Non-foodie rebels in a gourmet culture

Lisa Bertagnoli wrote:Viewing food as necessary -- and little more -- leaves non-foodies out of a large part of the cultural conversation as millions watch TV cooking shows, Chicagoans revel in an exuberant restaurant scene, and dozens of bloggers seem to write about every dish that comes out of every kitchen. Social situations can get complicated: Even the best of friends may roll their eyes or force the issue when non-foodies reject a taste of foie gras or shudder at a spoonful of pho....

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The economic climate is a good reason to be level-headed about one's indulgences; favorite foodie activities such as posting the details of expensive meals on Facebook and photographing food in restaurants are "a little distasteful," given that the country is in the wake of a recession, says Gina Sirchio, 34, a Chicago nutritionist and chiropractor.

"It seems a little like you're pointing out you have time and money, and everyone needs to know," Ms. Sirchio says....

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Mr. Lurie is alone among his friends, ardent foodies who amuse themselves by taking photos and blogging about restaurant meals.

Earlier this year, he dined with a friend who is a food blogger. Within minutes of being seated, the friend slapped her business card on the table. The two got red-carpet treatment -- and a very small bill.

"To be honest, I was embarrassed," Mr. Lurie says.

Several months ago, he stopped going to dinner with a group of friends whose idea of fun was photographing every dish and one-upping each other with descriptions of their food.

"I felt like I was in an academic classroom," Mr. Lurie says. They were spending more time talking about the food than actually enjoying it....