Off topic but those pancakes look AWESOME!

Foodie is such a broad term, it really does depend upon the person doing the critique. I suppose that i define a foodie as a person who has no tolerance and will ridicule instead of guide the novice sushi lover as they mistake a glob of wasabi paste for avocado. A foodie will politely suggest to their dinner companion to taste the noodles before dumping an obscene amount of kikkoman and sriracha and ruining the harmony of the natural flavors.

I think there's a difference between someone who is passionate about food, and a food snob. A person who is passionate about food is likely knowledgeable about a lot of things pertaining to food: varieties, preparation, technique, restaurants, wine. A person who is passionate about food isn't above food, but loves anything that tastes good. A food snob, on the other hand, has on odd sense of something to prove, judges people by what they eat and where they eat. Both kinds of people could be called foodies. The snobs, however, miss out on the fun of food.

I agree with purdygirl. I call myself a 'foodie,' but for me that means that I derive immense pleasure from talking about food, reading about food and most of all-- eating it! I think that 'foodie' has become a catch-all for people interested in food (whether you're a cook who loves to experiment or Michael Pollan) in much the same way that the word 'hipster' is often used to describe anyone young and slightly-fashionable. It's simply too broad.

Myers missed the mark, quite badly. Nearly all of his criticisms are vast generalizations based on two or three notable people (Pollan and Bourdain foremost), and are self-contradictory in a few places. He also displays a very clear vegetarian bias, calling Waters' meat dishes sustainable only because no one can afford them, without actually providing, y'know, proof of that statement. He goes on about the suffering of animals, completely ignoring the huge contingent of vegetarians, vegans and animal rights activists who also consider themselves foodies. Hell, his big critique of omnivores is based on a statement made over a hundred years ago! Since clearly nothing at all has changed in prevailing social attitudes since then. Then he makes a whiplash-inducing turn, simultaneously calling foodie earth awareness empty pomposity and accusing all foodies of gleefully licking their chops at the sight of spotted owls on the dinner plate. Um...no? Where in the blue hell is he getting this from?

His few legitimate criticisms are unfortunately lost, and clumsily lobbed to boot. He quotes Bourdain's misguided tidbits regarding evolutionary anthropology (although I doubt Myers would be able to identify the specific science as such) without pointing out that perhaps a chef and food writer isn't the best authority on the subject and correcting the information (again backing up his statements with hot air rather than concrete poof). He also criticizes Pollan for being present at the slaughter of a wild pig - because such things are, like, sooooo gross because he's, like, a vegetarian and stuff - rather than Pollan's own wild ignorance of science (the biggest criticism I had of The Omnivore's Dilemma).

Whatever other subjects Myers can boast a level of expertise in, food and "foodie" culture is not one of them - nor, frankly, is good writing. He decries food writing as seven pages on sardines, while giving us five pages examining the view of his own navel from the inside.

"Foodie" to me just means someone who is really interested in food: making it, eating it, learning about it. Sure, some are pompous know-it-alls, but that's because they're pompous know-it-alls and food just happens to be their raison d'etre (tres annoying).

Amen, PilarJ. Think you've hit the nail on the head. People who wax lyrical to the point of annoyance about one thing are just that kind of person. Food itself doesn't make them retentive, so don't lump those who derive such pleasure from it with those who alternatively ram their obsessions down our throats.

started to read, and then was distracted by the pancakes...mmm...and then back to reading. Single minded and littleness of soul as a closing statement? Monsieur Myers, that is rather sad. What is single minded in exercising our senses, even challenging them, and then having the opportunity to share so easily with those around us? Of course there will be those that go to the extremes, but I believe for the rest of us foodies, a love of good food is another facet of our love of life.

As a self-proclaimed "foodie" I have a hard time with the foodie sect that has a single minded devotion to flavor & taste and pays no mind to where the food has come from or how it was produced.
I'm sure bacon wrapped veal stuffed with foie gras is delicious with imported tomatoes from Scandavia. But would to be as appetizing if the consumer witnessed the process that got it to the high-end supermarket? Believe me, I'm happy that cooking and food is now considered a hobby but it wouldn't kill us to think about the effects of what's on our plate once in awhile.

Of course, I explore topics in depth. If I want superficial, I'll go to sites that skim. I want information. lots of it, to process. I am a trained baker, in depth is a good thing. I plant my own garden, so I better know what grows best here. I dry my own herbs, so I better know how to do it and read on how others do these things. It's not just a foodie thing, it's a taking care of my business thing.

I hate one uppers!

Also dislike food snobs. No one care that you ate the best chard at some place downtown. Especially not me.

All I can think about are those pancakes and how I want the recipe.

i am a foodie. but not a food snob. if you want to douse your spaghetti w ketchup at my dinner, go ahead. i am not going to roll my eyes. when my parents asked for tabasco in French restaurants (they are Pakistani, you'll have to forgive them) they got nasty responses (late 70's). i just dont like the idea of imposing things on others. i know the flip argument is that it is an insult to the cook's efforts, but i dont see it that way- it's about different palates and how our cultures influence who and what we are. x shayma

PS those pancakes look utterly divine!

I am probably a foodie and most likely a food snob... in the sense that I privilege some foods as being generally "good" (local vegetables) and others as generally "bad" (meat), and make those judgments regularly. I will say that I do not judge the people who eat those foods; access and education prevent large segments of the population from eating well. But Myers should not minimize that food and eating *is* emotional, personal, and political and is more than just a simple act of consumption.

To directly answer the Q: "Do you find foodie friends and writers overly pious and single-minded or do you think they're simply exploring an intense interest and passion?"

This is a conversation that uses multiple (and at once, blanketing) terms to discuss complex communities and philosophies. In my opinion, the characteristic that separates the "rightness" from the "wrongness" is the effort to help people and animals. I can tolerate someone being a bit myopic about food if they are working for change, to improve conditions for people and animals. Food obsession for the sake of food obsession (or self-gratification) is what makes a "foodie" insufferable.

I could talk endlessly with other people who love to forage, source and cook delicious ingredients. However, I find those who follow the 'in' crowd, or rave about particular food 'trends' just tedious.

Case in point: rachdez

I don't think I'm even clear on what a foodie is. If it's the people that go to the most coveted and expensive restaurants to try local or expensive food with high quality ingredients then I am not one of those people. I don't even see that as anything to be snobby about (wow, you paid for a meal).

You hear those people handing out lectures about organic and sustainable this, no sugar or fat that, etc. I always wonder, if you're so above everyone else and our folksy food, then why don't you grow your own and make it from scratch at home? I think there's more talent in making a meal than eating and "appreciating" it.

More power to the people that cook from scratch and even those that use jars of premade sauce on occasion. And if you can grow your own, even if it's just some herbs, the better.

http://jenncuisine.com/2011/02/in-defense-of-foodies-and-orangettes/

I despise the term "foodie" far more than any gourmet or sustainable food interests.

To me foodie means = I love food, I love cooking, I love reading about it, I love shopping for it, I love talking about it, I love sharing it... but hell I am not a food snob, I love chicken in Biskit'!!! So foodie yes! Food snob no!

"single-mindedness—even in less obviously selfish forms—is always a littleness of soul. "
Yikes. That ridiculous, insecurity-baring statement aside (quick, someone let the Dali Lama know he is screwed), yes, there are in-it-for-the-gloating annoying "foodies", but that the author puts them in the same category with Michael Pollan is absurd. What it does do, however, is make the point that people are capable of finding any number of reasons to disregard a message or messenger they, for whatever reason, don't want to hear. "Elitist", "moralistic" and "annoying"? Those are the the reasons du jour to hate on anything conveying actual information. This is a cultural disease that goes way beyond discussions about food.

Not everyone is interested in food beyond eating it, but that doesn't make people who ARE, or those who create or use a public platform to try and increase awareness for the greater good the bad guys...or "little souls". People blog and carry on about all kinds of things they are passionate about. It's not a judgment on those who aren't interested in that particular thing.
Does the rocket scientist make you feel insecure or judged for not knowing or caring much about rocket science? Does the environmentalist Prius owner make the SUV driver feel "folksy"?

I had those pancakes for breakfast this morning. They are from Clinton street bakery, NYC. BEST pancakes ever. They have a cookbook if you want to make them at home...

link for pancakes - http://www.clintonstreetbaking.com

I think "foodie" implies not just a love of food, but a sense of adventure about food - a willingness to stretch the palate for the sheer fun of eating! (That would then make me an amateur foodie, as the love of food and eating I have down pat, but the adventurous spirit is slow in coming...)

right on labchick...damn I want those pancakes, thanks for the link...will some please whisk me off to ny?

clinton street pancakes are divine. i recognized the photo immediately :) drooling right now...

i agree with those who say foodies are just people who are really interested in food. i would call those who are seeking out all manner of restaurant fare, restaurant enthusiasts. it kind of puts me off to hear someone self-describe as a foodie but then never talk about cooking.

I think he's just being a hater. I have my contrarian moments, so I will try not judge him too harshly.

However, if you are going to hate on something, let it be a negative social phenomena, as opposed to a growing enlightenment about kind animal husbandry, healthy land stewardship and resource conservation.

Some folks are just really resistant to change and are more comfortable with flavorless, pesticide and hormone laden meals.

Oh, I forgot to add that I hope he does not get colon cancer.

I don't mind that people appreciate food, talk about it in great detail, or spend a lot of time talking about it. The thing I do mind is when people equate food choices with moral, intellectual, or status. Enjoy what you enjoy, but don't look down on people who aren't as interested in food or don't enjoy "the finer things".

I've actually read foodies who have said that they think that there is something morally wrong with those who don't have adventurous palates.

Well said, @Orchid64. Outside of NY, I have heard some local food writers scoff at bloggers who review restaurants and recipes that would be considered low-end.

What they are missing, and what makes their critique pretentious, is that focusing only on fine dining tends to exclude those of moderate income, people with children, busy people, etc. This is, ironically, the masses of society. Even if we all wanted to, not everyone can have a 3-hour meal, a $30+ plate, or dine in a place without booster seats. That doesn't mean we hate good food and will just eat whatever stumbles upon our plate. We need help too! That's real life, and like it or not, it's what makes diversity in food writers necessary.

A snob is a snob, no matter what their passion is. I have come across food snobs, music snobs, art snobs, religious snobs and many more. I have also met people with passions that share these passions with a humble heart and bless the people around them.

I definitely felt a subtle sinking feeling in my heart when I called up a friend a year or so ago to say "I feel a terrifyingly desperate need to try that new restaurant on Queen Street. I think I'm becoming a... Foodie."

Fortunately for my boyfriend, my desire to quit my well-paying office to job to make cookies for a living isn't quite as powerful.

But to make more of a point, I consider a foodie to be someone who cares about food. Be it cooking food, talking about food, reading about food, going to restaurants to eat food...

I'm certainly one of those, but I'm not a "food snob". That's a totally different thing to me. My cupboards are always stocked with Kraft Dinner and Mr. Noodles because sometimes all I want want is some MSG or weird orange cheese powder. Deeeelicious.

I agree with many of what is being said: there's a big difference between a foodie and a food snob. For example: I think that Guy and his "Diners, Drive-in's and Dives" and Martha Stewart in general are both foodies. While they prefer their own thing they can appreciate where other stuff comes from. I think that we all have food that we simply won't eat like I will not eat liver or chitterlings no matter if my cousin is cooking them or Wolfgang Puck! However I don't judge the people that are eating them as most of them are my family and I love them dearly.

"if you are going to hate on something, let it be a negative social phenomena, as opposed to a growing enlightenment about kind animal husbandry, healthy land stewardship and resource conservation."
Beautifully said, tomato88!

I hate the word "foodie" because everyone I know who calls themselves such, is indeed a snob. I think my sister had it right when we were kids talking about what we wanted to be when we grow up, and she said "an eater". We grew up being force-fed organic homegrown vegetables from my parents' garden, which we hated! We just wanted to eat a "normal dinner" like our friends. Today of course I'd kill for one of those tomatoes, still warm from the sun. I've become a very picky eater, and hate some restaurants that "foodies" love. That works out well because then I don't have to listen to them. Some of my best meals have been spent sitting on the curb at 4am, with no napkins or silverware, eating delicious street food after salsa dancing all night. I'm not even kidding; exquisitely and lovingly prepared food, where the cook watches you eat it to take pleasure in the fact that you're enjoying it.

i find this, among other ridiculous blog posts regarding attacks on hipsters and beer/wine snobs, to be so besides the point -- as well as fairly annoying. i think the general consensus is that most people do not appreciate when someone is a 'one-upper' or 'pretentious'. however -- it is entirely another thing to attack a 'group' (this group often times being very generalized) of people that enjoy something and are very knowledgeable/passionate about that 'something'. why am i not reading more about manners or the appropriate way to explain something sans jargon. ksjdaldsjkldj grumble grumble.

In agreement with much of what other people have said on her:

I like to think of myself as an "amateur foodie," in that I love to read about, cook, and eat both new and exciting food and old, bad-for-you-but-so-delicious comfort food. I joined a CSA for the first time for this summer, and while I'm thrilled to begin supporting a local farmer and cooking with seasonal, organic ingredients, I don't keep a totally organic kitchen and I would never judge other people who don't believe the same things I do.

My husband is a beer nut, but his good friend is a beer snob. I characterize them differently because my husband likes good beer, but the draft list doesn't dictate which bars he'll visit and he doesn't judge what other people drink. The difference is the same for foodies and food snobs.

I hate it when I go through the trouble of making fresh cookies, and SOMEONE starts complaining about me tempting her with sugar and fat.

Well excuse me.

Doesn't anyone know that denying yourself treats just leads to gorging?

Personally I hate the word "foodie," but I do like food a lot and I seek out good food whenever possible. Yes, I am lucky to make enough money and have enough free time that I can buy good ingredients and cook from scratch, and I recognize that other people are not so lucky. But I certainly don't judge anyone else for the decisions they make, and I feel like Myers is trying to judge me for what I choose to do *for myself.*

My biggest problem with his article is that he discusses "foodies" as if they are one single cohesive group. He points out contradictions between Bourdain and Pollan as if he has caught them in the act, when I'm sure the two of them would never claim to be in complete agreement with each other. They are two people who write about food, nothing more, nothing less. To lump them in together and then point fingers about inconsistency seems sloppy at best, and purposefully disingenuous at worst.

I do hope that those are locally grown organic blueberries in those pancakes, anything else would be blasphemy. ... jk

I completely agree with purdygirl. My husband recently called me a "food snob" and it really, REALLY hurt me. I simply love the idea food and what it CAN be, especially when using the freshest, most wonderful ingredients with simple preparations. Not to mention how food can bring people together. It's not JUST a meal, it's an opportunity to enjoy life.

If I'm a food snob for not wanting to waste calories (or money) on crap served at McDonald's in favor of a simple, delicious home cooked meal then.... I guess I'm a food snob. ??

I work at a restaurant that serves fun, innovative, small dishes with a focus on "nose to tail" dining and local ingredients. It's a good place to work and a great place to eat for the open minded. Unfortunately, working there has colored my view of anyone who self-identifies as a "foodie." I used to consider myself a foodie because I love to eat, cook, use new ingredients and try new dishes. I have a hard time associating myself with the term now, however, because because practically every self-proclaimed "foodie" who comes into the restaurant is pretty much guaranteed to be a pain in the neck. They tend to be so much more demanding than other customers; picky and loudly opinionated about every little thing. I imagine that there are still plenty of people who consider themselves foodies who don't feel the need to write that designation on their restaurant reservations. I'm sure that those foodies are fine people who are simply out to enjoy food. It's the obnoxious demanding foodies that get my attention though, and make me dislike the term.