Congratulations to Dominic who is our Blog of the Month! Dominic is a busy cook, food writer and creative event producer who also manages to fit in writing at Belleau Kitchen.

Over to Dominic…

What inspired you to start your blog? 

I’ve always loved to cook and eat food and also write but never thought there was an outlet for my passion.  That was until I saw the brilliant film Julie and Julia and the second it finished I logged on to the internet and started Belleau Kitchen.

Has your content changed much since you started?

When I first started it was quite random and I just threw recipes at the blog.  I was also conscious of how I had to vary the recipes as much as possible but all the recipes were based on food I loved, food I cooked and stuff that was simple, home-cooked food.  Five years on the ethos is still the same, I’ve just become a little more sophisticated in the delivery of it all.

What have your learned since starting your blog?

I’ve learnt how much more popular sweet things are than savoury!  I’ve learnt how to build a website and how the structure of websites can help you sell your product.  I’ve improved my writing and my ‘voice’.  I’ve learnt how purchasing a professional lighting system can improve your photography by 100%!

What has surprised you about blogging?

I’m surprised how powerful the blogging community is.  How, if you join in you reap the rewards.  I’m also quite surprised I’m still here after all these years.

How do you balance blogging and real life?

I don’t know if I do.  It’s hard work.  My ‘real’ job as an event producer for The Persuaders is insanely intense but quite sporadic, so sometimes I have more time and can get a run of blog posts in but other times I’m running 24/7 and have to sneak a post in at midnight on a Sunday.  

What’s the best thing about writing your blog? And the worst?

I love the community that it’s opened up to me.  So many people all over the world, all with the same passion.  The worst thing is the pressure I put on myself to constantly post and be ‘on’ all the time.

What advice would you give someone starting a foodie blog now?

Share. Share. Share.  Be part of the community don’t sit outside it, come and comment on blogs, share your opinion and let people know you’re out there.  Be strong to have an individual voice and find that thing you’re passionate about.

Has blogging brought you any amazing opportunities or experiences?

I’ve been sent some incredible things over the years (and some rather ridiculous things too) but I tend to shy away from the experiences due to my location and lack of time.  My favourite thing has been the videos I’ve made for the likes of Aldi, MoneySupermarket and Yahoo.

Which have been your most popular posts?

This is funny… this is where the power of search engines kick in.  I created a ‘very large birthday cake’ which was lovely but not that amazing yet it still remains the most viewed page on the site.

And which are your personal favourites?

When a recipe idea and a photo comes together… so my chicken thighs are always a favourite, plus my mince pie flapjacks are a favourite… plus I love the Halloween Bundt just for aesthetics!

How does it feel to be chosen as Foodies100 blog of the month?

It’s very special to be recognised by your peers.  Foodies100 is the standard to which we all try and attain. So thank you x

To find out more about Dominic find him at Belleau Kitchen, on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.