Caron Golden's interview
Interview by JillWe interviewed Caron Golden!
Visit the blog: San Diego Food Stuff.
"... And it worked! I soon got assignments from publications like the San Diego Union-Tribune, Edible San Diego, Sunset Magazine and even Saveur. "
Hello Caron Golden, so tell us...
When did you begin your blog, and what inspired you to start it?
I launched San Diego Foodstuff in February 2007. I had long written about food in every way but specific food stories. Since I had been a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines for many years, I decided to take advantage of blogging technology to create a virtual portfolio for editors to show them I could also do this type of writing. And it worked! I soon got assignments from publications like the San Diego Union-Tribune, Edible San Diego, Sunset Magazine and even Saveur.
What are you favorite food topics to write about and how did you get interested in them?
I started with and my first love will always be markets of all kinds. It was inevitable. My parents are terrific cooks and love food shopping. From the time I was a small child we were going to Mexican markets, Asian markets, Armenian delis--you name it. I always loved watching my mom navigate without fear, finding a variety of produce she was unfamiliar with and waiting there until someone came by to select it, then asking them questions about how to pick it and cook it. She always left with recipes; in fact, she still does!
In your opinion, what is the most important factor in making a good meal?
Obviously, you want quality ingredients. But beyond that, cook with your heart. Like many home cooks, I associate the best tasting food with love.
You talk about your travels on your blog; what is your favorite city for food and why?
Oh, when I was doing a lot of travel writing I got to explore so many cities, from Santa Fe to Paris to the Magdalene Islands to Ensenada and Quebec City. I think my fondest memories of food, though, are from Nice. I loved the socca I bought from a street vendor in the old quarter, along with the simple sweet rotisserie chicken. I loved the colorful farmers market next to the outdoor cafes. Everywhere I turned someone had something marvelous for me to taste.
What is your earliest food memory?
I was probably about three, but I remember my dad holding me very tightly over the stove to teach me how to make scrambled eggs. That was the beginning of my love affair with cooking.
What is your favorite part about being a food writer? Did you always set out to be one?
For me cooking was just part of being a family since everyone in my family cooks, then part of who I was among my friends and family. I hadn't thought that it could actually be a career until much much later. But I love what I do mostly because I get to meet and know so many fascinating people. These folks--whether they're farmers or chefs, restaurateurs or vendors--are so talented. Many are truly artists and who don't want to be around that kind of creativity. And, many are so big hearted. They just want to feed people and make them happy! That's a joy.
Is there any dish, ingredient, or type of food you refuse to cook or eat?
Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you: beets. Can't do it. I've tried and tried but they just make me gag.
What are your goals for your blog? Where would you like to see it in the next year? Five years?
San Diego Foodstuff has already evolved so much over the past seven + years. It'll be fun to see where my interests may veer. I once wrote almost exclusively about markets. Now I'm regularly in the kitchen with chefs, who teach me how to make special dishes. What could top that? Who knows?
My worst food flop was...
Many years ago, at my brother and sister-in-law's house for Thanksgiving, I was charged with making apple and pumpkin pies, which I love to do. But for whatever reason, I couldn't get them right. It was humiliating. The result was, however, that it launched my quest for the perfect pie dough recipe. I've since written several posts based on the expertise of local pastry chefs and they've been a big hit. Lemons, lemonade... You get the idea. (And, P.S., I now fearlessly make a great apple pie.)
Thank you Caron Golden for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Jill - 08/28/2014
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