Adopt A Blogger #4

When I first began blogging I read about this great blogging event, Adopt A Blogger. Adopt A Blogger pairs experienced bloggers with newbie bloggers. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun and kept hoping there would be another round. Adopt A Blogger is the brain child of Kristen at Dine and Dish. Stop by Kristen's blog, she posts great recipes and awesome photography.

Late last year when I read Kristen's post about Adopt A Blogger #4, I knew I wanted to participate. I signed up and continued to check Kristen's blog until the match ups were revealed. My mentor is Hope of Hopie's Kitchen. Hope is a native of the northeastern US. She's an actress who moved to Paris three and a half years ago. It's amazing, her blog is in French and English. I can't imagine! I struggle sometimes to do a post in one language, let alone two!!

I decided to do a Q & A with Hope, so we could all get to know her a little better.

When did you begin blogging?
My very first post on Hopie's Kitchen was February 1st, 2008. It was one of my New Year's resolutions that year, which only goes to show that sometimes one actually follows through on them.

What do you like and dislike about blogging?
I love the community aspect of blogging, sharing recipes and meeting other people as passionate about food as I am. I also like the fact that my favorite recipes are being united all in one place where I don't have to dig through my entire cookbook collection or find the random paper I wrote one down on.

What I dislike most is the time and energy it takes, especially blogging in two languages. If only I had an infinite amount of time at my disposal...

What are some of your favorite posts from your blog?
Hm, good question. I think my favorite posts are ones where I really took time on the writing and not just the recipes like Autumn, More Proust and a Zucchini-Feta Tart or Morning and Apple-Strawberry Pie .

But those aren't necessarily my favorite recipes. Favorite recipes change frequently, but for now I'll say: Brown Sugar Muffins . I can make these a million different ways depending on my mood and the ingredients available - and Lamb (or chicken) Masala .

Do you have a favorite chef?
Not really. Although probably the best meal I've ever had was the tasting menu at Joel Robuchon's l'Atélier.

Thing you miss the most about the US?
Customer service. Seriously, the amount of trouble it takes to get a package delivered here or an extra glass of water at a café or to return an unwanted item, it's hardly worth it.

Thing you like the most about France?
The food. There are a lot of things I love about France, but being a foodie, this is an obvious one. Specifically the wine and the cheese. I would miss those terribly if I left France.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have no idea. I'm not one of those people who has their life planned out. I take it one step at a time and when something feels right, I go after it. I guess that's how I ended up an actress in Paris.

Thanks Hope for being my blogging mentor. It's been fun getting to know someone who lives in Paris!