This past weekend, I flew to Seattle to attend BlogHer Food 2012, a conference dedicated to bringing food bloggers together to learn, share, inspire, and of course, to EAT!  For two days, I attended various seminars about the ins and outs of food blogging.  Topics that were covered included:  Monetization, photography, social media, social justice, ethics, innovation, and rights. 

...But don't think that it was all work and no play!  I got to feast on a plethora of delicious eats and drinks - met amazing authors and fellow bloggers - and snuck over to Pike Place Market for some priceless photo opportunities and lunch.

On Thursday evening, I caught a Seattle-bound flight that arrived at 9:45pm PST. 

*In an effort to save some money, I opted against taking an expensive taxi from the airport to my downtown hotel so, instead, I reserved a $19 seat on the SHUTTLE EXPRESS. 

*Since I had booked my trip on the later end, the BlogHer room block at the Fairmont Olympic (the hotel where the conference took place) was sold out.  Luckily, I found a great deal at the CROWNE PLAZA, located merely a block away (from the Fairmont Olympic).  

Friday, June 8th:  Day 1, BlogHer Food 2012

Having been to Seattle - and stayed at the Fairmont Olympic - before, I made sure to leave myself enough time (pre-conference) to grab a coffee and pastry at my favorite patisserie outside of France:  BELLE EPICUREAN, located store-front at the Fairmont Olympic.  

What makes this patisserie so special?  Well, for one, they have the best coffee and espresso beverages and, more importantly, their pastries are second only to those in France.  Seriously. 

Perhaps it's also the fact that BELLE EPICUREAN owner, Carolyn Ferguson, pursued what many, including myself, only dream of:  Moving to Paris - studying French cuisine and Patisserie at famed Le Cordon Bleu - and falling in love.  Sigh...

The conference began promptly at 8am, with registration, a sponsored breakfast, and a "Pioneer Presentation" that brought me to tears by "White on Rice Couple," Diane Cu and Todd Porter.

After a fabulous breakfast and a morning session, a "networking lunch" commenced at noon.

Following three afternoon sessions, it was time to eat again!  And drink.  A "welcome reception" began at 6pm, where we were encouraged to meet the conference's sponsors.

Since two of my favorite fellows from high school live in Seattle, we made plans to meet up after the "welcome reception."  Frank and Herman met me downtown, where we enjoyed a couple of drinks and then grabbed, what else, some kick ass Mexican food (...that put most places in NYC to shame) at Mama's Mexican Kitchen. 

I still can't believe that the three of us had not seen one another in (gasp) 14 years!  But our reunion felt as though "it was only yesterday."  Isn't that the measure of a genuine, good friendship?  I'd like to think so. 

Saturday, June 9th:  Day 2, BlogHer Food 2012

This morning's first session - breakfast - began at 9am (instead of 8am).  I definitely needed that extra hour of sleep!  As I had done the day prior, I grabbed a latte and a gorgeous 'Lemon Brioche Bun with Sweet Citrus Confit' from my beloved BELLE EPICUREAN.  After all, this would be the last chance I would have to savor one of their pastries, since my flight the next morning would depart hours prior to their opening. 

After inhaling 'breakfast round 1,' I loaded up a plateful of free sweet and savory items for 'breakfast round 2' (...at the conference). 

Following two sessions, a group of us headed to Pike Place Market for fabulous photo opportunities and lunch.

For lunch, three of us headed over to Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar, located in the back of a shopping plaza.  Having previously dined here in 2007, I knew that we'd score a solid, seafood-centric meal.

Following lunch and our last session of the conference, author, Kim Sunee, was interviewed for the 'closing keynote.'  I found her life story - abandoned in South Korea at the age of three, before being adopted by American parents - absolutely fascinating and riveting.  I was lucky enough to purchase the last copy of her memoir (at the conference), "Trail of Crumbs," following her interview...and score an autograph! 

So that she would spell my name correctly, I handed her my business card.  She was intrigued by the "Belle" in my website, and I explained to her that, despite the fact that I live in NYC, I am a Southerner at heart.  "We have something in common," she said with a genuine smile.  "I was raised in New Orleans."

I've already started to read Ms. Sunee's memoir and, to be honest, I cannot put it down.  I am completely mesmerized, inspired, and curious, and I'm only on page 41!  This is the kind of read that I will be sad to finish - I just know it.

From 6:30-9:30pm, there was an offsite 'closing reception' at Sodo Park, located about 10-minutes from the Fairmont Olympic.  And, while I only stayed for about 30-minutes (...because I was exhausted), the venue was fantastic and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves!

I'm glad that I attended BlogHer Food 2012.  Although I met some amazing people - learned new tips, tricks, and insight - the most priceless tidbit of information that I took away from this conference is:  All of our stories and voices are unique; we need to believe in our writing and, even more so, ourselves. 

"Authenticity is beautiful."

…

Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle