Food Buzz Challenge #1: Ready, Set, Blog!

Hi Everyone! I'm entering a contest called Project Food Blog where every week for the next 12 weeks there will be a new blog post challenge. Almost 1900 people have entered, and only 400 will be chosen by a panel of judges for the next round. After 10 rounds/challenges, the winner gets $10,000. Can't hurt to try, right?

Challenge #1: What defines you as a food blogger and makes it clear why you think you have what it takes to be the next food blog star?

Part 1: What defines me as a food blogger...

My blog is an extension of my life through food. You can see my upbringing, hobbies, friends, love life and travels in my posts.

Both of my parents are Vietnamese and as a young child my mom said I ate everything. Growing up in a Vietnamese household and attending family gatherings, food was made to feed an army! I was fortunate enough to grow up eating ethnic food, which has allowed me to have a more adventurous palate as an adult.

Born and raised in Maryland baby! Non-MDers do NOT understand sitting for 3-4 hours picking at blue crabs, but its one of my favorite things to do. Living right outside of such a diverse city as DC, I've been able to try so many different types of cuisines like Ethiopian, Burmese, Turkish, etc.

If you've been a true follower of my blog, you will know that blogging is not my only hobby. Breaking has been a HUGE part of my life. It'll be 10 years in a few months, and it has allowed me to meet so many different people and travel. Traveling and having friends in different parts of the country has allowed me to experience new cities like a local, which is the best way to try their cuisine.

"The Bf" (as he's referred to on my blog) is the #1 person I've been eating with for almost 6 years now. We are complete opposites when it comes to interests and tastes. He loves buffets, meat, fries - manly food, and that exposes me to even more places I wouldn't normally choose.

Part 2: Why you think you have what it takes to be the next food blog star?

I am passionate about food and enjoy blogging about restaurants, recipes, food events and having others use me as a reference. I'm not blogging for myself - this is for others. The content of my blog is mostly DC area related but does offer material for people everywhere.

For years I've been snapping pics of my food (photo: Vietnam 2006) before I even knew what blogging was. I love photography, so posting them on a blog seemed like a natural progression.

When I blog about restaurants I want my photos and comments to feel like I'm a friend telling you about last night's dinner. My writing is fairly informal and I prefer it that way. When I'm out of town, I like to recap where I ate in case someone happens to be out of town looking for a recommendation.

As far as I can remember, I've loved baking. I've been able to try some great recipes and share them with my readers. I have a crazy sweet tooth and have probably gained 10 lbs because of this blog.

I don't cook as often as I eat out, but I'm learning and improving the more I do it. Sharing my cooking mistakes, step-by-step photo directions, and tips I've learned along the way can help a novice cook feel more comfortable in the kitchen.

I think I'm the next "food blog star" because my blog has a little bit of everything. It is an easy read with a lot of pictures that talk for themselves, and I'm doing all of this because I truly enjoy it.

It's the year of DC! Real Housewives of DC, Real World DC, Top Chef DC....so let's bring the next Food Blog Star win to DC!

If you feel like voting, please click on the HEART towards the top of the voting page, thanks!