"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article .com>,
> "mstr" > wrote:
>
> > Does anyone know where I can find a clear definition of gourmet food?
> > Thank You
> >
>
> A food writer once said that any food can be "gourmet" if it is prepared
> well. She was talking about a meatloaf at the time -- one not laden
> with oatmeal or other filler material.
>
> I think we have an idea that "gourmet" food has to be expensive. Here's
> the definition from the Encarta dictionary in my mail program: relating
> to or preparing high-quality food that is sophisticated, expensive,
> rare, or meticulously prepared. Note that the separator there is "or"
> not "and". So I think a well-prepared meatloaf could be a gourmet item.
> No doubt others will differ with me.
> --

I agree 100%. "Gourmet" is (or at least should be) about taste and not about
rarity, expense, or difficulty of preparation. Unfortunately many people
confuse taste with fussiness, and operate under the delusion that turning up
their noses at "common" foods is a measure of good taste. For example, a
beef Weillington prepared with mediocre beef and incompetently prepared
pastry has no connection with gourmet, while a simple toasted cheese
sandwich made by an expert cook with top quality cheese and bread is a gift
from the gods.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.