Do you dislike the term "foodie"?

Still, at least in the circles I run in, regardless of the intentions of Levy and Barr I do believe that common-use has taken it beyond and to a better place than its original use. And it's a good thing: it's a modern term for an evolved, modern version of gourmand, stripped of all the trappings and barriers related to social class as once existed. Anyone can be one. You just have to care.[/

Yes Jenise, it is all about caring isn't it? I know a person who belongs to a dinner group. The theme for the night was soup and it was being held at her home. Everyone was to bring soup. Hers was a bean soup from a can. She claimed it was very good...but to me it demonstrated a lack of care. I would never do such a thing, and if time constraints prevented me from cooking, I'd excuse myself for the evening, hoping my host would ask me to come anyway.

Food from cans makes me smile. Not too many years ago I reviewed a local cookery school in not specially flattering terms. Among the things I wrote is that "they spend too much time teaching students how many cans of soup to open for a given number of guests".

The school invited me to a meal that would be prepared by the students especially for me. It was a friendlly invitation and I accepted. The dining area was set in a lovely manner and each of the dishes that was presented, although prepared entirely from fresh foods, was intentionally served in a tin (can if you prefer). The concept was amusing to say the least. And the food was actually quite good. Made me smile for sure.

Best
Rogov

Food from cans makes me smile. Not too many years ago I reviewed a local cookery school in not specially flattering terms. Among the things I wrote is that "they spend too much time teaching students how many cans of soup to open for a given number of guests".

The school invited me to a meal that would be prepared by the students especially for me. It was a friendlly invitation and I accepted. The dining area was set in a lovely manner and each of the dishes that was presented, although prepared entirely from fresh foods, was intentionally served in a tin (can if you prefer). The concept was amusing to say the least. And the food was actually quite good. Made me smile for sure.

Best
Rogov

That was a rather elegant comeback on their part, and one that shows both good sense and good humor.

Somebody accused me of being a foodie because I thought the meals served at Dennys were lousy. I immediately pled guilty as charged. Let's face it the great majority of people are not particular about what they eat. I accept the descriptive word of foodie as a compliment.

I find the term "foodie" a bit too precious for my tastes whereas I'd never label myself a "gourmet" as that could be viewed here as too pretentious. Like others, I'm happy to be known as someone who likes to eat. It should be noted, however, that I also eschew the label "winegeek" in favor of "wino."

On a related note, has anyone else noticed the semantic slippage of "gourmand"? I see people and establishments using it now as an accolade instead of its old meaning as a (mild) perjorative.

Mark Lipton