Introduction to Gourmet Food

The definition of gourmet food is very simple. It is food that is intended to be eaten by gourmets. The real problem is defining the gourmet.

Gourmet food is a phrase that cannot be adequately defined in any other way than to say it is food that is prepared to be eaten by the gourmet. However, this actually tells you quite a bit about it. A gourmet is a person with discriminating taste. They are very knowledgeable about food and are able to not only distinguish unique and carefully prepared dishes, but more importantly to appreciate them. In some people's minds, the gourmet is snobbish and hard to satisfy. While they may be hard to satisfy in many cases, snobbish is not a trait that defines the gourmet at all. Individuals might vary, but for the most part the gourmet is not concerned about the eating habits of others. They are more concerned about their own tastes and palates.

This does not mean that one must be a dyed in the wool gourmet to appreciate gourmet food. It is more important to realize that since gourmet food is intended for gourmets, it will possess a certain quality that would satisfy the most discriminating tastes. If your own taste is not quite that discriminating, you might find yourself even more pleased since your standards would be lower.

People also tend to think of gourmet food as exotic and rare. Some of it is exactly that. It is made from ingredients that are not very common and in some cases expensive because of their rarity. However, some of it is made from very common foods. It is really more a matter of the attention to detail and the care in preparation that defines it. The presentation is often as important as the taste in defining gourmet foods. This is something that is unique about it. The term haute cuisine is closely related to gourmet food. The word is from the French meaning "high cuisine", and again it does not refer to anything more than the highest standards in the selection, preparation, and presentation of food.

There was a science fiction story written once that told of an alien who was evaluating the planet earth in much the way a critic evaluates a work of art. Near the end of the story, as he is about to return to his own planet to file his report, he comments that humans are unique in the universe in that they have taken the simple act of eating and turned it into art. All living organisms must take in nourishment of some type and convert it to energy. It is a basic need. Animals simply eat their food. Preparation is not important. Yet, humans have converted this simple act of nature into something involving social and visual traditions. Gourmet food represents the highest form of this art.

The lovers of gourmet food are the beneficiaries of this artistic endeavor. We eat so that we may live. This fact is not altered by the fact that we invest so much effort and time into the preparation of food that is a feast for our senses. What is gourmet food? It is a work of art. It is the result of much effort and imagination. It is a treat for the eye and a delight to the nose. It tickles our taste buds and, ultimately, we can eat it and it helps keep us alive. All and all, it is a pretty good deal.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about gourmet food delivery services available locally and across the nation for GourmetFoodDeliveryServices.com.