I was a fan of Amy Sherman’s tasty Cooking with Amy blog long before I bumped into her at the aforementioned cooking demonstration at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Hers is definitely one of the web’s best, as indicated by Forbes magazine, which ranked it as a top pick. It tempts the taste buds with deliciously insightful food editorial, from restaurant reviews and travel stories to a drool-inducing recipe for peanut butter and jelly cookies. Behind the blog is a fab woman who, as you might imagine, also makes for a lovely dining companion.

I was super psyched when Amy agreed to by my inaugural guest blogger. I asked her to tell us all a little about herself, her favorite haunts in her hometown of San Francisco, and anything else she felt like sharing. Following is her fantastically insightful and enjoyable response. As Amy would say, “Read it and eat!”

–Erika Lenkert

AMY’S GUEST BLOG
Thanks Erika for offering me a guest spot here at Glam. I’ve always wanted to interview myself, so here goes!

Occupation: Writer and marketing consultant.

What are you most well-known for: My blog, Cooking with Amy. It was chosen one of the best food blogs by Forbes a few years back and has also been written up in a fair number of newspapers and magazines. But it’s not like I get recognized or anything.

Number one question asked of bloggers: How do you make money from your blog? The answer, I don’t! I blog because I love doing it. Thankfully it has lead to some wonderful paid work including food writing, recipe development and even being a spokesperson.

Best thing about blogging: Meeting and becoming friends with so many wonderful food and wine bloggers.

How many food blogs are in your rss feeder: 256 but I need to update and add a few new ones(!)

Food writer you aspire to be like: Laurie Colwin with a touch of Nigella Lawson thrown in for good measure.

Best food porn site: Tastespotting.com. Check it out, you’ll see what I mean.

Place you always tell visitors to check out: The Ferry Plaza. The building is so gorgeous and even though it’s pricey, the market really does have beautiful produce. It’s a great place to find treasures to bring home and to get a snack. Visiting the new De Young museum, the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers makes for a great day in Golden Gate Park. I also suggest checking out 24th Street in the Mission for murals, shopping and eating.

Where have you lived?: Mostly here in San Francisco, I grew up in Marin County, went to Santa Cruz for college and spent a year in Europe, half of it in Italy.

What I’m currently reading: Just finished reading Elsie’s Biscuits on the plane back from Asheville, North Carolina. I met the author Laurey Masterton there and had to get my hands on her award-winning Sweet Potato Salad recipe. The book is a combination of stories and recipes which is a format I love.

What were you doing in Asheville?: Actually, Asheville invited food bloggers to come visit. You see the world differently when you travel, I love to experience new places and try to get across the country or out of the country at least once a year.

Favorite fruit: Usually peaches and raspberries but just for today, apricots because I made a batch of killer apricot ginger scones.

Favorite farmers market ingredients: Right now I’m loving spring green onions and purple potatoes.

Under-appreciated spot: A Hong Kong dessert cafe called Creations Dessert House on Geary. My friend pastry chef/cooking teacher/blogger/photographer Shuna tipped me off to that one. The best mango desserts. Period.

Favorite mode of transportation: On foot, you see the world at eye level that way. All of my favorite cities are walking cities.

Best bargain in San Francisco: The Bargain Bank. It’s one of those discount stores where you never know what you’ll find. I have scored some great stuff–like truffle honey and Scharffenberger chocolate, but you have to go all the time because new things come in every day.

Favorite local hangout: If I’m downtown, Cafe Madeleine for awesome hot chocolate, otherwise La Boulange de Polk because it’s right around the corner from my apartment.

Favorite neighborhood spot: Lately I’ve been hanging out at The Candy Store on Vallejo Street because the proprietor Diane is so much fun and who doesn’t love a store full of candy?

Best brunch: Foreign Cinema on Mission Street. Their scrambled eggs are to die for and sitting outside on the weekend is just delicious. During the week I like Mama’s and also Lettus Organic.

Favorite restaurants of the moment: Just had a fantastic dinner at Myth. Everything was fresh and vibrantly flavored. I also love Luella which is just up the block from my place, I always order the polenta fries and PlumpJack Cafe for special occasions I recommend the tasting menu which is not actually on the menu.

Favorite unknown restaurant: Kappa. It’s a Japanese place in Japantown that is right upstairs from the Denny’s. Order the set menu the first time you go for something very unusual and special.

Classic San Francisco story: A few years ago I was volunteering for the San Francisco Ballet’s gala opening. A woman walked in and said to me “you’re wearing my dress!” It was Jessica McClintock and I was indeed wearing one of her creations.

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