I think part of it is also the idea that most people in the US process the fish by fillet them to produce boneless piece of meat. Comparing with other culture, and including other fish, they cook their fish with the bones included and pick them as you eat them. It is really not that big deal to eat this way, but one do need to get used to it. It is like eating with fork vs chopstick vs eating with your bare hands - maybe not an apple vs apple comparison, but I think you get the idea.
Very True. The last time I remember picking through the bones was when I was a kid. We scaled, gutted, cleaned and cooked them. When I learned how to fillet it was very foreign. Now that's all we do. I lived in Italy for 5 years and visited most of Europe. Yep, they enjoy carp in a lot of countries. Watching the different ways it's prepared is a real treat. My dad would just pressure cook them, add spices and herbs then fry them up as fish patties. Yum!
You know, my grandmother in New Mexico would cook them that way. Carp was always available to us. I think they put up one of the best fights. It's always fun catching them. My Uncle would grill them. Makes me miss those good old days. My grandmother was a true fishing fanatic. Always at the river, creek or lake. Grandpa? He would rather watch wrestling lol.
