The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) is the first museum in New York City dedicated to food. This new Brooklyn institution features rotating exhibitions providing in-depth looks at the culture, science, history, production, and commerce of food and drink. With a mission to educate the public on the vital role that food plays in human culture, the museum's programming also includes tastings and live demonstrations. From art and history to the natural world, museumgoers in NYC have always had plenty of topics to explore. It's time to add food to that list.

Kicking off the museum's slate of rotating exhibitions is Flavor: Making it and Faking It, on view until February 28, 2016. The exhibition delves into the history and science of flavoring, from telling the differences between artificial and natural flavoring to the elusive fifth taste of umami. Visitors can create their own aromas using MOFAD's "smell synth," deconstruct strawberry flavoring, and do some taste testing to discover the differences between flavorings.

In addition to its exhibitions, MOFAD also offers an array of events and programs to help us learn even more about the food we eat. On January 21, attendees at "Combat Rations and You" can sample MREs and learn more about the military-created processed foods that are now staples of our modern culinary lives. Kids can also participate in much of the programming as well, with child-centric events that include an interactive workshop on how the five senses affect flavor (January 23) and the chance to make chocolate sauce with renowned chef Dominique Ansel (January 30).

The Museum of Food and Drink is located at 62 Bayard St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. For more information, call 718-387-2845, or visit mofad.org.