Being a food writer requires more than a flair for the written word and an interest in food. The food writing field needs people with a strong grasp of culinary principles and familiarity with trends in the hospitality and foodservice industry. Having solid writing skills is also a basic.
A great food writer is someone who writes about food using ideas from his or her very soul. The piece of writing contains not only information but reflects the writer’s passion in showing what the food is all about. Hence, the food writer finds a better word than delicious and involves all the senses to effectively bring the message across.
Aside from writing, food writers research, edit, proofread, test recipes, attend classes, and socialize occasionally. A food editor reviews cookbook proposals and works in the development of a book from contract to print. Food writers who work as editors for magazine and newspapers provide the direction for the content of the food section. They likewise set the tone and style for the publication. Even those popular TV food shows require the expertise of a food editor. The career options for the food writer is definitely varied and continues to expand as the global interest for food develops.
Food writing in the Philippines has gained popularity thanks to the ushering in of the blogging era and the proliferation of dining establishments all over the country. It also helps that Filipinos have an innate fondness for food, and using food as a vehicle to create and celebrate gives the Pinoy food writer an appropriate foundation for writing.
To date, we see quite a number of food-related publications in the local market. These glossy magazines attract not only the homemakers always in the hunt for tested recipes but also foodservice professionals who want to stay afloat in what’s going on in the industry. Even food travel writing gets a lot of attention because it lets people discover the cuisine in other parts of the world without actually traveling. In other words, food writing aims to inform, educate, and even entertain.
As a food writer, the learning never ends. The myriad of colors that appear in a dish and the melding of emerging aromas never fail to fascinate me. Getting deep into food history and culture presents a unique kind of wisdom. Talking with chefs and entrepreneurs allows me to realize how passion plays an essential role in making wonderful things happen.
Food writing is a satisfying hobby and may even be a rewarding career. Go ahead, it’s time to eat, live and love!
