According to Wikipedia: Foodie is an informal term for a particular class of aficionado of food and drink. The word was coined in 1981 by Paul Levy and Ann Barr, who used it in the title of their 1984 book The Official Foodie Handbook.
Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, foodies differ from gourmets in that gourmets are epicures of refined taste, whereas foodies are amateurs who simply love food for consumption, study, preparation, and news– and in many cases have become bloggers. Gourmets simply want to eat the best food, whereas foodies want to learn everything about food, both the best and the ordinary, and about the science, industry, and personalities surrounding food.
So with that in mind, here is the first of a three part series of GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FOODIE. Let’s start with a foodies devotion to PRESENTATION.
FOODIE TRUTH #1: PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING
You know how your foodie loves to show his or her creative side with a perfectly plated dish. Let’s face it, presentation “IS” everything. We are treated to the most creative presentations in our favorite restaurants and a foodie brings that inspiration to their home-cooked meals. Here are three wonderful gift ideas to keep that passion alive:
A 17 Piece Hors D’Oevres Set / $55.00
For a sensual dining experience this gift boasts everything you need for elegant appetizer service, and this 17-piece set is affordable and chic. Featuring spoons, trays and shooters, the uses are endless. The carrying tray is 15.25″ x 11.25″ and the kit includes: 4 ceramic spoons, 4 square glass tidbit trays, 4 glass shooters, 4 stainless steel spoons, 1 slate tray with handles.
Presentation Rings by Curtis Stone – $49.99
Curtis Stone graciously shares a big trick of the trade! Did you know that you can take super, simple ingredients and turn them into a dish that looks like it had a team of chefs working on it for hours simply by using a stacking technique? The ‘Showtime’ set includes four stainless steel rings and a chrome tamper to hold the stack firmly in place. Use them to turn something simple into something that looks amazing. They can also be used to set desserts or as pastry cutters.
Diane Von Furstenberg “Powerstone” Round Tray / $70, will dress any table setting in fashionable style. The singular style of DVF is captured in these unique handmade trays.
Stamped on metal, the faceted Powerstone form easily shares the table
with similarly strong shapes. Size: 11.75″ x 11.75″ x 0.75″ made by hand of brass with oil rubbed finish.
Your foodie will have napkins ready for your special meal, so here are two stylish gift ideas to enhance our lovable foodies’ table setting: Michael Aram “Lemonwood” Cocktail Napkin Holder / $59.00.
The Lemonwood Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined. And what is more romantic than a rose?
And we also have the Nambé “Pebble” Napkin Holder for $85.00
This ingenious and elegant Pebble Napkin Holder cradles napkins on a gently curved metal alloy bed, while the accompanying polished pebble reins in errant napkins and keeps the aesthetic sleek.
