Name: James Seaton
Blog name: From James to Jamie
Where were you born? Chilliwack, B.C.
Where are you living now? Chilliwack (though I recently lived in Halifax for two years)
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog to keep an accessible record of my favourite recipes – with any personal adaptations I’ve made – as an alternative to using Pinterest (though I’ve embraced that site now, as well). I also found blogging to be a great way to practice writing, as it has always been a passion of mine.
How did you decide on your blog name?
To encourage myself to really embrace my blogging endeavor, I challenged myself to post 100+ new-to-me recipes over my first year of blogging (I got to 98!). I saw it as my own - though much less ambitious version - of Julie Powell’s “From Julie to Julia” blog (immortalized in the movie “Julie and Julia”). The “Jamie” in my blog name refers to Jamie Oliver, as he’s been a big inspiration for me getting into the kitchen.
What do you blog about?
My blog covers food from around the world (usually of the comfort variety), and is always a result of what I’m craving. A glutton for punishment, many of my recipes are labour intensive and avoid store-bought shortcuts. I fully expect that to change once my wife and I eventually have children, but I’m embracing the freedom I have in the kitchen at the moment.
What post on your blog most encapsulates you?
As of writing this, it’s my most recent post: “Quick” Paska.
Which post do you wish received more love and why?
The post: Gnocchi Alla Romana with Tomatoes and Mozzarella. Why? It’s delicious, but Foodgawker (my greatest generator of views) had issues with my photography, so it hasn’t had the same reach that most of my other, more recent recipes, have enjoyed.
Which post’s success surprised you and why?
Foodista featured me as their “Food Blog of the Day” back when I posted my “Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles”, which instantly made it my most popular post.
What’s your biggest challenge as a blogger?
It WAS photography (seriously, it took me a long time to work up to where I am now), but now it’s simply that I’m very picky when it comes to meal planning.
Share a couple of your favourite food blogs to read. Why do you like them?
Though “read” isn’t the most accurate description of my interaction with these blogs (I usually just drool over their Instagram photos and use them as inspiration because their pictures are so great), a few of my favourites are:
Favourite food - care to share a recipe or a restaurant destination?
Though I can never nail down a favourite food, the nachos at Tacofino in Gastown (there are other Vancouver locations, but I believe their menus may vary a bit) are the best I’ve ever tasted. Seriously, those nachos will ruin your ability to enjoy any others.
What are you working on next for your blog?
This is pretty much the most difficult question that could be asked. Perhaps an homage to my wife’s heritage with some Ćevapi (heavenly Balkan skinless sausages), or maybe something from Mexico (seeing as I have a new tortilla press just waiting to be made useful). Don’t hold your breath for either, though – I make no promises.
What else should we know about you that may or may not be in your “About Me” page?
My “About Me” page mentions nothing about the dream my wife and I have, of one day retiring to Croatia (at least on a part-time basis), living by the ocean, and frequenting the local markets for fresh produce and seafood.
What makes your blog unique?
Being a male food blogger immediately places me in a very small minority, but that’s none of my own doing. For my part, I take great pride in my writing ability and the humour and honesty I infuse into it. Having others comment on my posts’ anecdotes means just as much when they comment on how much they enjoy my recipes and pictures.
What part of the FBC site do you find most useful?
The “Blogger Resources” section is usually my go-to when I’m on the FBC site. In addition, I love following the FBC Instagram account. I’ve been shown a ton of support through that form of social media, and it has helped me discover some great Canadian bloggers, too.
Follow James to Jamie on Social Media
Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
You can unsubscribe any time!
Leave a Reply