Chef Blogs, Michael Ruhlman, and A Letter
One of the aspects I love about blogging is the live exchange of information that can occur. One can meet a person in "real time," make a connection and have a conversation, or an argument.
A few days a go a friend of mine handed me a one page article torn out from an industry magazine. The headline of the piece was "Bloggers v. Chefs." Although the author of the piece made the point that bloggers and chefs need not be natural enemies, the splashy headline irked me.
The author of the article, a gentleman who knows a weighty amount about both chefs and bloggers, was Michael Ruhlman. I met Mr. Ruhlman about 8 years ago when he came into the kitchen of The French Laundry to write what may well be considered his Golden Door of Opportunity book, the cookbook for the restaurant.
After reading the article I wrote a letter to Mr. Ruhlman, hoping I could have his ear about what my own experiences have been regarding being both chef and blogger. Much to my surprise he wrote back almost immediately and asked if he could publish my letter.
My hope was to start an exchange with far more readers than I have here at Eggbeater, and already there are a dozen comments... Please check out the blog post here.
Just read your comments on Ruhlman's blog and BRAVO! Excellent response. It's about time we start pulling the focus away from these media "chefs" who no longer do the real work that you do.
Posted by: The Onocoffee | 24 October 2007 at 05:38 PM
shuna, that is EXACTLY what i love about the nature of the blog is its immediacy and its capacity to connect people. thanks for your passionate writing and passionate cooking.
Posted by: ruhlman | 24 October 2007 at 09:01 PM
Thanks for sending the letter to Ruhlman...it was great. I am old enough to remember your Mom's writing.
Posted by: The Professor | 24 October 2007 at 10:24 PM
Once again you inspire me. You are a wordsmith supreme Shuna.
Posted by: Garrett | 24 October 2007 at 11:40 PM
thanks for mentioning me to michael ruhlman! i love his work. and have stayed up many many many late nights reading it.
it's hard but necessary to tell the true stories. in all things but especially in cooking since this is our industry's moment in the publishing spotlight.
Posted by: lindsey | 25 October 2007 at 05:22 AM
Loved your open response @ ruhlman. Great going. Food bloggers are pooh-poohed in India by technologically disadvantaged chefs. It is mainly seen as a home cooks' domain!
Posted by: M | 25 October 2007 at 08:23 AM
Whoa...46 comments over there now? The conversation about Shuna'a letter has really changed...I just wanna cook! (and you know, write about cooking!) Hope all is well Shuna!
Posted by: Richie | 25 October 2007 at 07:23 PM
Bravo! I've read so many blogs who probably couldn't tell a pomme fritte from a fritter. I'm glad to see someone with knowledge & taste will make some interesting commentary.
Posted by: Stjay805 | 25 October 2007 at 07:37 PM
Well said. I just commented on Chadzilla's post about your letter. In the last few months I have found myself marking all non-chef feeds as read without actually opening them. And yet I am excited when you, Chad, Shola, or Alex and Aki post.
I am not a professional chef (maybe yet) but I am a home cook who is inspired by the creativity of you guys. Thanks for writing.
Posted by: syoung68 | 26 October 2007 at 04:40 AM
Good linking! Generous of Michael Ruhlman to give you so much space. Great that he remembered you so vividly!
Posted by: Dad & Ellen | 26 October 2007 at 04:33 PM
Awesome, Jane, er, I mean Shuna! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the comments. Some were insightful, some hilarious, some bizarre. Overall, a good discussion. And thank you for leaving a link to my site in your letter!
Posted by: brett | 26 October 2007 at 08:42 PM
Hi, Shuna:
It was a hoot to see my BlogHer comment referenced in your letter. I loved what you said to Ruhlman. I think some people in the comments missed your point entirely, though, unfortunately.
Posted by: Risa | 27 October 2007 at 09:51 PM
Shuna, you rock. Your letter was amazing and the message...perfect. I'm with you on all counts. As a food/restaurant writer (erzats blogger too) in New Orleans, I can only tell you that I LOVE our chefs, their art, the soul of the dishes they create and their daily dedication to the craft. Those of us that are like-minded stick together like glue and help each other, just as you experience in SF. I was very moved by your words and after having a particularly trying week, it's your letter that grounded me and reminded me why I love what I do. If you are ever in New Orleans, I hope we can meet.
Lorin
Posted by: Lorin | 09 November 2007 at 04:18 PM