It's been years (except for the cartilage), but I don't remember it tasting particularly weird. I just couldn't handle the textures. Crunchy, chewy, springy, spongey...

The cartilage, in particular, was like chewing carrots crossed with chewing gum, it took forever to break down enough to swallow.

If you relish beef or chicken gristle, you will probably love tendon, tripe, etc.