Foodies

One thing I'm fairly sure of: everyone likes food. Some more than others, obviously. You may not be aware of this, but there is a class of people that know and love food way more than your P.F. Chang's Wednesday afternoon regular.

They're called foodies, and they're everywhere.

Foodies are that group of people who know great food and are relentless in their pursuit of it. They have a passion for different mixtures of flavors and techniques. They are addicted to creating and sharing good food. They are line cooks, prep cooks, bakers, caterers, farmers, butchers, restaurant managers, and enthusiasts. Their day jobs are strategically selected to get them closer to the food they're passionate about.

Odd are, you know some foodies. These are the guys who hang out in produce markets, and in back of the best restaurants. They change jobs as often as they change their foodservice-appropriate clogs. This means that they all know each other. They worked in the same kitchen three years ago, and applied for the same summer-camp mess hall job last summer. Some are slackers, others are obsessives, but don't cross any of them. They do prepare your food, after all.

True Foodies

Watch Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali (not his cheesy Japanese remake show, but PBS one in Spain with Gwyneth Paltrow). Hate sellouts like the TGIFriday's "chef" and peppy (non-foodie) Rachael Ray.

Use local ingredients, and stay away from big box grocery and super stores.

Spend lots on fresh vegetables, proteins (meat), and herbs, but know that name brands are all made in the same factories.

Are full of tricks like the no-tears method of chopping an onion and putting a cork in the pot when boiling octopus.

Don't waste their money on kitchen tools with oversized rubber handles or brightly-colored silicone.

Read the Food Lover's Companion religiously.

Are fluent in culinary French (not to be mistaken with real French) when it comes to describing cooking styles, techniques, and results (i.e.: al dente, blanche, confit, etc.).

Aren't afraid to kick you out of their (your) kitchen when you're asking too many questions or just in the way.

Major in savories or pastries, but rarely both.

Love McDonald's french fries, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and mystery meat tacos (even though they might not admit it.)

Frequent Chowhound, FriendsEat, and SeriousEats, but stay away from the Food Network (go figure.)

Comments

[Jeff]

Are you trying to tell us you are a foodie?? I might be if I could afford to be...(or is that proof that I'm not?)

[Caleb]

I'm just a wannabe myself. We watch Top Chef and I have been known to experiment in molecular gastronomy every once in a while...