Gourmand
Encyclopedia
A gourmand is a person who takes great pleasure in food. The word has different connotations from the similar word gourmet
, which emphasises an individual with a highly refined discerning palate, but in practice the two terms are closely linked, as both imply the enjoyment of good food.
An older usage of the word is to describe a person given to excess in the consumption of food and drink, synonymous with "glutton
."
In this latter usage, there is a parallel concern among the French that their word for the appreciation of gourmet cuisine (gourmandise) is historically included in the French Catholic
list of the Seven Deadly Sins
. With the evolution in the meaning of gourmand (and gourmandise) away from gluttony, towards the appreciation of good food, French culinary proponents are advocating that the Catholic Church update the infamous list to refer to "gloutonnerie" rather than "gourmandise."
The Ligue des Gourmands
was founded by Auguste Escoffier
in 1912.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Award
s were created by Edouard Cointreau
in 1995.
Gourmet
Gourmet is a cultural ideal associated with the culinary arts of fine food and drink, or haute cuisine, which is characterised by elaborate preparations and presentations of large meals of small, often quite rich courses...
, which emphasises an individual with a highly refined discerning palate, but in practice the two terms are closely linked, as both imply the enjoyment of good food.
An older usage of the word is to describe a person given to excess in the consumption of food and drink, synonymous with "glutton
Gluttony
Gluttony, derived from the Latin gluttire meaning to gulp down or swallow, means over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink, intoxicants or wealth items to the point of extravagance or waste...
."
In this latter usage, there is a parallel concern among the French that their word for the appreciation of gourmet cuisine (gourmandise) is historically included in the French Catholic
Catholicism
Catholicism is a broad term for the body of the Catholic faith, its theologies and doctrines, its liturgical, ethical, spiritual, and behavioral characteristics, as well as a religious people as a whole....
list of the Seven Deadly Sins
Seven deadly sins
The 7 Deadly Sins, also known as the Capital Vices or Cardinal Sins, is a classification of objectionable vices that have been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen humanity's tendency to sin...
. With the evolution in the meaning of gourmand (and gourmandise) away from gluttony, towards the appreciation of good food, French culinary proponents are advocating that the Catholic Church update the infamous list to refer to "gloutonnerie" rather than "gourmandise."
The Ligue des Gourmands
Ligue des Gourmands
La Ligue des Gourmands was a dining club founded by Auguste Escoffier and his friends in February 1912. This club spread throughout Europe and attracted thousands of members. It is notable for the Dîners d'Epicure—menus that were served simultaneously in many restaurants...
was founded by Auguste Escoffier
Auguste Escoffier
Georges Auguste Escoffier was a French chef, restaurateur and culinary writer who popularized and updated traditional French cooking methods. He is a legendary figure among chefs and gourmands, and was one of the most important leaders in the development of modern French cuisine...
in 1912.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Award
Gourmand World Cookbook Award
The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards were founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau.In 2008, books from 102 countries participated in the competition...
s were created by Edouard Cointreau
Edouard Cointreau
The founder and president of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, Edouard Cointreau was born February 28, 1947, into the families of Cointreau liqueur on his paternal side, and Cognacs Frapin and Remy Martin on his maternal side. His family has had vineyards since 1270.Edouard is a descendant of the...
in 1995.