Rarely has a single word, like Foodie, been used to identify a cultural phenomen which crosses such an enormous range of backgrounds, people, knowledge-levels and applications. People who look up directions online each time they want to boil an egg, still might describe themselves as a Foodie. Because their love of a well prepared and cared for dish might have nothing whatsoever to do with their ability to recreate it. 

By the same token, the Chef de Cuisine at some of the finest restaurants on any continent might describe themselves, nowadays, as a Foodie. 

So, as a self-described Foodie who sits somewhere in the middle, I am fascinated by both ends of the spectrum. I know how to boil an egg. Heck, I understand what Sous Vides means, but if you want me to tell you about an Agrodolce, I'd have to look it up (I did, it's an Italian version of a Gastrique, sort of, but you have to look that one up on your own). I am a decent cook with interesting gaps in my knowledge and inexperience with some, even common, kitchen techniques. However, I am definitely a Foodie. 

Back to my point though, I feel I owe something to the Hobby and Community that I have embraced in my life and expounded upon through the internet. I peruse the various offerings of the Omaha Food Bloggers, and I love what I see, read and hear about. Just a few weeks back I actually set out to eat at three restaurants I had heard about through those Blogs, but had never tried. I just recently wrote about the first one, Bailey's, which I loved. 

So, now that the opportunity has presented itself to go out and meet some of those writers and food lovers, while at the same time being able to patron one of the local Culinary Schools (and later write about the experience), I am jumping at the chance. 

Sage Bistro is the Culinary Arts Student Bistro for Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, NE. As detailed on the Gastronomic Fight Club, a food event to welcome, meet and mingle with Omaha Foodies is taking place on Thursday, April 16, 2009 starting at 6:00 PM. You can find more details and RSVP here. Move quickly though, RSVPs are due by April 9th. 

I, for one, am hoping we get a great turnout, and not just because I'll be bringing my fiancee along for dinner and want to show her off.