The 'F' Word

I have often envisaged myself as a writer...a magazine editor, newspaper columnist or novelist, perhaps. However, 2010 has come and gone and still, there are no signs of a Pulitzer reaching the pool room! Suddenly, I take the title of 'blogger'. Yes, I believe that I have become one of 'those' - but in my defence, this is my first gig. There are no rules, no regulations. I want to write about the 'f' word and Google tells me that I don't stand alone.

'Foodies'; although not yet acknowledged by wiki.org, we have indeed, become a subculture. We live and breathe to eat; to taste, to touch, to smell. To wholly and fully experience food. Our obsession consumes us, both when we are awake  - and in our dreams. Foodies come in many shapes and many sizes; he or she may wear the mask of lolly-pop lady, a detective, or even...a beekeeper. It now strikes me, that identifying a member of this collective may pose a challenge to the common Fuggle (not to be confused with 'muggle' - although,yes, this may have stemmed from an apparently not-so-well-hidden Harry Potter obsession). But in all seriousness - allow me.

Weetbix for breakfast makes us cringe (if not actually cry REAL tears) and whilst savouring the last of our lunch, we are mentally preparing at least two courses for dinner. Following a meal out, it would not be unusual to spot us on a private tour of the chef's cooking premises and a Saturday night may very well involve researching the use of products with PDO status defined under European Union Law (no judgement please!) Oh, and whilst we're on the subject, I should probably mention that many of us will have single-handedly photographed enough espressos to montage the remains of the Berlin wall.

Our reasons for blogging about food? To share the triumphs of executing our first canard a l'orange of course!!...Or the grave disappointment of a failed attempt at Baccala Mantecato (ok yes, I confess!) Perhaps we log in, hoping to extract secrets from the kitchen of an Oma or a Nonna; to explore time-honoured culinary traditions and to discuss recipes that could only be truly mastered through close observation,  because they call for 'a medium sized pinch' of this, 'a few large shakes' of that, and need to be mixed 'like so'.

As for me?
Formal background in food: nil.
Passion factor: plentiful.
Unlike Julie Powell, my current form of employment is rewarding; stimulating; a challenge....but just like Julie Powell, I yearn for much more than the daily grind. I want to do what I love. "Unreasonable", you say? Pig's Trotter! Pessimism has no place on this page!

Recently, I had an epiphany; I'm one of the lucky ones. Lucky enough to have identified my passion. I want to...no, I NEED to harness it, explore it and push at all of the boundaries. I yearn for a career in the food industry and although this journey began in my Oma's kitchen nearly two decades ago, my commitment to this dream, begins now. University of Gastronomical Sciences, Italy - you had better be ready for me ;) - and that's a promise. Hungry for an adventure? Keep on visiting - I hope that you enjoy the ride!