Taste has been called “the social sense,” and what better way to explore its many aspects than to gather with others to talk about food, read about food, think about food, and write about food. In this course, we’ll read selections from Best American Food and Travel Writing 2024, supplemented by excerpts from books, magazines, blogs, and videos by food experts and food lovers.

This course is not a recipe swap, and you don’t need to be an accomplished cook to enjoy it. You need only a love of good food and an interest in learning more about it. Together we’ll explore food cravings and aversions, family food traditions and memories, food sourcing, home cooking vs. restaurant eating, and dealing with food stresses, like shortages and health taboos. In class, we’ll discuss the assigned readings, have regular show-and-tells, do occasional tastings, and write at least two food essays of our own. The best of these (at least one per person) will be collected into our own “Best BILL Food Writing 2025” anthology. We will all participate in the selection and editing process and receive a copy of the booklet as a keepsake of the course.