Simon and Garfunkel wrote a song about the Sound of Silence in 1964 to point our attention to the sobriety of a fallen president in a time of mass doubt.  12 years before John Cage composed 4’33”, a score with three movements and no music.  At least not from any instrument.  Rather the audience were invited to focus on the natural ambient sounds.  Both meant to sharpen our thoughts by quieting our senses.

So why is that when we consider awe-inspiring recipes we forget the inherent melody that comes with the dish?  Why is it that we focus on balanced flavors or an artfully designed plate when we talk about restaurants and the skip audible tastes? Why is it that we consider cuisine silent?

Starbucks became the world powerhouse it is today based on the sonic branding of traditional Italian bars.  The hiss of steamed milk.  The gurgling of espresso.  The purr of coffee dripping. The tambourine of the bean grinder.  These are how Howard Schultz instruments our coffee immersion experience.

Funny how brain scientists are now just digging into what parts of the neural mass that light up based on intonation of voices.  About the musicality being processed in right hemisphere to find the pattern which might match an emotional cue. Stories like this seem amazing until you consider that poets have owned this skill for centuries.

So what is the sound of pizza?  There is no single audible signature.  Every artist and every cooking technique will have their own distinct sound.

Still if you embrace pizza from the grill as deeply as we do.  If you enjoy glutenous dough stretched thin and tempered over smokey coals.  If you enjoy a lava flow of cheese with fresh vegetables, bright herbs and the bite of spice. Then click on the video clip and listen to how it tastes.

Notice the crackle as the knife makes it’s way through the crust.  Notice how the cutting board answers back with a pop and a grind.  Notice the glycerin of Paul Simon’s voice inviting us to Slip Slidin’ Away.  Yes.  This a big part of the experience.

Tell us about your own sips and your own slip slidin’ away.  We hunger for the stories about tasty meals seasoned with songs.  Until such time.  Enjoy one more clip about the sound of pizza.  This time from Tom Douglas’ place, Serious Pie.