Last in the series of ‘Get to know your local food blogger’ is Jay, who loves food, fashion, beauty and all things pretty. What I love about Jay’s blog, is that she covers a fabulous range of topics. From writing about Primark’s matte lipstick crayons one day, to a fashion launch at Derby’s Intu, Jay’s blog is a cool one-stop-shop for everything you NEED to know about. To find out more about the lovely lady, and to read her reviews, hop on over to her website here. You’re welcome.
Hi Jay! Please can you tell us a little about yourself?
So hey, I’m Jay. My real name is Jordanne (pronounced Anne with Jord in front of it) but everyone calls me Jay just because it’s easier. I’m from Derby originally and I’ve recently graduated Derby Uni with a 2:1 in Journalism honours. I love all things food, fashion and beauty and I love finding the best and biggest bargains out there.
How did you get into food blogging?
Well it started when my lecturer at uni told us all to start blogs and from there it escalated massively. It’s only since I finished uni that I’ve been properly and regularly blogging. I love food and cocktails so I thought why not write about them.
What is your favourite dish?
I’m a huge Italian food fan so it’s either pizza or pasta but I love burgers and tapas too!
Do you cook? Do you enjoy it?
Because I’ve recently moved out of living with family, I’ve really got into cooking. I love making pasta dishes, roasts and chilli. I’ve started experimenting with a lot of chicken dishes and I’m really enjoying learning a lot about food and the tips and tricks of cooking.
What’s the last thing you ate / drank?
I’m currently eating a granary chicken sandwich – boring I know.
How much time do you spend blogging per week and per post? (That’s from scratch, including researching, writing, sourcing / editing pictures.)
It can vary depending on how many reviews I go to. Usually I spend around 2 hours completely perfecting a post but I can spend a few days on one, forever going back to it and adding bits until it’s done. I try and use any spare time I have to plan posts, take photos or read other blogs.
Being a food blogger, can you ever “switch off” from being a food blogger? As in, can you ever stop analysing food? (That’s my biggest problem!)
Sometimes. If I have ordered a takeaway, I just enjoy it and not really think about whether or not it’s too oily or there isn’t enough cheese!! I’m very critical when it comes to my own cooking, I’m always thinking I should have used more pepper or made some more mash. I really love great service when I’m at a restaurant so if the service is bad, it makes the food seem not as good as it might be.
What do you think is the best part of being a food blogger?
I really like being able to try a variety of different foods, (some I might not ever try), see a lot of different venues and meet some great people.
And the worst part?
The worst part for me is going somewhere where I don’t fancy anything on the menu. I don’t give bad reviews because it’s really not fair so I don’t like it when a venue’s food isn’t satisfactory.
There’s been a seismic shift in the balance of power in the food industry. Now, many restaurants seek out food bloggers. What do you think of this elevated status of the once, humble food blogger?
I think this is pretty cool to be honest, it’s great being asked to try out a place’s food because they really respect your opinion and you can make a difference.
What do you think about the Derby food scene?
I think it’s really growing and I’m loving it. I’m spoiled for choice now when I want to go out for a nice meal. I remember a few years ago, we just used to go TGI’s because I couldn’t really say YES to anywhere else.
Are there any restaurants that you’d like to see in Derby?
I’d really love a Bella Italia – their food is amazing!
What are your favourite top three restaurants in Derby? What’s so great about them?
Ooh this is a tricky one. I really love Revolucion De Cuba because their food is always astounding and I love their cocktail selection.
I would have to say The Joiner’s Arms in Quarndon because I had the best birthday meal there a few months ago. The service is second to none and their pizzas are amazing.
Finally, it’s got to be Pitcher and Piano. They’re one of the only places that does good mac and cheese these days and my boyfriend always says how scrummy their burgers are.
Do you get many friends / family asking you for recommendations? Don’t you ever get tired of it?
All the time! I’m always getting my aunty texting me, asking where’s good for cocktail deals or where’s good for a group of friends. I feel quite proud that my family come to me because I know where all the deals are and where serves good, quality food.
What would be your ideal job? Would you want to be a full-time food blogger?
My ideal job would be working in marketing for a company I love. I would love to be a full-time blogger, not just for food though. I love writing about beauty and fashion too so I would find it really difficult just focussing on one topic.
There is a fire (touchwood) and you have to leave the house in 15 seconds. What would you leave the house with?
Aside from my boyfriend, it would be my photo album and my laptop. There are far too many photos on there to lose.
Thanks for having me!
Jay 🙂