Ingredients that are rare or difficult to grow on one continent, and are therefore considered gourmet, may be common on another. Gourmet involves being a connoisseur of food and drink and the demanding enjoyment of them. Gourmet food is any dish that offers an exquisite flavor and is presented in a pleasant way. The key factor in determining if something falls into this category seems to be its rarity and quality, of which there are many different grades.
To be a true gourmet is to have an exquisite knowledge of food and cuisine and a desire for beauty on the plate. A sweet tooth implies a great appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than that of a gourmet. In general, the term gourmet has less to do with food than with the person who is the subject of the word. A gourmet store usually stores the highest quality ingredients from all over the world, thanks to special contacts that help import foods that otherwise wouldn't be easily available in the area.
Gourmet foods are often found or made only in certain places, and their ingredients may be unusual, difficult to find in regular grocery stores, are only available in limited quantities, are rarely exported outside their place of origin, or are only available for short periods of the year. A gourmet kitchen will have professional quality appliances and accessories, often conveniently arranged to facilitate food preparation. Gourmet ingredients can mix herbs and spices in an interesting way or add flavor to foods that normally have no flavor. With refrigeration and the expansion of commerce, it's easier than ever for people with a little bit of knowledge about preparing gourmet foods anytime, anywhere without having an expert nearby who can help when they need it.
A gourmet chef has a very high level of ability to prepare food and make good use of the best ingredients.
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