Inside Our Night Decoding Flavor | Photos + Full Panel
A tasty recap from MOFAD
Dear Friends,
We wanted to share a recap (including a chance to watch the panel!) of our June 25th event Flavor Decoded at the Museum of Food and Drink.
It was an evening full of taste and storytelling, centered around how flavor shapes culture, memory, and perception. Whether you made it out or not, we’re excited to share a few highlights and glimpses from the night.
We began the evening exploring Flavor: The World to Your Brain, MOFAD’s interactive exhibition that dives into how our senses, emotions, and biology create the experience of flavor. The night continued with the screening of two short documentaries, MSG: Mysterious Savory Grains by Kyle Finnegan and pb&p by Eleanor Galloway. Both challenged food myths and spotlighted the unexpected delight in everyday ingredients.
What followed was a rich panel with experts across the food space. Nazli Parvizi, President of MOFAD, moderated the conversation with fermentation specialist Jess Eng, chef and culinary storyteller Charlene Luo, and food scientist Wenqin Tang of C16 Biosciences. Their combined perspectives brought depth and curiosity to the discussion.
The full conversation is now available on our YouTube channel.
A few tasty takeaways from the night:
🍜 MSG is misunderstood
Often mischaracterized, MSG is a powerful and safe flavor enhancer that brings out umami, the “fifth taste.” Its reputation in the U.S. has long been shaped by misinformation and bias, but the science tells a different story.
🧪 Flavor is a bridge
From fermentation to nostalgia-triggering snacks, flavor connects people across time, place, and culture. It’s emotional, sensory, and deeply personal.
🥪 Taste invites curiosity
Whether through peanut butter and pickle sandwiches or an MSG martini, expanding your palate can unlock new ideas and challenge old assumptions.
Thank you for partaking in this journey with us. We can’t wait to share more films, stories, and food with you this fall.
Warmest,
Maayan and the Ceres team
Festival Co-Founder & Director
Want to explore more?
Curious to make an MSG martini at home? Try the recipe Calvin Eng shared with Food & Wine. You can also dive into Calvin’s cookbook for umami-packed recipes and make use of the Know MSG shaker from the event.
Want to learn more about MSG’s story? We recommend this This American Life episode and the TED Talk, “How the food you eat affects your brain.”
And if pb&p sandwiches have become your new obsession, tag us the next time you make one.
Two quick reminders
Filmmaker submissions are open on FilmFreeway through July 16, 2025.
We’re currently welcoming new volunteers to join the Ceres community.
Stay connected
Ceres is now in its ninth season and returns to NYC this October with more powerful films and events, including special programming during Climate Week. Follow @ceresfilmfestival for updates.