The word “gourmet” is derived from the French word “gourmand”. The word “gourmand” is used to describe a person who has discriminating taste in food and wine. Gourmet food, however, refers to the highest quality of food along with the widest choice of food items, accurately prepared and served with artistic presentation. It is common, then, to expect that gourmet food be expensive, and that its preparation use the highest level of expertise in cooking.

Gourmet Foods.