quiz for the week of september 21st

1. What herb mentioned in Shakespeare's Hamlet was said to be "for remembrance"?

2. Agar agar is a natural gelatinous ingredient used as a gelling agent in desserts, savory items such as sauces, as well as a clarifying agent in beer brewing. What is agar agar derived from?

3. This Washington, D.C. based chef hails from Spain and began his cooking career working for Ferran Adria at el Bulli. He is frequently credited with bringing the Spanish tapas concept to America. He founded the ThinkfoodGroup to oversee his many ventures which include restaurants, hotel projects, television programs and cookbooks. Who is it? BONUS: What is the name of his Washington D.C. based tapas restaurant?

4. This peculiar looking fish is a bottom feeder with six spiny "legs" -two on each side. They are used by the fish to stir up food but make it appear to look like it is walking. The legs are actually their large pectoral fins and when the fish swims, it looks like it is flying through the water. When it is caught, it croaks like a frog and due to its appearance and the strange sounds it makes, it is often considered a waste fish and is discarded. However, it is a traditional ingredient in bouillabaise. What is it?

5. This common cooking item has been used for centuries as a fining agent for wine. Used to reduce the harsh tannins of red wine, it also assists in clarifying the wine to some extent. Due to Allergen labeling laws in some countries, a wine label that uses this product must state that trace elements of it might still exist in the wine. What is it?

6. True or False: Green, black and white peppercorns are each from a different pepper plant?

7. Which chef wrote Devil in the Kitchen? A) Anthony Bourdain B) Alain Passard C) Gualtiero Marchesi D) Marco Pierre White? BONUS ONE: What is this chef famous for giving up? BONUS TWO: What is he the youngest to have ever done?

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