Food Writing & 'Chefitude'

I am happy to be dipping my toes back into the food writing waters. I was away long enough that I had time to miss it, and it is much easier than it was 15 years ago (I used to turn my stories in ON A DISC before everyone got online). No more trying to take notes while the server is away, and no more stealing the menu so I could work with it at home.....EVERYONE has a website these days, or at least a Facebook page with a link to their menu. The one thing about my food writing career that I did not miss was the attitude that some chefs would dole out. And I use the word chef loosely here, since often times the biggest offenders weren't actual trained chefs. I think running a restaurant and cooking on the line are two of the toughest jobs in the world. You do it because you love it, because unless you are quite lucky, you won't become rich and the hours are long and hard. I always approached people like 'we are all in this together, interested in food, restaurants, getting more customers, highlighting what you do, etc.' Sadly, there would often be the time in the interview when the 'chefitude' would arise, and I would get to hear all the things this person would NEVER do. I would NEVER serve this, I would NEVER put that on my menu, I would NEVER eat such and such. Believe me, it got old. Over the years I had one chef literally get in my face because the magazine I worked for hadn't written about them enough. Personal space invasion, spittle, the whole nine yards. I also was kind of afraid of a lawsuit or maybe a mysterious accident after writing that I thought a restaurant's crab cakes were really good, but not worth the money. So by the time I left the world of food to focus on building my family, I was really ready to go. In the few interviews I have done here in Key West, I am happy to report that I haven't had any 'chefitude.' And really, I'm not surprised. People are generally nicer here than they are in the real world, but also, living on an island gives us all that 'we really ARE in this together' thing. There are tons of tourists who visit Key West each year and lots of well-heeled locals (especially in the winter), but there are also hundreds of great dining establishments to compete with and extremely high rents. These people need and want the exposure. I'm sure as time goes by, I will meet the rude or condescending chefs on the island.....there have to be a few. But I will just smile, get my information and photos, and remember not to go there next time I want to go out to dinner.

And today I start a blog...

I have been thinking about what I want to do next.....I need a new hobby slash outlet slash passion. Open a shop? Fun to order products but I would actually need to BE there, which isn't nearly as fun as the planning part. Get a part time job? Always a possibility, but the hours would have to mesh with every other thing I have to do and like to do and, well, it's been so long since I've worked for someone I have turned into a primadonna. (Um, I don't like to run the vacuum at my HOUSE, I am not doing it here!) Another thing.....I need to spend more time outside in the glory that is Key West! I've gotten into the rut of being busy, busy and not taking the time to try paddle boarding, yoga on the beach, fishing off a pier and a long list of other things I dreamed of doing when we moved here in April 2010. And I need to get back in shape, so the whole two birds one stone thing. My girls' school just held the annual silent auction, which I co-chair with another mom. I got to get crafty making lovely signs and decoupage trays for our cigar girls and talk about food, drink and flower arrangements..... things I love and am actually quite good at after ten years working in food and magazines. The event was a few days ago now but I am still buzzed from all the prep and excitement. It inspired me and reminded me of past successes that I had forgotten about in the hustle and bustle of life with two young girls. I also miss writing, something I did professionally for years. I know I could freelance but back to the primadonna thing...your story will arrive after kid duties, house duties, PTO duties, and complete catch-up on ALL current Real Housewife franchises. I am an editor's worst nightmare. So, what I am going to do is start a blog. Right now, after I finish typing and hit send. I'm going to do it on my trusty Android and Google blogger. I will take lots of pictures and make it fun and who knows....it might lead to my next hobby slash outlet slash passion.