I am an English-American, living in London and working in theatre. A globetrotting childhood thanks to parents in the Foreign Service meant that I grew up seeing a lot of the world but tasting very little of it. (“The State Department recommends that, for safety’s sake, you rely on supplies from the Embassy Commissary.”) I’m now on a mission to make up for lost time.

I want to learn all I can about food - from how to prepare it to what it means culturally, historically, and personally. The physical sense aside, is there really such a thing as “good taste” when it comes to food? What is comfort food, and to whom? My idea of the perfect nosh on a cold winter’s afternoon or night of blackest depression could very well drive your appetite into hibernation, or your heart into terminal failure. Why do some people always order the same dish whenever they eat out, and others never order what they can cook at home? I am now so emotionally tied to my own Bolognese recipe that I would never order it in a restaurant. Even in Bologna.

I believe that all food can be fabulous. It can be the grandest fining-dining experience, the greasiest burger or the bizarre concoctions you dream up when you just can’t be bothered to leave the house. Of course, all food can also be appalling. From the hideously over-priced restaurant to the meals your loved one scorches on a weekly basis. And let’s not forget those same bizarre concoctions that are disgusting the second time around.

I believe in fresh and ethically produced ingredients. I believe in treating them with respect. I also believe that there are times when only a Big Mac will do. That’s not to say that I like all foods, but that I find all foods fascinating. I really only take exception to broccoli and fish pie.

I can’t say precisely when or why it happened but I think about food all the time. I started out as one of those children who would only willingly ingest three things – in my case, ham, strawberry milk, and raw onions. Did I mention a somewhat lonely child? – and somehow ended up as someone who will proudly try anything before announcing that it shall never pass their lips again. I don’t think I’ve missed a TV cookery show in the last decade, and had I the funds, my walls would be covered with every cookbook or book about food ever printed. I don’t think I’ll rest until I’ve tried just about everything.

So here is my blog, a mostly light-hearted look at food and all that surrounds it.
I welcome any and all comments, guest bloggers, questions and suggestions.

Here’s To Food! It’s All Fabulous!

Patrick, the Fabulous Foodie

My foodie credentials aren’t anywhere nearly as extensive or inquisitive as the Fab Foodie’s. Don’t get me wrong. I love my grub. But the majority of my personal engagement with the culinary side of life is based on the enjoyment of the comestibles placed in front of me as well as a strong interest in food history and the place of food in history.

In addition to running my own content consultancy, I am a well-established eater with decades of experienced gained at tables all over the world. I am determined to appreciate as many different foods in as many different places as I can. While I can navigate a kitchen with endangering lives, I am no threat to any past, present or future participant in Next Food Network Star or Iron Chef. My culinary passion is food history, food trivia and finding connections between food and other topics I find interesting.

I have a culinary library that brings me hours of enjoyment, live in a foodie town (NYC - which I explore in this site’s sister blog Greater Gotham) and fabulous foodie friends. What more could a girl want?

Deb - writer, eater and all ’round gal friday.