Inventive Eats

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Ever wondered how cornflakes were discovered?  What is the functional history of a chef’s coat and checkered pants?  What food related product and its clever marketing scheme makes me proud of my Okie origins?  Why wasn’t Jell-O as popular as the bacon bomb when it made its debut?  (The answer to this question cracks me up for all its absurdity, but I’m strictly anti-spoilers here.)

And what about those beloved culinary characters?  How was the doughboy or Charlie the Tuna born?   Personally, I’ve always had a bit of a school-girl crush on the Jolly Green Giant.  Not only does he remind me of a grown-up Peter Pan, he’s happy, strong, my favorite color and rules over an entire valley – what more can I ask of a man?

 

I realize I am on a question marathon so far.  To find the answers, head to the National Inventors Hall of Fame for their new food exhibit Inventive Eats: Incredible Food Innovations.  This one-room museum is packed with foodie knowledge while the rest is taken over by a Mr. Peanut mascot large enough to fit the Kool-Aid man.  If you happen to have your own food-related invention, just skip over to the patent office across the hall.

Along with your FREE ADMISSION to the exhibit, you get a pack of beans. You heard me.  FREE BEANS.  I’ve often mistaken the word “free” to be synonymous with “magic,” but even Jack had to trade in a cow to get his sprouts.

1. National Inventor’s Hall of Fame
2. Madison Building
3. 600 Dulany Street
4. Alexandria, VA 22314

M-F 9a.m.-5p.m.; Saturday Noon-5p.m.

-Jamel Daugherty

Tags: Inventive Eats, Jolly Green Giant, National Inventors Hall of Fame