You find out in life that people really like you funny. So what do you give 'em? Humor. And then if you show them the other side they don't like you as much. I find too that I can hide behind the idiot's mask being funny and you never see the sorrow or the pain.
Never be a food snob. Learn from everyone you meet - the fish guy at your market the lady at the local diner farmers cheese makers. Ask questions try everything and eat up!