# The Year of the Sphere Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-culinary-institute-of-america-439157/the-year-of-the-sphere Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-culinary-institute-of-america-439157/the-year-of-the-sphere.md Podcast: [The Culinary Institute of America](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-culinary-institute-of-america-439157) Published: 2026-02-20T21:12:57+00:00 Episode link: https://cia.podbean.com/e/the-year-of-the-sphere/ Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/73wypwtbd7umwskd/kikkoman_2026_-_video_1_-_year_of_the_sphere_v6_v1_1080p_a0knd.mp4 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-culinary-institute-of-america-439157/episodes/the-year-of-the-sphere Duration seconds: 597 ## Resource When we think of molecular gastronomy, we usually picture white tablecloths and tasting menus. But why should fine dining have all the fun? Andrew Hunter, Corporate Chef for Kikkoman USA, breaks down the fundamentals of working with agar agar to create vibrant, flavor-packed spheres that can elevate any menu—from casual concepts to upscale kitchens. Step-by-step, he demonstrates how to transform Kikkoman sauces into “flavor bubbles.” Watch as he creates: Salmon Tataki with Citrus Seasoned Ponzu Butter Flavor Bubbles Italian Meringue with Yuzu Ponzu & Marshmallow Flavor Bubbles Blueberry Seltzer & Soymilk Foam with Blueberry Teriyaki Flavor Bubbles Then we head to Encinitas, CA, where Evan Gonzales, Kikkoman Kitchen Cabinet Chef and chef at AToN Center, shares how he applies the technique in a real-world setting—topping Duck Carnitas Tacos with spheres made from duck broth and Kikkoman Orange Sauce. For more information and recipe, go to https://kikkomanusa.com/foodservice/ ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-culinary-institute-of-america-439157/episodes/the-year-of-the-sphere/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-culinary-institute-of-america-439157/the-year-of-the-sphere.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.