2 of 30

Write now Article Tools

If you're able to differentiate between star anise and fennel, in terms of looks and taste, chances are good you are a foodie. Or, perhaps you can slurp your favorite soup, and identify every ingredient within; that's another good indicator you are a foodie.

Foodies are more than just people who love to cook and eat. Their passion for food is tremendous; their knowledge of the latest food trends, wines, and cookware is enormous.

These food aficionados even get excited about food preparation. They enjoy gastronomic adventures, to places like China, to learn secrets of making the perfect Shanghai Roast Duck.

Often accused of snobbery for their discerning and sophisticated tastes, foodies do tend to favor high-end, specialty foods and delicacies.

Snobbery aside, there's no secret on how to be a foodie. They can be anyone, anywhere in the world, who lives and breathes food. You don't need special skills like a degree in culinary arts, or a career as a food writer or restaurant critic. It does help, however, if you have discerning tastes, a keen eye, an extraordinary palate, and computer savvyness.

Here are the ways foodies are using the internet.

Find Recipes.
Using the internet to find recipes has become more popular that using traditional cookbooks. You would have to purchase hundreds of cookbooks to equal the enormous amount of free recipes available online, and in every category.

Connect with Other Foodies.
Discussions forums are terrific meeting places for foodies to congregate and discuss issues related to foodism. The boards are also great to share recipes, and culinary experiences.

Rate restaurants.
Foodies certainly love to eat. As such, they rarely miss an opportunity to dine at top restaurants, sample impressive cuisine, and provide unbiased reviews.

Besides the foods deliciousness (or lack there of), foodies also critique other factors, including:

* Ambiance.
* Service.
* Quality of food.
* Cost.
* Dress codes.
* Hours.
* Reservations.
* Celebrity chefs.

Foodies will use the reviews to determine which restaurant is worth a visit, and which one to avoid altogether.

Blogs.
Besides sharing recipe ideas, blogs are useful on many levels. Get great tips on:

* Entertaining - how to host the perfect cocktail party.
* Grocery shopping lists - ideas for stocking pantries and fridge.
* Health information - such as, the benefits of choosing quinoa over white rice.

You can also find newsletters, and links to other sites.

vlog (Video Blog).
Whole Foods has joined a small but growing list of

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How foodies use the Internet?
We want to hear your view. Write now!