Borla

I actually do consider myself a borderline foodie, but not the least bit elitist. I've spent what some would consider a fortune (into the low 4 figures) on a dinner for two with wine at world famous places. I absolutely love going to high-end restaurants where the tab without alcohol can easily be $150+ per person, and double that with wine, and I've done it many times.

Though I don't pride myself on cooking with rare ingredients, or using ultra difficult methods, I do pride myself on having more than a few dishes that I honestly think are consistently good enough that they could be served in almost any high-end restaurant. Amongst our group of friends I have a pretty high reputation, especially when it comes to grilling steaks or smoking almost any type of bbq. I've won local contests several times, and actually have friends come up to me sometimes asking if I'll prepare something specific for them that they've had in the past, or heard that I make.

However (and here's the big catch that zaps your argument), I also completely dig finding a hole in the wall place that makes a great burger, or Italian beef sandwich, or pizza. I will sometimes spend hours before visiting somewhere new just trying to find the spot that is off the beaten path, or mostly only known by locals. It's literally been years since I've eaten a McDonald's burger of any sort, and it's rare for me to eat fast food, or food from a chain restaurant of any type. Not because I have to have the high end stuff mentioned above, but because I want to try something new, something local, or something unique. Some of the best meals I've ever had have cost me $10 because I've been willing to research, or try something new. Some of my favorite meals to prepare at home (burgers, tacos, grilled chicken) are extremely simple, require no ingredients that are difficult to procure, and require very little time. And though I basically refuse to go to chain restaurants and eat mass produced stuff from them, when invited to a friend's house that isn't the best cook, I still go, eat what's there, enjoy myself, and have a good time. I would never critique what they prepare, or compare it to what I've had in the past. I'm there for the good company, and am thankful to have been invited.

I consider myself more of a foodie because I honestly believe that I'm more particular about food, willing to try a much broader variety of food than most people I know, and because I've had the privilege of actually trying a lot of top notch or unique places. I consider it more of a hobby than an elitist trait. And I don't expect others to feel the same way any more than I'd expect everyone to root for my favorite team or watch my favorite TV show.

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Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde!!!!