Food for Thought: How Sensations and Science Mix

From evoking memories of fun beach vacations to cozy Thanksgivings at home, food has tremendous power to take you back in time to pleasurable times and places.

As Top Chef star Bryan Voltaggio explains in this video, this is why he wakes up every day and heads into the kitchen. He knows he’s accomplished something when he recreates positive childhood experiences for his restaurants’ diners through the limitless tastes, smells, sounds, and colors of food.

In addition to sharing his own food-associated memories and how he creates rich culinary experiences, Bryan does a fascinating demonstration of unique dishes. Joining him on stage to discuss what memories this food triggers for them are Barry Everitt, University of Cambridge; Stuart Firestein, Columbia University; and Leslie Vosshall, Rockefeller University.