You may have noticed it’s been quiet around here for the past week. I have been one busy bee. I just got back from Camp Blogaway and tomorrow I’m headed to Eat Write Retreat followed immediately by a trip to California to work with CA Strawberries. It’s a very hectic time and I love it. I am one lucky girl to be traveling to all of these cool events. Before I head back out of town, I’m eager to tell you about a very special trip I took last week to New York. I was lucky enough to be selected by Anna Curran from Cookbook Create to attend a special tour of the test kitchens at Bon Appetit, The Daily Meal and Food52.
We began our tour at Bon Appetit headquarters where we met Food Editor Dawn Perry, Web Editor Matt Gross, Restaurant and Drinks Editor, Andrew Knowlton and Editor in Chief, Adam Rapoport.
They told us a bit about the daily operations at Bon Appetit and how the recipe testing process works (I was dying inside; what a dream job!) Their test kitchens consist of one large room with numerous small kitchens that represent the environment where readers will most likely prepare the recipes. There’s no fancy equipment here. They want to know exactly how magazine readers will experience cooking the food. Recipes are tested anywhere from 3 to 12 (!) times until perfected or occasionally nixed.
We then had a chance to see their gorgeous demo kitchen where we were treated to horseradish deviled eggs (amazing), fresh pea hummus crostini with pea tendril garnish and homemade ginger ale. I loved listening to Andrew Knowlton describe what it’s like to be a professional restaurant critic. Such an interesting job!
Next we headed over to The Daily Meal headquarters (let me just tell you- getting 15+ excited, gabbing food bloggers onto the NYC metro system is no joke). There we were able to meet Executive Director Coleman Andrews, Executive Editor Arthur Bovino, Video Producer Ali Rosen, Executive Director of Community Development Sharon Gitelle, Cook Editor Anne Dolce and several others from The Daily Meal team.
They showed us around their test kitchen where videos are often made for the website. We were treated to wine as well as Sautéed Fava Beans and Greens. Simple to make and very flavorful. It was interesting to hear about their process for creating what sounded like a massive amount of quality website content involving recipe development, video production and writing articles. While visiting the test kitchen, many of us contributed to a video with tips for blogging. Check it out!
Next we walked over to Food52 to see their gorgeous new office space and test kitchen. Meeting Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs was such a treat for me. And can I just say how jealous I am of that workspace? Look at those windows! The natural light is to die for and the kitchen is absolutely elegant. So much thought was put into little details such as the custom wood shelving and marble countertops. I don’t mean this to sound like a sales pitch- I was really in awe of how lovely everything was.
While we chatted with Merrill about the day to day operations at Food52, two of the editors prepared for us a light, smooth pea soup with garlic cream and pickled ramps. It was wonderful and I can’t wait to get my hands on the recipe. I’ve been a fan of Food52 for such a long time and I loved hearing about how the website was developed and how it has evolved over the years. I was in total fangirl mode and it was such a joy to be there.
That about sums it up! Thanks so much to Anna, Leiti and Emily from Cookbook Create (check out their site for custom cookbooks). Thanks to our gracious hosts at Bon Appetit, The Daily Meal and Food52. Also, thanks to all of the other food bloggers in attendance! It was wonderful to meet everyone. Please take a moment to visit their sites!
Caroline from Taste Love & Nourish (my new bestie)
Alejandra from Always Order Dessert
Melinda from Kitchen Tested
Amie from The Healthy Apple
Carrie from Poet in the Pantry
Diana from Appetite for China
Kimberly from Foodie City Mom
Daina from The Hungry Fan
Jen from Champagne Problems
Lisa from Nutcase Crunch
Mary from Love the Secret Ingredient
Sloane from Allergic Girl
Clay from UltraClay (our awesome photographer)
The Healthy Apple says
Such a cute post with amazing pictures! I loved meeting you and hope to see you again in NYC soon. Have a fabulous summer!
xox
Jennifer Farley says
You will be one of the first people I contact when heading back to NYC. I want like a girls night out on the town or something.
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
Whew, you’ve been busy! Take a moment to breathe before you hop on off to the next event! It was so lovely meeting you last week–I’m sorry it didn’t work out for dinner after. See you at Big Summer Potluck!
Jennifer Farley says
I’m trying to breath. It’s a whirlwind! See you at BSP, can’t wait :)
Julie @ Table for Two says
whaaat?! I’m so jealous!! This looked like so much fun!! I love touring test kitchens and NYC is such a fun city :) you’re definitely a busy bee but since it’s your passion, definitely doesn’t feel like work!
Jennifer Farley says
I love NYC and cannot wait to go back just for fun. This was pretty damn cool, though, and I wish I could spend more time at these places.
Caroline says
First, let me address the “bestie” part…AWWWWW! :) The feeling is mutual! Loved this post…you recapped and described the day perfectly! I’m so glad you found all of those recipe links! I’d love to make them myself! Enjoy your busy week ahead!
Jennifer Farley says
You made the trip 10x more fun! I’m glad we made time for an adventurous dinner and I can’t wait to hang out again.
Sue/the view from great island says
How can you possibly come down to earth after all this? Great photos, too. I’m so jealous :)
Tieghan says
So jealous!! This looks like an amazing time! You are doing so much right now, that is awesome! I would kill for these opportunities! Way to go you! I am so happy for you!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
This looks incredible! I didn’t even know you were doing this! Then again, in between Camp BA, EWR, and a trip to CA for strawberries, I can hardly keep it all straight! In a great way, of course! So exciting to have all these great things going on! And a Bon Appetit test kitchen tour would be amazing!!!!! WOW!!!
Jennifer Farley says
I can barely keep it straight either. I seriously can’t believe I’m going back out of town tomorrow. Craziest 2 weeks ever.
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat says
That day looks so fun! Love all the behind the scenes shenanigans.
Mariel-OriginalCinn says
Hi Jennifer! If you’re coming back to Cali for strawberries, you will likely be in my neighborhood! Loved the post. Sounds like you’ve been and continue to be very busy. I love your tip in the “Tips for Blogging” video. Very true.
cathy @ Noble Pig says
How fun was this?! What an absolute treat to visit these places!! Loved your recap, all the food sounds amazing.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
What a fun event! So nice to be able to put name to faces in real life. Enjoy the conference!
JulieD says
So fun, Jennifer! I loved reading your take on this tour, looks like it was huge fun and I LOVE the advice you gave in the video…spot on! :)
Grubarazzi says
Wow! What an amazing opportunity. Thanks for sharing. I would love to do stuff like this! Have fun during your travels :)
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
What a fun trip! I’d love to see those kitchens too!
Lana says
Jennifer,
It was great to finally meet you at Camp Blogaway! I am glad you are this deliciously busy and enjoyed reading your recap:) We’ll welcome you back to California:) Have fun! XOXO