How Did Food Taste 500 Years Ago?

What:     

A lecture and cooking demonstration by food historian Ken Albala will be presented April 13. He will discuss what food was like 500 years ago and prepare a dish from the Renaissance era. The public is invited to the free event.

When:     

Friday, April 13
2 p.m.

Where:     

Cal State Fullerton, University Hall, Room 252
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831

Who:     

Ken Albala, a history professor at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, is the author of 14 books, including “Eating Right in the Renaissance, Food in Early Modern Europe” and “Cooking in Europe 1250-1650.” He recently posted the following on his blog:

“Why is taste historically stunted? This is a serious question.

This weekend, I spoke before the Renaissance Society of America about food. It occurred to me that no one present would have the slightest qualms about watching a play of this era, looking at a 500-year-old painting or hearing Renaissance music. They do it all the time. It's their profession!

Then, at the reception, with marvelous food mind you, it occurred to me: what would happen if you served them Renaissance food? I mean sweet chicken blancmanger, peacocks resewn into their feathers spewing flames, sweet sour perfumed sauces. Sugar and cinnamon on everything. They would run in terror. They might be amused for a few minutes, but no one in their right mind would take it seriously and honestly eat it with enjoyment.

Why are our historic sensibilities completely and utterly stunted when it comes to gastronomy, but so highly refined for the other arts? Is there something inherently different about taste, because we ingest it? So, it becomes more closely bound to our own time than any other kind of taste? Or, is it because historians set the canons of taste for the past in the other arts but have never done it for food?

Everyone recognizes the Mona Lisa but would be very hard-pressed to identify a signature Renaissance dish.”

Parking:     

$2 per hour or $8 for a daily permit. Details are available online: http://parking.fullerton.edu/visitors/Parking.aspx

Sponsors:     

Cal State Fullerton Liberal Studies Department and Liberal Studies Student Association

More Information:     

James R. Hofmann, chair and professor of liberal studies, 657-278-7049 or jhofmann@fullerton.edu

Media Contact:           

Mimi Ko Cruz, 657-278-7586, mkocruz@fullerton.edu