Milk. Ramen. Cider. Tiki. This week, we have four stories about the history, controversy, and sentimentality behind names – those words we say often, but rarely stop to fully consider. Our exploration into the language of food includes debates between lawyers, interviews with historians, and chats with our favorite bartenders.

Who gets to assign meaning to the names our favorite dishes and drinks? Should plant-based beverages be called milk? Is ramen quintessentially Japanese? Who gets to decide what ciders can be labeled "dry?" And why can't tiki bars have white walls and windows? After this episode, you'll never think of these foods the same way!

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York State Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.

Additional music includes "Secret of Tiki Island" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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