When you want good Italian food around New York City—or really anywhere—there are a few things I always look for. A real Italian accent helps, or at least a whisper of one. Fresh bread and olive oil (with bonus points for roasted garlic swimming in it and slowly infusing it). And fresh parmesan—lots of it. You know it’s the real deal when there’s a full wheel in the dining room and a microplane grater always on standby.
At Arthur & Sons, a red-sauce joint with old-school flair and serious comfort vibes, you’ll find all that and more. Founded by third-generation Italian American chef Joe Isidori, the restaurant is a love letter to the kind of Italian-American cooking that never goes out of style. Think: red booths, checkered tablecloths, stained glass light fixtures, and Caesar salads showered in freshly grated cheese. It’s cozy, classic, and always packed. And chances are, you’ll see Joe personally grating parm over your dish.
Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we’re cooking in the week ahead. This time, Justin is walking us through his best tips for perfectly grilled fish (no sticking, no overcooking).
Memorial Day is traditionally the start of the summer, but to me, grilling season doesn't start in earnest until Father's Day. Every year on that Sunday, Grill Dads everywhere (for better and for worse) spark up their grills and lock in for months of cooking on patios, decks, public parks, and driveways.
Welcome to The Flavor Files—Summer Edition. ☀️ Here’s where my love of cooking, food science, and peak-season produce all come together. From juicy tomatoes to smoky grilled peaches, summer ingredients deserve a little chemistry and a lot of flavor.
Want more recipes? You’ll find them all at Nik Sharma Cooks. Still need a copy of Veg-Table? Grab it here—it’s full of ideas to make vegetables the star of your summer table. 🌿🍆
This newsletter includes the occasional affiliate link—they help keep the spice (and the science) flowing.
Now let’s dive into the good stuff—because summer won’t wait. 🔥
The Flavor Files is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
The first time I ate asparagus was awkward and mildly terrifying. It’s not a common vegetable in India, so I’d never seen it until it showed up as a roasted side dish at a restaurant in Cincinnati. I loved its crisp-tender texture and the nutty, slightly grassy flavor. So I went all in. Possibly too in.
About an hour later, I took a trip to the restroom, and that’s when the existential dread kicked in. A strange, sharp odor hit me—something sulfurous and… frankly alarming. I was convinced my kidneys were failing or that I had minutes left on this planet. Too embarrassed to ask anyone, I waited until I was alone, then launched into a frantic Medline search for “sudden onset deadly body odor.”
That rabbit hole led me straight to asparagusic acid, a sulfur-containing compound unique to asparagus. When digested, it breaks down into volatile molecules that get excreted in urine, giving rise to that notorious smell. But here’s the twist: not everyone notices it. Some people don’t produce the smelly compounds at all, while others do but lack the specific receptors to detect them.
In other words, if you’ve never noticed a weird asparagus smell in the bathroom… congratulations, you’re either a non-producer or your nose is genetically blessed.
Why We Still Don’t Fully Understand the Asparagus Pee Phenomenon
Asparagus is famously rich in sulfur-containing compounds, especially asparagusic acid, which breaks down in the human body into volatile, often pungent-smelling molecules. But here’s the twist: despite decades of study, we still don’t fully know which exact chemicals are responsible for the odor, or why only some people seem to detect it.
That surprised me.
In grad school, one of the core lessons we learned when testing hypotheses was this: it’s not enough to observe an interesting effect — you have to prove it, challenge it, recreate it. So in this case, let’s say you detect sulfurous compounds like methanethiol or dimethyl sulfide in urine post-asparagus. Interesting, yes.
But here’s the scientific standard: If you remove those molecules and add them back in, do people still smell the same odor?
And if they do, is that smell identical to what happens after eating asparagus?
The answer so far is: not exactly.
Multiple studies have identified likely candidates for the smell, including various volatile sulfur compounds; however, no one has been able to reproduce the full “asparagus bouquet” from scratch. In short, we’ve found some of the suspects, but haven’t reassembled the crime scene. These molecules may be present, but we haven’t definitively shown they’re both necessary and sufficient to account for the whole odor.
What we do know, thanks to large-scale genetic studies (like the one by 23andMe), is that most people produce the smell, but not everyone can detect it. Smelling it — or not — is primarily a function of olfactory receptor gene variants. Your body might be excreting the funk, but your nose might not be wired to notice.
But here’s where I need to raise a red flag: Those studies were conducted almost entirely on individuals of Northern European ancestry. Which means the findings, while fascinating, are not universally applicable.
In India, where I grew up, asparagus isn’t a staple. The data on whether South Asians, people from Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East, can detect odors is essentially nonexistent. The genetic variants associated with “asparagus anosmia” may be absent or behave differently in those populations. Scientists need to study larger populations and conduct more controlled studies.
So yes, asparagus pee is a funny cultural reference. Still, it’s also a case study in how scientific conclusions get shaped by who we study, what we measure, and what assumptions we make about universality.
In short, the asparagus mystery isn’t fully solved. The chemistry is still inconclusive. And the genetics? Likely more diverse than we’ve measured so far.
The Asparagus Guide
Asparagus Shopping Guide
Look for Firm, Straight Spears: Stalks should feel crisp, not bendy or limp. Avoid wrinkled or shriveled ends.
Check the Tips: The tips (aka the buds) should be tightly closed and compact, not mushy, flowering, or frayed.
Color Matters: Green asparagus should have vibrant, bright-green stalks with a slight purple tinge at the tips. White asparagus should be ivory, not gray or dried out. Purple asparagus should be evenly colored without fading or brown spots.
Size Isn’t Everything: Thin spears cook faster and are great for quick sautés or roasting. Thicker spears have a meatier bite and are better for grilling or blanching. Both are equally tender when fresh; adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How to Keep Asparagus Fresh (Sugar Water Science Hack)
Asparagus is essentially a flower stalk, and like cut flowers, it stays fresher when stored upright in water. Here’s how to extend its life:
The Method:
Trim the Ends: Cut about ½ inch [13 mm] off the bottom of the stalks.
Place in a Jar or Glass: Stand the spears upright in a glass or jar with about 1 in [2.5 cm] of cold water.
Add a Tiny Bit of Sugar (Optional): Stir in ½ teaspoon sugar per cup of water. Why? Sugar feeds the stalks and keeps them metabolically active a bit longer; it’s plant life support.
Cover and Refrigerate: Loosely cover the tops with a produce bag or plastic wrap. Change the water every couple of days.
Shelf Life: This method can keep asparagus crisp and flavorful for 5 to 7 days, sometimes longer, especially if they were super fresh at purchase.
A bright, bold riff on the classic lemon-asparagus combo. I layer the lemon zest, half before cooking, half after, to coax out both warmth and fresh citrusy zing. Garlic and a hint of cayenne enhance the savory notes, accentuating the umami-rich saltiness of Parmesan. It’s fast, flexible, and just elegant enough to land on any weeknight or dinner party table. Peel those thick woody stems, it will ensure a more tender asparagus.
Let’s be honest: Dads are some of the hardest people to shop for. Whether it’s the “I don’t want anything” dad, the “just buy me socks” dad, or the “already ordered it myself” dad (the audacity), finding a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift can feel impossible. One year, my dad asked for a handheld leaf blower and my sisters and I immediately bought it. It’s still his favorite gift ever—and yes, that one made the list.
These picks work great for Father’s Day, but even if you missed it, there’s always a birthday, anniversary, or last-minute celebration around the corner. I see new gifts hit my inbox and our office storeroom basically every day, and some of my favorite recs came straight from Dana Avidan Cohn, Director of Editorial Content at Macy’s. She helps people find the right gift all day long, and told me: “The secret to selecting the perfect gift is to really shop by their interests and personality. What will they actually use, enjoy, travel with? The best gifts always feel personal and practical.”
Summer is around the corner and that means the grilling season has officially arrived (yes, even if your forecast still says “scattered showers”). And while we’re all for a bourbon on the rocks while the coals heat up, there’s another reason to keep that bottle close: It might just be the secret ingredient your summer cooking’s been missing.
No, this isn’t just a summer fever dream. Bourbon’s sweet, warm, slightly smoky profile pairs beautifully with all kinds of cooking techniques—grilling included. But it’s just as impactful in a stovetop glaze, a hot skillet, or even a rich dessert. From smoky grilled chicken to syrupy French toast with heat, these bourbon-spiked dishes come straight from the chefs who actually cook with it.
Welcome to Forkcast—a weekly meal-planning newsletter with five recipes for the week ahead, plus a handy grocery list and helpful tips. This week’s is curated by Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, a nutrition expert with a passion for practical, family-friendly meals. Learn more of her expertise here.
What better time to boost your fruit intake than the start of summer, when sweet, colorful fruit is reaching its peak? If you’re anything like me, you love a good sweet-and-savory combo—and this week’s menu is full of them. We’re highlighting two of the season’s best: juicy peaches and bursting-with-flavor blueberries. You’ll see just how well they shine in the five recipes below.
Welcome to The Flavor Files! 🎉This is where my love for cooking, flavor, and food science all come together—because delicious food is even better when you understand a little of the magic behind it.
Looking for more recipes? You’ll find them all at Nik Sharma Cooks. Still need a copy of my latest cookbook, Veg-Table? You can grab it here—it’s filled with veggie-driven inspiration. 🌱✨
You might spot a few affiliate links sprinkled throughout this newsletter; they help keep the spice—and the science—flowing.
Now, let’s dive in. 🔥
The Flavor Files is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
The Flavor Files is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Do you know how to make Basmati rice the right way? Well, I have the secret for you! I'll tell you why Basmati is different and why that matters for preparation. Serve the perfect rice every time.
(I'm in a generous mood and wanted to share content I typically provide only to paid subscribers. If you are interested in more in-depth content like this, click on Subscribe Now to upgrade.)
In this quick weeknight meal, Italian passata and Korean gochujang combine to create a smooth, bold sauce reminiscent of silky Italian vodka sauce, but with a deeper layer of umami and a pleasant hint of heat. Passata, an uncooked, strained puree of ripe tomatoes with the skins and seeds removed, is smooth and bright. Gochujang, a deeply savory, fermented chili paste made from glutinous rice, soybeans, and gochugaru (Korean chili powder), brings gentle heat and a touch of sweetness. Together, they formed a rich, harmonious sauce that clung beautifully to pasta and delivered depth well beyond the effort it took to make. A sprinkle of garlicky bread crumbs over the pasta before serving added a pleasant crunch and another layer of flavor.
This recipe resides on ATK and is free. I love seeing you share your excitement! ATK makes several recipes from the residency available for free. You might need to enter your email so they can send you more great content, but you can always opt out anytime. I’ve been a longtime subscriber to their newsletters and have found them super valuable. I hope that helps clarify how to access these co-created recipes—we put a lot of love into them, and I’d love for you to check them out! I appreciate your support!
It’s not every day you see a former three-Michelin-star chef slinging burgers and homemade potato chips out of a historic red train car. But at Dad’s Luncheonette, the low-key restaurant tucked off Highway 1 in foggy Half Moon Bay, that’s exactly what you’ll find—if you know where to look.
If you pull up, chances are you’ll find Scott Clark—chef, dad, and now cookbook author—chatting with customers, cracking jokes, and running the pass for their short-and-sweet seasonal menu.
If you’ve ever tried to find Medjool dates in a grocery store, you know it’s not always intuitive. You might check near the bananas, wander toward the baking aisle, or give up and ask someone. Until recently, date packaging rarely did itself any favors: generic plastic clamshells, muted colors, minimal context. The fruit may have been sweet, but it didn’t exactly look like it.
That started to change in 2019, when a line of brightly packaged, California-grown Medjool dates called Joolies started showing up in stores across the country. You’ve probably seen them even if you don’t know the name: turquoise stand-up pouches stamped with a bold yellow sun, sitting up in the produce section. Joolies wasn’t just trying to sell dates—they were trying to rebrand them entirely.
Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we have planned for the week ahead. This time, Noah’s been bit by the barbecue bug—and shares some inspo both for summer weekend projects and quick grilled dinners alike.
Good morning! All I can seem to think about as the weather warms up and the endless rain starts to clear here in New York is busting out the grill. It’s one of my primary summer joys, and though I’m not exactly a pitmaster like our friends at KG BBQ, I do have a small offset smoker/grill that I’ve been keeping in a friend’s backyard. It runs on charcoal or wood ,and I’ll be using it to try my hand at all manner of smoked meats this summer, from brisket to baby backs.
Let’s be honest: dads are objectively some of the hardest people to shop for. Whether it’s the “I don’t want anything” dad, the “just buy me socks” dad, or the “already ordered it myself” dad (the audacity), landing on a thoughtful, actually appreciated gift can feel impossible. One year my dad asked for a handheld leaf blower that my sisters and I promptly bought and I think that’s still his favorite gift ever. And yes, that's on here.
For this guide, I had to outsource—asked friends, combed through Reddit threads, and consulted my own father (an avid golfer and outdoor work enthusiast). The takeaway? Most dads either already have the gear for their main hobby, or what they want is way out of budget (why are all their hobbies so expensive?).
Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 newsletter about hosting life’s big and little moments. It’s where we share our personal tips and tricks, from modern-day etiquette—shoes off or shoes on?—to making extra seating out of every surface of an apartment. This week, we’re finally feelin’ like it’s BBQ time.
National Best Friends Day is this Sunday, and honestly? I’ll throw a BBQ for just about any excuse. It takes me back to those rare Irish summer days (all two weeks of them), where the smell of raw bell pepper meant the grill was firing up. My mother was a big fan of them on her burger—hey, don’t knock it till you try it. Here’s how I’m planning this weekend.
There’s something electric about checking into a hotel in a new city or country—the thrill of the unfamiliar, the view from your window, the anticipation of what lies just outside your door. And then, of course, there’s the food. Because while location and amenities shape a stay, it’s the dining options at these Grand Hyatt destinations that transform it—from a great trip into the kind you’ll never stop talking about.
The right dish can transport you: to another place, another time, even another version of yourself. It sets the mood, captures a feeling, and defines the rhythm of your travel experience. At Grand Hyatt hotels, the sheer range of culinary offerings means every stay becomes more than just visiting one destination—it becomes a global journey through your palate.
A few years ago, Alex and I started batching cocktails and keeping them in the freezer. Batching may sound fancy and professional but at most we were participating in rudimentary math (“one ounce? nah, one cup!”) and advanced laziness (ahem, preparedness). Having cocktails ready to go and super, super cold so that they won’t immediately water themselves down by melting ice was a win. And, as the habit has continued, it’s always fun when a friend stops by and you remember you already have perfect manhattans ready to go, as if you were trying to medal in the impromptu hosting olympics.
Your guests are about to be impressed! This blog offers over 100 appetizer recipes, but the recipes that made this list are the easiest appetizer ideas in my collection. These crowd-pleasing, no-fuss recipes are made with basic ingredients that come together quickly and taste amazing. Start at the top to find the easiest of them all. Toward the bottom of the list, you’ll find a few recipes that require a smidge more effort but are completely worth your while.
These simple party snacks are perfect when you have surprise guests, you’re running late to a friend’s get-together (that’s me), or you’re hosting a feast (save your effort for the entrées). You’ll find plenty of dips here—everyone loves a good dip, and they’re easy to whir together in a food processor. Many can be made in advance and served cold. You’ll also discover appetizer recipes that you can put together in under 10 minutes using ingredients from your pantry—be sure to bookmark them for later.
Welcome to Schoolhouse Switchboard, where our team answers your most pressing design questions—one topic at a time. Whether you’re styling your space from scratch or simply refreshing a corner, we’re here to help.
This week, it’s all about bedding. From breathable sheets to layering tips, here’s everything you need to know to build your dreamiest bed yet.
Let’s face it: your bed isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s where you decompress, daydream, and, most importantly, recharge. At Schoolhouse, we get a lot of questions about making the perfect bed—how to layer it, how to style it, and how to choose the right bedding depending on how you sleep.
There’s this thing that happens when a nepo baby tries something. People either roll their eyes or tear them to shreds. Don’t act, don’t model, don’t start a clothing line—and definitely don’t launch a cooking show on Facebook during the pandemic. Brooklyn Peltz Beckham did the last one, and the internet (especially the British tabloids) had a field day. But here’s what’s interesting: he never really stopped.
I’ve definitely participated in the “lightly roast a nepo baby” discourse—it can feel like punching up, and in many cases, it is. But it’s also kind of a lose-lose. People complain when famous kids do nothing with their platforms, and they complain when they try.
When my husband and I moved into our first home together, we discovered that the previous owners had left behind a few things, all of which we gratefully kept and used for years. One of these bonus treasures was a perfectly lovely wide-mouthed wicker wastebasket that had a sort of billowy plastic lining.
It moved with us two times, and though I didn’t love that the wide rim made it impossible to line it with a trash bag (meaning that when gum was tossed in there, it would stick to the plastic lining… nasty!), I kept it because I never throw out something that is perfectly passably doing its job. Well, it was—at least in theory—doing its job, because every week while celebrating Garbage Eve (the night before the garbage collector comes and we empty all our indoor garbage cans), I would inevitably find evidence of well-intentioned but missed free throws of all sort of detritus: spent floss, errant nail trimmings, and the occasional stray cotton swab. I found myself silently fuming at my husband for believing too firmly in either his aim or the wideness of the wastebasket’s opening and sending his biohazardous waste on a wing and a prayer in what can only be described as the general vicinity of that old basket.
Maximalism isn’t about more clutter—it’s about more character. And in a small space, the best place to start? Right on the wall.
Wall sconces are the secret weapon designers reach for again and again: they save space, layer in light, and (in some cases) double as sculptural art. In the cozy corners and clever placements ahead, we’re taking cues from some of our favorite designer spaces to show how a well-placed sconce can turn even the tiniest nook into a major design moment. Ready to see why they’re a small-space essential? Below, you’ll find out how to use them just like the pros.
In 2018, hard seltzer was everywhere. White Claw took over coolers, bar menus, and party tables, and beer suddenly had real competition. So when Grant Wood—a brewmaster with decades of experience—floated the idea of nonalcoholic beer to major players like MillerCoors, it didn’t exactly land. Everyone was still riding the fizzy wave.
Login
