Some kids know exactly what they want to do when they’re four years old. Be it a doctor, policeman, or astronaut, most kids seem to have some notion of a dream job at an early age. Sure, many of them probably go on to become something entirely different, but they put a stake in the
Some kids know exactly what they want to do when they're four years old. Be it a doctor, policeman, or astronaut, most kids seem to have some notion of a dream job at an early age. Sure, many of them probably go on to become something entirely different, but they put a stake in the ground that their parents can reminisce about during adulthood visits home.
I was a bit different. Few things could hold my attention for more than a few days, so it was hard to get too fixated on any one career. If I were born 10 years later, I probably would have been diagnosed with ADD and put on a regimen of Ridlin. My interests fluctuated more than 80's hairstyles. One day I'd be begging for an electronic keyboard for Christmas, like a salivating dog pleading for a piece of pot-roast, only to tire of it by New Year's Day. Video game consoles were a safer bet because you could interchange the cartridges (am I dating myself?), but I'd rarely play a game from start to finish before boredom set in and I'd take the game apart to see what was inside.
When it came time for college I had no idea what I wanted to major in, so I picked the easiest school to get into, and went in undeclared. Five years, three schools, and a handful of majors later, I somehow managed to emerge with a degree in communications. This was akin to going to the French Laundry and ordering french fries because I couldn't decide what I wanted.
It didn't really matter though, because by this time, I was already on my second career leading a team of web designers at a tech startup. A fascination with technology is one theme that carried through my childhood. Lacking the Asian math gene as it were, web design was my ticket into Silicon Valley.
Another theme that's been with me since childhood is a love for travel and photography. With parents living on two continents and the rest of my family on a third, I spent most of my childhood summers somewhere between Australia, California and Japan. I learned at a young age, that getting on a plane meant escaping my banal suburban existence, and it fast became an adventure I craved. I lump photography into this bucket because I got my first camera while traveling, and I loved the way it could capture those transient moments when I felt most alive.
The last theme is one that's stuck with me like eggs on a cold pan. If you haven't guessed by now, it's food. I've been in the kitchen since before I can remember, and I was making my own birthday cakes before I'd left elementary school. One might conclude that I should have become a chef in a restaurant, but the long hours, and often thankless job, never appealed to me much. The closest thought to a career in food came to me after reading Ruth Reichl's Tender At The Bone. I pictured myself living the life of a food writer, but that seemed like such an impossibility given my professional life at the time, in direct-response marketing (my third career).
Imagine my delight when I moved to one of the best eating cities in America, and I discovered Yelp. I didn't know anyone in New York back then, so I spent my evenings exploring the gastronomic wonderland that is Manhattan, and my nights writing about it for an audience that cared. Like kindling on an ember, my interest in food writing was soon roaring out of control. One thing I love more than eating out is cooking, though, so when I finally moved into my apartment and the shininess of the endless stream of restaurants wore off, I started cooking again. I'd cook for friends, colleagues, or even strangers, and this endeavor would inevitably lead to a request for a recipe; to which my response was almost always "no recipe"
I started this blog as a place to teach my friends technique, while giving them the confidence and inspiration to cook without recipes, but it's grown into much more than that. It's become a place were over a hundred thousand readers like you come to check out my adventures in the kitchen each month. It's also become the dream job that I never knew existed as a child.
It wasn't until much later, but it occurred to me that food blogging is the confluence of all those childhood themes I mentioned. You can follow me on X, and check out my Instagram @norecipes, and follow me on Facebook. I'm glad to have you here, following along on my adventures.
If you're wondering what the deal is with all the desserts, it's because life is sweet when you're doing something you love. I hope you enjoy reading No Recipes as much as I enjoy writing it!
Marilia says
I absolutely love your story! Your blog is amazing and I can only hope that one day my food blog will be as interesting. I need to work on the updating before that can happen though! haha...
I can't wait to try your tonkotsu ramen recipe. It's a very rainy day in San Francisco, soooo perfect for a piping hot bowl of yummy ramen. Off to Marukai. See you around!
- Jen
duke@yelp.com
@thedukeofyelp
Marilia says
I'm salivating at your pics! This was a great read. I think it's wonderful that you finally uncovered your passion. I wish you luck and am now following your incredible blog, which I only found today (sadly). I will be voting for you and hope you make it to the final rounds b/c I am so excited to see what you produce.
jen cheung says
hey ya! you have a lovely blog here. Stumble upon your blog through foodbuzz. 🙂 I voted for your blog. hope that helps. Good Lucky !!!! feel free to drop by!!
have a lovely weekend
jen @ http://www.passion4food.ca
@lickmyspoon says
i love your pictures! i had a similar experience after reading "tender to the bone". ruth is such an inspiration 🙂 i really look forward to the dishes you are going to create. you got my vote.
Katrinaruns says
Your pictures caught my eye on the contestant list! And I love the philosophy of "no recipes". Many times, my mom has asked me for the recipe of something on my blog and I try to tell her how it all came about. You have my vote!
Megan says
I always love your posts and your fantastic pics. Your style is clean and uncluttered! ♥ that about your site - You had my vote already! - Megs
Dan says
beautiful photos! Great job!
Magic of Spice says
Great entry post ans wonderful blog. Love everything 🙂
sians says
a very enjoyable read. sending a vote your way 🙂
good luck with the challenges!
lemonsandanchovies says
Voting for you was a no-brainer. I know you'll be progressing to the other challenges, no problem!
Tiny Urban Kitchen says
Excellent post - I love it. I also think I have ADD in some sense (funny how our first posts echo that sentiment). Maybe it's something that's common among food bloggers!
Kimmy says
Beautifully written posts... beautiful photographs... witty = love. You've got a vote! (in the tone of AOL's "you've got mail!"). I'm taking part too, it's fun to find all these blogs!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says
I love your blog, and I love this post! Foods blogging was a confluence of life themes for me as well -- in my case, a passion for writing and expression, a love of technology, and of course, a love of food.
Just gave a vote to you - thanks for sharing.
Amy (Sing For Your Supper) says
This is a GREAT post!! I love getting to know you through your writing- excellent! Voted!! 🙂
barbarakiebel says
I decided to vote for ten blogs which I did and then remembered yours. Oh well, hope no one will consider me a huge liar but I'm voting for eleven. Good luck.
Amy K. says
Great post! I also loved Tender at the Bone and fantasized about become a food writer/critic.
You have my vote! Best of luck!
Amy K.
http://www.amykim.com/whatsfordinner
Anna says
Wow, you have some beautiful photos. I'm glad I found your site and I can't wait to try out some of your "recipes". I agree, techniques, something people normally don't teach, are oftentimes the most important "ingredients". You definitely get my vote 😀
If you like, stop by my site and look around too :
https://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/197
Lindsay says
Your pictures are so amazing! I just gave you a vote! You can check out my post here: https://tinyurl.com/2ec2hlq Thanks and Good luck!!
Lori Lynn says
YAY Marc! I'm voting for you! I always enjoy your posts and your photography is so fresh and crisp! Delightful!
Good luck!
LL
Marc Matsumoto says
Nope, not on this trip, but It's high on my list of places I'd like to
visit:-)
Jun says
Will you be in Indonesia on your Asian trip? And I don't think the trip will be your handicap. It would serve best as your competitive advantage, you are covering two continents 🙂
jacobskitchen says
Gorgeous photos as always! Really great post. You got my vote ! =)
good luck!
check out my PFB post: https://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/503
Speakeasy Kitchen says
I'm so glad you suck at math. I love your blog.
- Charmaine
Daydreamer Desserts says
Best of luck in the challenge, just sent one vote your way! 🙂
Marilia says
Marc you are so fascinating! You were definitely one of the first food bloggers that caught my eye when I started blogging a year ago -- I love the modernism in your food photography.
I think one of my favorite parts of your website was your ingredient list, you were the only person who had something like that and I felt it was so helpful. I can't wait to see your entires as well and of course I voted!
Daily Spud says
I don't know whether to be intimidated or just awed by the competition in Project Food Blog but you, Marc, have, indeed, got what it takes (and you've got my vote, for what it's worth 🙂 ).
mansi says
Such lovely photos!! I am a sucker for desserts, and right now your pics are making me seriously salivate!!! I'm a fellow contestant too, no way a match for your recipe-less posts though:)
Good Luck, and you have my vote:)
whatsfordinneracrosstatelines says
Wow Marc, I'm so glad to have found your blog! You've got my vote!
Delishhh says
How could i not vote for you? I have always loved your blog!
https://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/559
Sam @ The Second Lunch says
Eloquently said, Marc. Thank you for sharing with us. Happy competing!
Mariko says
That is a well written post. And, as always, I am salivating over your pictures.
Marilia says
I enjoyed your entry very much. I'm still in college and I'm still not sure what I want to do. Hopefully everything will work out!
Voted for you! Good luck on PFB 🙂
I would like to invite you to participate in my giveaway
https://atasteofkoko.blogspot.com/2010/08/mini-pistachio-tea-cakes-40.html
Here is my entry for PFB https://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/668
Zenchef says
I just voted for because i want you and me to be the last two standing. Then you beat me on the last round. That would be freakin' awesome! 🙂 Am i getting ahead of myself? 🙂
Eileen Cristobal says
I admire your passion for food and writing! I'm totally voting for you and subscribing to your blog!
We are not Martha says
you are a stunning person. i love this post. definitely my favorite! and it's funny, because reading the first couple paragraphs, about how you probably would have been diagnosed with ADD, totally struck a chord with me. i was all over the place growing up, was interested in almost everything at one point or another. it's crazy where life can take you, but it's amazing when it takes you to a place you know you belong. [chels
Marilia says
Good luck, Marc! I'm voting for you.
Marilia says
I always love your photos and your philosophy about cooking - Recipes are fine sometimes, but it's almost always more fun to just experiment! Good luck in Project Food Blog!
Nate says
You got my vote! Cheers and aloha.
Savory Sweet Living says
I love your post and the personal story. Great job and the pictures are beautiful. Good luck with the competition!
Peter G says
What a wonderful, heart felt account of your life and its connection with food! Good luck in the competition!
TheEnchantedCook says
Okay I give up - you win 🙂 Your post is fantastic and from the heart. Your photos are extraordinary and so is your writing. Best wishes in the challenge! (PS, just kidding about giving up, but you are clearly a winner!)
Rachel says
Yes Marc, I do enjoy your writing style and food photography immensely! A sincere best of luck. And you're absolutely right; life is sweet when you're working hard at something you love.
Anonymous says
Great post Marc, best of luck in the contest! 🙂
onlinepastrychef says
Well said, Marc! I've always loved your philosophy of cooking. Best of luck in Project Food Blog--wouldn't be at all surprised if you're the one left standing after Challenge #10!
Marilia says
Such a wonderful first post, Marc. I stumbled upon your blog not too long ago and was instantly impressed. It is such an inspiration to me who has just started writing about food. I can definitely relate with not knowing what I really want in life. I have switched careers twice in the past twelve years and I'm still figuring out what to do next.
Best of luck to you,
Jun
Prerna@IndianSimmer says
Nice writeup Marc! No need to tell you how I drool over your photographs and lovely recipes. You have what it takes to be the next food blog star! Good Luck to you and keep us posted about every challenge.
Kitchen Butterfly says
Marc, your recipes are superb, your photos are gorgeous and I feel EXACTLY the same way as you do: searching for you in different jobs and culminating in the food blog experience. Well done and best of luck. I'll be rooting for you
Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite says
Marc you are formidable competition. I am proud to be competing against you. Good luck - I am sure you will go far. You certainly have what it takes!
Marc Matsumoto says
If it makes you feel any better, I'm going to be traveling through the first
half of the contest, so I'll have a bit of a handicap;-) See you in Tokyo!
Marilia says
You most certainly have what it takes. I have you on my short list for the top. Good Luck, it's going to be a lot of fun. GREG
Janis says
Beautiful post!
Cate says
I absolutely love your blog, and reading this back story makes me love it even more. Fabulous post, and good luck!
joannova says
I can definitely see you standing at the end...but I hope to give you a 'fight' for as long as I'm in it. 🙂 Great post and introduction.
Tokyo Terrace says
Great post, Marc! I'm with you- I couldn't ever decide what I really wanted to do and ended up doing communications in college as well. It's funny how that becomes a default major, but I'm glad I did it. I have to say that it is quite intimidating being in this contest with you. Good luck! Can't wait to see what you have in store for the upcoming challenges!