chefs and cooks.
* “If you can feel sad about taking the life of a deer or a pig, then you can also understand what a case of carrots that is, you know, rotting at a grocery store because they haven’t been sold.” – Griffiths highlights the ethical responsibility of respecting all food sources, connecting the act of hunting to broader considerations of waste and value.
* “It’s a very different feeling than putting something on a frying pan over a burner or gas burner, which is all nice and everything, but there’s a feeling that you get when you cook it something over fire.” – Griffiths describes the primal satisfaction of cooking over live fire, highlighting its unique connection to human history and experience.