Lidia Bastianich + Gary Beauchamp

Have we evolved to enjoy certain flavors? Restaurant mogul Lidia Bastianich conducts a tasting with you, the audience, and with flavor scientist Gary Beauchamp to discover why we taste and smell the way we do and how that informs what we like to eat.

A book signing of Lidia Bastianich’s book Lidia’s Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine will follow the program.

Brainwave is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

About the Speakers

Lidia Bastianich is an Emmy award”“winning public television host, best”selling cookbook author, restaurateur, and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. She is the chef/owner of four acclaimed New York City restaurants—Felidia, Becco, Esca, and Del Posto—and co-owns Lidia’s Pittsburgh and Lidia’s Kansas City with her daughter Tanya. Lidia, her son Joe Bastianich, Mario Batali, and Oscar Farinetti opened Eataly, the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace, in the Flatiron District of New York City and at the World Trade Center in New York City. She is the founder and president of Tavola Productions, an entertainment company that produces high quality broadcast content. Lidia also has a line of pastas and all natural sauces called LIDIA’S.

Gary Beauchamp is Distinguished Member and Emeritus Director and President of the Monell Chemical Senses Center. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Beauchamp has served as a scientific advisor to numerous governmental and private organizations. His research program explores topics related to taste, smell and flavor. He has published hundreds of scientific papers and has edited several books on the senses of taste and smell. Beauchamp received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Carleton College and his PhD in biopsychology from the Pritzker School of Medicine of the University of Chicago.