Monday, July 31, 2006

$2.5+k Pledged for Food Runners: A Big Blogathon Thank You to Everyone!

A Recap of My Blogathon day in just a few rather a lot of paragraphs:

Forgot to pledge? You still can, Donate to Food Runners directly.
Thank you if you did pledge: You can now pay your promised donation to Food Runners directly. Blogathon will send you a reminder mail in the next couple of days which you can ignore, if the payment has already been made. Thank you!

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th, Cooking with Amy at Bobs donuts on polk street
Amy attacks Bob's donut at 1.30 AM on Sunday morning


Those of you who have been away from your computers for the weekend would be forgiven for wondering what a Blogathon actually is was. On Saturday July 29th, hundreds of Bloggers, from all over the world, blogged non-stop for 24 hours, each raising funds for the charity of his or her own choice. I decided to support Food Runners, a San Francisco-based Charity that collects surplus food from farmers and restaurants and delivers it to the needy.

Non-stop blogging, it turns out, is much more difficult in practice than it appears to be in theory. Not one to do things by halves, I wasn't satisfied to simply sit at home and spew out a collection of words. I am not quite cerebral enough for that kind of approach. Instead I wanted action, I needed pictures, I wanted to highlight my charity, I wanted a scoop, I wanted to cook, I wanted to dine out. In essence, I wanted to try and capture the entire spirit of my Becks & Posh blog in one long day. I think I may just have pulled it off:

I started without a hangover by asking for questions from the audience, thinking I would have plenty of time to answer them later in the night. No chance, time ran away with itself. I did manage to take part in Meeta's post card event though, so my Chez Panisse postcard was photographed being popped into the mail box. I thought the coast was clear when I whipped out my camera, but a couple of seconds later, a very-irrated member of the public barged in front of me to post his letter first. He didn't seem amused by the couple of seconds I was taking to pose the very important shot.

Every Saturday, almost without fail, between 7.30 and 8.00 AM, I go to the Farmers Market at the Ferry Plaza. Why should a blogathon day be any different? Blogging from Cell phone as I went along, this is when I discovered that the moblogging technology is not 100% reliable. Randomly it decides not to work. No fewer than seven photographs I sent and moblogged from my market visit never arrived on the blog and were for ever lost in cyberspace. This would be the frustrating pattern for the rest of the day.

Back at home with my shopping done, I set about making some crostini for Bron Marshall's Donnay Hay event. I still haven't finished cleaning the kitchen.

After lunch, Fred kindly dropped me back off at the Ferry Building to meet with Keith, Seth and Frank the Food Runner volunteers. I followed them as they picked up excess food from the Market vendors and loaded it onto their truck. Next stop, delivering the food to several shelters around town. This was a very moving experience.

Back at home again, I had a chance to catch up with Fred and I asked him to draw the winner of the grand food prize I put together to help encourage lots of donations. The lucky winner was Amanda Berne and the prize has already been promptly delivered. She is delighted, saying "This is the first time I have ever won anything, should I give it back so someone else can have it instead?". Definitely not, I replied, enjoy!

I decided the day wouldn't be complete without a visit to a brand new organic, sustainable, biodynamic wine bar called Yield, just a block down the road from our house, on Third Street in Dogpatch, San Francisco. Saturday was opening night and so they gave us free champagne. We'll be back, for sure.

Next up on the agenda was a night out on the town. First stop, the XYZ bar for my friend Ellen's birthday. I am not sure why I gave her a copy of my favourite cookbook, it had slipped my mind she is dating a chef.

My good blogging friend Cooking with Amy, this week's Bay Area blogger of the Week on Becks & Posh, hooked up with me to go on a little late-night dining tour of San Francsico. Open until 1am, Oola, a regular haunt of many chefs, has long been one of my favourite SoMa dining spots not least because of the delicious ribs. It was Amy's first visit and she wasn't disappointed. Next we hopped over to Globe for dessert. It was getting later and didn't have quite the buzz that Oola does. Amy's next idea was that we should have a freshly cooked doughnut from Bob's. You can see she enjoyed that! We were about to call it a night when we got a call from a friend who was late night dining at Juet Lee with some chefs. Although I wasn't really hungry, we decided to head over for the experience. This is one of the few places in the city open for dining as late as 3am. One of the chefs I met at Juet Lee was Arren Caccamo, who I have to tell you is totally cool. After he had told me he used to work for Oola where he was the inventor of the ribs that make me swoon, I was awestruck. Now he is at Levende Lounge, where he tells me he has another version of ribs on the menu. I can't wait to check them out.

After all the out-and-about excitement of the day, I just spent the last few hours of the blogathon challenge at home, drinking marmite, inventing cookie flavours, pondering packaging and dreaming of sleep. At 6am, when the challenge ended, I burst into tears. I was caught off guard by my reaction which came at the end of an exciting but stressful and emotional day.

The support everyone in the community of bloggers and by those who read blogs has been amazing. I can't thank you all enough for your generous contributions of money, comments, moral support and publicity. Cheers to you all!



PS - A big shout also goes to those people who were inspired by my campaign and decided to give to food charities closer to home. Thank you too!



Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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$2.5+k Pledged for Food Runners: A Big Blogathon Thank You to Everyone!

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Le Blogathon est Fin


2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Thanks to everyone who took part. We made it!
And the cookies aren't half bad after all.

The Blogathon records are slightly inconsistent but we made either $2372.00 or $2407.00 worth of pledges. I am in tears I am so touched by the kindness of everyone. It is just truly amazing.

If you missed out on my 24 hours of blogathon hell fun, then just read back through the last several dozen posts. I started with my weekly shopping at the farmer's market, I made several types of crostini, I spent the afternoon with my chosen charity, Food Runners, as they delivered surplus food from the market to the needy. I went to a wine bar that had only been open for a couple of hours and I caught up with my friend for her birthday drinks before heading off on a late night tour of San Francisco eats including sticky ribs, dessert, donuts and Chinese food, with Amy. Thanks to everyone who donated money, time and moral support to me throughout. Thanks to every one who kept me company online. Sorry I didn't have time to reply to all your comments as the day progressed - it was much tougher than I thought it would be! But I survived. But now I must go and get some rest. A bien tot...




There is still time to pledge a donation here. Pledges will be open for a couple of days and after that everyone should get an email explaining how to turn the pledge into the real donation.



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Le Blogathon est Fin

[Raw] Burnt Caramel - Almond - Cocoa Nib Cookie Dough

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[Raw] Burnt Caramel - Almond - Cocoa Nib Cookie Dough

I really did make hot marmite

you can see i am beginning to get delirious
cookies are going in the oven now...
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I really did make hot marmite

Only an hour left? Woo Hoo!

I am going to the kitchen to invent a cookie from scratch
(and drink a mug of hot marmite)

Absolutely no looking at recipes, just relying on my pantry list.

Ha ha, I wonder what i will come up with?

I bet you it is going to be awful! (the cookie, not the marmite)


2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Remember! Any money can pledge, even the smallest amount, will help Food Runners to stop good food going to waste and help feed the needy in San Francisco.




Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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Only an hour left? Woo Hoo!

Changes in Packaging

Subtle or Screaming it at You?

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006
For the longest time I had been cursing every time I opened a pack of King Arthur Flour. Until recently the paper packaging was sealed with glue so strong, that for every bag you opened, the paper would tear, the kitchen would be dusted with flour, the pack would not refold neatly again and you would never be able to pour flour out of the bag because of the raggedy edges you had created on opening. I even had a special plastic bag, whose sole purpose it was to hold the newly opened King Arthur Flour bag, to prevent spillage. Then one day, I opened a bag of KA flour and the problem had gone away. The pack opened easily without any rips or tears. it wasn't a fluke, it's been happening ever since. Magic!

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Marmite's design changes are not so simple. In theory it seems like a good idea to be able to squeeze Marmite from a container that sits on its lid. But hey! Marmite? Please note that it has taken 40 years for me to perfect the art of dipping the knife in the marmite pot for exactly the right of marmite to spread on a piece of toast. It's taken me a long time to get used to the plastic (instead of metal lids). What are you trying to do to me with this new-fangled marmite pot?



Remember! Any money you can pledge, even the smallest amount, will help Food Runners to stop good food going to waste and help feed the needy in San Francisco.

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006


Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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Changes in Packaging

My Firefox Just had a Big Crash

next post on its way soon

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006




Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking to pledge here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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My Firefox Just had a Big Crash

Bay Area Blogger of the Week # 45

"Sam", she said, "I don't think donut's actually have an apostrophe"

photograph picture of the San Francisco bay area food blogger haddock at knife's edge

And, of course she was right. A huge shout goes out to Amy, who I hope is now safely tucked up in bed asleep, for coming out with me earlier on a late night eating tour of San Francisco. And thanks to her for looking over my shoulder and correcting my typos (of which there were many!), whilst I blogged in the car, blogged in the donut shop, blogged wherever I could blog... You may already know Amy from her Cooking with Amy blog, but what you might not know about her, is that she an absolute trooper. Just look at this picture and you'll see what I mean. Dear Amy, I couldn't have done this Blogathon without you and i am proud that you decided to be part of the team.

In case you were wondering. We stopped at Oola for their ribs and macaroni cheese, then went to Globe for an almond semifreddo dessert and then Bob's Donuts for whatever was still warm and most fresh. We were about to call it a night when we had a call from a friend dining with a bunch of Chefs at Yuet Lee, so we decided to stop by for even more chow. One of those chef's was actually the guy responsible for introducing the ribs of my dreams to Oola. He now makes ribs at Levende - I will have to try it out...

Thank you, Amy!





Archive Alert! On this day in 2005: Picco Pizzeria in Larkspur.





Archive Alert! On this day in 2004: http://becksposhnosh.blogspot.com/2004/07/fly-trap.html.



Previously Featured Bay Area Food & Drink Bloggers:
Culinary Muse | Hungrig in SF | Mary Ladd's Food Finds | 2 tasty Ladies | Dessert First | Ms Glaze's Pommes d'Amour | Hedonia | Dive | Sweet Napa | Cupcake Bakeshop | Tea & Cookies | Albion Cooks | Blogher | Bay Area Bites | Hungry Hedonist | Mighty | Chez Pim | The Blue Bottle Clown College | The Novato Experiment | Amuse Bouche | Feeding Fashionistas | All In | Dr Five Pints | SF Gourmet | Small Farms | In Praise of Sardines | Life Begins @ 30 | Gastronomie | Confessions of a Restaurant Whore | Bunny Foot | Sweet & Savory | I'm Mad and I Eat | Yummy Chow | Nosheteria | Vivi's Wine Journal | Epicurian Debauchery | Food Musings | Pfiff | Marga's Food Blog | Where the Wild Things Are | Eggbeater


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Bay Area Blogger of the Week # 45

$2407

You are all wonderful
2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Maybe we will make it to $2.5k before the night is over.

Thank you!




Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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$2407

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Bob's Donuts

1621 Polk Street

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Amy shows me when, where and how to get the freshest donut in town at 1.30 am.





Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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Bob's Donuts

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Late Night Dining # 1

Oola

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

So Amy, what do you think about your first visit to Oola?

Excellent service, excellent ribs.

Would you go back and dine there during more standard hours?
Yes but it's good to know where to go after 10pm. And you never know who you'll run in to.

(We met some prolific restaurant owners and that is all we are saying)



PS I wonder if they give to Food Runners?

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006


Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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Late Night Dining # 1

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Where are we from Amy and Sam

Where are we from Amy and Sam

Where are we from Amy and Sam

Confessions from a Hotel Bar

Posing Like Madonna

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Remember! Any money can pledge, even the smallest amount, will help Food Runners to stop good food going to waste and help feed the needy in San Francisco.




Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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Confessions from a Hotel Bar

The Birthday Gurrrrrrl

Happy 29th Birthday, Ellen!

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006




Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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The Birthday Gurrrrrrl

Veuve

Cliquot

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006



Remember! Any money can pledge, even the smallest amount, will help Food Runners to stop good food going to waste and help feed the needy in San Francisco.


2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006



Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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Veuve

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X Y Z

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You Question Me

Which US city, one you've never visited, would you most like to eat your way through?

Hours and hours ago, at the start of my Blogathon day, I asked readers to send me their questions, Now I have a few brief minutes to answer one of them. This question was posed by Jennifer.

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Jennifer, I think it would have to be Chicago. I was lucky enough to have been to New York last month, for the first time, else that would have undoubtedly have been my number one choice. I am lucky to have been to Las Vegas many times. I am also very lucky to have been to New Orleans twice. Both times I travelled from the UK, where I used to live, to make the visit. Unfortunately I haven't been back since I lived in the US, though I would love to. Why would I like to go to Chicago? The number one draw is Alinea, but there are many other good things I have heard about eating out in Chicago, too. One day, maybe...

Second choice would be Portland, I have already been to Seattle and loved it!



PS - talking of travelling - I am back out on the road again now, first to meet my birthday friend for drinks, and then to hook up with Amy for late night San Francisco bites...

Remember! Any money can pledge, even the smallest amount, will help Food Runners to stop good food going to waste and help feed the needy in San Francisco.


Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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You Question Me

Yield Wine Bar, 3rd Street San Francisco

As we were among the first customers they gave us free champagne to go with our wine. Nice.

Yield Wine Bar, 3rd Street San Francisco

Yield Wine Bar, 3rd Street San Francisco

A more up-to-date post about Yield can now be found here.

This new wine bar, Yield, is on 3rd at 22nd in Dog Patch, San Francisco. All of their wines are either organic, sustainable or biodynamic. Cool?

Yield Wine Bar, 3rd Street San Francisco

We live in the middle of nowhere...

We live in the middle of nowhere, an industrial wasteland so we were excited when we found out a new wine bar called Yield was opening today just one block away from our house

We live in the middle of nowhere...

Happy Birthday Ellen!

It's my friend's birthday today

How inconvenient to have a birthday on blogathon day!

Can you believe I turned down the chance of her celebratory dinner at my favourite Coco500 this evening because of the Blogathon? Now that's what I call dedication to a good cause.

I will be meeting her for drinks at the XYZ bar in the W hotel though, moblog in hand. She likes to cook so we bought her my current favourite cook book. Fred snapped me wrapping it up:

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

Then catch up with me much later when I meet up with the wonderful and very supportive Amy, as we head out to hit some of San Francisco's late night dining spots. Who knows what is in store...?

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006

In the meantime, if I can hoax Fred away from playing with his DJ CD mixer we are going to check out a new wine bar that is supposed to open today in our hood, first...



Remember! Any money you can pledge, even the smallest amount, will help Food Runners to stop good food going to waste and help feed the needy in San Francisco.

2006 blogathon 24 hours of blogging to raise money for food runners in san francisco on july 29th 2006


Please sponsor me to help Food Runners by Clicking here

Visit the Food Runners website.

Visit the Blogathon Website.

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Happy Birthday Ellen!

Poor Fred!

I only had time to make him a couple of pink sandwiches

 














poor boy, I am making him suffer today,

I hope he will forgive me Posted by Picasa
Poor Fred!