A true foodie understands the art and science of flavor and realizes food at the drive thru is tasty and for good reason.

Words like gross or disgusting don't fall easily from their lips because their developed palate embraces all kinds of simple and complex flavors and textures.

Poseurs will try and convince you they are foodies with their talk, but they fail because they can't admit a fast food burger is delicious. Or a hot pocket has very real food appeal.

They have convinced themselves that being a foodie is the same as being somehow above others.

When my colleagues (chef's) and I get together we really enjoy discussing all things foodie. At parties however we tend to step back when we hear someone acting like a snob.

You'll know a true foodie when they immediately accept that your palate is telling you the truth about what you like and what you don't. They don't ever insult or talk down to you because of what you don't like the taste of or fears of tasting a something new.

Take it from a true foodie, the palate is always right. If you think something is gross it isn't because you don't get it. It is because something happened in your life that connects with the smell, taste or texture or all of the above to cause you to wrinkle your nose, gag or feel nauseated or even freaked out.

It doesn't make it wrong because it is your life experience.

Bon appetit!!