J Black's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Slugburger
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Slugburger

No slugs were harmed in the making of this five-cent sandwich.
Gastro Obscura
Jeppson's Malört
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Jeppson's Malört

One of the world's least-loved liquors calls Chicago home.
Gastro Obscura
Huitlacoche
Gastro Obscura
Story
Ingredients & Condiments

Huitlacoche

The Mexican fungal delicacy that makes corn taste like a mushroom.
Gastro Obscura
The Fluffernutter
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

The Fluffernutter

A completely delicious, nearly nutrient-free sandwich beloved by generations of New Englanders.
Gastro Obscura
Chaga Mushroom
Gastro Obscura
Story

Chaga Mushroom

This coffee additive and killer of trees has a reputation as a medical marvel.
Gastro Obscura
Moxie
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Moxie

This cure-all-turned-soda once outsold Coca-Cola.
Gastro Obscura
Seaweed Ale
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Seaweed Ale

The ocean-scented brew pays homage to an old Scottish style.
Gastro Obscura
Ramos Gin Fizz
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Ramos Gin Fizz

Turning this cocktail into a fluffy cloud is easy—just hire someone to shake it for 12 minutes straight. 
Gastro Obscura
Boston Baked Beans
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Boston Baked Beans

In the 1920s, confectioners thought the public wanted candy that looked like legumes—and they were right.
Gastro Obscura
Fresh Hop Beer
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Fresh Hop Beer

These seasonal brews gets made with an ephemeral ingredient.
Gastro Obscura
Malasadas
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Malasadas

These Portuguese doughnuts have a fervent fanbase in Hawaii.
Gastro Obscura
Chateau Jiahu
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Chateau Jiahu

This modern adaptation of a 9,000-year-old brew combines elements of beer, wine, and mead.
Gastro Obscura
Cotton Candy Grapes
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Cotton Candy Grapes

A crossbred table grape variety that tastes an awful lot like spun sugar.
Gastro Obscura
Midas Touch Ale
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Midas Touch Ale

A brewery consulted drinking vessels found in the ancient king’s tomb to recreate a 2,700-year-old elixir.
Gastro Obscura
Kava
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Kava

The South Pacific's shrub-based drink causes relaxation, euphoria, and a tingling sensation.
Gastro Obscura
Birch Beer
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Birch Beer

This cousin of root beer has a long history and a surprisingly minty taste.
Gastro Obscura
Steam Beer
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Steam Beer

The unique style born out of the California Gold Rush blends the crispness of a lager with the flavor of an ale.
Gastro Obscura
The Zombie
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

The Zombie

Donn Beach only wrote the recipe for his famously potent cocktail in secret code.
Gastro Obscura
Boiled Green Peanuts
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Boiled Green Peanuts

Roadside vendors in the Deep South soften fresh goobers with bubbling brine.
Gastro Obscura
White BBQ Sauce
Gastro Obscura
Story
Ingredients & Condiments

White BBQ Sauce

In Alabama, smoked meat gets dressed up in white.
Gastro Obscura