I can't remember how I came across Michelle's blog Greedy Gourmet, but what I do remember is how thrilled I was.  Firstly, I love discovering new food blogs full of beautiful photographs (which Michelle's certainly is!); and secondly, I had managed to find another food blogging South African, right here in England! And having now met her a couple of times, I can assure you that she is as talented, forthright and funny as her blog would lead you to believe.  So come with me to Michelle's small village in Essex and get to know her a bit better… 

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

Canewdon, England. A village so small that if 3 cars drove through the high street it was a busy day.

2. How long have you been blogging?

My blog was launched around March 2007, but I have really started blogging for about a year and a half.

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

Eating! Trying out all the different types of dishes out there. I'm also learning constantly, if it's not about the culinary world, it's about photography and writing, it just never stops. I love being stimulated; mentally that is. Oo er, I'll shut up.

4. Any downsides or frustrations?

After I have done a photo shoot and sit down to eat, the food is stone cold.  Then I have to listen to my husband whinging, which he excels at; it's Brits' favourite pastime. If the shoot didn't deliver the desired photos I have to do it all over again, which means I'll have to eat the dish again
where meanwhile I could have tried something else. Me no like repetition.

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

We live in Essex. Unfortunately, the county's law states that restaurants must serve crummy, mediocre food at best of times, so I realised if I wanted to eat good food, I will have to make it myself. I get my ideas from cookbooks, magazines and blogs.

6. Where and when do you like to blog?

In my cluttered (I'm creative, okay?), toy-infested office, when my toddler is asleep.

7. What's your signature dish or favourite wine?
Not a big drinker, but as long as it's white and very sweet. The rest belongs in cooking! Signature dish? Uhm, I don't have one. But Oxtail braised in red wine
(http://www.greedygourmet.com/2007/07/13/oxtail-braised-in-red-wine/) is one of my favourites.

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

http://www.latartinegourmande.com/
http://101cookbooks.com/
http://chocolateandzucchini.com/
http://steamykitchen.com/
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/
http://cookandeat.com/
http://whatsforlunchhoney.blogspot.com/
Oh, and http://www.cooksister.com/ of course. 😛

There are tonnes of others, but these are the main ones.

9.  Favourite restaurant?

Here in Essex, none. Although I'm fond of a lot of restaurants, I've actually started preferring my own cooking, simply because I can choose what I would like, when I like and prepare it how I like it. The name Greedy Gourmet didn't come from nowhere, you know. Hmmm, maybe it should have been
Control Freak Eater instead.

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

Starter: Some fresh, warm seafood medley, like crab and scallops. Main: Slow Braised Lamb Shanks in Red Wine with Roasted Parsnips and Potato Rosti with butter-fried leeks, with tonnes of sauce. Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding with custard….and somewhere in between raw salmon.