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Gastro Obscura

Read 2006 Gastro Stories

Restoring Glasgow's Tea Rooms to Their Art Nouveau Glory

On the 150th birthday of its designer, a famed tea establishment reopens.

How a Georgian Princess’s Cookbook Helped Build a Celebrated Restaurant

Struggling restaurateurs happened upon the feminist hero's culinary manifesto at a flea market.

Eating Like an Astronaut Means Kimchi for Koreans and Lasagna for Italians

What people eat in space depends a lot on where they’re from on earth.

When Two Economists Scientifically Ranked New York's Best Deli Sandwiches

The Madansky-Shubik experiment settled one beef and started many more.

A Firm Is Now Making Fish Food From Whisky

Unfortunately, it won't make the salmon taste like scotch.

Organic Farmers Are Using Flamethrowers to Weed Their Fields

Burn, broadleaf weeds, burn!

Found: Tooth Gunk That Shows Mesolithic Mediterraneans Ate Fish and Plants

Questionable dental hygiene in a man from the 8th millennium B.C. unveils early omnivore tendencies.

History’s Greatest Potato Promoter Relied on Science and Stunts

Before Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, the French considered the tuber disgusting and poisonous.

When Researchers Used IHOP to Determine if Kansas Is Flatter Than a Pancake

Delicious, and helpful.

What Will Your National Dish Look Like in 2050?

We want to know your predictions for the future's culinary landscape.

christopher columbus

Why Is a ‘Pepper’ Different From ‘Pepper’? Blame Christopher Columbus

Black pepper and chili peppers have little in common.

The Rebellious French Village Making Wine Banned by the E.U.

Beaumont's beloved, black market wine is made with outlawed American vines.

The Lost Lingo of New York City’s Soda Jerks

Anyone for a "glob"?

Driving a Muffin Car Is Fun (and Slightly Dangerous)

For 14 years, "Muffineers" have built movable treats.

How a Jesus-Shaped Cake Incurred the Wrath of Argentina

The dessert, which was part of an art exhibit, caused an uproar when a politician had a slice.

Found: Evidence of Italy's Oldest Olive Oil

It was discovered on shards of pottery uncovered 20 years ago.

Meet the 'Citrus Archaeologist' Who Rediscovered Dozens of Ancient Plants

Paolo Galeotti unearthed the citruses at Florence's Villa di Castello gardens, which belonged to the Medicis.

The Fabulous Food Hats of Maor Zabar

Now you can wear hot dogs, pizza, and sushi on your head.