Behind the Blog: Ryan Hudak of In Search of Beer

Welcome to another edition of Philly Grub’s blog article series “Behind the Blog”. Where you we introduce you to other food (or drink) bloggers in the greater Philadelphia area.

Meet Ryan Hudak of In Search of Beer.

Name:
Ryan Hudak
Age:
33
Location:
Fishtown, Philadelphia
Blog Name:
In Search of Beer
Blog URL:
http://insearchofbeer.org
Blog Focus:
We cover beer and bars in and around Philly, with a strong focus on local beer events.
Launch Date:
2010
Why did you start blogging?
I have a degree in English Literature and never did anything with it. I figured I would start writing to somehow justify the money I spent getting it, and beer was my biggest interest at the time.
What do you like best about blogging?
I’ve made some of my best friends in the beer world in Philly – it seems like everyone in the beer world here is super nice. Writing about something I’m passionate about is also a great way to counter a soul-crushing day job.
What platform do you use?
WordPress
How do you promote your blog?
I usually stick to Twitter and Facebook. Sometimes I’ll use StumbleUpon, and I think I was really big on Google+ for about two weeks.
Do you write all of the blog posts yourself?
Most of the time, but I accept guest blog posts from vetted writers
What are your favorite/most popular blog posts?

Cooking with Beer: Headwaters Hummus http://insearchofbeer.org/2012/03/08/cooking-with-beer-headwaters-hummus/
Cooking with Beer: Beer Punch http://insearchofbeer.org/2012/01/26/cooking-with-beer-beer-punch/
In Defense of Sam Adams: http://insearchofbeer.org/2011/02/02/in-defense-of-sam-adams/

What is your favorite “foodie” or food blogging experience so far?
A few years ago, my wife and I took a trip to California with some friends and were able to get a reservation at the French Laundry. It’s one of those perfect, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
What are your favorite cuisines/meals/recipes?
I love all kinds of Asian food and will eat pretty much anything with noodles in it – and the spicier the better. If I’m going simple, it’s either a burger, a Reuben, or fish and chips.
What are your favorite Philly area restaurants?
Zahav is A+ #1 for my wife and I, and I love everything about Han Dynasty. If I’m out for a few drinks with friends, there’s a 95% chance we’re at Memphis Taproom.
Who are your favorite Philly area chefs or food business personalities?
Mike Solomonov is as good as it gets, both when it comes to cooking and being a stand-up guy. His manager at Abe Fisher, Brian Kane, is hilarious. Steve Wildy, the manager at Alla Spina, and Victory’s head brewer Bill Covaleski, are two of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.
How often do you go out to eat at Philly area restaurants?
Once a week
How often do you cook at home?
Almost everyday
What are your favorite stores/shops/markets to shop for food products?
During the summer, we’re at Headhouse every week. Other than that, it’s usually the local Thriftway or SuperFresh.
Tell us a few things you think our readers would find interesting about the local food scene.
In every other city I travel to (and I love to travel), it seems like they are taking their bar food for granted. Not in Philadelphia. The bar food here is some of the best in the country, and you’ll be very hard-pressed to find a new place that opens that really doesn’t care just as much about the food as it does about the drinks.
Tell us more about yourself.
I’ve been running In Search of Beer for almost five years, but since my interests have greatly expanded, I am starting a new food blog in June. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and love that place more than any other city–though Philadelphia is a close second. I’ve lived here for seven years with my wife and take every opportunity to promote it to others.
What other food blogs do you follow?
Chocolate Covered Memories, 22nd and Philly, La Phemme Phoodie, and It’s Just the Booze Dancing.
Twitter URL:
https://twitter.com/insearchofbeer
Facebook URL:
https://www.facebook.com/insearchofbeer
Instagram URL:
https://instagram.com/insearchofbeer/

Thanks Ryan. You’re doing a great job on In Search of Beer. I especially love your Cooking with Beer section. I just realized that Philly needs more beer/drink bloggers.

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