January 20th, 2006
Food blogs and the lack of bite
Damien has been salivating about food blogs and all this culinary talk got me thinking. Blogging is synonymous with opinion . be it soap-boxing rants or informed analysis and yet this seems to be absent from many food blogs. Or perhaps, it’s just the food blogs I’ve visited. Many seem to focus on reviews, recipes, ingredients and tips, with very little substantial posts on the more general elements of the food industry, food law, culture, practices, awards, standards etc.
This isn’t a criticism of those food blogs, which I enjoy, I’m merely curious to find some more in-depth food writing, some critical and analytical pieces perhaps. I think this is particularly relevant to blogs, which focus exclusively on food - why have a food-dedicated blog and never turn an eye to topical goings on in the culinary world? There are some fine food blogs out there and many would benefit from the occasional meaty post.
One forum I find that offers broad-ranging views from gastronomiques and food newbies alike is www.forkncork.com. No one shirks having an opinion and the views are insightful and revealing. The people who post, are informed, curious and happy to speak out . a modus operandi more food blogs shouldn’t be afraid to espouse.
Today there is an excellent thread on the 2006 Michelin stars awards with many contributors incredulous at the continued exclusion of Chapter One. Interestingly, Thornton’s, one of Dublin’s most esteemed restaurants under Kevin Thornton, has lost one of its two stars. I’m happy to read about recipes (hat tip to Treasa who regularly posts mouth-watering, simple recipes) and what to do with leftover pototoes, but I’d love to see some debate about topical issues on Irish food blogs.