This month, we talk to Ottawa-based food blogger Rachelle. She originally started her popular blog Rachelle Eats Food as a food diary, to log some of her more memorable food experiences in Ottawa and its surroundings. Today, it’s an excellent resource for Ottawa food lovers. 1. You have one of Ottawa's most popular food blogs. Why did you start it and what do you think is the reason for your success? Wow, I’m blushing at the comment. There are so many fantastic food blogs in Ottawa. My very first blog post was inspired by a woman working at Navarra – an amazing restaurant in the Byward Market. The outstanding service I received in addition to the amazing food had me in such awe that I had to do something about it. And that’s how it started. I’ve had a bit of feedback on my blog and from what I can tell, the reason people enjoy reading it is because I just love food and my honesty and enthusiasm when faced with a great dish is contagious. I also like to focus on the positive. My blog is all about good food, not critiquing. If I have a poor meal, I just don’t talk about it. I like to think this helps in people’s decisions on where to eat. 2. What do you look for in the "perfect" dish or recipe? The perfect dish exudes a “wow” factor. Like, what goes through my mind after the first bite is holy @*#! It’s when a combination of ingredients, when paired together, become outstanding and feed off each other, making flavours and sensations you’ve never had before. 3. Who taught you to cook? *Laugh* It’s Rachelle Eats Food, not Rachelle Cooks Food! I’m lucky to have a husband who loves to cook. That said, I do cook on the rare occasion and I must say that everything I try is taken from something I’ve seen him do. He hasn’t “taught” me to cook, but every single day I sit in the kitchen and watch him prepare our meals, and because of that, I now have a confidence in the kitchen that I never had before. 4. What is the most delicious thing you've ever tasted? I’m sorry but I really can’t answer this one. I could probably write a book on the many delicious things I’ve tasted. Life offers way too much to just focus on one great thing. 5. What recommendations do you have for people who are intimidated by cooking at home? Find a man who loves to cook and marry him! Otherwise, use fresh ingredients and keep it simple. You don’t have to go crazy to make a really nice meal.