This Is TASTE

439: DeVonn Francis & Arielle Johnson

Jul 27, 2024

DeVonn Francis is a Brooklyn-based chef known for his vibrant Caribbean culinary events, while Arielle Johnson is a flavor scientist advising top chefs. They discuss the true essence of hospitality and how shared meals create lasting memories. Topics include the underrated flavors of kohlrabi greens, crafting culturally inspired snacks, and the intricate art of dinner parties. Arielle delves into the science of flavor, emphasizing the interplay of food, chemistry, and personal experience, making culinary journeys absolutely enriching and delicious.

01:19:06

Episode guests

Arielle Johnson

DeVonn Francis

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Hospitality encompasses the emotional aspects of dining, affecting well-being and personal reflection through shared culinary experiences with loved ones.

DeVonn Francis merges Caribbean roots with contemporary culinary practices at Yardie World, elevating cultural heritage while branching into consumer packaged goods.

Arielle Johnson highlights the intricate science behind flavor, emphasizing its molecular basis and aiming to make this knowledge accessible in her book 'Flavorama.'

Deep dives

The Essence of Hospitality

Hospitality transcends mere service; it encompasses the emotional and experiential aspects of dining. It involves how individuals feel after sharing a meal and the lasting vibrations of love and care they carry into their daily lives. This connection highlights the importance of not just what is consumed, but how the experience is shared among friends and family. When dining, it’s essential to recognize that the quality of the experience can significantly influence well-being and personal reflection.

Intro

2min

Cozy Culinary Moments in the Snow

2min

Discovering the Deliciousness of Kohlrabi Greens

2min

Culinary Journeys: Meal Prep and Cultural Connections

15min

Crafting a Culturally Inspired Snack Mix

3min

The Art of the Dinner Party

7min

Cultural Influences in Music and Ambiance

2min

Culinary Nights and Community Vibes

10min

The Science of Flavor: A Culinary Journey

17min

10.

The Science of Taste and Smell

20min

Today we’re revisiting two of my favorite conversations with food folks who make their own rules. DeVonn Francis is a chef, recipe developer, and events producer based in Brooklyn. His culinary events studio, Yardy World, has developed a cult following around vibrant, lush experiences rooted in Caribbean cuisine with some of the best vibes and playlists around, and now they’re joining the CPG boom.

Arielle Johnson is a flavor scientist who advises some of the top restaurants and chefs in the world on how to turbocharge their cooking with chemistry. She’s currently the science director of Noma Projects, and she’s sharing all her wisdom in a new book: Flavorama. It’s a delight having her on the show to answer all our questions about the science behind what we eat—truly a must-listen episode for anyone interested in food.

MORE FROM DEVONN FRANCIS AND ARIELLE JOHNSON