Does the world really need another food blog?
The answer is no.
No. That’s the answer. Plain and simple. There are plenty of food blogs for all of us. There are baking blogs, easy recipe blogs, homestyle blogs, prostyle blogs, scientific blogs, specific cuisine blogs… if you can dream of eating it, shooting it, or writing about it - there is probably already a food blog for it. And if you’re really passionate about food, shouldn’t you be reading some classic cook books? There are many worth your time and the space in your collection.
Once you find the blog or blogs for you, the question of the author’s credentials, or lack thereof should be at the front of your mind. So much of what’s written online is poor or downright misinformation. Personal opinions get bandied about as facts. People without education or significant experience can position themselves as experts, and there are many who will listen. Watch out lest you be misled.
So if the world, or rather the slightly addled blog reading portion of the world, doesn’t need another food blog from an uncredentialed home cook and amateur photographer - what am I doing here? Well, I’m starting a food blog…
If you’re looking for professional writing, CIA credentials, or consistently compelling photography - please move on. If you want expertly researched recipes, go check out Kenji’s / Serious Eats The Food Lab. If you want beautifully simple food photography, go check out Eric Wolfinger. If you want the most comprehensive grilling equipment reviews, go check out Meathead’s Amazing Ribs.
My offering here is merely this - another exploration of the many intersections between food and fire. It’s personal, it’s casual, it’s not professional, but it’s mine. Importantly for me, it takes a little more effort and requires more intentionality and investment than just posting to social media.
And so I’ll try to write. I’ll try to explore. I’ll shoot as best I can the things that interest me. And hopefully it might inspire some of you to dive a little deeper into this world too. Enjoy.
Thus begins A Time to Grill.