FUNGHI STORIES
literally meaning “mistaken” in Italian, this drink is named for the serendipitous substitution of sparkling wine for gin in a classic cocktail at an Italian bar in the mid-20th century.
What is the Negroni Sbagliato?
Established by the same guide that awards up to three stars for culinary excellence, this distinction recognizes restaurants offering exceptional food at moderate prices, named after the mascot who is said to be enjoying a meal with a satisfied smile.
BIB GOURMAND - Michelin Man (Bibendum), started in 1997 to highlight restaurants offering great quality food at moderate prices, filling a gap between Michelin Stars and basic listings by recognizing good value, simpler cooking, and satisfying meals without excessive luxury
Extracted from the roots of a plant in the ginger family, this vibrant yellow dye is widely used in curries, mustards, and rice dishes, prized both for its color and mild earthy bitterness.
What is tumeric?
This centuries-old publication, first issued in 1818, combines long-range weather forecasts with planting charts and seasonal advice, making it a traditional reference for farmers, gardeners, and chefs seeking guidance on winter produce and culinary timing.
What is the Farmer’s Almanac?
Often called the “poor man’s truffle,” this thin-walled, hollow wild mushroom delivers deep umami with notes of smoke and dried fruit, intensifies when dehydrated, and can stand up to a wood fire grill
What is a black trumpet mushroom?
This muscular organ of the chicken, often braised, grilled, or skewered, is prized in global cuisines for its dense texture and ability to absorb marinades, appearing in Japanese yakitori, Southern U.S. soul food, and Brazilian churrasco.
What is chicken gizzard?
Used historically to produce a deep red hue in confections, liqueurs, and sauces, this scale insect is harvested, dried, and crushed to yield carminic acid—a natural pigment once prized in European and Latin American cuisine.
What is the Campari beetle (cochineal)?
This nutrient-dense, cold-tolerant green, historically cultivated in the Mediterranean and later embraced in Northern European winter gardens, is often braised with garlic and anchovy in Italian cuisine or cooked into hearty Portuguese soups, prized both for its slightly bitter flavor and resilience in frost.
What is kale?
In both traditional Asian cuisine and modern cocktail craft, this fungus is valued for its earthy umami and smoky notes; it can be steeped to make a savory broth, infused into syrups or spirits, or used as a bitters component in inventive cocktails.
What is shiitake?
Known as the “Dean of American Cookery,” this chef and author not only popularized fresh, local ingredients across U.S. kitchens but also hosted one of the first American television cooking shows and inspired a foundation that still awards excellence in American gastronomy.
Who is James Beard?
I LOVE TO EAT - 1946
an American entrepreneur best known as Kevin Durant’s longtime agent and business partner. They founded the sports business media network Boardroom in 2019.
Rich Kleiman
A tart, vitamin C–rich berry native to North America, this fruit has been traditionally preserved for winter use in both Native American and colonial cooking, and today appears in sauces, compotes, and baked goods, often paired with pork, poultry, or game to balance richness.
What is cranberry?
Valued for its dense, seafood-like texture and ability to caramelize without disintegrating, this cultivated mushroom is frequently torn rather than sliced and appears in modern menus as a scallop substitute, katsu-style entrée, or roasted centerpiece.
What is a king oyster mushroom?
This classic French dish transforms a tough, mature rooster into a tender, deeply flavored entrée by braising it slowly in red wine, often with pearl onions, lardons, and mushrooms, exemplifying the French principle of “cooking to elevate humble ingredients.”
Coq au Vin was designed to make a tough, mature rooster tender and flavorful through slow braising. Older birds have more connective tissue, which breaks down into gelatin, giving the sauce body and richness.
This blue-green pigment, often derived from a type of cyanobacteria, is increasingly used in modern gastronomy to color frostings, cocktails, and plant-based foods, prized for its stability and vegan origin.
What is spirulina?
What's Cooler than Cool?
Ice Cold
Frequently cited in culinary lore as the originator of the French croissant, this 19th century Austrian baker’s historical role is more accurately linked to introducing the kipferl to Paris, making the “French invention” narrative largely a myth.
Who is August Zang?
This association, known for curating independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants worldwide, grants distinctions based not on star ratings but on the property’s character, cultural authenticity, and culinary excellence—sometimes highlighting restaurants as part of its “Les Grandes Tables du Monde.”
What is Relais & Châteaux?
a global association of independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants.
This Houston‑based hospitality magnate, whose business spans restaurants, hotels, and entertainment and once led a major public restaurant group before buying the Houston Rockets, is often cited as the world’s wealthiest restaurateur with a multibillion‑dollar net worth.
Who is Tilman Fertitta?
Landry’s, Inc. operates hundreds of restaurant and hospitality brands in the United States and internationally, including well‑known concepts like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Rainforest Cafe
Traditionally hunted in the cold months across Northern Europe and North America, this long-tailed game bird is prized for its dark, richly flavored meat, often roasted or braised and paired with juniper, red wine, or berry-based sauces to balance its gaminess.
What is pheasant?