Meet. Greet. Eat. Share.
Over the weekend, more than three hundred Foodbuzz Featured Publishers followed the same agenda at the Second Annual Foodbuzz Blogger Festival. Publishers flew in from across the country and around the world to San Francisco—the home of Foodbuzz—for a weekend full of tastings, seminars, and the chance to meet and learn from one another.
When I launched Kitchen Confidante, I imagined blogging as a solitary pursuit: cook, photograph, write. As the readership grew, I discovered that comments turn into acquaintances and sometimes friendships. The blog became a community.
I was surprised to learn about food blogger conferences happening nationwide—events that often sell out. Once I realized Foodbuzz organized a festival for its Featured Publishers, attending was an obvious choice. I knew I had to be there.
For me it was a short drive across the bridge, but many attendees arrived from every corner of the U.S., plus Canada and Bulgaria. As always, I felt proud of San Francisco, which I consider a true foodie utopia.
Festival events took place at notable San Francisco landmarks.
The weekend opened Friday evening with a Welcome Reception & Street Food Fair at Fort Mason Center. Entering the Herbst Pavilion, I was immediately struck by the number of attendees. Hundreds of people sharing a passion for food writing made the space hum with energy. It was a reminder that food blogging has become a global community.
Before long I ran into old friends, met new ones, and sampled countless bites.
Saturday was a full day of programming. Morning breakout sessions and seminars were held at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. By lunchtime, a hungry crowd gathered at the Metreon for the Taste Pavilion, a visually delightful and delectable display.
Some of the highlights included:
Poached Gulf Prawns & Chile-Gazpacho, Miss Pearl’s Restaurant
King Salmon, Halibut and Salmon Tacos, Chef Mary Sue Milliken for Alaska Seafood
Butternut Squash & Apple Soup with Savory Shortbread, by Tyler Florence
Ghirardelli Toffee S’mores & Pumpkin Spice Parfaits
Mission Minis
Lisa of Korean American Mommy demonstrating her recipe for Nature’s Pride
When I’m in the city I’m often on a tight schedule—reservations, events, and traffic limit wandering. Having time between the Tasting Pavilion and the evening Gala Dinner was a rare pleasure, and the sunny, mild weather made it even better.
View of Moscone Center from City View at the Metreon
Chandara of Spicy Green Mango and I wandered to Yerba Buena Gardens for tea and a quiet spot to rest. Surrounded by blooms and greenery, it hardly felt like November.
Hika Sencha Tea, Samovar Tea Lounge
That evening we attended the Saturday Night Grand Dinner at the Ferry Building. Set in the airy Grand Hall, the Cooking Channel hosted a beautifully executed, elegant meal.
Roasted Golden Beet Tart
Seared Scallops with Bonny Doon Vineyard Verjus Beurre Blanc & Rosemary and Garlic Infused Rack of Lamb
Tarta de Almendras with Oranges
Each course was executed with care, an impressive feat for such a large event. The beets and scallops stood out for me, and after a generously portioned lamb entree, a light almond cake provided the perfect finish.
Most of all, the weekend’s greatest reward was the personal connections. Meeting readers, fellow bloggers, and friendly new faces—putting real voices and smiles to names I’d known only online—was genuinely special. Although I missed the farewell brunch the next morning, the warm conversations and kindred spirits I encountered made the festival a memorable and inspiring experience. I look forward to next year.