What is a foodie?
Mar 27th, 2014, 05:57 AM
#21
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Is it a coincidence that I just got this email from Fodors?
<i>Are you always looking for your next food adventure?
Let us help you plan your culinary dream trip around the world. Just update your profile information with us here so that we can better serve you with relevant local travel updates and inspiration. Then, immediately download your FREE guide to the world's best culinary cities. Happy eating!
IN YOUR FREE GUIDE, GET READY TO:
• Gain insider knowledge on the best cities for every food lover
• Learn about our must-eat list featuring the best restaurants, cafés, markets, and festivals
• Get a local feel for each city's culinary experience</i>
A morbid sense of curiosity compelled me to see what this guide looks like so I updated my info.
For Paris:
The City of Love is also the city that loves to eat. For a modern take on a traditional crêperie, visit Breizh Café (109 rue Vieille du Temple, 3eMarais; +33 1-42-72-13-77; breizhcafe.com) in the Marais neighborhood. The café serves traditional Breton savory galettes with meat and cheese, but also crafts dessert crepes from Valrhona chocolate and homemade caramel. Paris is known for its outdoor markets, and Boulevard Raspail (6eSt-Germain-des-Pres) is one of the city’s best. On Sundays, shoppers can browse through rows of fresh, organic produce, and the market is also open on Tuesdays and Fridays with nonorganic food. Eating well is paramount at Guy Savoy (18 rue Troyon, 17eChamps-Élysées; +33 1-43-80-40-61; guysavoy.com), a restaurant on the Champs-Élysées that bears the name of its world-famous chef. Diners can try dishes ranging from sea bass with spices to delicate vanilla-scented mille-feuilles. To further satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli; +33-1-42-60-82-00; angelinaparis.fr) on the Rue de Rivoli. The tearoom offers a wide variety of elegantly crafted pastries and sweets—but don’t leave without
ordering the famous hot chocolate. To remember your sweet time in Paris, bring back some treats from Le Bonbon au Palais (19 rue Monge; +33 1-78-56-15-72; bonbonsaupalais.fr). Carrying over 200 of the 650 bonbons considered part of France’s history, you’ll be sure to find something delectable. Don’t miss the candied flowers or fluffy flavored guimauves (marshmallows).
For New York:
In a city as large as New York, diners can pick their pleasure. From street food to fivestar
restaurants, the culinary scene offers something for every eater. For elegant, unexpected dishes with a creative twist, visit Eleven Madison Park (11 Madison Ave. at 24th St, Flatiron District; 212/889-0905; elevenmadisonpark.com) in the city’s Flatiron District. Swiss-born chef Daniel Humm offers a multi-course tasting menu made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Reservations must be made exactly 28 days in advance to secure a coveted spot in the Art Deco dining room. To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man (841 Broadway, between E. 13th and E. 14th Sts, East Village; 646/467-8803; maxbrenner.com). The café offers a unique, chocolatebased menu with dishes like chocolate soup and fondue. For farm fresh produce, visit
the Union Square Park and Greenmarket (E. 14th to E. 17th Sts., between Broadway and Park Ave. S, Flatiron District). The market draws purveyors from the tri-state area, and products include fresh-baked pies, cider, local wine, and handcrafted cheese. Steps away from the market is Gotham Bar and Grill (12 E. 12th St., between 5th Ave. and University Pl., Union Square; 212/620-4020;
gothambarandgrill.com), where renowned chef Alfred Portale creates “architectural food,” or towers of stacked ingredients with fresh, seasonal flavors. Tip: Gotham’s prix-fixe, three-course lunch is one of the city’s best fine-dining deals.
I am less than impressed.
<i>Are you always looking for your next food adventure?
Let us help you plan your culinary dream trip around the world. Just update your profile information with us here so that we can better serve you with relevant local travel updates and inspiration. Then, immediately download your FREE guide to the world's best culinary cities. Happy eating!
IN YOUR FREE GUIDE, GET READY TO:
• Gain insider knowledge on the best cities for every food lover
• Learn about our must-eat list featuring the best restaurants, cafés, markets, and festivals
• Get a local feel for each city's culinary experience</i>
A morbid sense of curiosity compelled me to see what this guide looks like so I updated my info.
For Paris:
The City of Love is also the city that loves to eat. For a modern take on a traditional crêperie, visit Breizh Café (109 rue Vieille du Temple, 3eMarais; +33 1-42-72-13-77; breizhcafe.com) in the Marais neighborhood. The café serves traditional Breton savory galettes with meat and cheese, but also crafts dessert crepes from Valrhona chocolate and homemade caramel. Paris is known for its outdoor markets, and Boulevard Raspail (6eSt-Germain-des-Pres) is one of the city’s best. On Sundays, shoppers can browse through rows of fresh, organic produce, and the market is also open on Tuesdays and Fridays with nonorganic food. Eating well is paramount at Guy Savoy (18 rue Troyon, 17eChamps-Élysées; +33 1-43-80-40-61; guysavoy.com), a restaurant on the Champs-Élysées that bears the name of its world-famous chef. Diners can try dishes ranging from sea bass with spices to delicate vanilla-scented mille-feuilles. To further satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli; +33-1-42-60-82-00; angelinaparis.fr) on the Rue de Rivoli. The tearoom offers a wide variety of elegantly crafted pastries and sweets—but don’t leave without
ordering the famous hot chocolate. To remember your sweet time in Paris, bring back some treats from Le Bonbon au Palais (19 rue Monge; +33 1-78-56-15-72; bonbonsaupalais.fr). Carrying over 200 of the 650 bonbons considered part of France’s history, you’ll be sure to find something delectable. Don’t miss the candied flowers or fluffy flavored guimauves (marshmallows).
For New York:
In a city as large as New York, diners can pick their pleasure. From street food to fivestar
restaurants, the culinary scene offers something for every eater. For elegant, unexpected dishes with a creative twist, visit Eleven Madison Park (11 Madison Ave. at 24th St, Flatiron District; 212/889-0905; elevenmadisonpark.com) in the city’s Flatiron District. Swiss-born chef Daniel Humm offers a multi-course tasting menu made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Reservations must be made exactly 28 days in advance to secure a coveted spot in the Art Deco dining room. To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man (841 Broadway, between E. 13th and E. 14th Sts, East Village; 646/467-8803; maxbrenner.com). The café offers a unique, chocolatebased menu with dishes like chocolate soup and fondue. For farm fresh produce, visit
the Union Square Park and Greenmarket (E. 14th to E. 17th Sts., between Broadway and Park Ave. S, Flatiron District). The market draws purveyors from the tri-state area, and products include fresh-baked pies, cider, local wine, and handcrafted cheese. Steps away from the market is Gotham Bar and Grill (12 E. 12th St., between 5th Ave. and University Pl., Union Square; 212/620-4020;
gothambarandgrill.com), where renowned chef Alfred Portale creates “architectural food,” or towers of stacked ingredients with fresh, seasonal flavors. Tip: Gotham’s prix-fixe, three-course lunch is one of the city’s best fine-dining deals.
I am less than impressed.
Mar 27th, 2014, 07:21 AM
#24
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At first I thought the term foodie was silly - still think the word itself is. However, after seeing it used so often on Fodors, it seems to me that foodie just means the person has a real interest in their food, not just eating it, not just taste, but quality, source, preparation, etc.
That seems to be an interesting and important personal interest, same as someone who studies wines and like knowing about the grapes, location, etc. In that sense it seems an entirely complimentary term.
I enjoy good food, but have little interest in specifics and rarely look up restaurants ahead of time, so am sure not a foodie. I keep trying, but except for a few, wine is totally wasted on me. OTOH, I research museums and will stand in a long line and go out of my way to visit a museum that has one or two paintings or even one piece of sculpture I want to see. That does not make me an art snob. That is simply my passion. Having an
That seems to be an interesting and important personal interest, same as someone who studies wines and like knowing about the grapes, location, etc. In that sense it seems an entirely complimentary term.
I enjoy good food, but have little interest in specifics and rarely look up restaurants ahead of time, so am sure not a foodie. I keep trying, but except for a few, wine is totally wasted on me. OTOH, I research museums and will stand in a long line and go out of my way to visit a museum that has one or two paintings or even one piece of sculpture I want to see. That does not make me an art snob. That is simply my passion. Having an
Mar 27th, 2014, 07:26 AM
#25
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Opps, posted too soon.
Having an intense interest in food (or wine) doesn't make one a snob either, just passionate about something they enjoy. So, foodie: someone interested in and passionate about food.
Having an intense interest in food (or wine) doesn't make one a snob either, just passionate about something they enjoy. So, foodie: someone interested in and passionate about food.
Mar 27th, 2014, 07:32 AM
#26
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It sounds like there are almost as many definitions of foodie as there are of people.
To me, a foodie is someone who is more interested in food. That is a pretty broad range - it could be someone who is interested in where the food on their plate comes from, and enjoys talking to the people who grew/raised/made it. Or it could be someone who likes to shop at local markets and create meals from what they find there, or people who like to experience mind-blowing plating and culinary craftsmanship in restaurant, or people that prefer the humble trattoria that sources all their food locally and it just tastes good. Some foodies where I live are interested in experimenting with food, like fermenting, canning, making their own sausage and bacon. I could go on.
It is not storm chasing, it is just interest. I consider myself into food, but I would be just as happy with a bag of produce my landlord gives me from his own garden as dinner at El Celler de Can Roca (if I could ever get in.)
I do admit to a fascination with foreign supermarkets. Some people might find that weird, I guess.
To me, a foodie is someone who is more interested in food. That is a pretty broad range - it could be someone who is interested in where the food on their plate comes from, and enjoys talking to the people who grew/raised/made it. Or it could be someone who likes to shop at local markets and create meals from what they find there, or people who like to experience mind-blowing plating and culinary craftsmanship in restaurant, or people that prefer the humble trattoria that sources all their food locally and it just tastes good. Some foodies where I live are interested in experimenting with food, like fermenting, canning, making their own sausage and bacon. I could go on.
It is not storm chasing, it is just interest. I consider myself into food, but I would be just as happy with a bag of produce my landlord gives me from his own garden as dinner at El Celler de Can Roca (if I could ever get in.)
I do admit to a fascination with foreign supermarkets. Some people might find that weird, I guess.
Mar 27th, 2014, 08:23 AM
#30
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I think the OP has a good point. I notice many people posting for help here who say they are foodies. Hard to give advice when the term covers a wide range of eating styles.
I am a live-to-eat person, but don't really work at it. However, I enjoy hearing from those people who put more passion, thought and money into their experiences than I do.
And I always enjoy Jamikin's reports (and ekscrunchy's)
I am a live-to-eat person, but don't really work at it. However, I enjoy hearing from those people who put more passion, thought and money into their experiences than I do.
And I always enjoy Jamikin's reports (and ekscrunchy's)
Mar 27th, 2014, 08:25 AM
#31
Sandralist/zeppole in her usual win friends/influence people mode 
I don't call myself a 'foodie' since I seldom plan a trip around food. But I certainly do enjoy all sorts of food adventures whether a 3 star michelin WOW or fish tacos from a food truck.
I don't call myself a 'foodie' since I seldom plan a trip around food. But I certainly do enjoy all sorts of food adventures whether a 3 star michelin WOW or fish tacos from a food truck.
Mar 27th, 2014, 08:27 AM
#32
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<i>I notice many people posting for help here who say they are foodies. Hard to give advice when the term covers a wide range of eating styles.</i>
Good point.
I would consider myself a foodie but I don't seek out the high-end gourmet experiences. I'm more of a eat the regional specialties and get drunk with the locals kind of a person.
Good point.
I would consider myself a foodie but I don't seek out the high-end gourmet experiences. I'm more of a eat the regional specialties and get drunk with the locals kind of a person.
Mar 27th, 2014, 09:57 AM
#35
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I have a very provincial definition of foodie-that is someone who hasto go a certain new restaurant or try the latest fad before someone else does. I also think here in NYC there is a herd mentality that people do not speak badly of certain places and chefs or otherwise be thought of as crass.
A foodie is also someone who eats durian because they are supposed to.
I don't ever think I have seen Ekscrunchy describe herself as a foodie, even though she has extensive knowledge and what and where she eats seem central to her visits.
There was someone on these boards a number of months ago who said she was a foodie, which as the conversation progressed, meant she knew to take off the plastic off the Twinkies before she ate them.
My point of reference is the historian Will Durant's quote:
"Nations are born stoic and die epicurean."
A foodie is also someone who eats durian because they are supposed to.
I don't ever think I have seen Ekscrunchy describe herself as a foodie, even though she has extensive knowledge and what and where she eats seem central to her visits.
There was someone on these boards a number of months ago who said she was a foodie, which as the conversation progressed, meant she knew to take off the plastic off the Twinkies before she ate them.
My point of reference is the historian Will Durant's quote:
"Nations are born stoic and die epicurean."
Mar 27th, 2014, 10:03 AM
#36
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Didn't mean to stick a "foodie" label on either Jamikins or EKscrunchy. Only meant to say that I do find some of the trip reports that are focused more on food to be enjoyable and those two seem to seek food centered experiences.
Mar 27th, 2014, 10:05 AM
#37
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<i><font color=#555555>"I also think here in NYC there is a herd mentality that people do not speak badly of certain places and chefs or otherwise be thought of as crass."</font></i>
You can find a herd mentality everywhere. It's called human nature. The rest of your statement is pretty ridiculous, too. I adore Daniel Boulud, but boy does he have a few turkeys on his roster.
You can find a herd mentality everywhere. It's called human nature. The rest of your statement is pretty ridiculous, too. I adore Daniel Boulud, but boy does he have a few turkeys on his roster.
Mar 27th, 2014, 10:17 AM
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I think a foodie is someone who's life and adventures revolve around food. One of the first things I look for when researching a new city that I plan on visiting is the food. Specialties of the area, interesting restaurants, and things to try. I love photographing my meals. I keep up on the local food happenings in my city and make mental. Votes of who is a James Beard award nomination. I don't care if it is street food, Michelin starred or a hole in the wall mom and pop place. If the food is good I will go there.
Jamikins and Latedaytraveler, I agree with your views and observations.
A good meal and drink always makes my day a little brighter. I do not judge those who do not share my opinions. Differences is what makes our world an interesting place to be.
Jamikins and Latedaytraveler, I agree with your views and observations.
A good meal and drink always makes my day a little brighter. I do not judge those who do not share my opinions. Differences is what makes our world an interesting place to be.
