Contrary to popular belief, it actually is okay to talk to strangers. And by strangers, I mean people that you meet on the internet. Sure they're veiled behind a cloud of anonymity, but I assure you it is a safe and sane way to form new and lasting friendships. I bet you're starting to think I'm either:
A. A creep that will eventually (and hopefully) end up on Chris Hansen's "To Catch a Predator"
or
B. An innocent, misinformed little girl who knows nothing of worldly dangers
Folks I assure you that I do not fall into category A or B, but rather category C. What could possibly explain this lapse of good judgment you ask? Well, I am…
C. Still floating on air from having the most amazing time at Todd & Diane of White on Rice Couple's blogger party. Little old me was lucky enough to get an invite. And as Brooke of Foodwoolf put it best, "Being invited was like winning the food blogging lottery." I think I speak for everyone when I say that we all had a fabulous time. The food was amazing, much of it coming from their very own picturesque garden. And Diane, being the a great hostess that she is, sent us all on little culinary missions so that we wouldn't feel entirely useless just boozing it up. It was also a great way to pace our alcohol indulging selves for Todd's killer cocktails at the end of the night. One was called the Hanoi Hustle. Enough said.
After picking sweet basil from the gardern, my guest, Shilpa, and I rolled garlic shrimp springrolls as Wandering Chopsticks worked her fry magic. Marvin from Burnt Lumpia tended to the shrimp on the BBQ, while his wife Barbara and I worked side by side at the "make your own flat bread station". At the dinner table (we all fit believe it or not) I sat next to Leah of SpicySaltySweet and was blown away by her wine knowledge. On my other side was the infamous Matt from Matt Bites and his husband Adam. Wow I'm blog star struck. At the gift exchange, I was lucky enough to get gifted by Toni from Daily Bread Journal… a bag of Goji berries and a beautiful Feng Shui jade charm that is meant to bring unexpected miracles. Well if it means awesome food blogger parties, I'm in. Allison of Sushi Day and Son made us all wish we could be as fashion savvy as them with their cute Sushi Day T-shirts. Super adorable! As we watched the jackfruit demostration, I stood in front of Matt from Wright Food and his wife Danika. Holy cow! I'm a midget. I think I came up to their belly buttons. And as though we weren't surrounded by enough talented foodies, the food porn goddess herself was there. Yup, it was Sarah from Tastespotting.
I can't thank Todd and Diane enough for bringing us all together. These are some quality people. Visit their blog and you will see how they just ooze charisma and panache. I am truly humbled by their genuine generosity and warmth.
See meeting strangers can be a good thing. Just don't tell Chris Hansen I said that. 
6 Comments
Marvin
25 Aug 2008 08:08 pm
[this is good] Julie, it was great meeting you and Shilpa at this awesome party! The first thing my wife said to me when we got in our car to leave was, “I think I heard that Julie girl say she loves Deschutes brewery.” I don’t know how I missed that, but it’s my favorite brew too. We should all meet for beers sometime and kick back some Mirror Ponds and Black Buttes!
♥ Lady M ♥
26 Aug 2008 09:08 am
[this is good] I was always hesitant about meeting people from the internets but recently i met a couple girls and we had a blast! =D
matt wright
26 Aug 2008 10:08 am
I am still having withdrawls from the party! We had such a great time! It was awesome to meet you – I have enjoyed your blog for ages now
MoOgooGuypAN
26 Aug 2008 11:08 am
That’s wicked cool that you folks got to get together and actually meet and share ideas. People think that the interent is making things more impersonal but at least you guys aren’t letting that happen.
White On Rice Couple
26 Aug 2008 04:08 pm
LOL, I figured if you’re everyone gonna come and indulge on booze at
the party, then y’all better work for it! Be useful and collect your
own food, darn it! 😀
My Julieeee! You were one of the very first on the invite list, so
you’re not lucky at all. It was a MUST to have you and it was even
better that you brought your friend. We are the LUCKY ones to have you
attend! You’re such fun to be around.
It was a blast having you and you are such a fine kitchen hand too.
Next time, for sure, we’ll leave all the dirty dishes to you! Since you
did ask for that task!
Big hugs to you and can’t wait to see you agian,
diane & todd
Elly
26 Aug 2008 06:08 pm
This sounds like such a great time, Julie! How great you were able to participate. Food bloggers are the best!
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