Diary of a Foodie Appearance: Aromas

I'm on the latest episode of Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie, "Aromas: Fragrance and Taste", and wondering whatever happened to Smell-O-Vision? Seriously. At least we can watch the preview online.

Sneak a peek at the fascinating Monell Chemical Senses Center; Morocco's argan tree climbing goats - yes, I said goats; and hot Coi chef/owner Daniel Patterson (BTW is it wrong to treat him like beefcake?) with Aftelier Perfumes' adorable Mandy Aftel. They're co-authors of Aroma: The Magic of Essential Oils in Foods and Fragrance. Mandy also makes an excellent line of Chef's Essences, which a fabulously-maned Ruth Reichl called "magical".

I was in Grasse, the historic parfumerie town in the south of France, to visit the kitchen and sunny hillside gardens of Jacques Chibois. Oh the things I do for you. He creates a Provençal "Aroma Menu" using edible flowers, including dishes like La Salade de Saint Jacques avec son Blanc Manger de Pomme de Terre, Olives, Mitonnée de Tomate [Salad of Scallops with Blanc Manger of Potatoes, Olives, and Mitonnée of Tomato] seen above. Why, yes, he did toss in a few slices summer black truffles, over the golden sunflower petals.

I've actually been on a few episodes again this season. Some segments ended up on the cutting room floor, but I am so not complaining. This year I've had the insane fortune to travel the world and this time work seriously behind the camera.

To see the show, check your local listings, which I am continuing to exhaustively compile.