A gourmet is a person with a discriminating palate and who is knowledgeable in fine food and drink. The word is a corruption of the French word groumet, a valet in charge of the wines. It is often used as an adjective for meals of especially high quality, whose makers or preparers have used especial effort or art in presentation or cooking the meal, or for facilities equipped for preparing such meals, such as a restaurant.

Foodie is a conversational synonym for gourmet that is frequently used in the media. The word was coined synchronously by Gael Greene and by Paul Levy and Ann Barr, co-authors of The Official Foodie Handbook (1984).

Certain events and publications cater to people who consider themselves gourmets or foodies, such as wine tastings and Gourmet magazine.

It should not be confused with gourmand, a person who eats and drinks in large quantities, even to excess.

See also

• Aristology, the science of dining
• Philosophical Gourmet Report
• The Frugal Gourmet, a cooking show
• The Surreal Gourmet, a cooking show

External links

• Who's Who of Gourmet Chefs
• Gourmet food, recipes, chefs, and news
• Science for Gourmets (reading list on molecular gastronomy)

Food and drink

Gourmet