Good Food
Candy Corn, Fear of Food, the Magic Restroom Cafe
Candy corn and a history of candy. Plus, a trip to the Magic Restroom Cafe.
By Evan Kleiman • • 57m ListenEric J. Lawrence and Evan Kleiman try to discern the "flavor" of candy corn. Samira Kawash, who calls herself the candy professor talks about her book, Candy: A Century of Panic and Pleasure, that includes old fashioned candy advertisements. Harvey Levenstein is a professor emeritus of history at McMaster University in Canada and author of the book, Fear of Food. Independent producer Gideon Brower braved a trip to the bathroom-themed Magic Restroom Cafe in the City of Industry. Jonathan Gold visited Fishing with Dynamite, a shoe box-sized seafood restaurant from chef David LeFevre. LA Times Food Editor Russ Parsons shops for brussels sprouts at the farmers' market. Casi Richie works at Life's a Choke farm, a family-owned farm in Lompoc, California. Stephen Leslie is the author of The New Horse-Powered Farm, a technical guide to using horse power instead of machinery on small farms. Valerie Gordon opened Valerie Confections with her partner Stan Weightman, Jr. in 2004. Her new book, Sweet, is an enticing cookbook that celebrates all things sweet.
In this episode
8 storiesWhat Exactly Is the Flavor of Candy Corn?
Eric J Lawrence is KCRW's Music Librarian. He's a self-proclaimed snack enthusiast and has a particular passion for candy corn. He and Evan Kleiman try to discern the "flavor" of candy corn by tasting everything from traditional candy corn to candy corn Oreos and even candy corn soda!
Read the story5 minCandy 101 with the Candy Professor
Samira Kawash calls herself the candy professor. Her new book has a perfect title, Candy : A Century of Panic and Pleasure. Find reproductions of some of the old fashioned candy advertisements inside the book on the Good Food blog .
Read the story8 minWhy the Industrial Revolution Made Us Afraid of Our Food
Harvey Levenstein is Professor Emeritus of History at McMaster University in Canada. His book is Fear of Food .
Read the story4 minThe Disturbing Reality of the Magic Restroom Cafe
Independent producer Gideon Brower braved a trip to the bathroom themed Magic Restroom Cafe in the City of Industry. His report was made possible by KCRW's Independent Producer Project .
Read the story6 minFishing with Dynamite Delivers Great Fish, No Dynamite
Jonathan Gold is the Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer for the LA Times. This week he reviews Fishing with Dynamite , a shoe box-sized seafood restaurant from chef David LeFevre. He recommends the black duck and kiwi cup oysters, squash rolls, grilled octopus, sword squid and the pretzel and chocolate bread pudding for dessert.
Read the story7 minThe Reemergence of the Horse-Powered Farm
Stephen Leslie is the author of The New Horse-Powered Farm . His book is a technical guide to using horse power instead of machinery on small farms.
Read the story8 minMarket Report
Russ Parsons is the food editor of the LA Times. This week at the market he is shopping for Brussels sprouts. Casi Richie works at Life's a Choke farm, a family owned farm in Lompoc, California.
Read the story7 minPetit Fours and Champagne Gelee: Desserts for a Special Celebration
Valerie Gordon opened Valerie Confections with her partner, Stan Weightman Jr, in 2004. The couple also recently opened Valerie Grand Central Market and Valerie Echo Park. Gordon's new book, Sweet , is an enticing cookbook that celebrates all things sweet. Find a recipe for her Champagne Gelée on our Good Food blog .
Read the story11 min
