I was Dumpster diving through my computer today and saw a folder on my desktop labeled, "My Blog docs." I realize how incredibly uncreative the title is, but I opened it up and saw two files: "Ilana's Take on Everyday Life" and "BlogDraft1." And before you think I got inspiration from one of my former favorite SNICK shows, no, I didn't title the first file as an allusion to "Vital Information For Your Everyday Life," starring Lori Beth Denberg. But I do like how your brain works.
I opened "BlogDraft1" out of mere curiosity. What in the world did I write two years ago that didn't even deserve a proper file name? I've never been one to toot my own horn, and honestly, I'm pretty shy about posting my writings on public forums. It's not that I'm afraid of criticism; I think I just don't see myself as a good writer. But I read through the post and was surprised at how well it was written.
Anyway, I liked it so much I wanted to share it with all of you and ask you how I can keep this going. For all my blogger friends out there: How often do you post? What are some tips and tricks you'd like to share with me? I am in desperate need of a career change (or to follow the career path I started when I moved here in 2014), and I know having a blog will benefit me.
(Note: The following blog post was written two years ago. Coincidentally, I'm posting this on the day I moved to LA four years ago.)
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Working title: Barbecue on a budget
It’s hard to believe I’ve lived in Los Angeles for almost two and a half years. I remember I told my dad a couple of days before he and I drove across the country that I would start a blog. I’d call it “East Coast Girl Meets West Coast Food,” or that’s at least what he suggested. And mind you, this east coast girl has met a lot – and I mean A LOT – of west coast food. So much so that I think I gained my Freshman 15 four years after my freshman year of college.
I should probably mention I’m typing this after stuffing my face with a gluttonous amount of barbecue from Bludso’s in West Hollywood, and my laptop is currently atop my food baby. I couldn’t be happier.
I should also probably mention barbecue food is my downfall. If I see a pulled pork sandwich with a dollop of coleslaw on the menu, 9 out of 10 times I’m going to order that.
Coming from the South (well, Florida, which is a completely other world), I grew up on barbecue and Arnold Palmers. We’d always order from our local Park Avenue on Monday nights, a.k.a. rib night, where the full rack of baby back ribs was at a discount price. Then my uncle found a hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint up in Palm Beach Gardens* called Mrs. Smokeys Real Pit Bar-BQ, and by golly did they give PA a run for its money. The fresh lemonade mixed with classic iced tea joined with only the juiciest pork on the softest bun I’d ever tasted threw me into barbecue heaven. The only downside to this place was it was 45 minutes away from my house.
But my dad and I always found a reason to go there. It became our go-to lunch place when I palled around with him when I was home from school for the summer and my mom was at work.
I guess you could say barbecue’s become my comfort. If I’m craving a little bit of home, I know barbecue will be able to curb that craving whilst bringing back memories of growing up.
And that’s why I love food. Not because it’s something we need it to survive – that’s an obvious reason to love food – but because it’s a natural reminiscence. There’s nothing I love more than gathering around a table of good food with good friends/family and sharing stories.
On the menu at Bludso’s tonight (split between two – yes two – people):
· ½ pound of pulled pork
· ½ pound of brisket
· ½ chicken
· 1 pint macaroni and cheese
· 1 pint collard greens
· 1 pint baked beans
· 2 pieces of cornbread
· 1 Arnold Palmer
· 1 beer
· 0 regrets
*Mrs. Smokey's is no longer located in Palm Beach Gardens. It has since moved to Jupiter.
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