It has been a while since our last post and we have missed you for every minute we have been away. Several years ago, we delved into the concept of creating a platform that would combine both our talents and allow us to share our love of food with the world. We explored the possibility of food blogging and put plans in place to execute as soon as the moment was right for us both. We decided on a name, a format, a mission and defined our niche but hesitated to go public because we knew of the demands of serious food blogging. Then a little over a year ago, we tested the blog, making private posts and sending the url out to key persons who we we could count on for frank and instructive feedback. It was positive and encouraging. Even so, with the bulk of work that would be needed to make it a success, we still hesitated to go live. And then disaster struck, forcing us to find ways to release the grief of the passing of a dearly beloved. We were crushed. Somehow, in the midst of despair, it was cooking, photographing and writing about food that helped us to transcend our mourning. We bit our lips and took our blog live and secretly dedicated to our darling September, who inspired us even in her death to make something beautiful and lasting of her memory.
We poured everything into this space and filled it with our love and you responded in the most remarkable way possible- you loved us back. Chef and Steward would not have been what it is today without you. You have made all the long grueling hours worthwhile. You have challenged and supported us and have helped us to grow. We thank you.
This year, we will continue to deliver on the very things that make you keep on coming back. We are both now working full time outside the home in the food industry but we remain committed to finding time to devote to this blog. We will continue to give you original recipes that are affordable, accessible and practical for everyday cooking and those special comfort ones for those days when we need a decadent reprieve after demanding weeks. Here’s to a year filled with hard yet rewarding work, great food yet balanced bathroom scales and great moments in the kitchen, at the dinner table and even at the sink washing away the remnants of meals. Love hard, play harder and cherish those you love. Life is short, live every moment. Life is for the living!
Giveaway- Zwilling Henckels Twin Four Star II Slicing Knife
We believe strongly that the most important kitchen tools are good knives. Since this is also the season for meaty dishes and roasts, this knife will definitely be a very useful addition to your collection. The 280 year old company is still globally one of the best brands for knives. Both of us have Zwilling knives in our individual collections for professional and home use (yes we have separate knives because it is easier that way).
About the knife: TWIN Four Star II is a ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS classic that has been consequently developed further. A top-quality stainless steel end cap in the handle gives the knife optimum balance for even more safety and comfort. This is a Slim knife with strong blade and fine cutting edge. For preparing all kind of meat and for carving roasts.
To enter:
- Visit our FB page and leave a comment under this post saying why you cook.
- Get your FB friends to “Like” your comment. Aim to have the most “Likes” for your comment.
- Leave a comment below saying anything of your choice because we want to hear from you!
This giveaway is valid for residents of the UAE and GCC should be claimed via email within 24 hours or another winner will be selected. If a winner is chosen outside the UAE, please allow a few weeks for delivery to your country after which we will arrange for you to pick-up at a Tavola branch near you in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman.
Didi says
Happy Blog Anniversary Kari and Lij! It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new post 🙂 Glad you’ve been productive and happy 🙂 Cheers to both of you this 2012! I hope I win the knife! Hahaha!
Fraha says
You guys are awesome..keep up the positive thoughts and the beautiful dishes and ideas.. you are inspiring!
Rajani@eatwritethink says
missed you kari… and congratulations on 100 posts. I am kind of torn between cooking as a chore and cooking as a passion. Sometimes chore wins and at other times passion does. well when passion does it usually lands up as a blog post 🙂
Paulita says
Wuhuuuuu….. Congratulations on the Blog Anniversary Kari darlin….. ..All the very best…. x
I Live in a Frying Pan says
Congrats on your blogaversary darling! You’ve accomplished so much with this blog, warm write ups and fabulous photographs…and met so many people along the way. Wishing you and the Chef many more months and years of blogging success!
Duane Middlebrook says
Congrats on your Anniversary! (though I don’t have or want Facebook account and can’t enter your giveaway!
mylene says
Happy blog anniversary!your blog is awesome and would like to thank you for sharing your ideas with us.cheers!
farah diba says
congrats on ur blog aniiversary..love ur page..keep up the good work !!
just submitted entry would ask my frns to like it ..hope to win with u guys!!
ginger and scotch says
Happy blog anniversary and it has been a pleasure to have met you guys 🙂
Sandra says
Happy Blog Anniversary and it’s good to hear from you again. Wishing you the best!
Chef and Steward says
We so missed this space and all our friends. Happy to see you. Thank you… it certainly feels good!
blackfrangipani says
This has been a very touching post for me. Glad to have you back. Keep up the good work. Happy blog anniversary guys!!
Chef and Steward says
It was deeply touching to write also and completely heartfelt. Thanks for your support. We certainly value it immensely!
thekauffeshop says
Love your blog, what little I have experienced. I started reading a while back… think over a make your own vanilla recipe… Hope to read lots more yumminess! Congrats on your blogaversary!
thekauffeshop says
yup, found it… October 2011!
Chef and Steward says
Thanks so much for not only coming but sticking around and leaving a comment to let us know you appreciate our work. People like you are why we do this!
alyssa says
I love your blog and I’ve enjoyed reading another blog in the Arabian Gulf. Congrats on a year! On a side note, I have gone back to your post about home made buttermilk, as it cannot be found in this area. However, I wanted to share that I recently discovered that Laban is a perfect substitute. Just thought I’d pass it along. Alsogreat knife! I love that store!
Chef and Steward says
You can use laban also in some recipes. We find that milk is always in the fridge and if you do not use laban otherwise, it could spoil. This is a great way to get buttermilk when you need it without buying anything extra.
Kulsum at JourneyKitchen says
Congratulations darling. Loving the salt cellar from last giveaway and this would be even better! You guys are doing fabulous.
Chef and Steward says
Happy that you are enjoying your prize. Thanks for entering. All the best! Remember to get your friends to vote for you!
joe stewart says
hi guys love the blog,i am a chef who is interested in moving to the uae to work,any tips you can give me about the best companys to work for,going to start sending my cv out any day now any feedback would be appreciated.joe
Chef and Steward says
You can go for the top international hotels- they pretty much have standard HR practices and benefits, plus you can move around in outlets of the hotel with ease or transfer to other hotels within the group in the country or outside. This would be a great opportunity for further training in other cuisines. Jumeirah, Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, Hilton, Hyatt are some that come to mind. Good luck on your research.
KatG says
I’m sooooo proud of you and Lij!!! Isn’t it amazing how our lives change and grow but yet how can you say you’re not still who you are in essence? Who would have thought. Miss you, but am very happy that you’re where you are and of the things you do that make yourself stronger… and yes, you are. Keep growing up personally and blogging-ly 🙂 Here’s to not just one more year, but as many as God leads. Blessings!!!
KatG
Chef and Steward says
Your kindness and support means everything. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Kuwait Living says
Happy blog anniversary….love your blog and really enjoyed reading….happy blogging
cremas antiarrugas eficaces says
I love your blog and I´m glad to have you back. Happy blog anniversary.
Amrita Chachara says
Congrats
Jamal says
I am a follower now 😀
Monica Foodyme says
Loving the recipes on your blog! good stuff ..keep em coming 😉
big congrats too!