Take Capote and his homemade fruitcakes. Or Proust’s symbolic madeleine. Mangoes in The God of Small Things. Avocados in The Bell Jar. The list goes on, and each of us could add to it. Sensory memory is powerful magic. A bite can send us back in time, recalling moments and people and rituals otherwise faded. These recollections become as important as the simple nourishment of the meal itself. Our presenters rely on these powerful associations when sharing their stories of foods that hold meaning for them. While we may not remember the same flavors, we can all appreciate the stories behind them.

Presenters: Robert Mgrdich Apelian, Ham El-Waylly, Greta Podleski

Moderator: Maureen Abood