Shopping Do's & Don'ts
Gourmet food shopping can be confusing and even risky to newcomers. Here's a few dos and don'ts for gourmet food purchasing, storage and preparation.
Do
- know all laws and regulations before ordering any food, especially alcohol.
- seek out aged beef if you want a tender steak.
- make certain any gourmet food company has guarantees and return policies.
- comparison shop for price, quality and value.
- make sure all food purchases are up to code.
- buy fresh seafood from an established vendor.
- be sure your filet mignon is made with tenderloin and not beef sirloin.
- buy vacuum-sealed steaks.
- buy flash-frozen fish and seafood.
- buy portion-controlled products when you have the choice.
- make sure you know your dinner guests' preferences regarding food and alcohol.
- jazz up any meal with a unique gourmet side dish, such as caviar.
Don't
- buy something you've never tried before.
- attempt to pick your own gourmet mushrooms.
- give your email address and credit card to anyone who does not absolutely guarantee security.
- purchase perishable food from a non-U.S. based vendor. It will take too long to reach the U.S.
- purchase without being well aware of a company's history, reputation and record of service.
- begin cooking meats unless they are fully thawed.
- cook any fine cuts of steak well done!
- use seasoning without consulting a seasoning guide.
- serve hot sauce to people who do not want (or cannot handle) hot sauce!