10 Questions with Scott of Chowbelly
Ten Questions with Scott of Chowbelly
1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
Chowbelly is a creative outlet that lets me pair my passion for the web with my passion for cooking. I was in a bad marriage for 15 long years and my wife cooked every meal – I wasn’t even allowed in the kitchen while she cooked! After getting divorced I discovered my true passions – cooking and a new bride! Chowbelly is an avenue for me to share my love of food and family with the world at large.
2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
Chowbelly’s Highland Grits
As a New Southerner, I am constantly searching for my place in the culinary traditions. After becoming somewhat proficient with Eastern Carolina Barbecue, I’ve realized that if it’ll fly at a church social, I’ve got a winner!
3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
I don’t have a particular approach or dogma to my cooking or my writing – if I like it and it gets good reviews from family and friends, then I’m satisfied. I’m also not obsessed with feedback, Technorati rankings, ad revenue or any other monetization scheme. The platform is merely a way for me to share with the world what I am cooking and enjoying.
4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
Back in the heyday of BBS’ and message forums I really enjoyed the connectedness of the online community. Later, the popularity of Blogger caught my eye as a technology professional, but it really wasn’t until I started getting a lot of requests for recipes that I seriously decided to use blogging as a platform to share my love of cooking with others.
5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
SEO gurus and blogging luminaries blogging about blogging. The craft of writing isnt reduced to writers writing about writing – neither should the blogosphere be characterized by bloggers blogging about blogging!
6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
- Wordpress, to me, is an incredibly flexible, barrier-free entry-point to the online world. I appreciate it’s richness and the way it allows a neophyte like myself to produce a reasonably attractive site with very little effort.
7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
Picking one of my favorites is nearly impossible. There are several celebrity chefs I would love to cook with and it’s primarily because of what they have to say with the food they make – Emeril Lagasse for his love of New Orleans and her people, Bobby Flay for his New York flair and Alton Brown for his nerdo-centric cooking approach – all would be at the top of my list. The ultimate opportunity for me would be to actually get in the kitchen with these guys and make dinner for some friends and family while I could pick their brains about what they think makes good food good. We all have different opinions about what good food is, and we all have different thoughts on what makes it so good – I’m betting these guys have very unique perspectives to share.
8. How has blogging made you a better person?
The blogosphere has led me to productivity and life skills such as GTD and Lifehacker that helps me be a better writer, employee, husband and father. I sometimes struggle with balancing my personal interests, career goals, family responsibilities and my entrepreneurial bent. Getting inspiration and motivation from others has helped me set better goals, define next actions, track projects and compartmentalize priorities.
9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
Write, write and rewrite. Editing for clarity and succinctness is the most import attribute of a readable blog. I used to hate schoolteachers who would make us write two or three drafts before turning in term papers. I am thankful for what they instilled in me now!
10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
Lifehacker because I always find something I can immediately apply to my life. The topics arent just technology, or the latest gadget, but often-times are things that I can immediately use such as career guidance, work-life balance and yep, even cooking occasionally!
Scott’s writing is exceptionally easy on the eyes and mind.
As I know him on a personal level, it is neat to see his ‘public’ orations as there seems to be no difference in his prose. This is indicative of a fresh honesty that is too hard to find on blogs.
Having eaten at the table, I’d say Scott’s food is the best I’ve ever experienced. And his blog has become a way to spread recipes that have become favorites among family and friends. His blog is about celebrating food and friends, not manipulating the “blogosphere” to seek profit. Incredible guy, and a great blog.
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Wow, can’t wait to try those Highland Grits! The recipe looks delicious!
I knew Scott awhile before I knew about his web site and love of cookin. It wasn’t until we were working on a charity cookbook that I discovered this side of him. I’ve been so impressed by his creative recipes and the great taste combinations.
Any man that can cook this good is a “true southerner.”
Scott is a great cook. We had a wonderful time at Holly Sprngs Moravian Church enjoying his creations. Keep them coming, because as you know very well, Moravian’s like to eat.
Muy buena comida!
Pastor Tracy
Scott’s recipes are like folk songs. They have an irresistable appeal, they spread far and wide, and evolve a little with the unique touches of each one who imitates them. My husband appreciates the access to the recipes, while I just enjoy the entertaining read (and of course, the finished product).
Great Blog Scott. I love the one on grits.
Sheilah
Why do I like Chowbelly? Because any kitchen I’m in, I have easy, fun recipes (and life tidbits)that can bring NC/US lovin’ home to Japan.
I have to say, reading Scott’s answers to the 10 questions opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t seen (or ignored) as a blog snob. I just couldn’t imagine why sane people would spend so much time rattling on over, well, anything. Scott’s passion came through and maybe, just maybe, I might begin seeing some value in blogs. Besides, I love to eat and I’m a neophyte cook. MMMMMM.
I agree with Zev: Scott’s blog sounds just like the real live Scott, warm and funny. Thanks for sharing your cooking secrets with us!
As a mommy of seven, I have enjoyed reading the humor, and nuts and bolts of some really good food. Your writing persona is lite and lyrically flirtatious…Thank you Scott for your contributions to life…aOh …grey Poupon anyone?
Just M…E….Lacrecia
Scott is a great cook and an avid learner! He isn’t afraid to evaluate his dishes and share those he has perfected. His creativity is evident in his blog and the answers to the posed questions.
Scott has a passion for life and cooking which he gladly shares with all.
Fran
Feb 25th, 2008 at 3:31 PM
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