Behind The Blog: Lynne Goldman of Bucks County Taste

Welcome to another edition of our local food blogger spotlight “Behind the Blog.”

Meet Lynne Goldman of Bucks County Taste.

Lynne Goldman of Bucks County Taste

Name:
Lynne Goldman
Age:
54 years old – I ain’t afraid to say it!
Location:
Bucks County
Blog Name:
Bucks County Taste
Blog URL:
http://www.buckscountytaste.com/
Blog Focus:
Since 2008, I have published over 1000 posts about local food in Bucks County and nearby, including stories about farmers, markets, restaurants/bars, local food producers, distilleries, breweries, cheesemakers, ice creameries, and even cake pans. The blog gets over 40,000 page views a month, with over 4 pages viewed per visit, with readers from all over Bucks County and Philadelphia. We also have over 3000 followers on Facebook, and over 3500 Twitter followers.
Launch Date:
11/2008
Why did you start blogging?
I realized how much amazing food was being grown and produced here in Bucks County and wanted to tell the stories of the folks who were doing it. I also wanted to let my readers know about what was happening right in their “backyards.”
What do you like best about blogging?
The food, of course. But I love being able to support our local food community. Also, what often gives me the most satisfaction is knowing I have had a positive impact on someone’s livelihood.
What platform do you use?
WordPress
How do you promote your blog?
Social media and weekly e-newsletter (over 1200 subscribers).
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?
So hard to choose!

The Tomato Triangle — http://www.buckscountytaste.com/farms/the-tomato-triangle/
A Bucks County Mill is Reborn — http://www.buckscountytaste.com/other-places/a-bucks-county-mill-is-reborn/
Quinoa — http://www.buckscountytaste.com/restaurants/quinoa/

What is your favorite “foodie” or food blogging experience so far?
Any time I can get “behind-the-scenes,” whether walking on a farm, or through a kitchen, or learning about how things are made – distilleries, cheese, breweries, chocolate…whatever.
What are your favorite cuisines/meals/recipes?
I eat anything.
What are your favorite Philly area restaurants?
Some of my favorites in Bucks County are Charcoal BYOB in Yardley, Maize in Perkasie, the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm in Buckingham, Bowman’s Tavern in New Hope.
Who are your favorite Philly area chefs or food business personalities?
Because my “beat” is Bucks County, I don’t have any favorite Philly chefs or food biz personalities. They’re all in Bucks County. Matt McPhelin (Maize); Blake Faure & Jon Ramsey (Golden Pheasant Inn); Josh Homacki (Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm); Michael Livensberger (Bowman’s Tavern); Mark & Eric Plescha (Charcoal BYOB); Eben Copple (Yardley Inn).
How often do you go out to eat at Philly area restaurants?
2-3 times per week
How often do you cook at home?
Several times per week
What are your favorite stores/shops/markets to shop for food products?
Altomonte’s, Wegmans, None Such Farm Market, Haring Brothers, Ely’s Farm Products, Wrightstown Farmers Market…I could go on and on!
Tell us a few things you think our readers would find interesting about the local food scene.
Bucks County and nearby Hunterdon and Mercer Counties in New Jersey (just across the river) have been experiencing tremendous growth in terms of locally grown and produced food in the past five years. For instance, there has been a large influx of young farmers, interested in growing sustainably, and producing artisanal food products. The number of restaurants cooking seasonally and sourcing locally has at least quadrupled in the same time period. We also have some very talented chefs, who may have gotten their “”chops”” in the cities, but love life out here and are doing some exciting things. It is a very vibrant food scene and sometimes I feel few people in the Philadelphia food world realize what is going on here. We’re up there with the Hudson River Valley and other places in terms of what is being grown and created here. Can you tell I’m proud? 🙂
Tell us more about yourself.
I organize local food events and dinners.

Two years ago I approached Triumph Brewing Company in New Hope (who source their menu locally) with an idea: “”Bucks Bacon & Beer.”” I invite local bacon and sausage producers, as well as vendors creating other locally produced food like cheese, ice cream and bacon- and beer-related food stuffs. This past March we held the 2nd Annual Bucks Bacon & Beer event with 250 guests (each pay to get in, then it’s all the food they can sample and two pints of beer to boot). What a blast.
I also began the Bucks County Dinner Club last fall. I organize unique food events at area restaurants and venues. So, for example, we had an event at the Dad’s Hat Rye Whisky Distillery in Bristol in March. Jamie Hollander Gourmet, an excellent local caterer, created small plates and the distillery provided cocktails to match each dish. We began with a tour of the distillery and then just hung out eating and drinking! We’ve also had dinners at the Golden Pheasant Inn, Hearth, the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm and the Hattery Stove & Still.

What other food blogs do you follow?
Okay, this is embarrassing. But you know how it goes. You’re so busy writing your own stuff and trying to run a business that you don’t stay abreast of what’s going on in your “industry.” So, honestly, I don’t follow any food blogs. I should make the time to do so, but when I do, I start feeling the pressure to work on Bucks County Taste (and Hunterdon County Taste).
Twitter URL:
https://twitter.com/BCTaste
Facebook URL:
https://www.facebook.com/BucksCountyTaste
Instagram URL:
https://instagram.com/buckscountytaste/
Pinterest URL:
https://www.pinterest.com/bctaste/
Google Plus:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/105200431267560817998/posts

Thanks Lynne! We here at Philly Grub know there are a lot of great food options outside of the city. We’ll have to make a special trip to check out some of the food scene in Bucks County and Hunterdon County NJ. Thanks for your help in drawing attention to it!

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