Andrew Coletti's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place
Gastro Obscura
story
brain

In Defense of Eating Brains

While some in the West are squeamish, globally, it's more common than not.
February 16, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
feed your head

Why Kava Laws Choose Tradition Over Commercialization

New Zealand regulations prevent the sacred beverage of the Pacific Islands from being watered down.
February 8, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
astronauts

Sweet Potato Salad Might Be the Optimal Space Food

A new study produced the ideal "space salad" for long-term astronauts, and it's surprisingly delicious.
February 1, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
middle east

A Longed-For Taste of Home in ‘The Exile’s Cookbook’

A 13th-century Arabic cookbook reveals the culinary life of al-Andalus.
January 23, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
ingredients

The Confusing Truth About Arrowroot

What's in a name?
January 22, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
sustainable

Fight Food Waste With Unusual Flours

Add something extra to your baking.
January 15, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
year in wonder 2023

Our Favorite Cookbook Stories of 2023

Make some room on your bookshelf.
December 28, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
year in wonder 2023

The Year in Fruit

This was a fruitful year for Gastro Obscura.
December 22, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
food history

Make Italy’s Christmas Snake Cake

In Umbria, the holidays mean a piece of sweet, almondy serpentone.
December 15, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
spices

Try These West African Spices in Your Holiday Baking

Have some fun with fusion.
December 11, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
thailand

Make Thailand’s Golden Threads Dessert

A recipe from the countess who ran the royal kitchens of Siam.
December 8, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
thailand

The Tragic and Inspiring Story of the 'Queen of Thai Desserts'

From countess to political prisoner to palace chef, Maria Guyomar de Pinha lived a life fit for the screen.
November 30, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
roses

Make Ancient Roman Brain and Rose Soufflé

Somebody in the fifth century combined these ingredients into one recipe, and probably no one has since.
November 14, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
mesopotamia

Ordering Off a 5,000-Year-Old Mesopotamian Menu

A community effort brings ancient flavors to modern Texas.
November 3, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
vegan

Celebrating the Food of West Africa, Vegan-Style

From a region known for meat dishes, plant-based perspectives are emerging.
October 31, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
vintage

Make Tiger Tail Ice Cream With Gastro Obscura

Recreating a vintage Canadian classic.
October 27, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
honey

The Magic Spells That Herded Medieval Bees

For European beekeepers, “swarm charms” were once a tool of the trade.
October 20, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
food history

Make This Fallout Shelter–Friendly 1960s Ham Spread

The author of this recipe hoped you would never need it.
October 13, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
food history

What Would You Eat in a Cold War Fallout Shelter?

Nuclear war readiness meant stocking the pantry and recipes for canned ham salad.
October 6, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
food history

The Forgotten Dessert Loved by a Roaring '20s 'It Girl'

When life gives you marshmallows, turn them into marlow.
October 2, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
food history

How Poisonous Fruit Pits Became Irresistible to Humans

These plants make cyanide.
September 25, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
ancient foods

Eat Like an Ancient Greek Philosopher

Before attending third-century dinner parties, readers consulted this “marvelous feast of words.”
September 25, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
food history

Make 19th-Century 'Neapolitan Pizza' for Dessert

This "exquisite" recipe comes from the book that created our modern concept of Italian food.
September 20, 2023
Gastro Obscura
story
artificial intelligence

Would You Trust AI to Help You Forage?

Before you buy a plant field guide, make sure it wasn’t written by a computer. No, seriously.
September 7, 2023