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

[Thoughts on the Table – 9] Introducing Gino De Blasio, and Starting with Carbonara

Thoughts on the Table is back with a new topic: Italian Misconceptions, foods which have been rewarded some sort of myth in the creation of new dishes which are different to the origins of Italian food. In this first episode, we are especially focusing ... Continue reading

[Thoughts on the Table – 8] Ask the Neuroscientist

‎Do we eat just for the energy content or also because we need specific nutrients? Can food influence our mood? What happens when something spicy comes in contact with our mouth? What causes the inflammation that turns our lips red? Join me in ... Continue reading

[Thoughts on the Table – 7] On Location in Milan!

Don’t miss this special edition of Thoughts on the Table recorded “on location” in Italy! Check out Jason’s first impressions on his first time in the country, as he told me when we met in busy Piazza Duomo, in the heart of ... Continue reading

[Thoughts on the Table – 6] Flavor Perception

This week’s episode concludes this series on flavor by talking about anomalies in flavor perception, how ‘tannins’ work, and by touching on the controversial theme of cultural attitude towards innards. ... Continue reading

[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. ... Continue reading

[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 ... Continue reading

[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. ... Continue reading

[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 ... Continue reading

[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 ... Continue reading