Masters of Social Gastronomy!

MSG takes on MSG

To celebrate our one year anniversary, we’re taking on our namesake: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Savory spice or fatal flavor?

Sarah Lohman will track MSG back to its source in traditional Japanese food, showing how time and money can turned an innocuous plant into the darling of mass production.

Soma will take on modern-day interpretations of MSG, from its role in “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” to its many relatives hiding in everyday foods. Science fact will be separated from science fiction as myths are deflated and truths laid bare.

While Sarah crafts organic MSG from scratch, Soma will bend science to his iron will and produce factory-farm MSG in his very own kitchen.

This month’s MSG is on Tuesday, January 29, doors at 7pm. As always, MSG is at Public Assembly and is 100% free. RSVP recommended

MSG is tonight! 7pm, Public Assembly, be there:

Tuesday: The History of Diets & the Dieting Industry!

Now that you’re back from the long weekend, don’t forget to RSVP for Tuesday’s Masters of Social Gastronomy lecture, all about the history of diets and the crazy secrets of the dieting industry.  We’ve got some delicious samples and interactive activities planned for you, so you definitely won’t want to miss it. 

MSG takes place Tuesday, November 27, 7pm at Public Assembly (70 North 6th Street, Williamsburg). 

All the details: https://www.facebook.com/events/490464010974295/

The History Dish: Automat Pumpkin Pie

A pumpkin pie, perfect for Thanksgiving, based on the recipe from Horn & Hardart’s Automat (basically pre fast food) in New York City. Read on for the recipe.

[Four Pounds Flour]

The Masters of Social Gastronomy Cut the Fat

For every supposedly innovative weight loss fad, there is a century-old counterpart. From low-carb diets to extreme mastication, calorie counting to calisthenics, Sarah will reveal the radicals and pseudo-scientists that invented America’s favorite dieting trends.

Soma will pull back the curtain on the dieting industry, from the shadowy producers of diet pills to our dear frozen friends at Healthy Choice. See what happens when Budweiser battles South Beach, and how marketing muscle can be found in an IBM computer from the 60’s. Featuring kickbacks, intrigue and many many cigarettes.

At Storytime, we’ll figure out whether tapeworm diets, negative calories and other crazy ideas are fact or fiction?

As always, MSG is free and takes place at Public Assembly (70 North 6th Street in Williamsburg on Tuesday, November 27th. Doors open at 7, talks shortly thereafter. 

RSVP recommended!

Pythagoras, the Superior Vegetarian

No meat, no fish, no problem. But no beans?  You see, it has to do with the smell of human blood, tiny souls, and the gates of Hades. Pythagoras sure had some crazy ideas about taboo foods.

[Brooklyn Brainery]

Masters of Social Gastronomy, the Podcast

As you all know, you can join us in Williamsburg for MSG and learn a little something about the history and science of your favorite foods from Soma and Sarah Lohman. But what if you can’t get up there every last Tuesday of the month, or what if you don’t even live in New York?

In light of that sad problem, our solution is the Masters of Social Gastronomy podcasts! They’re all up for offer right here, and new ones pop up every month or so. Keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter for updates, or, you know, just make it your homepage. It’s just like being at MSG, but with way less alcohol.  

And while you’re there, check out the latest episode, on Drinking Games and Alcohol. 

October 30th: MSG Takes on Taboo Foods

What culture is forbidden to eat pork? Who was denied access to bananas? What is the most adorable animal the Aztecs ate? What’s worse than eating people?

All these questions answered, and more, when Sarah looks at a worldwide history of taboo foods.

Meanwhile, Soma will unravel the sinfulness of garlic, the pros and cons of eating your enemy’s brains, and a breakdown of what awaits those who break the rules in all your favorite myths. Don’t eat a slice if you can’t pay the price!

As if all that education’s not enough, we’ll be having our first annual MSG COSTUME CONTEST. Best costume wins a $50 bar tab furnished by the awesome Public Assembly, and you’ll get an automatic prize if you come dressed as your favorite taboo food!

(PS - We know you’re probably coming from work and might not really have time to get a full-on costume together; festive/themed accessories are more than welcome!)

This month’s MSG is on Tuesday, October 30, doors at 7pm. As always, MSG is at Public Assembly and is 100% free. RSVP and more details on Facebook