Chowhound

Someone who strategizes carefully, passionately, and adventurously in deciding what and where to eat. As opposed to foodies, chowhounds are hype-averse contrarians who suss out their own finds, rather than follow authority figures and conventional wisdom. From the "Manifesto" at Chowhound.com: Everyone has one in his life: the brother-in-law with a collection of 800 takeout menus, the co-worker who's late from lunch because she HAD to trek to one end of town for soup and to the other for a sandwich. Chowhounds know where the good stuff is, and they never settle for less than optimal deliciousness, whether dining in splendor or grabbing a quick slice. We're not talking about foodies. Foodies eat where they're told. Chowhounds blaze trails. They comb through neighborhoods for culinary treasure. They despise hype. And while they appreciate ambiance and service, they can't be fooled by flash.