American Tuna and Drinking: A Doubleheader

Presented by
Andrew Smith
Food Scholar, Editor and Author

Andy Smith, one of our nation’s most eminent food historians has so much information to dish out, that he’s going to give us a two-subject lecture, based on his latest books: American Tuna—the Rise and Fall of an Improbable Food, and Drinking History: 15 Turning Points in the Making of an American Beverages. Continue reading

The Making of a Pastry Chef

The journey from childhood passion to apprenticeship  to the heights of the profession
Presented by
Eric Lanlard, Master Patissier

Podcast courtesy of WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified

 “The British used to fuss for hours over fancy designs, but when it came to the flavor, they’d say, “Oh, sponge will do.” That’s all changing now.”
– Eric Lanlard

Master Pâtissier and cake maestro, Eric Lanlard, is the owner of the chic London cake emporium, Cake Boy, and has changed the face of British baking.  Continue reading

We’re Not Just Whistlin’ Dixie

South’s Beloved Cuisine Evolves
Presented by
Kevin Gillespie
Cookbook Author and Executive Chef, Woodfire Grill, Atlanta

Podcast courtesy of WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified

Renowned southern Chef Kevin Gillespie has made a special trip north just to spread the gospel of Dixie cuisine to the Culinary Historians of Chicago.  We invited Chef Kevin not only because he passionately honors the history and tradition of the South, but because he is also constantly evolving new dishes that fit seamlessly into the region’s culture. Continue reading

The Original Food Pyramid

Beer, Bread and Foie Gras
Presented by
Michael Fenster, MD
Chef, Interventional Cardiologist, and Martial Artist

Podcast courtesy of WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified

“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”–Hippocrates

Dr. Michael Fenster is making a house call to the Culinary Historians of Chicago.  And he’s going to ask all of us if we are healthier today. But before we’ll have a chance to answer, this physician/chef will give us the real skinny about health, ancient cuisines and their modern implications. Continue reading

“What’s Your Hurry? Enjoy Our Curry! A savory tale of what curry is–and isn’t

Presented by
Anupy Singla
author and teacher

Join Indian cookbook author, Anupy Singla, for a discussion on deconstructing curry. Anupy will discuss the differences between curry powder and what South Asians term ‘curry’ — essentially any dish with a gravy. Most in the West are shocked to learn that curry powder is rarely used by South Asian cooks. Continue reading