Meetings With Remarkable Bloggers

Obligatory disclaimer about a post which, as is often the case, should have happened a while ago:  I'm WAY behind. On everything.  But as I look around me, taking a gander at a few other blogs, I realize that pretty much everyone else feels exactly the same way all the time.  I'd very much like to find someone on whom to blame this feeling, so if you can think of anyone, please let me know. 

That being said, it's been ages since I had meet-ups with three quite wonderful bloggers, one of whom is known to me quite well, one whom I had the pleasure of seeing for the second time (this time in her city, not mine), and one who was new to me and utterly delightful.  And I've been meaning to write at least a bit about these meetings for some time, and am only just getting around to it now.  So finally, in chronological order,

Tale #1:  Seattle Sojourn

Quite some time ago, at the tale end of my Cascade Mountains retreat, I had a day to spend in Seattle.  Who would be the best possible person to a) recommend some great places to go on a free afternoon in Seattle and b) to be one's dining companion in that fair city later on into the evening?   Yes,  I know you know.  None better than Molly, the darling doyenne of Orangette.  Since it was a Friday, she had to work, but kindly allowed me to drop my bags at her office and then made maps for me to have my own little walking tour.  Following her suggestions, I walked to Salumi, where I'd long dreamed of going and which was a perfect walk from Molly's office.  I waited happily on line to buy a gorgeous, drippingly delicous porchetta sandwich (which is long gone, of course) and a salami (which still resides in my fridge, waiting for an occasion of some sort or other, since it apparently lasts a long long time).

I then made my way to Elliott Bay Books, another brilliant Molly recommendation, where I proceeded to spend the greater part of my afternoon, even sacrificing time at Pike Place Market (books win out, even over food) in order to lose myself in a big, beautiful, wandering, multi-storied, multi-roomed, funky, independent bookstore-cum-cafe, the likes of which really doesn't exist in NYC, to my ongoing dismay (it's true that there are independent bookstores in NYC, of course, but all of them are missing something -- atmosphere, selection, a café, a certain bookstore je ne sais quoi.  My favorite is probably the HousingWorks Used Bookstore, which has the best atmosphere -- but a somewhat limited selection, since they sell only donated books.  Why is it that the books I buy at bookstores like these and lug home in my suitcase are always better than other books?  I try saying to myself that I don't need to add 15 pounds to my luggage, I can order these on Amazon or buy them at the dreaded B & N, but somehow or other I always buy good books when I have an afternoon to browse in an independent bookstore and leave my money there.  So far, this is what I've read in my haul from Elliot Bay Books:  Perma Red, Resistance, and Truth and Beauty, each of which was, in its own way, so remarkable and so compelling that I had trouble returning to the world when I was done).   

From there I walked up to Pike Place Market, stopping along the way to buy a slightly extravagant mud-silk kimono jacket (one of those purchases that you make, knowing it costs more than you'd like to pay, but secure in the knowledge that if you don't buy it, you will keep remembering its beauty, perfect fit and suitability-for-many-occasions and gnash your teeth in regret later on).  I meandered in the market, buying luscious local apricots but forgoing the seductive-smelling doughnuts, since Molly and I were to meet for drinks and then hook up with Brandon for a what turned out to be a perfectly lovely meal at the Boat Street Café.  Although Molly and I have only met once before, and we have about a generation between us in terms of age gap, we seem to have no trouble chatting an afternoon away.  After all, when you both find writing, food, work and love to be utterly compelling topics, time flies pretty fast.  And there are always personal histories woven in, so no one needs to resort to recently-viewed movies.  Take it from me, Molly is every bit as dreamy, smart, funny, and elegant in person as she is on her blog. 

Our dinner, too, was marvelous -- as was Brandon (and yes, Orangette readers, he IS worthy of your treasure -- if indeed a worthy suitor exists).  We shared plates, talked, laughed, and then they took me on a little driving tour of some favorite Seattle spots before leaving me at the airport to catch my red-eye flight.   It's a glorious thing to see a city through the eyes of those who love it and know it well, even when it's just for a day.  You know your hosts have done a particularly excellent job when you begin ruminating on the cost of living in that city, as compared to your own much more expensive and population-dense hometown, and noting the "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs as you peruse the various neighborhoods.   Thanks so much, Molly and Brandon. 

Tale #2:  Of Cell Phones and Cellophane Noodles

It's my great pleasure and privilege to call myself friend to the adorable and talented Jen, aka Bakerina, who is deserving of more praise than I can find to heap upon her.  Out for drinks, in for cooking and baking, on a shopping crawl, it's all better when Bakerina's there. 

A few weeks ago, as I set out for a Saturday mid-morning market ramble, it occurred to me that maybe Jen was there at Union Square too, and we could, perhaps, meet up for a nosh and some prattle.  I called her, and left a message on her cell phone.  A few minutes later I felt my phone vibrate, but I'd missed the call.  The message, however, said that she was indeed in the neighborhood at her favorite yarn haunt, and would return to the market to meet up with me.  Somehow or other we kept missing calls.  I finally realized that my phone was not ringing -- and neither was hers.   It seemed that yet another monster corporation was conspiring to ruin our day.  But we were victorious, finally just leaving message after message that said things like "I'm on the West side of the market, at Mountain Sweet Berry Farm.  It's 12:00."  Or "I'm approaching the market from 17th Street.  It's 12:10."  And finally, "I'll meet you at the Coach Farm stand at 12:15."  We had triumphed over the hellishly evil technology that seeks to rule ever more of our lives. 

We swaggered across the street to Republic (which, for some reason, I always think of as Revolution -- maybe the red star logo?)  for glasses of restorative basil lemonade and bowls of noodles, to finally have our chat.  To spend time with Jen is to laugh, to swap horrors and victories, and to feel truly heard and understood.  Add all of that to someone who's endlessly erudite, witty as all get-out, and has a real gift for putting things into perspective, and you've got yourself one hell of a friend.  I know, I know.  I am a lucky girl. 

Tale #3:  Just Deserts*

The email subject line said "are you around this weekend?".  It was from none other than Shuna Fish Lydon, phenomenal author of eggbeater and pastry chef par excellence, who had come to NYC and wanted to know if I were game to meet up.   I have long been an admirer of Shuna, whom I find fascinating and extraordinarily moving as a writer and photographer, as well as a consummate teacher of all things culinary, particularly in the realm of the sweet. 

Shuna suggested that we meet at Room4Dessert.  I was excited both to meet her, and to have an eating adventure into the realm of molecular gastronomy, which amuses me but about which I take a kind of "now kids, don't try this at home" attitude.  After all, it's only a bit over a year ago that I got my humble little ice-cream machine.  I'm not really set up for a pacojet. 

Shuna was standing outside the restaurant, wearing the eggbeater t-shirt.  We went in and sat at the long bar -- which, incidentally is the only kind of seating the restaurant offers.  It's a lot of fun to go to a dessert restaurant with a pastry chef, since you'll get to taste almost everything.    We tried two of the dessert "glasses", which had layers of various tastes and textures, and three of the tasting plates, each of which were composed of four little things in various sorts of precious little dishes, bottles and cups. 

After we left the restaurant, we walked and talked for a while.  It was Shuna's perspective on the food we'd shared which really helped me to understand what they were doing -- and not doing -- at the restaurant.  When she talked about her disappointment that at this time of the year, there was so little fresh fruit on our plates, I thought about the connection between food and values (I know I've been writing about that a lot recently).  Through much of what she said, I saw that what we value on our plates is easily a metaphor for what we value in our lives.  Do we sacrifice freshness for convenience?  Value innovation over quality?  Look for novelty instead of authenticity?  Create luxury at the price of ethically produced food? 

Later we spoke of teaching, and found ourselves united in our contempt for scripted curricula; my experience has been in public schools and universities, and Shuna's in the world of culinary classes, where some of her employers wanted her to teach from a script rather than from her experience, her instincts, and what she knows to be true -- which is what all real teachers should be permitted to do. 

What I'll say about the evening is that I enjoyed Shuna's company far, far more than I did the desserts -- which isn't nearly enough praise for Shuna, since the desserts were fun but didn't knock me over.  Of all the many things we tasted, there was really nothing there that made me feel I'd have to go back to this restaurant to get another taste of this or of that.  But I would certainly enjoy more of Shuna's company -- and I hope to next month, if schedules collide, when G and I visit the Bay Area again this summer for a couple of weeks. 

So ends this installment of Meetings With Remarkable Bloggers.  With any luck, it'll become its own category...

Comments

[sam]

Lovely stories, well told.
I was meant to meet molly last year but her car broke down. And Bakerina is a doll as we both know. I too, love having desserts with Shuna. That's how I came to try every desset at Chez Panisse! Did I already ask you if you will be around on the 27th August? We are having our annual food bloggers picnic, so let me know if you need an invite.

[shuna fish lydon]

Well I like eating desserts with you all!

Thank you for the good words. I love getting together with "my" food bloggers maybe too much, but it is indeed a great community we have. Maybe we should start working on The International Food Bloggers Conference?

Here Here for spontaneity and talking to strangers!

[Molly]

Awwww, you're too sweet, dear Julie! I'm so glad that your plans included a day in Seattle - my only regret is that I didn't play hooky to wander and eat porchetta and browse in the bookstore with you! It could not have been lovelier to see you again. You'd better get back here soon, because Brandon and I have a few other favorite flavors and places to show you... xo

[Bakerina]

Good gracious. Look at what happens when I disappear for a week, resurfacing only to bitch about our local utility company...a brilliant and thought-provoking post about access and distribution, *and* a love note to boot, all expressed in your own inimitable and beauteous fashion! Thank you, dearheart, for all of it. And right back atcha, of course. :)

I *love* Shuna's idea of the International Food Bloggers Conference. We would have so much fun that it would make the IACP annual meeting look like a G8 summit. ;)

[Ivonne]

Julie,

What fantastic tales! I loved hearing about your meetings with so many of the bloggers whose blogs enjoy (including yours).

If I'm ever in NYC I hope I can give you a call!

[Julie]

Oh Sam -- we'll be a week gone by that time, sadly, since I have to be back at work on the 28th. There may be other plans afoot however, so hopefully we'll do some kind of something...

Yeah Shuna -- I think we're all with you on the International Food Bloggers Conference, to be held in a different foodworthy locale each year...and as for talking to strangers, well, personally, *I have always depended upon their kindness* ;)

Molly -- a great inducement to come back to Seattle ASAP! If not soonest, then at least soon!

Aw Bakerina m'love -- could any love note ever really express your value quite enough? And by the way, my offer of digs is still open -- we'll start the food bloggers'conference in a small way, at my house...

Oh Ivonne -- if you're ever in NYC, I'd be extremely sad indeed if you DIDN'T give me a call! It would be such a pleasure to meet you -- and I do hope it happens. Is it in the cards any time soon?

[sam]

I had the idea of an internation food bloggers conference about a year ago and I believe I shared my idea with Shuna.

[Bakerina]

D'oh! That was my bad, Sam. Sorry about that. I hope that doesn't mean that my International Food Bloggers Conference pass will be confiscated at the door! I'll bake us all some nice lime squares if you let me in! Heck, how about individual Sussex Pond puddings for everyone? Just puh-leeze let me in!

Okay, I'll stop now. I'm just all giddy because the electricity is back on in my flat. :)

[Julie]

IFBC is a wonderful idea, Sam. Maybe we should all have to present culinary wonders to get in the door...and after we eat them all, we won't be able to get out the door, of course...

[rowena]

Julie, I will have to confess that I actually LOVE being behind. I'd rather be exploring someplace new or generally just lazing about on the terrace instead of cooking something, having to photograph it, then put all together in a coherent post. Gosh it takes so much work! ;-)

Just kidding of course, somebody pour me a Campari and soda.

[Tanna]

From what I have seen, food bloggers are a most remarkable group!
I hope to meet a few in the future.
Terrific post Julie.

[Lindy]

Wouldn't it be a wonder? But in the meantime, if anyone is coming along Pittsburgh way, holler. BTW,you haven't been here in a while Bakerina, have you?

[Julie]

Rowena, I'd love to be behind for leisurely reasons -- maybe that will happen later in the summer, LOL!

Tanna, you should meet some bloggers. Come to NY!

And Lindy, I just kick myself for the fact that I wasn't really in touch with you when my big annual conference was in Pittsburgh last November, and I was there for 4 days. It would have been a lot more fun wandering the strip with you in my few free moments...

[Luisa]

What fun!! I have to second the praises heaped on the company of Molly & Brandon, Jen and Shuna. Lovely people, all! You too, Julie, of course ;) xx

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