Blogsmacked

Woke up this morning to find out that I Can Has Cook? has made it to the list of finalists for the Food and Drink category (sponsored by Bord Bia) at this year’s Irish Blog Awards.

I’m truly delighted to have been deemed worthy of a place on this list, which includes The Daily Spud, Gimme The Recipe, Dinner Du Jour, and Like Mam Used To Bake.

As it’s unlikely that I will have to make a speech on the 19th of  March in Belfast – given the strength of my category – I’ve decided to say a few words here.  Much like the tipsy distant relative who embarrassingly takes it upon  themselves to make a speech at a wedding.

I said on Twitter last week when the shortlist was announced that the best thing about food blogging is our community.  Apart from the obvious perks of making me a better cook, starting my food blog two years ago has brought me so much more than I expected, from trips to Australia to an induction into The Marmarati.

Those two years have seen the food blogging community grow and grow.  We’ve been embraced by Bord Bia, we’ve established a favourite meet up spot in Dublin in L Mulligan’s, our own Irish Food Bloggers Association has been established and we’re now at the point of having a 60 strong meet-up of foodies in Inishowen, Co Donegal this weekend, which is just going to be downright amaze.

Not only does my food blog justify my voracious appetite, it has also introduced me to the most wonderful community of people who are so generous with their time and food tips, and have been such a brilliant source of information and inspiration to me.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there may not be such a thing as Best Food Blog because we are all amazing in our own ways.  Hope that’s not too cheesy for y’all.

Here are links to all the nominated food and drink blogs at this year’s Irish Blog Awards.  There are also loads of lovely new ones popping up so have a look through my blogroll to enjoy the full scope of the Irish food blogging community.

Congratulations to all the finalists in the other categories and to the Damien Mulley-led team of people behind the scenes.  See you all in Belfast on the 19th of March!

Categories: Blog Trips

18 Comments

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  1. homeorganics
    March 9, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    Well done Aoife!! I’m not suprised at all you made it. Good luck on the 19th.

    • aoifemc
      March 9, 2011 at 9:28 pm

      Thanks so much Sarah – and thanks for all of the delicious fruit and veg you’ve been supplying me with of late, without which there would be no roast broccoli or Jerusalem artichoke bakes :)

  2. Cake in the country
    March 9, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    Huge congrats, you so deserve it! You can haz finalz indeed.

  3. Kristin
    March 9, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    I know we were just talking about this at dinner on Monday, but wanted to say again that I couldn’t agree more with what you’ve said here about our amazing food and blogging community (not to mention the blog being a justification for a voracious appetite!). Congrats!

    • aoifemc
      March 9, 2011 at 9:31 pm

      It’s totally true. And yourself and Caroline over at the IFBA have played/are playing a huge role in helping the community grow so, thank you!

  4. Clare - An American in Ireland
    March 9, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    That is the BEST PHOTO EVER!!!

    So so happy for you, what an amazing line-up of nominees! I would be hardpressed to pick a favorite.

    I’m just thrilled to be a part of such an awesome community like the Irish Foodies. Here’s to lots more exciting adventures in our future!

  5. Daily Spud
    March 9, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    Don’t be so sure that you won’t have to make a speech on the 19th Missy! And I couldn’t agree more that there really is no such thing the Best Food Blog, what’s best *is* the community (and maybe that’s cheesy, but, hey, I love a bit of cheese, me).

    • aoifemc
      March 9, 2011 at 9:33 pm

      Cheese is the best, it’s true. Thanks Spud! See you on the 19th for the beginning of THE AOIFES’ DOMINATION OF THE EUROPA AND BEYOND MWAH MWAH!

  6. Sheila Kiely
    March 9, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Here, here Aoife! There’s a common passion permeating throughout our lives and our blogs link these lives together into what you’ve dubbed The Irish Food Blogging Community. Here’s to continued learning and sharing.

  7. Rhyleysgranny
    March 10, 2011 at 12:12 am

    Well done you. Fingers crossed for the big night x

  8. ChickNamedHermia
    March 10, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    Congratulations! Completely true that the Irish food blog community is superb…I’ve been dying to set up a second blog dedicated to cooking for about a year now, but haven’t had the time for it yet. Hopefully by the end of the year, I’ll have sorted it out and joined your ranks! :P

    • aoifemc
      March 10, 2011 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks a mill! Looking forward to having you as a food AND a fashion blogger! Thanks for commenting :)

  9. Lucy
    March 16, 2011 at 10:36 am

    I wuv you too Aoife!!!!