Wine & Food Challenge in Westfield - Reality Check

I committed to writing a blog about cooking, shopping and eating food in Westfield, NJ. I live here and I cook a lot so I am always seeking out good recipes, restaurants and inspiration.

I read Julie & Julia in 2004 when it came out. I devoured it and re-read it. I loved it. It was better than the movie. That said, the movie was also better than the book, because it wove in the unbelievably charmed life of Julia Child. I started a blog after the book but before the movie. Ironically, Julie & Julia, while inspiring me in a different way, have nothing to do with why I started this food blog.

Last June I spent a weekend in San Francisco with my girlfriends, centered around a magnificent wedding in Napa at the Mondavi guest house. My college roommate is in the wine business and her husband is a chef and restaurant owner. See where I am going with this....? Yes, to taste heaven. Foie Gras sliders. Deconstructed Gazpacho. Humongous Grilled Prawns. I drank sparkling rose with a 360 view. All vineyard all day.

I reconnected with old friends but also met some of her fellow Stanford MBA cronies. Many of them were bright, overeducated, unemployed parents of young children who were trying to justify their not working. I could relate. And they all had blogs.

Blogs have not taken over the east coast yet. But there, on that day, I discovered that even if you don't have a job, you could write a blog and at least that gives you dinner party conversation. In September I started this blog because I spend so much time shopping, eating and cooking in Westfield, I am taking it to the next level and making my observations public. And welcoming yours.

I saw Julie & Julia in February with my kids and we all loved it. In their spirit of taking upon a challenge, I am cooking 5 3-course meals in 11 days, all based on recipes in the April 2010 Food & Wine Magazine and all from ingredients purchased in Westfield*, NJ. And I'm committing to writing every day about my experience.

Last night, a friend asked if I were Julie or Julia? I said I'm Westfield Foodie. I'm both and I'm neither.

Bon Appetit!
WF

*or within 5 miles