When we first began reporting this episode, we wanted to tell stories about foods, drinks, and experiences that fall outside what is typically considered “authentic.” We coined the term “purposefully IN-authentic” and ran with it until we couldn’t run any further. What we found instead is that choosing the road less traveled because it is the road that feels most true, might be the most exemplary form of authenticity. From entire cuisines, to community practices, to individual choices, to specific places (uh-um, Margaritaville), this episode celebrates a new definition of authenticity: commitment, genuineness and unabashed ingenuity. 

Further Reading:

Listen to Meat and Three Episode 192, Identity Crisis: Authenticity in a Changing Food Landscape, to hear this season’s initial discussion about the effects of narratives of authenticity in our foodways. 

For more from Dr. Alex Orquiza, check out his book, The Taste of Control.

Learn more about Pepper and Two Mamas Farm. 

Find out more about Yuna Asriyan and the non-alcoholic brands that she works with, like Prima Pavé, Feragaia, and Pathfinder at the Catchall Collective. 

Listen to Yuna delve deeper into the value and psychology involved in the non-alcoholic space on this episode of the HRN show The Speakeasy. 

For a deeper look into Margaritaville in Times Square, read this Eater article. 

Find Susan Sontag’s Notes on Camp, here. 

Credits: 

This episode of Meat and Three was reported by Sam Gerardi, Hannah Chouinard, Elizabeth Fisher, and Jessica Gingrich. 

Our lead producer on this episode was Elizabeth Fisher, with support from Jessica Gingrich.

Meat and Three is produced by Taylor Early and H Conley.

Our audio engineer for this episode is Armen Spendjian.

Our theme song was composed by Breakmaster Cylinder.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Meat and Three by becoming a member!

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