Almost one in five (17%) Brits failed to identify that ‘al dente’ actually means retaining bite and 14% thought an ‘aperitif’ is a pre-dinner tipple. The same number also believed a ‘blue steak’ meant comes with a blue cheese sauce rather than its true meaning - rare.
The survey of 1,500 Brits also uncovered that almost half (43%) havr tried to impress their friends with their knowledge of food and wine, and a confident 91% consider themselves to be knowledgeable about food.
A further 69% also professed to appreciating food wines - and 79% said that good food and wine was ‘an important part of their life’. Despite this, fewer than half of Brits (49%) managed to identify Prosecco as a sparkling wine and 13% thought the Italian drink originated from Spain, whilst 8% said it was from England.
Caroline Gallimore, brand manager for pub restaurant chain Chef & Brewer, which commissioned the study, said: “Many of us pride ourselves on our knowledge of food and drink, but it seems we’re not as clued up as we like to think we are!
“We were particularly surprised to see that fewer than half of Brits knew Prosecco was a sparkling wine, given its huge surge in popularity in recent years.”
Other shocking findings included 4% of Brits thinking the Yorkshire pudding originated in Scotland, rather than… Yorkshire. Whilst, 5% thought the Scottish institution haggis was an English dish, and 6% thought trendy veg Kale was actually an exotic fruit.
Following the research, Chef & Brewer has launched a search to find the minority of the public that DO know their stuff about drink for its first ever ‘Fizzician’ role. Those who know their Champagne from their Cava are encouraged to enter the competition to advise on tipples for a summer festival menu – and be paid with a year’s supply of fizz.