Wondrous food to explore and enjoy

Gastro Obscura

Read 2013 Gastro Stories

One of the World's Most Irreplaceable Books Was Used as a Cutting Board

The Exeter Book also once served as a coaster.

February 27, 2018

Why Europe's First Celebrity Chef Named His Dishes After the Rich and Famous

Auguste Escoffier was the all-star genius behind Melba toast.

February 26, 2018

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault Awaits Its Millionth Crop Deposit

Bambara groundnuts, black-eyed peas, and Estonian onion potato seeds are headed to the bank.

February 26, 2018

Try the Chips of the Future, Today

Chirps chips come in several flavors, are extremely tasty, and just happen to be made out of crickets.

February 26, 2018

food as medicine

The Hidden History of Bathing in Soup Broth

Doctors and folk practitioners alike swore by its healing properties.

February 26, 2018

Complete This 2,000-Piece Puzzle to Win Free Cheese

Dairy has never been so puzzling.

February 23, 2018

How Killer Rice Crippled Tokyo and the Japanese Navy

One stubborn doctor pioneered a cure.

February 22, 2018

Remembering When London's Pubs Were Full at 7 a.m.

Drinking eight pints of beer a day was once routine.

February 22, 2018

george washington

Meet Hercules, One of America’s Early Celebrity Chefs

Heralded for his food, the enslaved cook headed the first presidential kitchen.

February 21, 2018

The Artist Crafting Hyperrealistic Felt Foods

Huong Huynh makes fabric fare look good enough to eat.

February 21, 2018

Michiganders Can Order the World’s Largest Pizza Delivered to Their Doorsteps

No delivery charge if you live within 5 miles!

February 20, 2018

How Much Would Chinese Food Cost on the Moon in 2080?

Andy Weir on creating a believable food culture for his latest sci-fi novel.

February 20, 2018

The Wild Ancient Greek Drinking Game That Required Throwing Wine

Strategic flicking was the name of this game, known as kottabos.

February 19, 2018

Saying Farewell to Mr. Okra, New Orleans's Musical Produce Seller

His chant and truck were symbols of the Crescent City.

February 19, 2018

The Special Stew at the Heart of Sumo Wrestling

Why one dish defines an entire sport.

February 16, 2018

Found: 19th-Century Champagne Bottles in a Collapsed Cellar

"They’ll definitely be tasted, but we’re taking our time.”

February 16, 2018

The Most Unusual Menus From Libraries Around the World

Featuring fur, space flight, and Abraham Lincoln.

February 16, 2018

How to Sell a $300 Chocolate Bar

Follow the wine playbook.

February 16, 2018