epicure

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Merriam-Webster's Crossword Puzzle Dictionary, Third Edition.
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The Word of the Day for January 1 is: 

epicure   \EP-ih-kyur\   noun
     : one with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine 

Example sentence:
     "Griffin considered himself something of an epicure, with an ability to 
taste and smell that was the functional equivalent of perfect-pitch." (Terence 
Monmaney, _Discover_, September 1987)

Did you know?
     Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who lived from 341-270 B.C., believed that 
the best life was one of simple pleasures in which a person lived with a 
tranquil mind and freedom from pain. When "epicure" entered English in the 16th 
century, it referred to someone who followed the philosophy of Epicurus. But 
over time people came to believe that the philosopher actually encouraged his 
followers to pursue material and sensual gratification, so the term was soon 
applied to anyone devoted to materialistic self-indulgence; it later came to be 
used for one who loves good food and wine.