Andrew Coletti's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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dracula

Was ‘Dracula’ the Biggest Flying Creature Ever?

In prehistoric Transylvania, a giant darkened the skies.
October 3, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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pretzel

How Chain Restaurants Use Smells to Entice Us

When it comes to marketing food, scent can be as important as flavor.
September 26, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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organs

Does Our Stomach Define Who We Are?

In her new book, Elsa Richardson explores how the gut has been viewed across history.
September 20, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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temperance

The Victorian 'Drink Maps' Wielded by Anti-Booze Crusaders

Author Kris Butler reveals how Temperance advocates mapped bars to discourage their spread.
September 11, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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blood food

Why Voltaire Drank Bull’s Blood

Bull’s blood isn’t poisonous; so why did people think it was for centuries?
September 5, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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chemistry

The Strange Allure of Blue Food

When nature’s rarest color shows up in food, it elicits a range of reactions.
August 26, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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imaginary world

What's on the Menu in Your Fantasy World?

Meet three worldbuilders who bring their magical settings to life through food.
August 13, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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bacteria

Can Thunderstorms Spoil Milk?

The answer eluded scientists for centuries.
July 30, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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invasive species

Open Your Mind to This Polarizing Invasive Herb

Fish mint’s culinary applications are vast; which is good, because it’s taking over North America.
July 22, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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herbs

Why Italy Fell Out of Love With Cilantro

Coriander went from ancient staple to persona non grata.
July 1, 2024
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solstice

In the Siberian Arctic, New Year Comes in June

Yhyakh is the summer holiday we all need.
June 17, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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grains

In India, Music Helps Spread the Message of Millets

New and ancient songs show that there’s more to reviving a crop than planting seeds.
June 17, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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food history

Tea Punch Was the First Cocktail

This boozy brew used to be the British and American drink of choice.
June 10, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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food history

School Lunch Around the World

Not every country has the same recipe for brain food.
May 27, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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bagels

These Stuffed, Fluffy Bagels Are Taking China by Storm

Chinese bakers are putting their own spin on a North American classic...minus the poppy seeds.
May 23, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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pasta

Can Music Make Your Food Taste Better?

Spice up your meals with some sonic seasoning.
May 20, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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taiwan

In Taiwan, Vegetarian Meat Isn't Trying to Fool You

Vegan chef George Lee’s new cookbook explores the potential of plant-based foods.
May 14, 2024
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folk music

Swallow-Songs for Spring Are the Greek ‘Trick or Treat’

It’s a tradition that goes back centuries.
April 30, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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19th century

Japanese Green Tea Once Fueled the Midwest

It's a forgotten moment in American beverage history.
April 25, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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ingredients

Meat-Filled Desserts From Around the World

Have you tried any of these literal sweetmeats?
April 22, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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comedy

How to Be a Food Bank Influencer

Kristina Wong uses comedy to address inequality in the food system.
April 11, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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chemistry

The Ancient Female Alchemist Whose Name Is in Your Kitchen

Who put the Marie in "bain-Marie"?
April 8, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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chickens

Cutting-Edge Tech Could Spare America’s Unwanted Chickens From Culling

"In-ovo sexing" would revolutionize the chicken industry, but consumers have to want it first.
March 12, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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food history

How a Dinner Series Brought Borobudur’s Stone Reliefs to Life

The most famous monument in Indonesia shaped these ninth century–inspired feasts.
March 7, 2024