Topic: Potatoes

Renowned French chef Joël Robuchon passed away, prompting a discussion about his culinary legacy and his signature "whipped potatoes." The hosts recalled dining at his restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They discussed the fate of high-end restaurants after the passing of their namesake chefs, citing Lutece in New York as a historical example.

The FDA has approved genetically engineered "Arctic apples" that do not brown and "Innate potatoes" designed to resist bruising and produce less acrylamide when fried. The hosts criticize these modifications for prioritizing aesthetics and shelf-life over flavor and nutrition. They note that while the government claims they are safe, the World Health Organization recently classified glyphosate—used on many GMO crops—as a probable carcinogen.

Secretary of State John Kerry presented Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with two large Idaho potatoes as a gift during diplomatic talks. Simultaneously, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, which South Korean officials interpreted as a message to G7 leaders meeting in the Netherlands.

A donation from Sir Anthony Montgomery triggers a discussion on the chemistry of cooking kale. The contributor provides a recipe for Tuscan potato soup that uses fats from cream and sausage to neutralize the foul-tasting sulfurous compounds in the greens. The segment also establishes the "567 Club" for donors contributing to this specific episode number.

The hosts recount a recent meetup with show producers Mike and Jane, who provided homemade food and discussed their healthy lifestyle. The conversation shifts to political strategy, with Mike suggesting that a Mitt Romney victory might reignite the political left's penchant for protesting. They observe that many former anti-war activists have become quiet during the Obama administration despite ongoing military conflicts.

A viral YouTube video featuring a young girl's science experiment reveals that supermarket sweet potatoes are sprayed with a chemical called Budnip (chlorpropham) to prevent sprouting. The hosts discuss the prevalence of herbicides in the food supply and express skepticism toward "organic" labels in grocery stores. They suggest that consumers are unknowingly consuming chemicals designed to extend the shelf life of produce.

Russian scientists reportedly claim a link between the H1N1 influenza virus and genetically modified amylose pectin potatoes used for fast-food french fries. The theory suggests that enzymes in GMO potatoes create acidic conditions that facilitate the "explosive replication" of the virus in the human body. The hosts discuss the possibility of food being used as a biological triggering mechanism.

The discussion continues regarding the correlation between H1N1 cases and countries that allow GMO potato cultivation, specifically highlighting Chile. Data is cited showing that a high percentage of infected individuals are young people, who are also the primary consumers of fast-food french fries. The hosts jokingly suggest a "French Fry Connection" study to test the theory.

Britain's Court of Appeal ruled that Pringles contain enough potato to be legally classified as potato chips, making them subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT). Manufacturer Procter & Gamble had argued the product was not a potato chip in an attempt to claim a tax exemption. The hosts find it ironic that a company would fight to prove its product lacks the primary ingredient it is known for.

Actor Billy Bob Thornton sparked a media firestorm in Canada after a hostile interview with CBC host Gian Gomeshi, where he took offense at being identified as an actor rather than a musician. Thornton compared Canadian audiences to "mashed potatoes with no gravy," leading to boos at his subsequent concert in Toronto. His band, The Boxmasters, subsequently canceled the remainder of their Canadian tour, officially citing the flu.

The rise of trendy Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco is discussed, with a focus on "Chifa"—a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines. The host argues that Chifa is essentially a version of American Chop Suey, which evolved from Chinese railroad workers in the 19th century. Traditional Peruvian staples like the thousands of varieties of Andean potatoes are also highlighted.

During a speech to the Produce Distributors Association, it was revealed that the lack of vegetable variety in American supermarkets is driven by consumer demand for cheap prices over quality. While Peru has 5,000 varieties of potatoes, Americans and Germans are noted for prioritizing low costs, leading to a market dominated by high-yield, tasteless produce.