By Charlotte Hope, Lifestyle Editor @TLE_Lifestyle
Remember the time before the word “foodie” was used, it was a carefree egalitarian existence. You could make beans on toast and eat it, just so, you know, you were full. But those days a long gone. If it isn’t artisan, it isn’t going down my gullet, sorry beans back in the tin.
Knowing the best cuts of meat, your terrine from your carpaccio and what wine to have with your meal are what determines whether you are a ‘foodie’, a study has revealed.
Researchers polled 2,000 adults to establish the definition of the term – and found a true ‘foodie’ shops for local food, always dines out at a different restaurant and often asks to speak to the chef after a good meal.
A foodie must also know restaurant recommendations off the top of their head and have access to a cupboard full of fresh herbs and spices, said the poll. Interestingly, four in ten of the adults polled considered themselves a foodie, whilst 55 per cent said food is one of the most important aspects of their lifestyle.
Kimberly Hurd, CEO at Zomato UK, which carried out the survey, said, ‘’Food from all cultures is easily and readily available to us these days, and Brits can explore and experiment more than ever. Whilst some people think the only convenient option is to go to a chain restaurant, they’d be surprised how easy it is to find a new or independent restaurant.
‘With this in mind it’s no surprise that more and more people consider themselves ‘foodies’. ’And it has its advantages – meeting and knowing foodies means you’ll never eat a bad meal again and we’ve built a platform to make that possible.’’
The research also showed a real foodie knows all the best restaurants in town, as this was voted the biggest sign of a foodie by 43 per cent of the adults polled. A foodie also knows the best cuts of meat and which wine goes with which meal, the adults said – and will always write a review of a restaurant on returning home.
Around 35 per cent of the adults said a foodie would confidently use terms such as terrine, carpaccio and prosciutto in a conversation about food.
It seems having a foodie friend would be educational for many – as almost three in ten said they would expect one to know where their food comes from, as well as the nutrition content. According to 15 per cent, a foodie would snub chain-diners in fear of a bad meal, choosing instead to support local, independent eateries.
They would also have knowledge of ‘hidden gem’ restaurants and be able to recommend them off the top of their head. Over half said they were a foodie just because when faced with a menu, they’re not averse to trying something new.
Furthermore, a confident 41 per cent said their interest in going out to eat has given them an expert knowledge in food. Whilst a further 32 per cent claimed they deserved the name because they prefer to eat locally-sourced food rather than grab a bite of fast food.
Kimberly said, ‘’The results are proof that new food and going out to eat is considered a genuine interest and fundamental to many. With such easy access to new and exciting food, Zomato wants to encourage the nation to try new cuisines, tastes and restaurants.”
SIGNS OF BEING A FOODIE
1. Knows the best restaurants in town
2. Chooses the best cuts of meat
3. Has a cupboard full of fresh herbs and spices
4. Recommends ‘hidden gem’ restaurants off the top of their head
5. Spends all their money on food and dining
6. Reads online food blogs and reviews
7. Knows the names and works of top chefs
8. Never eats in chain restaurants
9. Confidently uses terms such as terrine,
carpaccio and prosciutto
10. Knows which wine goes with what meal
11. Makes all sauces from scratch
12. Can know what went wrong just by tasting a meal
13. Asks butcher to prepare meat a specific way
14. Throws dinner parties
15. Knows the process behind different foods
16. Shops locally-sourced, organic produce
17. Has knowledge on nutrition content
18. Always complains to staff when served bad food
19. Always tries to eat in a different restaurant
20. Asks to speak to the chef after a good meal
Photocredit Wikipedia/Autopilot
