One Year In
A year ago today I decided to starting writing this blog.
I’ll admit that it was all done on a bit of whim. I had no real plan and no real idea what I’d write about. I had much less clue whether or not anyone would stop by to read it.
The second admission is that while I have always enjoyed cooking and talking about food, I have come to realise that I know nothing. Well very little anyway.
I don’t see this as a particular problem. If I can continue to learn as much as have in the last year then the ongoing journey is only going to be a pleasure.
There are “thank yous” to be said to the restaurants who have kindly invited me to comment on their food. I have always tried to ensure that these invites were acknowledged and as such were not paid for. Although this did not mean that I was obliged to be kind in anything I wrote it did however leave a slightly bad taste in my mouth. The posts that followed these invited visits were not dishonest but they may not have been as constructive as they could have been. While I do not consider myself an expert or someone who enjoys giving others a kicking, this is something that will change. Year one – lesson learned.
All that said, food is such an emotive subject. Opinions vary wildly and something I dislike may be a joy to someone else. So I guess the trick is to take it all with a pinch of salt.
There have been fantastic visits to Aumbry, Italia, Ribble Valley Inns and Restaurant Bar & Grill. Less formal eating at Thyme Deli, Home Sweet Home and The Oxnoble.
Myself, B and TKA have all enjoyed the eating out. But equally as fun has been meeting and getting to know people who make, create, import and/or sell produce across the Northwest. There are a couple of whom it has been a pleasure getting to know over the last year. Levanter Fine Foods and FatJax Chunteys are all top people who have some brilliant products. If they are visiting a food show near you go along and say hello. Believe me, if you are in the Northwest they will be somehwere near you soon – they don’t half get about!!
And then there was the fun in the kitchen. OI not that kind. Honestly. Some recipes I’ve had fun thinking about, cooking and writing up include the Spanish Scotch Eggs, Beer Braised Oxtail and I still love the Chorizo Stuffing. There have been loads more but they have either been created on the hoof (perhaps a tiny bit tipsy) or were such epic fails that they were definitely not worth recording.
Pancakes. I seem to have become obsessed with pancakes over the last year. Whether it’s making them at home or rising to the challenge at Pancake Corner. But then again – what is not to like about pancakes?
Finally the biggest thank you goes to you. Anyone that has stopped by, commented and in particular encouraged me along the way. It’s a funny old world this blogging lark. I have been lucky enough to meet some fantastic people and I hope to carry on as I’ll be here for a while yet.
Anyway – must go. Since it’s my 1st Birthday, I’m positive there are are bundles of cards and pressiers to open.
No?
Sod it. I’ll make my own cake then.
Happy birthday!