Isn't it funny how you read somebody's blog and just KNOW youre going to like them?  I can't remember how I came across Lick Your Own Bowl, but the first thing I noticed was the stunning photography (not surprising – she's a professional photographer!).  Then it was the breezy writing style, and then the little clues here and there that she might be South African.  A couple of comments and e-mails later, we were firm blog friends, and I challenge you not to read LYOB and want to be friends with Robyn too.  I was lucky enough to meet her for breakfast in London earlier this year and I can assure you that she is as lovely in person as her blog suggests 🙂 Blogging from Toronto, she entertains us with wonderful seasonal recipes and photo essays of her adopted hometown.  Welcome to her world.

1. Where are you – in South Africa or out in the wide world?

Currently living in Toronto, Canada.

2. How long have you been blogging?

One year, since 2007.

3. What do you enjoy the most about food or wine blogging?

I've always loved cooking and I love the whole process of food blogging: trying new things, photographing and writing about it, meeting other bloggers with the same love and it's a great way to organise your recipe's!

4. Any downsides or frustrations?

I often don't find the energy to blog everything I cook. Sometimes I make something great for dinner and don't get around to photographing it before it gets eaten. Other days there just isn't enough time t do something creative with what's in the fridge.

5. What or who are your inspirations to cook, drink and write?

The farmers market, first and foremost, tons of magazines, restaurant's and cook books. I love getting cook books as gifts and I love cooking seasonally to keep ingredients and inspirations fresh. It's hard to tire of peas if you only have them in the spring!

6. Where and when do you like to blog?

At home, when my puppy's asleep and I have caught up my work load. Preferably with a pot of tea on hand.

7. What's your signature dish or favourite wine?

I hardly ever make the same thing twice, unless in a pickle over a spontaneous dinner party and I need something I know has worked out in the past, so I don't really have anything signature. And a favourite wine? Well, there aren't too many that aren't!

8. What other food or wine blogs do you read?

Too many to list. My favourites are La Tartine Gourmande, Cuisine Campagne, Ms Glaze (who showed us how to skin a rabbit!) and Homesick Texan. But I'm adding new links to my bookmarks weekly. There's never enough time to check them out daily!

9. Favourite restaurant?

Currently Banu, and Iranian Vodka bar with excellent torsh, but my heart has a huge Percy's Pizza (also known as Lapa Fo) sized hole in it since leaving Johannesburg

10. For my last meal on this planet I would order…

My husband, on a bed of arugula and drizzled with a little truffle oil.