TASTEMAKER Allison Hurwitz, Editor|Publisher

Nothing in the world is like that first taste; The adventure and excitement of experiencing something for the very first time.
The newness of sensation is unparalleled.

What is this? your mouth asks your brain, as your brain scrambles to sort its response, probing around for context. You swallow and reflect; a layer of knowledge has been added to your palate.

There are many kinds of first tastes: the tension and crescendo of a first kiss­—the vestal newness of feeling another’s lips, tongue on your own; when your heart breaks in two at the first chords of a song never heard before.

The thrill of discovery. The initial encounter.

Despite having never once tried it, my best friend in college just knew she hated Indian food; it was too “spicy.” Imagine her surprise when, by clearly a miracle of God, she mustered the courage to nibble the corner of a samosa. And liked it. Yes, she had to be eased in gently with the virtual equivalent of an Indian Hot Pocket, but still. Witnessing the shock flash in her eyes, as the look of disgust melted off her face was priceless.

Even more priceless, however, were the consequent Sunday afternoons we spent together gorging to the brim on aloo gobi masala and baigan bartha at Udupi Cafe.

I couldn’t say I told you so, even if it wasn’t such an obnoxious phrase. For I could have described the depth and subtlety of the Eastern spices all day long—it wouldn’t have mattered. She simply had to taste for herself.

That’s what makes first tastes so scary, so exciting, so beautiful; It’s what makes a first taste so amazingly wonderful.