You might think Julia Child was the first celebrity chef, but fifty years earlier a guy named Prince Ranji Smile toured the United States, introducing Americans to the famous curries he prepared at fine restaurants in London and New York. Culinary historian Sarah Lohman tells Prince Ranji’s story in Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine. (Spoiler: he wasn’t actually a prince.) In the book, Lohman details the history and popularity of ingredients like black pepper, vanilla, MSG, and sriracha. At the Lippitt House Museum, she’ll be talking specifically about garlic and curry, which you can sample via some old-timey recipes.
Tickets should be purchased in advance, because Lippitt House Museum is fancy that way.