Foodie Friends ROCK!!!
Okay, so I say this all the time, but it is so amazingly true –
Food Bloggers are the nicest people in the world! I will stand by this testament. I have proof. I have “met” some of the best people since my introduction to blogging about a year ago. I have shared recipes, stories and laughs with so many new people and I have made some really good friends. I feel very fortunate to know people from practically every continent in the world, and many countries as well. I feel close to people I have never met before and it is an amazing feeling. We all share a love for food and cooking and it has brought us all together. We know things about each others’ lives too, and have budding friendships that span the globe many times over. How cool is that? Roberto and I decided that when we “make it big” we will have to do a world tour so that we can be sure to visit everyone and get the local’s perspective in some of the most interesting, tasty and sometimes exotic (for an American and an Italian) locales the world over. Plus hang out with some of these special people in person – a priceless gift.
But yesterday we were lucky enough to be the recipients of such a visit – and from a little closer to home.
I have “known” Judy from No Fear Entertaining for a while now. She and I really bonded over posts we were both doing about Farmer’s Markets, eating locally and trying to keep food additives and all kinds of other “food crap” out of our diets. It is something we are both very passionate about. Over many emails and a few phone calls, we found we had a lot of other things in common too, beyond the most obvious thing – we both live in Florida. She helped me learn more about the growing season in FL and taught me a lot about being being a Florida transplant (she is originally from Toronto, Canada, and I am from, well, lots of places, but most recently Vermont). Her friendship and support in food blogging and in life has been a wonderful addition to my life. So yesterday when we finally got to meet her face to face (along with her awesome husband T, and two lovely daughters AND 2 fun and rambunctious dogs) it was great, just as I would have expected. Roberto and I felt like we were with old friends and it was wonderful to meet people who share similar thoughts about the world and values as well as a love for food. We didn’t have much time together because they were on the last leg of their drive home, after 2 weeks away (during which she got to meet another foodie buddy of mine that I have yet to meet in person, Peter from Kalofagas – Judy you sure get around!!!!). So we decided to take a walk in lovely downtown Saint Augustine and take them to our favorite place to get my favorite food – Gelato. It was a sweltering day, and we were all so hot, but the gelato did help to cool us off a bit. I am looking forward to seeing them again in September when it is a bit cooler, when we meet with other Florida Foodies in Orlando! An event that will be sponsored by my friends over at Foodbuzz and that Judy and I are organizing together. π Thanks you guys for stopping off to visit with us! It was awesome and I hope we can do it many times in the future.
One of the first stops Roberto and I are going to make in our world tour, is going to the home town of my good friend and fellow foodblogger – Dharm from Dad~Baker & Chef in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. I have known Dharm for quite a while now. He was the inspiration for the first curry I ever made at home, his mum’s famous Kheema. We have shared the trials and tribulations of being Daring Bakers together (he is a much better baker than I am though – quite the dessert creator extraordinare in fact). Dharm is also a moderator on the Leftover Queen/ Foodie Blogroll Forum AND he also hosted the Royal Foodie Joust during the month of April, when I was off getting married. His posts are always delightful and humorous, and he is someone that I can count on when it comes to all things food blog related. But even with all these glowing attributes, Dharm just stepped up a notch in my book. He and his “Lovely Wife” (as he refers to her on his blog) and his two beautiful children sent Roberto and I a package – a wedding present, all the way from Malaysia, filled with hand picked goodies that he knew I would (well we would) enjoy. Not only that, but his sweet children insisted on hand making cards for us. The whole package was beautiful and touched us greatly.
Well I know you all are just dying to hear what is IN the package, so here goes:
Sambal Belacan – Dharm knows how much I love spicy stuff, namely harrisa, so this is similar but made with prawn paste. Cannot wait to try it!
Sarawak Pepper – a special pepper from the state of Sarawak. Smells like heaven!
Curry Powder – this is the good stuff
Chili Powder – ditto the good stuff
Cannot wait to make a curry with both!
No wait, there is more!
Dodol – a coconut based candy that is a specialty of Malaysia. This is by far one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted. The flavor reminds me of toasted coconut, but the texture is jellied. Like taffy, but without sticking in your teeth.
Kacang Tumbuk – ground peanuts covered in a light peanut shell. It is wonderfully crunchy and light. Delicious!
Peanut Biscuit – peanuts covered in caramel.
Thank you so much Dharm, you and your lovely family. We will enjoy these treats and think of you. We look forward to the day that we can meet in person. You know you always have a place to come in the States! π
Kat - July 16, 2008 at 11:16 am
Oh that is just fantastic! I have to agree with you, I’ve met some fabulous people through my years of blogging & flickr. I feel like I have all these friends I’ve never met in person.
marie - July 16, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Awww, that was such a nice post Jenn, its amazing to me how blogging has opened up my world in such a short time too, what a great way to meet so many wonderful people!!
courtney - July 16, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Oh what goodies you got. I want that prawn paste. Jusy is geting around and meeting everyone!
Cris - July 16, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Oh Jenn, this is such a nice event, the two of you together!!! Yes indeed, this community has so much in common and has the power to make a difference!!! Oh, on your world tour… you know you have a place in Brazil to stay! π xoxoxo (PS: I was on vacation and I am slowly coming back).
Nikki - July 16, 2008 at 1:18 pm
That is So super awesome, meeting foodie friends! I have yet to meet and greet with anyone. I try to impress upon my friends and family the ultimate cool-factor of all of the wonderful people I “meet” every day through my blog.
This is so amazing.
Judy - July 16, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Awwww shucks Jenn! We weren’t really that wonderful after that many hours of driving!!! Thanks so much for inviting us for a quick visit and the short walk to “your favorite place”! Meeting the two of you made for a wonderful break in an otherwise grueling drive!!!
What a wonderful package to get from Dharm! He is another blogger I would also love to meet!
Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet - July 16, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Thanks for sharing about the relationship building aspect of blogging. As a relatively newer food blogger, it’s inspiring to hear. But already, I see that happening. π
Ivy - July 16, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Isn’t it wonderful how many friends we have made around the globe. I am hoping that one day we will get to meet you as well.
nΓΒΊria - July 16, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Aaawwww… que nice, que nice! What a great thing you could meet Judy and her family and that she could meet you and Roberto!!! You are sooooooo lucky π You two look so sweet in the picture.
I totally agree with you Jenn, this foodie world is amazing and full of good people and good feelings. I’m so proud to be a member!
Dharn is just too sweet! What a huge package and tones of foreign and exotic food! Can’t wait to see what you come up with all this products π
christey - July 16, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Oh how awesome! I wouldn’t even know where to begin with all that stuff but it sounds great! and how cool you got to meet Judy in person finally!!!
can’t wait till Sept. this is going to be a blast!
Peter - July 16, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Jenn, I’m so glad you posted about your visit from Judy…she’s good people.
I’m totally hip to meeting other food friends and I think we’re due for a rendezvous, non?
Donald - July 16, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I agree with you 1000%. I have exchanged some really cool emails, recipes, and met some great people, present company included. I never thought that foodie bloggers were such great people.
I was looking forward to one such meeting here in the ATL, but alas, it didn’t happen. Hopefully when Beck and I are traveling, we can connect with some of the foodies who share the passion.
Haley W. - July 16, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Wow , Jenn, that’s all awesome stuff!
I thought about you when I went on vacation over the 4th, because I ended up driving through St. Augustine on A1A on my way to Ormond Beach – too much I-95! Perhaps next time we can make a gelato date!
jen of a2eatwrite - July 16, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Oh my goodness, Jenn, that is so cool! We had a large meet-up on Saturday of local Ann Arbor food bloggers and it was so much fun.
bee - July 16, 2008 at 8:09 pm
good for you!!! yes, the foodie community is amazing and very supportive.
Dharm - July 16, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Aww Jenn! You are too kind. I’m so, so glad that you liked the package and cant wait for you to post about something you make with the belacan and spices. Incidentally, I just realised, I think the picture on the bottle is of Kangkung Belacan (Water Convulvus with Belacan) – so hopefully now you know what it is! The kids asked that I send hugs to Aunty Jenn and Uncle Roberto!!
Adam - July 16, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Very cool Jenn. I’m new to blogging, but I am starting to understand how easy it is to have friendships form. We are all very passionate and easy going people. I think your ‘world tour’ sounds awesome. Imagine travelling all over and having a place to crash and chill. Amazing.
Teresa - July 16, 2008 at 10:37 pm
It’s beautiful to witness how the culture of food can bring people together, just like within our own families. So I guess the foodie blogroll is one big happy family. With Jenn as the matriarch! Very Happy for you and Roberto, Jenn,
Sefa - July 17, 2008 at 12:01 am
Foodie bloggers are indeed rocks!
IMHO, as an Indonesian.. I just want to inform you about dodol, it’s not a specialty of Malaysian.. since it’s originally from Indonesia π
Some years ago, lots of Indonesian migrated to Malaysia as teachers.. that’s why, Malaysia has some similar food π
Peter G - July 17, 2008 at 3:38 am
How wonderful is that? I’ve never “met” Judy (in blogging terms..so to speak) but I read Peter’s post about her visit too. Need to check her blog out. Lucky you with your care package all the way from Malaysia..can’t wait to see what you do with some of the goodies.
Vani - July 17, 2008 at 6:12 am
Foodies are rocking nowadays.. I too got a surprise card from one of my blogger friend…. Its very nice to meet them… we have now regular meet every month π You too enjoy Jenn!
Arlene - July 17, 2008 at 6:55 am
I made my first trip to St. Augustine in February (I’m a west coast gal with a place on Longboat Key near Sarasota). My best friend and my cousin both have places in St. Augustine. I’d love to hear about your favorite dining in that area sometime. Isn’t it fun to meet online friends in person? I belong to an online quilt guild, too, and have met many of the woman over the last 6 years.
Suzana - July 17, 2008 at 7:14 am
So nice! Food bloggers are indeed the best friends ever, and the meetings are always so exciting! Let me know if the world tour makes it to Lisbon. π
Helen - July 17, 2008 at 8:37 am
What wonderful gesture from Dharm and his family. Food bloggers really are the best people in the world! I always knew it was true π
Foodycat - July 17, 2008 at 10:01 am
That coconut candy sounds like my idea of heaven! Yum! And what a lovely thing for Dharm to do!
I was at the market with a food-forum pal the other week. I thought how great it was that when she said “So are you thinking xyz” for an ingredient I actually would have been on a totally different track and she was throwing out these great ideas for me! It’s amazing getting to spend real-life time with these people who you know well online.
Teresa - July 17, 2008 at 10:31 am
Congratulations on being featured in this months foodbuzz. Your site , of course, is wonerful. Thank you for the response to my message. I will certainly take it to heart. It’s time for an attitude adjustment. I think you’re swell!
Bellini Valli - July 17, 2008 at 10:32 am
I would love to be able to meet so many of our fellow bloggers. It was also wonderful of Dharm to send you all these Malaysian specialties. Food blogging is the gift that keeps on giving:D
janet ching - July 17, 2008 at 10:45 am
Lovely experience. I feel I have encountered so many nice food bloggers too. I had met a very helpful and friendly one yesterday. Am looking forward to more to come.
farida - July 17, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Jenn, it is so cool! I do agree that blogging really connect people! It is amazing! I am looking forward to meeting you and other bloggers I’ve met through blogging in person one day!
Any plans to come to California?:)
Lynne J. - July 17, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Wow! Now that is ultra cool!
I agree. Some of the nicest people in the blogosphere are food bloggers. Hopefully, I’ll have an opportunity to meet some of you in person, too.
Lovely post!
The Leftover Queen - July 17, 2008 at 3:00 pm
That’s exactly it, Kat! I think we are really fortunate.
Totally Marie! It is a great thing – a nice blogging perk!
I know, Judy is a lady about the towns! π I know, I can’t wait to try some more of this yumminess.
Welcome back Cris! Yes, of course, Brazil is on the list! :)It is great knowing all you foodies – and we do make a difference!
It is totally amazing Nikki! I am sure you will meet and greet soon enough!
Oh yes you were Judy! We loved your visit and can’t wait for more soon! Thanks for stopping to see us!
Totally, Kimmi – it is one of the many perks. Food is an awesome tool to build community!
Absolutely Ivy – you know Greece is at the top of my list! π
I know Nuria – I feel very blessed to be living this life and meeting such wonderful people everyday. It is inspiring! Yes,I can’t wait to see what I come up with too! π
Totally Christey! Can’t wait to meet you and Peter too! π
Definitely, Peter! Anytime you wanna come down to FL you are welcome! Next time we are in your neck of the woods we will have to get together for sure! Or maybe in Greece?
yes, Donald, it has been great “meeting” all of you! I am sure you will meet up with some foodie friends soon too! π
Totally Haley, just let me know! I love Ormond Beach – Roberto and I got engaged there – they have a nice gelato place there as well! π
Oh wow Jen! Are you gonna post about it? I bet it was a blast! We are going to do the same in Sept. with the Floridians!
It certainly is bee! I am so happy to be a part of it all!
Aw, give them hugs right back Dharm! They are just the sweetest little things! I think I will try making your munm’s Kheema again soon! YUM!
I know Adam! I can’t wait to meet more food bloggers. We are just the coolest bunch of people! – and we already kinda know each other by being parts of each others’ lives. So it is easy to cross over in person.
Aw, thanks Teresa! I am not sure that I deserve that title – but I sure am happy to be a part of this wonderful community! We all have so much to share and learn from each other!
Wow Sefa. Wow, how interesting! The box says: “Dodol was used in the ancient Malay community as an excellent gift to build good relationships”. Maybe it is both??? Anyway, – but no matter the case it is really good stuff! π
Yeah, me too Peter! LOL! You should definately go check out Judy’s blog! Her stuff is great!
That is so awesome Vani! I am looking forward to our FL get together in September!
Totally, Arlene. Well I actually have another blog called Jenn’s Travel Closeup: http://www.travelcloseup.com where I do restaurant reviews about places in SAint Augustine. π
Totally Suzana! That would be wonderful to meet you! π Foodie friends are the best!
Totally Helen! π
That is so true, Foodycat – it is like we already know each other – so meeting in person is even better! Yeah, Dharm and family are awesome people!
Thanks Teresa and I am glad that I could be of some help! That is what we are all here for – support, and encouragement!
Hey Val! I know it so is!
Totally Janet! I am glad you are meeting some too!:)
The Leftover Queen - July 17, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Not yet Farida, but I would love to come! It would be totally awesome to meet you!
Definitely Lynnne!
MyKitchenInHalfCups - July 17, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Great wonderful gifts from Dharm! He’s one I’d love to meet with you. Bloggers do seem to have great fun meeting “strangers” who are already “friends” but it’s true.
Trish - July 17, 2008 at 5:46 pm
So true about the lovely food blogging community! I am so searching out these chili and curry powders, not to mention trying to track down that intriguing kacang tumbuk! Wow.
elly - July 17, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I totally agree, food bloggers are the best! We have such a great community. I’m so glad to hear you got along so well with Judy, and the package from Dharm looks great. What a wonderful gesture!
Emiline - July 18, 2008 at 5:19 am
Oooh! Cool gifts. AND that’s cool that you got to meet Judy. I would love to meet some of my food bloggin buddies.
Tracy - July 18, 2008 at 7:09 am
Very nice post. It is an amazing community with so many great people to meet. I think this is a perfect forum to make a difference in the world of eating wtih regards to local and healthier.
Rachelle Jones - July 18, 2008 at 11:04 am
I loved your post. I do love my blogging friends too! How fun to finally meet. Those were some great and interesting gifts!
The Leftover Queen - July 18, 2008 at 11:45 am
It is totally true, Tanna! One of the many perks of having a blog!
I know Trish! Such amazing stuff! Good luck finding it!
I know Elly, I was really touched! I think we are getting closer and closer to that dream you had of all of us living in the same apartment building! I still think that would be the best!
I know,I feel really lucky Emiline! I am sure you will meet some foodie friends in person – until then, at least we have facebook! π
Yes, I agree Tracy, and that is very much one of my small goals to make a little bit of difference in the world – building a world view through the lens of food.
Thanks Rachelle! Yes, they were wonderful! I hope you get to meet some of your buddies soon too!
Cakelaw - July 18, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Great pic of you and Judy – and such a lovely sunny day! Great package from Dharm – lucky you.
Tony - July 20, 2008 at 1:20 am
I just joined the foodie blogosphere less than a year ago and love the sense of community around it! Belated congratulations on getting married! Those are some really neat products Dharm got you and I cannot wait to see how you use them – I hope you write about it on your blog : )
Taste Memory Girl - July 28, 2008 at 11:43 am
Great post about making connections + broadening sense of community ~ that’s so important now….everything is just sooo sprawwwwled, every bit counts!
You guys are great!
I am so looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the Florida food bloggers in Sept.
Again, do let me know if you’d like some help….
hugs,
TM/Ingar B