Disco Sauce: The True Story of Penne alla Vodka (2023)

Ot many people think about Penne Alla Vodka. You might pass a jar of it in the supermarket, or crave it only at 3am after a long night of drinking, but other then that it is a dish that is rather unremarkable. Except it's not. Serrini begins his journey into sauce hell by uncovering the origin story of the pasta which is so bizarre and fraught with controversy it is almost unbelievable. From there he takes it to the professionals, asking superstar chefs their thoughts on this bastardized dish, and how they would improve on it in their own diverse culinary backgrounds. He then brings it to cultural anthropologist and even chemists and molecular gastronomists to answer the question if vodka is really playing any part in the creation of this dish. Finally he goes out into the city to source the absolute best ingredients, including illegally purchasing raw cream, to make the ultimate version of this dish, to answer for himself if it is worth the trouble. The answer will surprise you.