Mystery and intrigue can still exist in the game, but I believe that game mechanics, the simple knowledge of HOW TO PLAY THE GAME should not be be hidden. As it is, people rarely use food, culinarian is borderline useless. Most players aren't going to try out every single piece of food in the game, compare data across thousands of sample monsters to extrapolate which ones are best to use in a given situation. They will either look it up online, or just not bother.

By your logic, equipment shouldn't have stats on it either. We shouldn't be able to tell if this new body piece enhances accuracy, or if it's magic attack. Heck, it could not even be wearable by your rank or level just by looking at it, all that's there is a name and some flavor text.