Meet The Foodie: James Phillips of The Breakfast Grub Guy

Hey, hey — look what’s back? Remember the “Behind the Blog” feature I had running last summer? Well, it took a hiatus because I was sick of pestering bloggers to participate. But I found one who wanted to do it so it’s back; sorta!

I’m thinking of broadening this feature to include ANY Philly foodie who wants to be featured whether they blog or not. I’ll just have to vary the questions. If you’re interested, shoot me a message by clicking HERE!

Anyways, without further adieu, meet James of The Breakfast Grub Guy blog. He recently named Philly Grub as one of his favorite Philly blogs. You should definitely check his site out. Mmmm breakfast!

James Phillips of The Breakfast Grub Guy

Name:
James Phillips
Age:
Thirty-something
Location:
I live in the North-west suburbs, but eat everywhere.
Blog Name:
The Breakfast Grub Guy
Blog URL:
www.thebreakfastgrubguy.com
Blog Focus:
The primary focus of the blog is reviewing local breakfast and brunch restaurants, but I also feature an occasional lunch or dinner review as well as recipes and food-based events.
Launch Date:
Oct. of 2012 in Columbus, OH, but just moved to Philly 4 months ago.
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging as a creative outlet for my food obsession.
What do you like best about blogging?
I love to show people the awesome, local restaurants and mom & pop shops that are all around them. Too many people think that the drive-thru or national chain restaurants are their only option for dining out. I want them to know that their local shops have so much more to offer.
What platform do you use?
WordPress
How do you promote your blog?
I’m very active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). I’ve also had the opportunity in my previous city to be a guest on several radio and television shows promoting the blog.
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?

Brioche donut (aka “Bronut”) making with Cravings Carryout Cafe (Columbus, OH) http://thebreakfastgrubguy.com/2014/12/15/cravings-carryout-cafe-columbus-oh/
The Mega Meat 28″ pizza challenge at Joseppi’s Pizza (Columbus, OH)
http://thebreakfastgrubguy.com/2014/11/24/the-mega-meat-challenge-tackling-the-big-one-at-joseppis-pizza/
A delicious breakfast at Santangelo’s Cafe (Norritown, PA)
http://thebreakfastgrubguy.com/2015/12/17/santangelos-cafe-norristown-pa/

What is your favorite “foodie” or food blogging experience so far?
My favorite blogging experience was when I had the opportunity, as part of an exclusive group of local bloggers, to share a small meal and a private Q & A session with Chef Mario Batali!!
What are your favorite cuisines/meals/recipes?
I love all kinds of food. Of course I am a HUGE breakfast/brunch fan, but I also love authentic, ethnic foods like Chinese, Mexican, Indian, etc. I’m also a sucker for a good cheesesteak.
What are your favorite Philly area restaurants?
Well, I’ve only just begun my exploration of Philly restaurants, so I don’t have a whole lot of experience yet. So far, my favorite breakfast joints have been Green Eggs Cafe, Sabrina’s, Santangelo’s Cafe in Norristown, and Annamarie’s in Royersford.
Who are your favorite Philly area chefs or food business personalities?
I’m looking forward to finding out!!
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?
I LOVE farmer’s markets. I can’t wait to check out the local farmer’s market scene when the weather gets warmer. I also love a good meat market for fresh bacon, pork belly, sausages, etc.
Tell us a few things you think our readers would find interesting about the local food scene.
I’m still very much learning about the local Philly food scene. One thing I have learned already is that Philly loves its breakfast and brunch spots. I can’t wait to discover all of the hidden gems in the city and surrounding areas!
Tell us more about yourself.
Aside from food blogging, I’m a full-fledged geek. I’m huge into sci-fi movies/tv, Star Wars, 80’s cartoons (He-man, Thuindercats, G.I.Joe, etc), comic book heroes, and what’s worse is that I’ve slowly been grooming my 9-year-old into geekdom since he could walk and talk!! I also love to cook for my wonderful wife 🙂
What other food blogs do you follow?
Breakfast with Nick, Philly Phoodie, Belly of the Pig, and The 614orty-niner are all regular stops for me.
Twitter URL:
https://twitter.com/bfastgrubguy1
Facebook URL:
https://www.facebook.com/Thebreakfastgrubguy/
Instagram URL:
https://www.instagram.com/thebreakfastgrubguy/