Person Place Thing with Randy Cohen
Dwight Garner
Dec 9, 2023
Dwight Garner, a New York Times book critic and author of The Upstairs Deli, shares his unique journey of finding joy in reading and food. He humorously recounts his pride in learning to love chicken feet. The conversation dives into the nostalgia tied to childhood foods and collectibles, exploring how these experiences shape culinary preferences. Garner emphasizes the importance of genuine food experiences versus mass-produced variants, bringing a thoughtful yet entertaining perspective on taste and everyday pleasures.
27:31
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Quick takeaways
- Dwight Garner emphasizes the impact of Calvin Trillin in making American vernacular cuisine accessible, challenging elitist culinary standards.
- The podcast highlights the importance of culinary curiosity and shared food experiences in enriching one’s appreciation of diverse flavors.
Deep dives
Ansel Keys and the Mediterranean Diet
Ansel Keys was pivotal in shaping dietary habits, particularly through his invention of K-rations for World War II soldiers. Despite an early academic focus on political science and oceanography, Keys developed a profound interest in cardiovascular health, leading him to be a vocal opponent of cholesterol. Together with his wife Margaret, he promoted the Mediterranean diet through best-selling books, allowing them to enjoy a prolonged stay in Italy. Their long lives suggest the diet's efficacy, contrasting with processed foods like Twinkies that persist long after their creators.
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