Posts Tagged ‘Arizona’

Behold… the reviews cometh.

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

YOU: “So… we get it. You eat out all the time. Where the hell are the reviews and comments?”

ME: “…um …uh… shit”

Truth is, I have dozens of reviews written and ready to post. The problem? I’m just plain self conscious about writing and publishing a big chunk of critical text. My job has me writing, writing, writing several hours a day and practically drains the creative jucies out of my skull.

Adding to the pressure, my career and lifestyle surrounds me with great food writing by pros and non-pros both locally and nationally. On the flip side, there are tons of lame reviewers out there.

So where will I fit in? What will my peers think?

After a pep talk from my saucy little gal pal in food, I’ve finally have the confidence to start posting some of these reviews. No more excuses.

The Plan: Go with what you know.

Readers, expect a different take on food and dining reviews. Not for the sake of being different, but because I can only publish materials using the voice/medium that I’m most confident in.

Or should that be confident with.

Hell. See what I mean about confidence?

…coming soon: reviews on JuxtaPalate

Completely uninterested in your “conflict of interest” issues.

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Whatever happened to the American dream of doing what you love for a living?

I love food. Always have. I cook. I eat & drink. I comment about food. It’s not work, it’s a lifestyle. And a chaotic one, at that.

My day job?

I get to talk about great food to as many people as possible. My boutique media firm helps generate buzz about Arizona’s best food, drink and dining spots. We provide media relations & marketing for local businesses.

“But Ty… you can’t write a food blog AND represent restaurants AND tweet praise/criticism on other restaurants…. all at the same time.”

Bullshit.

My life has always revolved around food (and music.) In fact, my clients depend on it. I love to talk about food both on and off the clock. However, when I tweet or blog, I openly disclose any business relationships.

I’m not a journalist. I’m certainly not a food critic. My blogs and tweets are packed full of typos. (Plus, with tweets like “cocktail abortion & eatin’ dress,” I’ve pretty much closed any doors to journalism opportunities.)

So anyone you see taking cheap shots at me is doing it from ten steps behind me. Yep. I’m talking to the petty PR fossils, attention desperate has-beens, and anyone else with conflict of interest issues. Those are your issues, not mine.

Have fun playing catch up.

I hope someday you’ll find what makes you happy.

New Mexico and back. In 24 hours.

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

Shiprock

As you read this, I’m on the road back to my hometown of Shiprock in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. It’s a sudden “family matter” trip so it will be a quick turnaround. I don’t have the nicest memories of the town but maybe this visit will inspire more frequent returns.

I’m not driving (thankfully) so I’ll be Tweeting photos and blips from the passenger seat (@JuxtaPalate.) Because I’ve made this trip hundreds of times, I know there are plenty of interesting stops and things to see.

The destination is a small desert valley town named for the monolithic volcanic rock nearby. The town borders on the reservation and the population is mainly Navajo.

Mountain

What about the food?

Glossy fast food restaurants diminish the rural look of the dusty town. Sadly, they are a major cause of health issues in the community.

However, if we get there in time I can check out the weekend shanty town (literally) flea market where I might score childhood favorites like mutton stew, fry bread, Hopi cookies, Hopi bread, steam corn, mutton sandwiches and more.

Goodbye Arizona. See you tomorrow.