Izzy Eats: The art of raising a gourmand, one bite at a time

Stirring tales of eating, cooking and foraging in my never-ending quest to provide, great-tasting (local and organic whenever possible) EATS for me and my boy(s).

Friday, December 19, 2008

What Is A Gourmand? (In case you were curious...)

A long while back, a friend inquired as to what I had in mind by the word "gourmand". True the initial usage of the term referred to an individual who pursued culinary pleasures to excess, more akin to a glutton than a gourmet. Not quite what I had in mind.

Instead, the current Wikipedia definition best describes my image of a gourmand : " A person who takes great pleasure in food." And, knock on wood (my superstitious side comes out), so far Izzy does just that.


Aember said...

"Izzy does just that"

Boy, is that a blessing! Mine are quite finicky, having their father's taste buds rather than mine.

Anonymous said...

You do realize that your son will go through years of rejecting your influence (excessive control) of what he eats. When he is 14, he will bring home giant sacks of White Castle and eat it right in front of you. Then, he'll date a girl who works at McDonald's and bring home day old Happy Meals. Get ready for it!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, thank you for finally saying exactly what I have always wanted to say.
He is going to rebel when he gets older, and you're not going to know what hit you once you don't have complete control over him anymore. Give him a break, he's only a child.

Smashley said...

Dear Anonymous Commenters:

Don't like it? Don't read it! I think it is refreshing to see a VERY young child enjoy a wide variety of foods. So many kids only want cheerios, chicken nuggets, and fries - with ranch dressing or some other bland sauce.

I don't agree with everything the blogs I read say 100% of the time - but Izzy is going to be a lot healthier in the long run than most other kids.

It sounds like if Izzy has an opinion about something, Izzy's Mama listens - he's still really little, and no parent is perfect. He'll be fine.

Anonymous said...


Kids like nuggets and Cheerios because that's what their parents feed them. It's not the kid's fault. It's ENTIRELY the parents fault. Do you think children starve in India or Mali or Cambodia because there are no Cheerios?! It's because there's no FOOD and any food you give to a hungry child will be eaten.

I'm just tired of this blog writing about what a great feat it is that her kid is eating all the stuff she is making. Big deal! Not every American family serves crap. WE GET IT!!! You're not doing any magic. You're just not exposing him to certain foods. WOW!!

Anonymous said...

But you have to admit, there is a kind of horrid fascination in reading it! It's like a bad novel you can't put down!

It's not that I disagree with the sentiments, but the way she bludgeons her fellow parents and teachers with her notions and how she rationalizes making other people feel bad about their choices - it's incredible! Inhuman. Did you read the cupcake post? My kids eat kale, chicken feet, lentils, chiles, caviar, etc, but they would never hurt someones feeling by rejecting their offer of food that way...it's not nice.

Smashley said...

Like I said, if you don't like what she says, then don't read the blog. I don't like Walmart, so I don't shop there. Doesn't mean I stand outside and snark at the people going in.

I don't agree with everything the people who author the blogs I read say - in fact, I was reading a blog the other day that I really, really disagreed with. Instead of leaving an anonymous comment, I just clicked away and haven't been back. It just isn't worth it.

Anonymous said...

Exactly, it's like a bad novel that you can't put down! The thing that gets me is the air of "I'm a wholesome earth mother who just wants to be nurturing, caring and educational...but I'll be nasty and judgemental to most people." Reminds me of the people who claim to be "liberal" and tolerant of all...except for the people who disagree with them.

Don't get me started!