Spring Break
Society throws a palatable premiere
by Wei Sum Li
Arts | 11/4/08
Posted online at 12:08 AM EST on 11/4/08
The word "gourmet" carries an outdated, elitist connotation. It implies that there are certain articles of aristocratic finery not meant for the commoner. Gourmets seek out the best of the best while foodies like myself hope to learn everything about the culinary realm, from the refined and cutting-edge to the ordinary or obscure. In both subcultures, gastronomy studies the art, science and culture of food. The world of gastronomy is open to all people, commoner or not. Even if "gastronomical" isn't exactly a word used on a regular basis, food is universal, and, frankly, a lot of people really like it.
There are a few people, however, for whom food is a true passion, and the newly formed Gastronomical Society is a haven for such enthusiasts who reside at Brandeis. The Gastronomical Society is, of course, open to everyone: gourmets, foodies and anyone who simply enjoys food on occasion. Joseph Harari '11, one of the founders, said, "I've always loved food. … A lot of people don't get the chance to try fine dining, [so we're] about food appreciation, trying different things and learning." Each meeting will have a different food topic where all of the members can taste, learn about and enjoy the flavors "in hand." Any common person can become a foodie or gourmet with a little help.
Something special happened at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 as groups of upperclassmen and freshmen mingled in the Shapiro Lounge in Massell Quad. According to Brad Mahlof '11, "Food is a good way to get people together," and campuswide interest in the Gastronomical Society proved him right-there were well over 50 people seated around the room in addition to a few dozen floaters who came in and out of the inaugural meeting of the Gastronomical Society.
Perhaps the crowd was drawn by the alluring topic of the first meeting: chocolate. Advertisements of free chocolate apparently do not go unnoticed by Brandeis University students. The meeting began with a movie about the process of making chocolate, including the cultivation of cacao, from which the food is made. The club founders then proceeded to pass out small plates, cups and informational packets about chocolate.
There are a few people, however, for whom food is a true passion, and the newly formed Gastronomical Society is a haven for such enthusiasts who reside at Brandeis. The Gastronomical Society is, of course, open to everyone: gourmets, foodies and anyone who simply enjoys food on occasion. Joseph Harari '11, one of the founders, said, "I've always loved food. … A lot of people don't get the chance to try fine dining, [so we're] about food appreciation, trying different things and learning." Each meeting will have a different food topic where all of the members can taste, learn about and enjoy the flavors "in hand." Any common person can become a foodie or gourmet with a little help.
Something special happened at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 as groups of upperclassmen and freshmen mingled in the Shapiro Lounge in Massell Quad. According to Brad Mahlof '11, "Food is a good way to get people together," and campuswide interest in the Gastronomical Society proved him right-there were well over 50 people seated around the room in addition to a few dozen floaters who came in and out of the inaugural meeting of the Gastronomical Society.
Perhaps the crowd was drawn by the alluring topic of the first meeting: chocolate. Advertisements of free chocolate apparently do not go unnoticed by Brandeis University students. The meeting began with a movie about the process of making chocolate, including the cultivation of cacao, from which the food is made. The club founders then proceeded to pass out small plates, cups and informational packets about chocolate.
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