A culinary specialist is someone who is skilled in the art of cooking, baking, and food preparation. There are many synonyms for this term, including chef, cook, gastronomist, gourmet, epicure, and foodie. Chefs are typically highly trained in preparing food professionally, often in a restaurant or catering setting. Cooks typically have less formal training, but are skilled in preparing delicious meals at home or in more informal settings. Gastronomists are experts in the history and culture of food, while gourmets are experienced food connoisseurs. Epicures are people who enjoy fine food and drink, often seeking out the best and most exotic flavors in the culinary world. Finally, foodies are people who are passionate about exploring and experimenting with different types of food, often sharing their discoveries with others.