Gourmet Foods 101
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Did you know?
"Most hot sauces are healthy for you because they are made with hardly any carbohydrates"

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!
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