In the 12 vs. 13 NONV Blake bombed the ever-loving snot out of me, and among other acts of penance, I was challenged to eat one of the pickled pig lips he sent along.

Hmm, how to do this without making my family move out or stinking up my garage since it's 100 degrees IN SAN DIEGO today?

Think, thank, thunk-I know, take them to the VFW Post for more camaraderie and fun with fellow vets who have also eaten weird things all over the world!

So off I go tonight to eat one of these things, have witnesses/photographer, and share this delicacy. I mean, what's the point of eating gross food if you can't make others puke along with you, right?

Turns out it's BBQ Rib night at the post, so I quickly pay my 10 bucks so I'll have real food, get a dish for the lip, and head outside, as the canteen girl kindly asked me to leave/threw me out before I opened the jar.

Opening the jar I pulled out the top lip and tasted some of the marinade. Not bad, not as spicy as I imagined but vinegary. Cutting off a chunk, I told the photographer to get a picture and.....

Stupid me, never let a retired Navy Chief and his currently active duty Master Chief wife be in charge of pictures as of course "The camera didn't work". But as I chewed the pig flesh I realized there really wasn't much to it-no overwhelming flavor, no gross out texture. Not gonna say I'm going out of my way to get more when these are gone, but no where near the gross-out factor I was expecting (and kind of wanting!) So the pic attached is bite #2.

Others started sampling the pork, mostly to mixed results but no excitement like gagging and barfing. Best taste-tester: A Jewish member of another Post's Men's Auxiliary who we cajoled into trying it who then ate 4-5 five pieces. I have a feeling I'm not welcome in Israel for a long long time now!

Thanks Blake!

BTW the next lip in the jar still has hair on it.