I’m going to say what a lot of foodies do not want to say. I hate truffles. Those ridiculously expensive (up to $2000 a pound), pungent fungi that permeate and overpower every food they touch. I do not like the flavor, I certainly do not like the price, and I cannot justify what makes them so great.

Perhaps I did it to myself. When I worked for Sid Wainer and Son back in the late 90s/early 2000s, truffles were all the rage, and I was privy to have access to and sample all sorts of products – fresh, pieces, oils, pastes, cheeses, butters, etc.

Despite the fact I do not enjoy consuming the product, I am still fascinated by it, and I appreciate the romance and culture surrounding it. Check out this video from 60 Minutes last week and you’ll see what I mean.

In the meantime, give me a mushroom any day.