Curious Reads: A Fat Plate of Judgment

What makes a good plate of food?

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Hello friends, Liz here.

I’m serving up a fresh batch of curious reads from December and January cause I took off writing this newsletter during that time… so I have a few saved up.

#1 Today’s “top of the fold” story is one I’ve returned to in my mind a few times ever since I heard it back in December.

…in which The Daily interviews their own food critic at the NY Times about how the pandemic shifted his method of criticism.

(Yes, I know, I’m obsessed with the NYT and I’m not ashamed to admit it.)

I like stories about people who change their minds—a fascinating study in itself—and I also enjoy thinking about how we measure another person’s skill and artfulness. Who gets to decide and why have we made them the authority?

Plus, as both a fat lady and a foodie, I found this discussion of “what makes a plate of food good?” really compelling. What makes a restaurant’s plate of food more or less worthy of eating as a consumer? What flavors win?

Illustration by LAURÈNE BOGLIO

Question for you: are you convinced by Pete’s new method of judging? Why or why not?

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More Curious Reads

#2

I can’t shut up about Jennifer Coolidge ever since watching “White Lotus” (what a wild ride!). Turns out, I’m not the only one.—The Cut

#3

Image for Biota Coffee

This is the forgotten variety of coffee bean that can survive a climate apocalypse and how roasters are giving it a try, despite a once-negative reputation.—Wired Magazine

#4

The abuses of Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, shocked his followers and admirers. Now, Sojourners is exploring the issue in a narrative podcast, and this feature kicks off the story (plus, it’s free and not pay-walled forthis week only!). —Sojourners

#5

Evangelist T.T. Martin's books against the theory of evolution are sold at an outdoor stand in Dayton, Tennessee, 1925, scene of the Scopes trial. (Photo by AP)

Revisiting the Scopes monkey trial of the early twentieth century, in which a minister and scientist debated the validity of the Bible and evolution. Or, in other words, one origin story in the fight against science and faith. —the Atavist

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For Your Enjoyment…

Jungle animals, meet mirror.

For more on the project by photographer Xavier Hubert Brierre and his trip to Gabon, read this.