I always wonder what people are really thinking when I tell them that I am a food blogger. They all smile when I tell them, but their smiles can mean several different meanings.
Sometimes, they smile indulgently, as if I just announced that I like to collect beetles during my spare time. Their smile says that they think food blogging is just an eccentric hobby you do to kill time. What a strange thing to do, but I shall play along with you, they seem to be saying, proud of themselves for being so gracious.
Or they may smile quizzically and nod, pretending they know what I’m talking about but wondering what the heck is a food blogger. What is there to blog about food, They may wonder. It’s just things you put in your mouth and digest out into the toilet.
Or they might smile with a twitch at the corner of their lips, barely covering up their smirk. I can’t believe you just called yourself that, They mock silently. We all know bloggers are just faceless nobodies who think they actually have a voice in society.
Or maybe they actually really mean it when they smile and say, “How wonderful!”
So which is it? I have no idea. A smile is a very mysterious thing—it can hold all sorts of cryptic meanings and thoughts and significance. Think about it: when did you last smile just for the heck of it, because you are happy?
Excuse my paranoia on this case. But it used to be something that runs through my mind every time I was forced to tell other people that I blog about food. I mean, it’s not like I blog about war, politics, charities, or anything that…well, is “important” and “altruistic”. I just blog about food.
But you know what? Who says food can’t be just as important? Come to think of it, it’s one of life’s three basic survival needs. Every single person, no matter how grand or philanthropic, have no choice but to spend the majority of their day thinking about food…even more so than any of the other more “valuable” matters.
Of course, inevitably there are some that take their interest in food to the extreme, but all in all, I’m just glad I found my own niche. And though we may blog about things that we poop out, within our very own circle, I believe that there are a lot of significant influences going on: valuable friendships, inspirations and motivations in life, encouragements and comforts through trials, advices and recommendations, and of course, who can forget fun and entertainment? Every person needs a little joy in their life, don’t they?
One thing that made me realize this and take a certain pride in being a “food blogger” even more was actually meeting these other food bloggers. There is almost an instant sense of connection…and the strange thing is, I barely think of the fact that we’ve only known each other through food blogs…but just enjoy their presence as a real person, with real things to talk about other than food (though that topic always comes up, of course).
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting two bloggers: Maya from American Gourmande, and Lele from Lele Lurves Plants. 
I’ve met Maya once before, and had been charmed by her vivacious personality, wide smile, and warm honesty, so I was delighted to see her again. This was the first time I was meeting Lele though, and I was equally charmed by her—she is this spunky, smart girl who laughs and talks with refreshing freedom.
Maya wanted to visit a Korean bakery, so I suggested meeting at Annandale, the sort of Koreatown of Northern Virginia. But first, we decided to have lunch at a Korean place. Since Maya is vegetarian, that ruled most Korean restaurants out. The only place I could think of was Lighthouse Tofu Korean Restaurant, a popular, authentic place for soon dubu jiggae. 
Soon dubu is translated literally as “Mild Tofu”, and jiggae means “stew”. It is a spicy tofu stew made from soft, silky tofu and other ingredients of your choice. It’s really best on a cold winter night, or when you’ve got a hangover. Thus the place was rather empty on a hot, summer afternoon: 
But that meant we had the whole place to ourselves! Woo hoo! We were started out with some obligatory banchan, or side dishes. I was impressed when Lele pointed them out as banchan correctly by herself. 
I was also impressed that she knew what mul kimchi (water kimchi)was… 
..and that these eggs were raw eggs to crack into the stew. 
But I was even more impressed when she ordered her seafood soon dubu jiggae in the spiciest level: spicy-spicy! 
Just look at that blood of RED!! What’s more, she wasn’t even freaked out by a pair of eyes peering out at her from her stew: 
Apparently, she had visited this place before, and was well-versed with the food here. As you can imagine, I warmed up to this girl immediately.
Maya was no spice wimp, either. Since she is a newbie to soon dubu but also love spiciness, I suggested she order the next notch down, the spicy. So she got the spicy vegetable soon dubu jiggae: 
As you can see, the intensity of the redness is a bit toned down compared to Lele’s spicy-spicy, but still rather bloody! Here’s Lele cracking her egg into her stew: 
On the side, we were also served a stone pot which had been used to cook our rice. 
The bottom part of the rice was left in the bowl to crisp up against the hot stone, and then barley tea poured in. The result is supposed to be a porridge made from crunchy bits of rice and barley tea, but the stone was not hot enough and the rice never crisped up. How disappointing!
As for me, since I’m a rebel against my Asian blood and dislike tofu (especially the soft ones), I got a pajeon (Korean-style pancake), in the vegetarian version and in the largest size so that Maya and Lele could try it too:
Holy pancakes this was HUGE! It was the size of a large pizza…and so very delicious! The best pajeon I’ve ever had! 
What was lovely about this pancake was that they fine-grated potato into the batter, so that there was this really delightful chewy consistency. The pancake was also cooked on a well-oiled hot stone plate so that the exterior got nice and crispy. 
I’d forgotten how fantastic a good pajeon can be…I’m definitely going to try to recreate this in my kitchen! Maya and Lele teased that I’ll definitely put my own spin to it, and they’re probably right. I’ll probably sneak some cheese in there, maybe some bacon…hmm…
We had a great time together. 
It was nice to be able to introduce Korean cuisine to fellow food bloggers personally. It’s different when you can urge them to taste and smell the dishes instead of just viewing them through 2-dimensional pictures. It was also lovely being able to talk to them face-to-face, and a few deep topics came up, too. 
As both of them talked about some of the ways food blogging has been beneficial to them, I was reminded again that food blogging is not just about food. Be it a food blog, or a blog about knitting, photography, mothering, business, or astronomy, it’s really not entirely about that particular subject, but about life, and people. The topic is just what brings different people from all over the world together to share a common interest.
So next time I reveal that I’m a food blogger, I’m not even going to try to decipher what the smiles mean. I’ve found my niche. I’ve found a great circle of friends. I’ve found a place for my own voice. And that I think is something worth bragging about.
Question of the Day: If you’re a food blogger, do you introduce yourself as a food blogger with pride? How do other people usually respond to that?
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I love this post because I can really relate to getting those mysterious smiles when I explain that I’m a food blogger. People usually don’t get it. But I’m a journalism major and blogging is a form of journalism. I’m actually getting independent study credit for my blog next semester and the newspaper I just finished interning for added my blog to its website. I never started my blog as something to add to my resume, but now that I realize how important it is in my field, I take it very seriously. So, yes- FOOD BLOGGER PRIDE!
So recognizable and so great you met up with these girls. Looks and sounds like you had a great time together…
For me, this food blogging has taught me a lot and I ‘met’ some wonderful people through it. Like you, so important to me!:)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
I’m actually a secret food blogger. I’ve only just begun and I haven’t actually “come out” yet. Perhaps it’s a concern that my site needs to be fancy or that I need to have blogged for long enough (how long is that, by the way?) in order to be considered “legitimate” in the game.
But I don’t know if I’ll ever reveal this side of me to my family/friends. The affect of food on my life – how it has brought new dimension to my understanding of myself, my relationships, and my emotions – is one of my best kept secrets. I’m afraid to let it show. I don’t want to risk the vulnerability nor the potential disappointment that may arise if they don’t “get it.” So for now, I’ll just share it with the people (food bloggers, duh!) who do.
PS – I just tell people I’m take pictures of food to practice my photography. I’m okay with that.
Aw, looks like you guys had so much fun! Sophia, sorry for being so MIA on your blog recently. Jiggae looks soo delicious, but I have an obsession for all foods Korean, so I would say that about any Korean dish you put on your blog. I can’t wait to see the pajeon recipe you come up with.
I don’t really introduce myself to anyone as a food blogger. I’ll say it if I get caught taking pictures in restaurants, but not among people who might ask more about it. I think I will talk more openly about it when and if I expand my blog. It’s a hobby, but not my most defining one for the moment.
Love your banchan…and I recognize some of them too! But looks like they were skimpy, like the restaurant I went to..
Firstly, huge thanks for your response to my comment on the ‘ambi-social’ post: it’s so good to know that you’ve managed to overcome similar issues to the ones I am struggling with and I’d love to have you as a fellow fidgety friend
It’s great to see some vegetarian Korean food! I am the ultimate spice wimp though, so I think I’d still be out of my depth!
I don’t really tell anyone that I blog about food because in the UK it really is considered somewhat weird. Although there are a few UK bloggers I don’t think it’s caught on in the same way as it has in the US and both of my parents find the whole phenomenon bizarre. I think you either ‘get’ food blogging or you don’t, but you’re so right that it’s about so much more than the assemblage of molecules we use to nourish ourselves. Food reflects so much about a person, can encapsulate so many aspects of their personality and bring people together in ways which no other medium can. I always feel a real sense of connection to bloggers too, and I’m sure that would hold true in real life.
<3
~Jess~
xxxxxxxx
Man I am jealous – I love spicy food and my ambition is to taste all the spiciest dishes I can during my lifetime
I’m not a food blogger and I don’t read many food blogs, but I do enjoy yours…not just because you always have lots of interesting food to talk about and picture, but also because there are many other layers and depths to your blog. You’ve taught me alot about stuff which I wouldn’t have otherwise been aware of – culture, travel and your own fascinating story of course. This is a food blog with a difference 
Sarah x
Your site hasn’t been liking me lately lol. *Hopefully this comment makes it*
It looked like a nice food blogger meet-up! I hung out with Maya a few days ago (love her
) And I didn’t know you were in NOVA?? (Actually, that makes sense since you’ll be in D.C soon). I have to work on the day Ameena wanted to get together but hopefully I can work around it!
p.s. I loved the post about your cousin & I’m glad everything got resolved
I’m a healthy living blogger and I don’t usually introduce myself as that. I don’t think I’m confident enough in myself and my blogging abilities to let the world know. I even secretly post it on my Facebook without drawing attention to it so people don’t think I’m weird.
I would love for you to take me out for Korean! It’s one cuisine I haven’t explored very much but my friends tell me you can get vegetarian food at hot pot, which sounds like fun. I don’t introduce as a food blogger, in general, sometimes I mention I have a healthy living blog but it doesn’t usually come up!
i feel the same way, but in terms of running rather than food! i tend to shy away from the issue and rarely mention it unless it’s brought up by someone and they pointedly ask me about it. i definitely like meeting other bloggers and even though i’m not a food blogger i’d want to meet you
I kept my food blogging a secret for a long time but now I am SOOO proud of my blog. I basically tell everyone I meet about it. Also, food has become such a huge part of my life…writing about it, cooking it, thinking about it…that I really can’t have a conversation without mentioning how much I like to cook, and ultimately that I have a food blog. My blog is a reflection of me and I’m proud of it!
I’m so jealous you got to meet such fabulous bloggers! When is it my turn
Okay, girlie. Next time that you announce that you are food blogger, I want you to hold that kabucha high and be proud of yourself. Look at this blog– it’s AMAZING!!! Not only do you blog about food, but you take us on your travels and introduce us to incredible places and food that so many of us don’t have easily available to us. Oh, and then there’s your “faith side”– huge bonus, HUGE. You probably have no idea how many people you touch. This blog is multi-dimensional, and I love it! When I first found your blog, I read it because your words and recipes inspired me to eat healthier. I’ve found that it’s so much more than that now. Keep up the great work– and hold that kabucha high!
Hugs,
Jill
Food blogging is something I like and relaxes me. So I don’t feel pride, like saying when I finished my PhD, but it’s an everyday joy.
You all look so cute!
i never even know how to explain myself; usually i just say ‘i have a blog and i like to do restaurant reviews!’ when we’re out and i’m taking pictures. then i have to admit that i have this whole random hobby, and i do wonder if people think i’m eccentric for it!
i’m more and more okay with that, though. must be my old age
This is my first time to your site (as recommended by Cook and Be Merry). What a clever name. I read this post and immediately identified – I am a freelance writer as well as a food blogger and have seen several raised brows when I mention my blog. This is particularly true, since I left a career as an attorney. However, I think there’s a growing trend of folks who are into food – people who like to talk about what they eat.
oh yes, total pride!!! i wanna eat korean food with you when you come back to l.a.
I better get a meet up some day. I would love a Korean lunhc/dinner. YUMMY! and yes, I find joy an dpassion in food and blogging.
that looks like such a fun meet-up! that pancake pizza thing looks awesome!
I’ve never told anyone that I’m a blogger yet – the only people that know are my mom, dad, sister, and 2 of my friends. I suppose if it somehow came up (like if someone asks why I’m taking a picture of my food) then I would mention it but until then, I’m not going to go out of my way to tell people. At least not yet. In the future I would like to go ahead and tell people but right now I don’t feel quite ready.
The meet-up looks like it was tons of fun!
I’ll be honest–I usually introduce myself as a “food and nutrition” blogger. That way, I can explain that my chosen subject matter is pertinent to my career. Nonetheless, I do suffer from the same embarrassment that my posts are not exactly erudite.
Yes, I also think being a food blogger, or any type genre of blogger in general helps the blogger express themselves in a certain way that distinguishes them from the normal population. It helps them with whatever struggles they’re conquering, and forms friendships and a community that you wouldn’t find in everyday walks of life.
You are a genuinely skilled food blogger sophia
My dad likes to say “She runs a health blog” and it annoys the fuck out of me. But I don’t really see myself as a food blogger either, because I don’t photograph that much food or share much in way of recipes. It’s just “my blog,” which happens to have lots of food in it.
Glad you had a lovely meetup!
I don’t think of myself as a “food blogger,” exactly, but even if I did, I doubt I’d introduce myself that way… not because I’d be ashamed of it or what other people would think, but for the same reason I don’t tell anyone about my blog now!!
<3 <3
what a well written article!
some very good points were made.
Food is VERY important! I normally just tell ppl that I blog about recipes and restaurant reviews, instead of just saying that I’m a food blogger. Then they’ll say, you must be a very good cook! Everytime they say that, I want to say that I write a blog not a book!
Can’t wait to see your take on pajeon because it looks heavenly! Even if it is two dimensional
Your blogger meet-up looks like it was a lot of fun. Come to CT! 
I don’t usually introduce myself as a food blogger unless someone asks why the heck I’m taking pictures of my food in a restaurant. The people who know me know that I blog and the people I don’t – well, what do I care what they think?
I actually do not introduce myself as a food blogger, but sometimes I will call myself a “foodie” or a “blogger”. I think I am more of a food/nutrition/random blogger. YOU, however, are definitely a food blogger, because more than half of all of your posts are all about FOOD!! And not just any food, unique food with eyes popping out of it….. hehe, ewww.
I do get weird looks sometimes when I call myself a blogger. Some people just don’t get it. IN fact just last night someone asked me what the heck I Was talking about!! I kept saying, “In the blog world…”. That’s my language
You hit an important point… food blogging is not just about the food… it’s about the people we’re around when we’re eating it, the places we go, the feelings we have when we eat it, and so much more.
LOVE this post! So put a smile on my face. Ah, the food bloggers of the world. I don’t go around calling myself a food blogger, but when people ask what I’m doing while I snap a shot of my plate of goodies, I immediately laugh and apologize, while saying “oh sorry I have a food blog, don’t mind me!” And usually they are intrigued and eventually ask me for the link. That’s been family + friends, though. No complete strangers yet!
And I had to look up what durians were – then remembered I saw them on Bizarre Foods! SO tempted to try them, now. Just don’t know how I’ll hand that “odour” as they say the fruit is famous for. Maybe I’ll try figs first, then my nectarine (haha, I’m so still at the basics), then tackle a few more bitter green leaves, and THEN buy a durian. Just maybe.
I’m not really a food blogger. And I haven’t told anyone in my life that I even have a blog. I talk about a lot of personal stuff, and sometimes I just ramble on about my crazy thoughts. I don’t know, it just feels safer to talk about it with people who don’t really know me because they can’t judge me? Something like that! Haha. I just know that I couldn’t be as “real” and uncencored, knowing my friends, family, and aquaintences were reading what I write.
<3 Tori
Looks like an awesome time! Oh, I would have enjoyed the food soooo much!!! Love, love, love really spicy jiggae!
I guess I’m not really a food blogger anymore since I don’t blog very often anymore and not that often about food… But I think you should declare proudly that you are a food blogger!
I’m not exactly a food blogger, but if it somehow comes up, I would mention I have a blog. My boyfriend knows about it, but otherwise I don’t really have a reason to say anything about it.
We live in Koreatown in Los Angeles and went to, I think, BCD Tofu House? I didn’t like it.
I want to go to a Korean BBQ place though because I was told some of them have vegetarian options. I was actually told by my opthamologist, haha.
Hey Sophia! Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve visited (okay, I’ve visited, just from afar…haven’t left any comments in a bit)…this post is great! How fun to be able to meet other bloggers and eat with them and break out the beloved cameras! Everybody’s meals look super tasty and I’m so jealous- I totally want to have a food blogger meet up!! =)
that place looks AMAZING! oh my goodness i’d love to eat there. You go to so many spectacular restaraunts!
if i tell people i blog i usually do it in reference to books as opposed to food, even though food is my real focus. i just feel likep eople never really GET it and find it strange, like “why would you care that much about FOOD?!”
p.s.–check back soon for my next review…i have a feeling you might find it particularly interesting
Spunky is my favorite adjective of all time and I’m honored to be dubbed it!
I feel all the things you said (and wish I had your eloquence!) and it was such a blast getting together and of course getting insider tips on Korean food.
I’m stoked that I can get the barley tea at HMart, and delighted that I now have an excuse to go there (cause it’s been easily an entire week, and I get HMartsick)
I don’t know if I would actually define myself as a food blogger but my blog does tend to revolve around what I eat…lol. It’s a big part of my life though (right now) so it’s normal I guess. I try to keep my blog “hidden” from people I know that I see in person everyday. I’m really self conscious about having a blog and don’t really want them reading my personal stuff hahah and I think they might think I’m sort of crazy for taking pictures of every meal I eat x) hence why I don’t take food pictures at restaurants.
I admire that you can tell people with pride about being a food blogger, though! We should always be proud of what we do, no matter what it is
And how is it that you always get to eat at the best looking restaurants?! xD I wish I could eat all that delicious food too!
I want to devour that pancake right then and there! Ahhhh you got me drooling!
I haven’t been blogging that long, so I wouldn’t really call myself a “food blogger” yet. I still got lots to learn!
It looks like you had so much fun! I love going to Korean restaurants, but my partner in crime is currently studying in China so no more for me until his return! I actually haven’t told anyone personal about my blog just yet. I’m thinking about it recently, but for right now, I like the privacy of it. (:
That blogger meet up looks fun!!!! Especially that pancake!
I rarely introduce myself as a food blogger. Isn’t that sad? I usually get very shy about it. Especially around chefs, cooks and other bloggers. I always feel like I’m not talented enough. I’m slowly getting over it.
OMG…. was that a cricket coming out of that pot??? Ahh… I don’t do well with insects… or things that look like insects, if that wasn’t one.
Very exotic looking food…. some of it looked good!!!
I don’t tell real life people that I blog! haha…. only a few friends know, and thats because they also have blogs…. haha
People all have their opinions on blogs…. but whatever… its fun!
LOL! Don’t worry! It was a shrimp! Very edible, and tasty!
Yay for a fun food blogger get together
okay obviously there were many giggles going on at YOUR table haha <3 <3
i love how photos encapture a bit of the essence of your personalities. blogging is amazing, but when u see posts like this, it makes blogging INCREDIBLE!! enjoy the rest of your day lovie!
xoxo
I wear my food blogger title like a badge of honor. We’re super cool. Don’t you think?
Its funny but when I think of you, I don’t think of you as a food blogger. Sure you show some incredible stuff that makes me wish I could crawl through my screen to join you, but you add a message to your posts that is more than food. To me its your message and then the food part is the unifying agent that you use to bring people together. Whatever it is, I think you have a inning recipe.
As to peoples reaction, you could be an attorney any number of other positions and get that reaction, that look of disdain. I think that is from people that do not know how much work is involved in putting together a good post, all they see is the final product. Keep up that great work!
I can totally relate to this post!!!
And what a wonderful meet up – and fantastic food! Great combination
I love the crispy rice – it is SO good!!!! That is very disappointing that it didn’t crisp up.
I always introduce myself as a food blogger with pride … people think it is neat, and different
I love blogger meet ups cause it’s great to put a face and personality to the blog you’re reading. I mean, yeah you may be able to read about someone on their about page but I think it’s totally different meeting them in person. Plus, it totally draws you closer to their blog. If I could I’d love to meet every author of the blogs I stalk. Ok I better change the subject before I sound like a crazy stalker. Haha.
I totally tell people I food blog with pride, and I don’t really care what they think about it cause I think food blogging rocks! Exclamation point!
Blogger meet-ups are always fun! I’m not a food blogger, but I still feel slightly awkward when I tell someone that I’m a blogger.
You’ve got me craving for korean food all of the sudden. It’s actually been a while since i had some. Hey when you get back to LA let’s have another meetup
Usually when I introduce myself, I always make sure to add in that i’m a food blogger, too. So far it’s been met with enthusiastic “oh, cooool” Oddly enough, the people I always tend to meet love food as much as I do.
I cannot wait to meet other food bloggers. Glad to see you had so much fun!
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