Podcast Archives - Page 12 of 12 - Quatro Fromaggio and Other Disgraces on the Menu

[Thoughts on the Table – 5] Flavor Appreciation

Jason and Paolo are back for a new episode. This week, it’s about the rewarding path to appreciating subtle flavors. Also, as a bonus, Jason presents his theory as to why North Americans don’t like liver anymore.

[Thoughts on the Table – 4] Acquired Taste

Join Jason and Paolo for this week’s interesting and entertaining episode exploring why certain flavors are acquired tastes. Why do we enjoy “spoiled” products like Gorgonzola and Nattō? Why do we put cream and sugar in coffee? Why some people can’t stand root beer, cilantro, dill pickles, or even sushi?

[Thoughts on the Table – 3] Umami

Join Jason and Paolo as they resume their conversation on flavor. This week’s topic is umami, the mysterious fifth taste: its discovery and etymology, its presence in nature, and its negative image as MSG.

[Thoughts on the Table – 2] Sweet

Jason and Paolo are back for another episode on flavor. This time, it’s all about sweetness: cultural attitudes towards it, the purpose of sugars in the diet, and the reason why desserts end the meal. Finally, as a bonus, don’t miss Paolo’s disgusted response to ice cream floats!

[Thoughts on the Table – 1] Salty and Spicy

Welcome to the first episode of Thoughts on the Table! It’s very exciting for me to switch format, and venture into making a podcast. As always, I will investigate why food and food culture are the way they are, and in particular why they are different between Italy and North America. This time, my friend Jason, Canadian born and raised, will join me.

Is the perception of salt absolute or subjective? Is there such a thing as a spicy taste? Does eating spicy food damage our taste buds? Join Paolo and Jason as they answer these questions and more in this episode on flavor titled “Salty and Spicy”. Thanks for listening!