My eagerly anticipated trip to New York City for the annual BlogHer conference, a premier gathering for women in digital media, began with an unexpected, yet utterly memorable, set of challenges. It was a chaotic start that illuminated our collective naivety regarding the intricate dance of NYC traffic and perhaps, a slight overestimation of our charm in hailing a taxi in the bustling metropolis. This initial adventure, fraught with humorous missteps, truly set the tone for an unforgettable week of networking, culinary exploration, and friendship in the Big Apple.
The first hurdle presented itself just as we were preparing for a significant engagement. Ree Drummond, the beloved Pioneer Woman, Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes, and I were honored to host an award at the exclusive SocialLuxe party. Our cue to be on stage was precisely 6:20 pm, leaving us with a rapidly shrinking window of time. Elise and I were sharing a room at a bustling Hilton hotel, and by 6:00 pm, a quick glance at the hotel’s taxi stand revealed a daunting sight: a cab line stretching at least ten deep. A collective gasp of “Oh crap!” escaped our lips as the reality of our predicament sank in. Panic began to set in, realizing we were perilously close to missing our stage time. With a surge of adrenaline, we darted out of the hotel and ran to the street corner a block ahead, hoping to bypass the queue. Cabs zoomed past us like yellow blurs, an endless stream against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers. We tried every trick in the book – waving frantically, flashing what we hoped were our most alluring smiles, and yes, even strategically positioning our legs for maximum visibility. Alas, not a single taxi yielded to our desperate pleas. It quickly became apparent that past the ripe old age of 38, our street-hailing prowess, or perhaps our perceived “sex appeal” to busy cab drivers, had significantly dwindled.
Unbeknownst to us, approximately three blocks away, Ree was facing a similar dilemma at her own hotel, confronted by an equally lengthy cab line. Demonstrating her characteristic pragmatism and quick thinking, Ree bypassed the taxi queue entirely. She shrewdly enlisted the hotel staff to arrange for a private car to transport all three of us to the party venue. A swift phone call informed Elise and me to hold our ground at the street corner and keep a keen eye out for a black private car, poised to make a swift entry once it arrived. The instruction was simple enough, yet the execution proved to be a comedic challenge in itself.
And so, we found ourselves perched precariously on our tiptoes, a picture of anxious anticipation at the notoriously busy intersection of 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas. This particular area of New York City, known for its upscale establishments and constant flow of luxury vehicles, meant one thing: there was an abundance of black private cars. Every single dark sedan that seemed to decelerate even a fraction of a smidgen sent us into a flurry of activity. We’d bend over, squint intensely, and peer into the heavily tinted windows, desperately trying to discern any tell-tale sign of Ree’s distinctive redhead amongst the shadows. It was a spectacle, to say the least. From an outside perspective, we likely appeared to be those kind of ladies – the ones who proposition passersby. The only problem was, we lacked the essential accoutrements: no impossibly long legs, no sky-high hooker-heels, and certainly no perky, gravity-defying bosoms to complete the look. Each car passed without a single window rolling down, leaving us in a comedic state of continued desperation. It was a clear confirmation: we would make absolutely terrible street girls. Thankfully, we had blogging to fall back on, a much more suitable and less embarrassing profession.
Our desperate attempts to navigate NYC traffic.
The relief that washed over us when the twenty-ninth black car finally pulled up, revealing Ree signaling for us to jump in, was immeasurable. A collective sigh escaped our lips as we piled into the back seat, already running significantly behind schedule. The journey itself offered another stark lesson in navigating New York City during peak hours. What should have been a short drive turned into an epic crawl; it took us a full 30 minutes to cover a mere 20 blocks in the suffocating embrace of rush hour traffic. You might be thinking, “Couldn’t you have just walked?” And to that, I emphatically reply, “Oh heck no!” Anyone who saw the incredible, yet undoubtedly challenging, shoes Ree was wearing would understand the impracticality of such a suggestion. Despite our tardiness, the gracious party hostesses, thankfully, forgave our late arrival. We even received a charming souvenir mug to commemorate our chaotic, yet ultimately successful, journey to the SocialLuxe party. This initial scramble served as a vivid reminder that even seasoned travelers can underestimate the unique challenges of the Big Apple, especially when tight schedules are involved.
The following evening, the three of us musketeers – Ree, Elise, and myself – had the distinct pleasure of hosting our own amazing gathering. Nearly 100 of our closest “bloggy friends” joined us, creating an atmosphere of vibrant camaraderie and shared passion for the digital world. It was during this lively event that a rather amusing confession was made. I sheepishly admitted to Marlboro Man, Ree’s husband, that the real reason I found myself perpetually walking a step or two behind him throughout the evening was not due to conversational lag, but rather a keen interest in checking out his… ahem… rather distinctive shoes. It was a lighthearted moment that perfectly encapsulated the relaxed and humorous spirit of our blogger community.
Our party was held on the breathtaking rooftop of the luxurious Peninsula Hotel, a truly iconic New York City venue. The panoramic views of the glittering Manhattan skyline were nothing short of spectacular, captivating everyone in attendance. Even through the humble lens of a cell phone camera, the sheer beauty and grandeur of the city spread out before us were undeniable, creating an unforgettable backdrop for our gathering. It was an evening where networking felt less like work and more like catching up with extended family, sharing laughter, stories, and the collective energy of a thriving online community.
Doesn’t Elise look absolutely radiant, like a true movie star? Her elegance truly shone through that evening, reflecting the bright spirit of our gathering.
Regrettably, these few snapshots are the extent of the photographs I managed to capture from that magical night. We were all too engrossed in the joyous activities – sipping delicious beverages, savoring delectable bites, and engaging in lively conversations – to bother with taking more pictures. The evening was a true celebration of connection, where good friends, both old and new, came together to simply hang out and enjoy each other’s company. It was particularly special for me as I finally had the pleasure of meeting two prominent figures in the food blogging world, Adam Roberts of The Amateur Gourmet and Shuna Lydon of Eggbeater, in person for the very first time. Their insights and humor added another layer of richness to an already fantastic evening. UPDATE: A wonderful surprise! I completely forgot that we had a professional photographer capturing the event, and he has since posted a fantastic collection of photos, allowing us all to relive those cherished moments.
The morning after such an exhilarating, yet exhausting, evening, Elise and I came to a mutual, undeniable realization: the days of us being “spring chickens” were undoubtedly behind us. The energy levels required for late-night networking and early-morning conference sessions had taken their toll. Consequently, our immediate solution was to retreat back to the comfort of our hotel beds, emerging only at a leisurely 1:00 pm. Our agenda for the afternoon was a highly anticipated lunch date with three incredibly talented and genuinely hungry men of the culinary world: the renowned pastry chef and author David Lebovitz, the brilliant food photographer Adam Pearson, and the charismatic food stylist Matt Armendariz. Our destination was a fantastic Korean fried chicken joint, a hidden gem boasting a sandwich with a wonderfully strange and intriguing name, promising a unique culinary adventure in the heart of NYC’s diverse food scene.
Following our delightful and savory Korean fried chicken lunch, our culinary exploration continued with an unexpected, yet thoroughly enjoyable, two-hour detour. Guided by Matt and Adam, whose discerning eyes appreciate aesthetics as much as flavor, we embarked on a pilgrimage to their favorite dishware, home goods, and photography prop shops. Our first stop was the sprawling and inspiring ABC Carpet & Home, a veritable treasure trove of unique and exquisite items perfect for elevating food photography. Next, we ventured into the whimsical and utterly charming Fishs Eddy, a quintessential New York institution known for its quirky and nostalgic dinnerware. Browsing these stores was an experience in itself, offering endless inspiration for any food blogger looking to enhance their visual storytelling. After indulging our aesthetic sensibilities, we all collectively decided that the next logical step was to indulge our sweet tooth. And what better way to do that in New York City than with doughnuts – or should I say, doughnuts – from the legendary Doughnut Plant? This iconic establishment is celebrated for its innovative flavors and perfectly crafted pastries, making it a must-visit destination for any serious food enthusiast or, indeed, any blogger worth their salt.
Stepping into the Doughnut Plant, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. It was there that I witnessed something truly unique to the food blogging world: an astounding number of photographs featuring half-eaten donuts. This practice, while perhaps puzzling to an outsider, is an unspoken ritual among food bloggers. It’s not just about showcasing the beautiful exterior of the pastry, but about revealing its glorious interior, the texture of the dough, the richness of the filling, and the story of the first bite. It’s an art form in itself, a testament to the dedication to capturing the full sensory experience of food. It must be a food blogger thing, isn’t it? It absolutely must be! With such an inspiring example set by my peers, I couldn’t resist joining in on this delicious tradition. The Doughnut Plant truly delivered an exceptional experience, from its inventive flavors like passion fruit and crème brûlée to the sheer joy of participating in this beloved food blogger ritual.
If contributing to the visual narrative of partially devoured pastries is indeed a cornerstone of food blogging, then consider my contribution proudly made. Here is my own addition to the compelling gallery of gastronomic artistry, a testament to the delicious experience and the unique culture of our community.
My New York City adventure for BlogHer was a whirlwind of professional engagement, unexpected challenges, and delightful culinary discoveries. From the comedic cab crisis to the vibrant rooftop party and the indulgent doughnut tour, every moment was a rich tapestry of experiences that only NYC can offer. The connections forged, the lessons learned, and the flavors savored made it an unforgettable journey. However, after all the excitement, the networking, and the lavish sugar splurge that characterized our culinary explorations, a different kind of sweetness awaited me. A mere twenty-four hours after immersing myself in the delectable delights of the Big Apple, I was back home, finally able to lay my eyes upon the very best “sweets of my own.” There’s nothing quite like returning to the warmth and comfort of family, a gentle reminder that while professional pursuits and travel are exhilarating, the sweetest rewards often await us right where our hearts truly belong.
