Andrew Coletti's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place
story
1920s

Before Moo Deng, There Was ‘William Johnson Hippopotamus’

During the Roaring ’20s, the American National Zoo welcomed the first pygmy hippo superstar.
November 25, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
elections

7 Candidates for Your Election Day Menu

Election season means fundraiser foods, satirical sweets, and campaign trail cuisine.
November 1, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
holiday

'Diwalloween' Means Lights, Sweets, and Spooky Treats

How do you celebrate two feasts in one?
October 28, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
dracula

Banishing Evil With Edible Plants

All-natural monster repellent for spooky season might lurk in your kitchen.
October 14, 2024
story
dracula

Was ‘Dracula’ the Biggest Flying Creature Ever?

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

Can Thunderstorms Spoil Milk?

The answer eluded scientists for centuries.
July 30, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
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
story
herbs

Why Italy Fell Out of Love With Cilantro

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

In the Siberian Arctic, New Year Comes in June

Yhyakh is the summer holiday we all need.
June 17, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
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
story
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
story
food history

School Lunch Around the World

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

Can Music Make Your Food Taste Better?

Spice up your meals with some sonic seasoning.
May 20, 2024
Gastro Obscura
story
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
story
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
story
19th century

Japanese Green Tea Once Fueled the Midwest

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

Meat-Filled Desserts From Around the World

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