We're guessing that when the South Beach Diet and other such carb-scoffing trends warped our eating habits, that one Dr. Steven Laurence Kaplan shook his erudite head and knew he could not align himself with such tomfoolery. Why? Because Dr. Kaplan is a Bread Historian, and later this month you can meet him and chew the fat grain with him at Century City's Breadbar. Here's how it all slices:

On Saturday, September 20, BREADBAR Century City welcomes Dr. Steven Laurence Kaplan, widely recognized as the world’s leading expert on French bread, for an exclusive bread tasting and discussion at the artisanal bakery-bistro. Dr. Kaplan will lead the intimate bread tasting and explore BREADBAR’s signature offerings including the Baguette, Rustic Millstone, Buckwheat, and Redwood Rye, among others. Guests will learn about the process of tasting, the criteria involved and the methods and techniques involved in creating exceptional breads. He will also speak about his book, “Good Bread is Back,” and share his extensive taste-testing expertise gained while exploring the bakeries in Paris.

You will chew with confidence, knowing that Dr. Kaplan is both Yale and Princeton educated, and that "His primary fields of expertise are the history of bread and French history." Perhaps you can discuss whether Marie Antoinette actually said "Let them eat cake!" (Or did she say "Let them eat bread!" instead? Hmmm...)

Though, yes, we do mock just a nibble's worth here, this does look to be a fun afternoon of all things bread, and is free and open to the first 60 who RSVP.

Bread Tasting and Talk with Bread Historian Dr. Steven Laurence Kaplan
Saturday, September 20, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard R-2
(310) 277-3770 | RSVP Required

Photo by jslander via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr