Wednesday, May 13, 2026: 7 pm via Zoom: Jon Ota on The Dining Room
Category Archives: Culinary Historians of Chicago
How Macaroni and Cheese Shaped Human History, Karima Moyer-Nocchi
Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 10 a.m., central time via Zoom
What would it mean to view history through the lens of a single, familiar dish? At first glance, the idea of macaroni and cheese having an epic history may seem whimsical, even trivial. Yet its story begins in ancient Rome and unfolds across centuries of colonization, migration, labor, industry, and identity. In this talk, Karima Moyer-Nocchi will discuss her book The Epic History of Macaroni and Cheese from Ancient Rome to Modern America, Continue reading
The Roots of Brazilian Flavor: Immigration, Cassava, and Pão de Queijo
Brazilian cuisine is one of the most diverse culinary traditions in the world, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Indigenous foodways formed the foundation, while waves of immigration added new ingredients, techniques, and flavors that became part of everyday Brazilian life. Continue reading
The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining with Michael Gebert
Rich History of Lebanese Baking with Maureen Abood
Join us on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 7 PM via Zoom
Recipes:
Apricot Gems
Mocha Cardamom Snack Cake
Pomegranate Mousse with Lime Icing

