Off Menu

The Secret Science of Food and Dining

By: Nell McShane Wulfhart

Narrated by: Katie Schorr

Off Menu is a charming, fun-fact-filled deep dive into the little-known science of food and dining: why we eat what we eat, the nuances of our experience of taste and flavor, and the tiny, easy hacks and tweaks that, when mastered, can make a huge difference in our diets, meals, and relationships with food and drink.

Have you ever noticed that a café’s coffee tastes better in a mug than it does in a to-go cup? Or that hearing the sound of a cocktail being prepared - the sloshing of the liquid in the shaker, the clink of the ice as it’s stirred - makes you enjoy it even more? In Off Menu, journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart explores the facets of food science that you’ve probably never thought about - lighting, background music, the brain’s reaction to the ping of a microwave - but have nonetheless played a role in how you’ve experienced a meal, a drink, or an entire night out.

This lively, accessible audio project distills cutting-edge research into lessons on everything from what quick fixes can cover up your mistakes in the kitchen to what meal to serve when you’re planning to break up with someone. It’s the perfect listen to devour as you’re strolling through the farmer’s market, washing the dishes, or planning your next dinner party.

©2020 Nell Wulfhart (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Off menu review

This is a fun and a very informative book. It peaked my curiosity about future events!!! I enjoyed this book!!!

Fascinating

I loved this book! I need it in print so I can highlight, dog ear and write notes in the margins. I learned so much and realize that I now have so much more to learn through my senses and food experiences.
Katie did a great job narrating! If I hadn’t paid attention in the beginning, I would have thought Nell was describing her own discoveries. I love a narrator who tells a story versus just reading one. Nell, Katie, I’ll be looking for more of your works.

Excellent!

Highly recommend this one. Perfect for chefs, cooks, restauranteurs, sommeliers, and for anyone who loves hosting dinner parties. Shares excellent industry wide tips and knowledge on food and hospitality lifestyle!

Very interesting

A good read, I skipped most of the drinks part but it was good overall

Wrong narrator

The book was interesting and informative but the narrator was just wrong for this book. I would have preferred a more mature voice.