Food2gather co-founders Jenny Peng (彭子珮) and Judy Wu (吳佳臻), believe that most of us have probably eaten food created by molecular gastronomy techniques but just don’t know it.
The term is used to describe the application of physics and chemistry to transform the flavors and textures of food. Cotton candy is a prime example, as it is hard sugar transformed into candy floss.
Tomorrow’s “Tea Time Wonderland,” organized by Food2gather at the arts and crafts store Creative Collection (三省太和), will include a lineup of foods and desserts created by molecular gastronomy. The menu includes souffle omelet and a chocolate meteorite dessert, all prepared by chefs from the French fusion restaurant Facile (法斯樂).
Photo courtesy of Food2gather
Food2gather is an an online platform that brings foodies and aspiring chefs together through regular events, usually a couple times per month. In the past, they’ve thrown a South African braai and a Spanish paella party. The concept is simple: the chefs cook, the foodies eat and provide feedback. Guests make friends and bond over good food. Sometimes there are cooking demonstrations and classes. Often times, wine is involved, too.
“Each event aims to provide one-of-a-kind dining experience,” Peng tells the Taipei Times.
The grand finale of tomorrow’s event, for instance, will incorporate a “dessert magic show” where chefs will use nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide to produce smoke, bubbles and other effects.
Photo courtesy of Food2gather
Wu says it won’t be your typical afternoon tea, as the emphasis is placed on a sensory experience in a unique setting where diners can interact with the chefs.
“Chefs [will] share their talent, their knowledge, their story behind the cuisines with guests,” Wu says.
She adds that diners were asking detailed questions about food preparation at their previous molecular gastronomy events.
Peng thinks that this curiosity to understand the ingredients and processes is partly due to the recent scandals over food safety in Taiwan.
“Taiwanese have grown to be more cautious,” she says. “This may have led to the increase of healthier eating options like vegan food.”
As such, the duo also hopes that events such as tomorrow’s Tea Time Wonderland will help cater to the growing crop of people who are seeking healthier and affordable dining options.
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