Heso - The Edge of Gizzard

No, this is NOT the title of part four of the 'Lord of the Ring' epic. This is about food. Chicken to be precise.

Now, you might have thought that one can only eat chicken breasts, legs and wings. I can tell you, you were wrong! Ok, we all at least heard of people eating chicken feet and maybe some of you of some other parts. But how about (almost) EVERYTHING? And not because one wouldn't have anything else to eat. No. Because it's a delicacy!

I went to a place in Yotsuya (四谷) called Imaiya Honten. There, they specialise in chicken. And not only that. They only have chicken form one farm that has become famous over the years. So much that it played a part in some popular manga and also a TV soap opera. So, clearly a place for the ultimate chicken connoisseur.

Now, I don't want to bore you with the 'regulars' (according to the menu structure). Liver, heart not to mention the well known and tasty muscles that keep the animal in the air or make it move on the ground.

No. Let's go right to the really good stuff listed in the delicacies section: Here we find it: Heso - or, the edge of gizzard. Now, I assume my cousin Andreas knows exactly what I'm talking about - after all he's a vet. For the rest of us, let me share this little explanation I found: after all he's a vet. For the rest of us, let me share this little explanation:
"The gizzard is a muscular organ of the digestive system of birds and other animals." (source) - Now, who wouldn't want to die - or at least pay a little fortune (given the size of it) - for such a exclusive piece on the plate?!

But it doesn't end here - of course. We also have 'Tsunagi' (繋), which turns out to be a thin tube between the heart and the liver....hmm, yummy!

Or, how about Sashimi of the brain - with three different sauces?

And last but not least something called 'Sol ly laisse' - yes, that's French, and therefore reveals how far these birds must have flown ;-).

Apparently, it means 'Only a fool leaves it' (Etienne, please confirm). Now, what the heck is that? Well, you might have realised that I didn't mention any bones, yet. You would have thrown them away, right? Or given them to the dog? Correct?

Ha! You fools! Didn't you know that there is this famous cabsule on the top of the bone of the thigh, that contains some juicy something that you must not miss?!?! Well, now you know.

Bon appetite - or as they say here: 'Itadakimasu!'