15 Things You’ll Only Understand If You Truly Love Food
We’re not quite sure what’s worse — knowing a foodie or being one yourself. So, for the sake of this article, we’ll be speaking to you, the foodie-at-heart.
Read on to see which 15 foodie-loving sentiments made our list, and just how many you totally understand.
1. Having order regret as soon as you see a good-looking dish go by

Yikes! You just saw what appeared to be an award-winning dish, and you immediately regret your decision. Clearly, you ordered the wrong thing.
Will you be able to live with your decision for the night, or will you immediately grab the server and ask if it’s too late to change your order? The choice is yours, foodie.
Next: You’d never dream of not doing your research.
2. Making a reservation only after thoroughly researching the place

This move is a total faux pas. Could you even imagine going to a restaurant without having done your research beforehand? No, not you. You’d never make such a rookie mistake, for you are well-versed in proper foodie protocol.
Next: This is a total sin.
3. The inability to get on board with eating at a chain restaurant

You’re always on the hunt for something totally different than what you’ve ever tried before. After all, if you’re going to spend the money eating out, then it better be worth it.
Of course, you’re well aware chain restaurants are typically never, ever worth it.
Next: Sharing is caring, people.
4. Having to order different entrees than everyone else at the table

You scoff at the idea of ordering the same thing as someone else. If you do that, then how are you going to swap bites with another person’s dish?
Naturally, ordering a variety of dishes is your thing, and your friends trust you completely.
Next: You may regret this decision later.
5. Constantly chasing after authentic street cuisine (and possibly compromising your vacation)

We’re all about eating the most authentic food you can find when traveling. In fact, we highly encourage it. At the same time, though, we also know the value of having a discerning eye for questionable cuisine. Case in point: You’re traveling abroad and you seek out the most off-the-beaten path joint. But unlike the locals, your stomach isn’t quite ready for it. Yet, you can’t stay away.
Your daring foodie personality just may leave you in stomach agony for days. Was it worth it in your eyes? Absolutely.
Next: Time is money, but food is everything.
6. Spending hours in the car or in line to try the hottest new taco joint in town

Missing out on the hot new spot is certainly not an option for you. So, what do you do? You sacrifice your immediate happiness (because who likes spending hours in the car or in line?) for your long-term happiness.
Obviously, you have no regrets, because it’s always oh so worth it.
Next: To you, their comments are anything but Greek.
7. Actually understanding what judges on food competition shows mean

To the uninspired food consumer, food show judges are an enigma. But when they say something needs more salt or has the perfect amount of acidity, you, the foodie-at-heart, know exactly what they’re talking about.
So, consider yourself blessed, because for everyone else, it’s something they’ll never, ever understand.
Next: There’s no mistreating these well-loved items.
8. Knowing your favorite kitchen utensils should be treated with respect

Knives aren’t just another household item. Quite the contrary, they’re valuable utensils that deserve the utmost respect. Well, at least if you’re a hardcore foodie, that is.
Hardcore foodies would, of course, consider anyone who’d think to throw their wooden-handled knives in the dishwasher a total traitor. And we can’t blame them.
Next: You simply don’t understand.
9. Constant confusion when someone says they don’t care what they eat for dinner

This kind of statement is pretty much the exact opposite of music to your ears. In fact, it’s the last thing you’d want to hear from someone with whom you’re about to eat dinner.
Not care about what you’re having for dinner? Please!
Next: You don’t even need a calendar to tell you when this place is open.
10. Knowing the farmers market schedule by heart

Farmers markets rule. It’s just a fact.
There’s no way store-bought produce will ever be better than the stuff sold at your favorite farmers market.
Next: Books over blogs!
11. Believing your ancient cookbooks are sacred

Sure, the internet is a thing, but does it mean all those cookbooks you’ve collected over the years no longer have value? Well, maybe to some, but not to you.
Cookbooks are your bible, and you’re not willing to give them up.
Next: Is it love?
12. Knowing that sharing a meal with someone is much more intimate than a non-foodie may think

Anyone with whom you choose to eat must have already earned your respect, right? Well, that’s what true foodies think. And we get it.
Sharing a meal with someone is akin to sharing an intimate moment, and for that, there is no replacement.
Next: Something else is always needed.
13. Having a grocery list on constant rotation, even if you just returned from the store

Your grocery list never goes unseen. In fact, the second you return from the store, you’ve already started a new one. It’s a never-ending struggle to keep up with each new food trend the moment it surfaces. But you’re committed and, therefore, keep a running tally of ingredients you need to grab the next time you make a grocery store run.
Next: This is a major no-no.
14. Ordering something well-done

Unless you’re at a chain restaurant where they don’t give you much of a choice, ordering a cut of meat well-done is typically poor form. Why? Because it shows you don’t have total faith in the cooks.
When in doubt, trust the chef’s recommendation on how the dish should be prepared. Any reputable restaurant will have well-trained servers who will let you know.
Next: You will be judged for this one.
15. Deviating from the menu

To dovetail off our previous point, most foodies will never, ever deviate from the menu. Once again, this says the chef is not to be trusted.
Furthermore, if you show up to a restaurant and order off-menu, just be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. After all, if you wanted to compete in the culinary world, you should have applied for a spot on a cooking competition. Chances are, you won’t be able to out-create the chef at an already-established spot.
Read more: These Are the Biggest Feuds Celebrity Chefs Have Ever Started
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