Masters of Social Gastronomy

This ‘club’ is organized/​hosted by two of my favorite NYC organizations: the food history blog Four Pounds Flour and The Brooklyn Brainery. They host an evening once a month
[normally; they didn’t have one last month but posted a podcast instead] to talk about some weird or unique food item and discuss its historic and scientific backgrounds. Topics have ranged from chemical flavoring to candy, fake meats to gelatin. There are always samples and $ 5 drink specials [usually featuring some whiskey or bourbon, which I definitely enjoy] and both hosts have a great stage presence, presenting some facts and anecdotes in a very casual, approachable way.
They currently hold the events at Public Assembly, which is a pretty good space for it I guess… although the bathrooms there are crazy dark and not the best – maybe that’s why they keep them so dark, so you can’t see the horrors within! Regardless, I love the fact that this group exists, and even better is free to attend – I’ll definitely keep going back.