Dear friends, it was only a matter of time. A matter of time before someone launched an artisinal online food source and compelling stories that would make me truly have no reason to leave the house. May the record show that Wednesday 18th May was that date, the date that I put on a pair of elasticated waist trousers, sat down in front of my computer and shopped for unique eats to be delivered to my home, ne'er for my skin to see the light of day again. 

Okay. Maybe not, I know I at times have a penchant for the over dramatic, but if you succumb to a similar fate upon visiting the new <a href="http://www.gilttaste.com">Gilt Taste</a> site, do not hold me responsible as you were suitably warned. 

Gilt Groupe, or as I prefer to call the lifestyle purveyors Guilt Groupe have mastered the online designer sample sale, the discount luxury travel market and low priced exclusive city based events so now they naturally have gravitated towards the one thing that makes every human inextricably linked : food. But being Gilt, this isn't just any type of food. We're talking dried Morels, Mitibleu cheese, Truffle Hone, Noble Maple Syrups...oh my the list goes on and on.

There are several things that Gilt Taste seems to be doing right off the bat - one being that this is not all about the merchandise but is also a magazine, helmed by Ruth Reichl former editor in chief of Gourmet magazine and featuring articles by writers such as author Barry Estabrook who runs a blog I love called <a href="http://politicsoftheplate.com/">Politics of the Plate</a>. Add to this some of the most talented chefs food stylists and food photographers out there such as <a href="http://mattbites.com/">Matt Armendariz</a> and  <a href="http://harlanturk.com">Michael Harlan Turkell</a> and Gilt Taste offers to feed the mind and eyes instead of just the stomach. 

Sign up now for membership to this wonderful new venture, kick the tires while it's in beta mode and above all, eat and be merry!