Aphrodisiacs: Myth or Reality? with Francine Segan
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Oysters, champagne, chocolate, truffles, and more–food and sex have been intimately tied for centuries. In the past some believed eating ground rhino horns, blister beetles, avocados and even frog saliva unleashed passion. Science or folklore?
Explore the culture and history of aphrodisiacs from around the world in this interactive lecture, including a delectable list of aphrodisiac recipes. Join Francine Segan, noted food historian and award-winning author, for an amusing discussion on aphrodisiacs from ancient Egyptian times through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and into today. Discover the foods reported to have unleashed a passion in everyone from Cleopatra to the Marquis de Sade. Explore the stories behind aphrodisiacs like frog saliva, rhinoceros horns, oysters, truffles, and caviar.
Tantalizing trivia includes why the ancient Romans ate bread shaped like a penis, which vegetable was responsible for King Henry VIII’s renowned stamina, what foods Casanova served to insure a passionate partner, and the erotic origins of the champagne glass. Hear the bawdy jokes, riddles, and puns told during the Renaissance to heat up aphrodisiac dessert courses.
Led by an expert on culinary history, Francine Segan, this interactive seminar will explore the history and culture of aphrodisiacs. Designed to inform curiosity as well as amuse, participants will come away with an increased appreciation for Valentine's Day classics champagne, and chocolate.
Francine Segan is a renowned food historian and James Beard-nominated author of six books. She is a regular on TV, appearing frequently on the Food Network, PBS, Discovery, and History Channels. Francine's articles have appeared in Saveur, Epicurious, Vogue, and Fine Cooking Magazine and she is an often-featured expert in newspapers including the Wall St Journal, USA Today, and The New York Times. She lectures across the USA at such prestigious venues as the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University, Smithsonian Museum in DC, Virginia Fine Arts Museum, and 92nd St Y, NYC's premiere cultural center.
Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
It was a marvelous lecture. I learned so much and was delightfully entertained.
The information I gleaned will be a tittilating addition to the historical novel I am writing and will also use the info on my next trip to Italy
It's clear that Francine is an expert and passionate about food. I thought this talk was fun and informative.
Absolutely charming, fun and mischievous presentation. There are so many foods I will never look at again without remembering this conversation!
Francis is a wonderful speaker. Her class was filled with history, legends, stories and fun tidbits. She’s so knowledgeable and personable. Thoroughly enjoyed our time.