Hannah Goldfield

Calva Sane, writer and taboo critic exploring cultural and philosophical angles. Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker food critic and mother who sparked the question with her four-year-old. They chase a child’s question into stories about Columbus and the origins of the word cannibal, European medicinal eating, a notorious German trial, kuru and funeral cannibalism in Papua New Guinea, and whether lab-grown human meat would change our taboos.

Hannah Goldfield, food critic for The New Yorker, joins the discussion, bringing her adventurous palate to the forefront. They kick things off with a whimsical inquiry from a child about why humans don’t eat each other. The conversation dives into the fascinating taboos surrounding cannibalism, the cultural perceptions shaping our food choices, and the peculiarities of historical practices. Insights into ethical dilemmas combine with a light touch, exploring everything from the Foray tribe’s traditions to unique culinary recommendations, making for a savory mix of humor and thought.

Elazar Sontag, food critic at The Washington Post, adapts rigorous reviews for social platforms. Hannah Goldfield, writer at The New Yorker, examines ethics and cultural context in restaurant coverage. Bill Addison, veteran critic, ranges from fine dining to street food. They debate TikTok and Yelp’s impact, the shrinking gatekeeper role, and whether longform criticism can survive in a fast social-media world.