84 out of 100, listed below with unsolicited commentary.
Alligator – At a restaurant in Florida. Not bad, but a little chewy
Baba Ghanoush – Yum, yum!!
Bagel and Lox – Can’t travel to NYC often without trying this at least once.
Baklava – Interestingly, not a favorite of mine, though many rave about it.
Barbecue Ribs – More times that I would care to admit
Bellini – At Harry’s in Venice, no less!
Biscuits and Gravy – Being from the South, this is what I was weaned to.
Black Pudding – Only once in Lippstadt. Once was enough.
Black Truffle – Shaved onto a nice Wagyu filet. Devine.
Borscht – I had this as a teenager in World Cultures class. Not bad really.
Calamari – Once of my favorite go to appetizers.
Carp – Only once. Bony with a muddy taste. No thanks.
Caviar – Another favorite, thought don’t get it often. Best was on an Asiana flight from Seoul to Chicago this past summer.
Cheese Fondue – Love it, but my heart couldn’t take it these days.
Chicken and Waffles (together, at the same time) – Our local diner has Wings and Waffles, so that should count.
Chicken Tikka Masala – This is always part of our takeout order when we get Indian food
Chile Relleno – Too many times to count
Chitlins – I was at an outing that featured chitlins once. Just. Couldn’t. Do. It.
Churros - Many places over the years
Clam Chowder – Both New England and Manhattan style. While New England was always my favorite, I’ve actually become fond of the red sauce lately.
Cognac – If it is a brown alcoholic beverage, I’ve probably had it.
Crab Cakes – Best ones in Baltimore, though had a great one in Key West once.
Currywurst – from a vendor at Neuschwanstein Castle. Wife fell in love with it.
Dandelion Wine – snuck a swig when I was a teenager from a jar my dad had in the fridge
Dulce De Leche – Both the original and various brands of ice cream flavored as such
Eel – Several times when out for sushi
Eggs Benedict – Not often, but definitely enjoy when the opportunity arises
Fish Tacos – discovered these in San Diego and how try them often and our local joint
Foie Gras – Only a few times, but I will admit I enjoyed it, even though I understand why many object to its existence.
Fresh Spring Rolls – I prefer the fried, but I’ve definitely had them several times
Fried Catfish – Many times as an North Carolina boy. Best when caught fresh out of the Yadkin River and fried up that night.
Fried Green Tomatoes – Another common Southern food
Fried Plantain – traveled to the Caribbean quite a bit. OK, but I prefer the consistency of the banana
Frito Pie – If this is the thing my mom used to make with chili, cheese and sour cream, then yes
Frogs’ Legs – Afraid so. And they really do taste like Chicken when fried.
Funnel Cake – Often a purchase when we visit the fair
Gazpacho – Best is usually when I’m in California. Spring time in a bowl!
Goat – Barbequed over an open fire when I was a kid (pun not intended). Very good.
Goat’s Milk – Unfortunately, yes. Blech!
Goulash – Mom’s was best.
Gumbo – My favorite is actually from a restaurant in Charlotte, NC, though I have fond memories of New Orleans gumbo
Heirloom Tomatoes – Many times
Honeycomb – best part of my Dad keeping bees when I was young
Hostess Fruit Pie – construction site favorite when I was working summer jobs
Huevos Rancheros – one of my favorite brunch choices
Jerk Chicken – favorite time was at a little shack of a restaurant on the island of St. John
Key Lime Pie – in Key West, no less
Kobe Beef – it is very good, but only when on company travel expense.
Lobster – Best I’ve had wasn’t in Boston (though very good there), but at a steakhouse in Charlotte, NC.
Mimosa – Can’t travel business class internationally without being shamed into drinking one of these
MoonPie – Including most of the flavors, though never lemon or the MoonPie crunch flavors
Morel Mushrooms – In sauces at a few fancy restaurants over the years
Nettle Tea – Another thing I hold against my dad…not a fond memory
Octopus – wonderful at a tapas place in Chicago
Oxtail Soup – from a pub near Wolverhampton, England
Paella – best from a restaurant in NYC call Plaza Espana. Too bad they sold the place for new development when the original owner retired/died.
Paneer – Love it.
Pastrami on Rye – Another item you can’t avoid if you travel to NYC often
Phaal – Also on my trip to Wolverhampton. Despite my love for spicy food, I wasn’t ready for it.
Philly Cheese Steak – I go to Philly a bit and maybe I’m crazy, but I would call myself a Tony Luke’s guy.
Pho – first time at a tiny place in Chula Vista, CA. Never found better since.
Pineapple and Cottage Cheese – this was a favorite of my mother. Love it.
Pistachio Ice Cream – not often, but it’s OK
Po’ Boy – mmmmmm, fried oysters
Pocky – Actually had these for the first time in 2013 during a trip to Asia. Had never heard of them until then
Polenta – I don’t seek it out, but it’s OK. Best I’ve had was grilled at a place in Florence
Rabbit Stew – made my both my mom and my grandmother from fresh caught rabbit. Very tasty.
Raw Oysters – I avoided these for years, but decided to go for it about 7-8 years ago. Can’t believe I waited so long. Very good.
Root Beer Float – Yes, but I prefer my dad’s variation, the 7-Up Float
S’mores – Boy Scout. Check.
Sauerkraut – Didn’t care for it until I tried the good stuff in Germany.
Shark – Only once. May have been the restaurant, but didn’t care for it.
Snail – On a cruise ship. Chewy. Lots of garlic butter. I would do it again, I guess.
Snake – Again, only once and it was in a soup. I think I was in Nevada. Not really impressed.
Soft Shell Crab – Good, but a lot of work for my taste.
Spaetzle – Several times, but my father in law has a significant other who makes the very best.
Spam – if it is meat in a can, I’ve probably at least tried it.
Squirrel – also in a stew like the rabbit, but only once or twice as a kid. Probably wouldn’t try it again, just because it’s well…squirrel.
Steak Tartare – Love it, but usually just go for rare.
Sweet Potato Fries – my wife makes these a lot, though I prefer regular
Tom Yum – Named well. Love all Thai food.
Venison – often, especially growing up. I don’t hunt or anything as an adult, so not often now. Usually a little “gamey” for me
Wasabi Peas – They are OK, but nothing I seek out.