Discussion: Don't forget texture

And candy corn.

This model requires a projection of many dimensions down to three.

Texture is important though. I pretty much despise aubergine (because guys, that name totally wins over eggplant), and it's definitely none of those factors that causes that.

I think pasta should be eaten for taste, not just for calories. Agree with ndobbs and Becks, though - your model is too simplified.

You should learn to cook, for many reasons. I recommend Alton Brown's cookbook: I'm just here for the food. It's a good read.

Harold McGee should be up your alley too.

Texture can be rolled in with taste, perhaps in a category called "mouth appeal". As for pasta, sure, it can be said to have an appealing taste, but on the other hand, how many people honestly eat pasta without some kind of sauce/topping/added ingredients? Rice in Asian cooking often serves a similar role, you get a bowl of it and put whatever you ordered on top. It's a carrier with calories.

Why compromise when you can have both?

I appreciate Sir Ian's aims, and the desire for tractability and efficiency in models. This hits home, as I have been having a debate with some esteemed associates about financial models.

But, that is neither here nor there.

For now, I just say umami. We can collapse dimensions further with umami, if mouth appeal was going to be included as an extra axis.

I think you're all wrong - Ian has too many categories. There should be two. Flavor and texture. That's what matters. And that's why candy corn is never a good idea, even if you are starving and need the calories.

first, boo, eigenjokes! cut that nonsense off before you start formulating the ian-norm for deliciousness.

second, i echo alex's alton brown recommendation. food + heat = cooking! the guy's a hoot. I remember an episode of his show where he has a bunch of hyperactive kindergarteners running around until they fall over to simulate some kind of molecular dynamics.

and third, if your scientist self doesn't mind intellectually slumming down on my level, check out cooking for engineers. i especially dig these cool tabular recipies