I’m the kind of girl who talks a LOT. In fact, my first ever report card had a lovely note for my parents to interpret at will: Stephanie talks too much during circle time. I haven’t changed much. I still tend to talk too much, both in and outside of circles. Of course, words elude me when I become overly emotional. At that point, my words dry up and the tears start to flow. It’s happened to me many, many times, but the most recent time was so spectacularly public that I’m turning a bit red even writing about it.
the tiniest plane ever.
On Wednesday I boarded a tiny plane and headed off to Vegas for the 5th Annual Saveur Best Food Blog Awards. I went with no expectations, other than an absurd amount of anticipation for meeting some of my favourite food bloggers. I wasn’t disappointed. It was incredible to meet so many new friends! We talked about food, of course, but more so, we just talked, which is so, so much better in real life than over the internets.
so fancy!!
Saveur and the Bellagio put on a great show: there were dim sum demonstrations (complete with shrimp dumpling bunnies!), chocolate demonstrations, meatball making and general merriment all around. But of course, I’m sure you want to hear about the crying.
Fast forward to the lovely awards ceremony at Sensi and Helen Rosner saying the sweetest things about ALL of the food bloggers and the food world in general. She says there won’t be a formal awards ceremony as all of the awards are the same (awesome Le Creuset frying pans) but, she is going to announce the Blog of the Year. “This is it!” I think, surreptitiously looking around for the winner. I’m convinced they’ve flown in a surprise winner/famous blogger and I want to spot them. Helen says something about the blog getting everyone excited about getting in the kitchen and I turn to Molly and whisper, “I think it’s V.K. Rees!”
Next thing I know, Helen’s announcing, “and that blog is: I am a Food Blog.” TOTAL, COMPLETE UTTER SHOCK. Immediately tears start pouring down my face. I feel trembly and incredibly hot. Like sweaty hot. There are so many cameras and congratulations and I’m actually an incredibly shy person so the attention was a touch overwhelming. I’m speechless. I’m a mess. I’m incredibly, incredibly thankful.
I wasn’t able to give a speech, even though Helen asked me if I wanted to say a few words. I was too busy crying to be coherent. But thankfully the internet is all about words so here I go: Thank you to Saveur for making us feel like rock stars and thank you to the Bellagio for hosting. Thank you to Helen, Cory, Camille, Kristin, Demetria and everyone else at Saveur that I have yet to meet (that’s you Oliver!). A million thanks to all the food bloggers out there for being the wonderful community you are – you amaze and inspire daily. Thank you to Mike because who else would take me grocery shopping as a date on Friday night? And of course, thank you to you, dear readers!
Please check out all of the other winners and nominees. They are truly a lovely bunch!
PS – These are all iPhone photos, which isn’t my usual jam, but I didn’t bring my camera! Thanks to Cynthia for the picture of me crying/laughing, which is more common than I’d like to admit.
I love this! So many congrats…you seriously deserve it!!
thank you so, so much cindy!! xoxoxoox
Truly deserving! Congratulations!
thank you kathleen!! xoxo
I was following along via IG and when I saw that you won this SPECTACULAR new award, I was freaking out with you! Girl, so SO well-deserved!! This space is beautiful, delicious, inspiring, and also? your tears are positively adorable, I don’t think you should be embarrassed! Though I can imagine having the spotlight on yourself was pretty intense. LOVE that photo of three of the best gals in the food blogging business! Sounds like such wonderful trip! Congratulations, again :)
aww, thanks so much sophie!! you are one of my longtime readers, you know!! i remember you commenting waaaaay back when :) i super, super appreciate your support!! xoxo
so well deserved! congratulations!
thank you archana!! :D
This is so AMAZING Steph! I can see more recognitions and success in the future for you. Too bad, you’re not in town all the time, if so, we can hang out. I’d love to learn more about cooking from you. Congratulations once again!!
xo Jo
http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com
thanks jo!!! i’ll be back soon and we can hangout!!! xoxo
Steph,
your blog is amazing. Like, way amazing.. You have SO much good stuff on here, it is no surprise that you one the award that you did. Congrats my dear, and know that I am quite thankful for chatting if only for a few moments.
aww thank you so much kristan!! it was super FUN chatting with you!! wish we had more time for socializing..but there’s always next time :)
Oh wow, congratulations!! I’m the same way: Love talking, but am totally shy and start crying once too much attention is on me. This would simultaneously be my dream/nightmare.
So excited for you!!
thank you tara!! it was kinda dream-mare-ish now that i think about it! :)
Congratulations – very well deserved!
thank you so much amanda!! :D
Congrats!!! Your blog is amazing and this is such a fantastic accomplishment!! Enjoy this moment!!
thank you so muchc leah! xoxo