Um, do you mind? Trying to send out a tweet here: "@jamesonfink: Sitting in a chair in a hotel lobby in Valparaiso, Chile."
I’m feeling guilty that I didn’t hand-select my 5 favorite blog missives for this post. (“Then why didn’t you do it? Lazy blogger! Boo!”) But I like the idea of letting the numbers decide my Top 5 Posts for 2012. It was surprising and very curious to see what resonated the most. But next year I promise to be a bit more creative. Ok, a lot more creative.
#5: IFBC: Where Potato Chips and Jalapeños Met Oregon Wine
IFBC Wine Pairing with Jameson Fink from Idea Farmer on Vimeo.
At the International Food Blogger Conference in Portland, Oregon, I had the pleasure of running a food and wine pairing session that involved wines from Chehalem and Skittles, among other things. One of the sponsors, Jenn-Air, hired Idea Farmer to film some of the sessions. I was flabbergasted by how cool it turned out, which had little to do with me and a lot to do with Idea Farmer. Check out the cool intro (with guitars!) with a couple highlights of Portland as a prelude.
#4: A Portuguese Red Wine for a Vegetarian Pasta Recipe
I don’t think food bloggers were quaking in their boots over this post, but it was nice to get some love for my cooking. This photo was taken in Portugal. You’re looking at the vineyards of Quinta Dos Murcas, high above the Douro River.
#3: Oregon Sparkling Wine Shines at an Unforgettable Brunch
Blood orange-infused hollandaise. That not enough? How about braised bacon? Plus a sea of Oregon sparkling wine. A magical brunch at the Black Walnut Inn in Dundee, OR.
#2: My Book Club Only Reads Wine Labels Tote
Not quitting my day job to take up a career in modeling, but I was astonished by the popularity of this…bag. And tickled that the bag’s creator, Sally Beerworth, found my post and left a lovely comment on it. (Read more about Sally and The Joy of Ex Foundation.) She even sent me a bag to use for a giveaway. Entrants had to leave a comment and book recommendation, which netted me 61 (!) intriguing book recommendations from wine drinkers. The most recent of which I read was a collection of short stories by Raymond Carver: “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” Grim and unflinching, but utterly compelling.
#1: Oregon Wine Country: To The Columbia Gorge!
One of the highlights of this year’s Wine Bloggers Conference in Portland, OR, was piling into a bus, destination unknown. My bus went to Phelps Creek Vineyards in the Columbia Gorge, where we enjoyed this breathtaking view of Mt. Hood from the vineyards. And then sat down for lovely meal. But even more than the views, food, and wine, it was the people along for the ride that made it so memorable: Christopher from 4488: A Ridge Blog, Luke from Wine Country BC, Becca from The Academic Wino, and Ben from Corkzilla. (OK, the view didn’t hurt.)
Thank you so much to everyone who read one or more posts, said so on social media, left a comment, and/or (the best) had something nice to say in person, face-to-face.
