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From Social Media Buzz to Culinary Masterpieces: Decline of Taste and The Power of Expensive Ingredi

From Social Media Buzz to Culinary Masterpieces: Decline of Taste and The Power of Expensive Ingredients in Gossip Cuisine

the manifesto of #gossipcuisine



Exploring the concept of "Gossip Cuisine" and its connection to social media

in today's digital age, food has become more than just sustenance; it has become a form of entertainment, a way to connect with others, and even a status symbol. The rise of social media has played a significant role in shaping culinary trends, with platforms like Instagram driving the popularity of visually stunning dishes. This phenomenon has given birth to what I like to call "Gossip Cuisine" - a fusion of extravagant ingredients, stunning presentation, and the allure of social media validation.

OH YEAH!


"I came out with the "Gossip Cusini" concept in the 2010s when more and more the decorations, the so-called, gossip ingredients, and descriptive menus, became the standard.

Helped by the rise of fusion, more as no-ruled cuisine, rather than a properly researched discipline, the "gossip cuisine" became the kingdom of expensive ingredients which played a major part in this came.

After novelle cuisine, contemporary, and the real fusion in the 2000s ish, during the 2020s, the need for more "eye appealing" and "brainwashing" dishes came along.

be aware that real fusion is played with spices, flavors, oils, and scents, rather than expensive ingredients.

Also, the lack of structured chefs played a role in the game, this all goes together with the commercial explosion of Michelin, more than once highly criticized.


Social media platforms like Instagram have revolutionized the way we experience food. With just a few taps on our phones, we can discover the latest food trends, explore new restaurants, and even become virtual food critics. This accessibility has created a new breed of food influencers who have the power to shape culinary trends with a single post.


Instagram and the Rise of food influencers

Instagram, with its visually-focused nature, has become a breeding ground for food influencers. These individuals have amassed a significant following by curating aesthetically pleasing food content that resonates with their audience. They have the power to make or break a restaurant, and their influence extends beyond just the online world. Food influencers are often invited to exclusive events, collaborate with brands, and even create their signature dishes.


What is a gossip ingredient?

A gossip ingredient is simply an ingredient that for one reason or another creates the wow factor and instigates communication through media and word of mouth.

For instance:

Foie gras for France

Abalone for China

White truffle for Italy.... and the list goes on moving along nationality, styles, and even seasonal trends.

see pistachio and caviar in the last 2 years.

The Menu as a stock list


"The menus are not telling a story anymore, but they are mere stocklists of gossip ingredients"


Have you seen the movie "The Menu"?

the amazing cast of Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicholas Hoult, in reality, are just satirizing the restaurant industry and where did it go,

They are talking about "Gossip cuisine"

Introduction to expensive ingredients in gossip cuisine

My great-great-grandmother "Luisa Gentile" used to add dark chocolate to her parmigiana, as a gossip ingredient, as far as between all that wars, the chocolate was very expensive.

Expensive ingredients have become the cornerstone of #gossipcuisine. From truffles worth thousands of dollars to edible gold leaf, these luxurious ingredients add a touch of extravagance to any dish. They are often used to create visually stunning presentations that are designed to elicit awe and envy on social media. However, the question remains: are these expensive ingredients overshadowing the real essence of food?

The loss of taste: Are expensive ingredients overshadowing the real essence of food?

In the pursuit of creating Instagram-worthy dishes, some chefs may be sacrificing the true essence of food - its taste. Expensive ingredients are often used as a marketing tool to create buzz and attract attention, but they can sometimes overpower the flavors of the dish. This loss of taste can be seen as a consequence of the obsession with social media popularity and the need to create visually stunning dishes.

Ermanno Lelli and the concept of "Gossip Cuisine": as F&B consultant for award-winning restaurants and hospitality groups worldwide

Ermanno Lelli, a renowned F&B consultant, and #chef4love, has worked with numerous award-winning restaurants and hospitality groups worldwide. With his vast experience, he has witnessed firsthand the impact of expensive and gossip ingredients on contemporary cuisine. Lelli believes that while these ingredients can elevate the dining experience, it is important to strike a balance and not let them overshadow the true essence of food.


"At the beginning, we were pushing an army of conservative chefs to embrace new marketing approaches and creative names, unfortunately, this went way too far, and most of the contemporary diners and professionals prefer the buzz versus the taste, causing a general decline in food variety and balance"


Exploring the world of luxurious ingredients

Luxurious ingredients have a captivating allure that goes beyond their price tags. From Kobe beef to caviar, these high-end foods have become synonymous with luxury and indulgence. They are often associated with Michelin-starred restaurants and are used to create dishes that are both visually stunning and rich in flavor.


A Foie gras foam on sourdough bread, Iranian pistachio crumbs, burrata gelato, Oyster oil, and homemade white truffle candies with golden leaves...
It still tastes horrible, but someone will gossip about :)


The allure of high-end foods

High-end foods have a certain mystique that captivates food enthusiasts. They represent the pinnacle of culinary excellence and are often used to create once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences. The rarity and exclusivity of these ingredients add to their allure, making them highly coveted among food connoisseurs.

Michelin-starred restaurants and their use of expensive ingredients

Michelin-starred restaurants are known for their exceptional culinary creations, and expensive ingredients play a significant role in their menus. These establishments strive to create dishes that are not only visually stunning but also showcase the unique flavors and textures of these luxurious ingredients. However, it is important to note that not all Michelin-starred restaurants solely rely on expensive ingredients and that the true hallmark of these establishments lies in their culinary expertise.

Traditional cuisine vs gossip cuisine: What's the difference?

Traditional cuisine and gossip cuisine represent two distinct culinary approaches. Traditional cuisine focuses on preserving culinary heritage, using locally sourced ingredients, and creating dishes that are deeply rooted in culture and tradition.

Balance and the taste are focus points of Traditional cuisine.

Gossip cuisine, on the other hand, prioritizes visual appeal and the use of extravagant ingredients to create dishes that are designed to go viral on social media.

From Michelin Stars to private kitchens: The Role of prestigious culinary establishments

Michelin-starred restaurants and private kitchens both play a significant role in the world of expensive ingredients and gossip cuisine. While Michelin-starred restaurants are often associated with luxury and fine dining, private kitchens offer a more intimate and exclusive dining experience. Both establishments strive to create dishes that push the boundaries of culinary creativity while showcasing the unique flavors of expensive ingredients.

Elevating the dining experience: Embracing the soul of traditional cuisine with a modern twist

While gossip cuisine may be dominated by expensive ingredients and social media buzz, it is essential to remember the soul of traditional cuisine. By embracing the essence of traditional flavors and techniques and adding a modern twist, chefs can elevate the dining experience and create dishes that are both visually stunning and rich in taste.

Traditional cuisine vs gossip cuisine: Contrasting traditional and contemporary culinary approaches

The clash between traditional cuisine and gossip cuisine represents a contrast between two distinct culinary approaches. Traditional cuisine focuses on preserving culinary heritage, celebrating local ingredients, and creating dishes that are deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Gossip cuisine, on the other hand, prioritizes visual appeal and the use of expensive ingredients to create dishes that are designed to go viral on social media.

The loss of taste in the pursuit of social media popularity

The pursuit of social media popularity has led to a loss of taste in contemporary cuisine. Chefs are under immense pressure to create dishes that are visually stunning and shareable on platforms like Instagram. As a result, the true essence of food - its taste - can sometimes be overshadowed by the need for social media validation.

Conclusion: The power and influence of expensive ingredients in the world of gossip cuisine

Expensive ingredients have become a powerful tool in the world of gossip cuisine. They add a touch of extravagance and allure to dishes, making them visually stunning and shareable on social media. However, it is essential to strike a balance and not let these ingredients overshadow the true essence of food - its taste. By embracing the soul of traditional cuisine with a modern twist, chefs can create culinary masterpieces that are both visually stunning and rich in flavor.

Michelin star mafia style marketing and monopoly

It is worth noting that the influence of Michelin stars in the culinary world can sometimes lead to mafia-style marketing and monopoly. Some establishments may prioritize the pursuit of Michelin stars over the true essence of food, solely relying on expensive ingredients and extravagant presentations to impress critics and secure their coveted stars. This focus on external validation can sometimes overshadow the true purpose of culinary art - to create dishes that nourish the body and soul.


At the end of the movie, Anya Taylor-Joy ends up asking for a chees burger.. :)

Buon appetito!

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