I have some exciting news to share. A few weeks ago I got one of those emails that snaps you out of your current, everyday rut-like consciousness and into a state filled with optimism and hope and clarity. These of course used to come in the form of letters. Many of us recall our letter of acceptance into the college we really hoped to get into, or letter containing a formal job offer you actually wanted, or even letters from friends having adventures in faraway paces. Nowadays most things come via email, and it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s real and what isn’t. My invite to appear on Iron Chef appeared in my spam box, because it really DID look like spam.
The email came from Michael Bauer of the Chronicle’s food section. I was reasonably sure that it was some promotional mail (I have a pretty public email address), but no, it was actually him, asking me if I’d consider writing a regular column on breakaway cooking for the Chronicle! No invitation to submit something to be considered, nothing like that, just a flat out offer to pretty much keep doing what I do here, except they get first crack at publishing it. We worked out a contract, signed it, and now we’re on! It looks like the first column will appear in late April, I think. It will be a longer, expanded version of the regular column with at least four recipes, laying out the raison d’etre of the column, which will probably appear about twice a month, on Sundays. I got to meet the staff, see their set-up/operations, including the rooftop garden and way-vaster-than-you’d-think wine library/cellar.
So I’m excited! It’s especially encouraging in this age of nothing but depressing news from newspapers and the laying off of so many talented journalists. The food section has won tons of awards for its writing under the helmsmanship of Bauer and Miriam Morgan, who will be my editor, so it’ll be an honor to write for them.
I have a million and one ideas of things to cover, but: I’d love to hear what YOU would like to see explored. Please keep the idea flow coming!
What's black and white and read all over? The breakaway cook! Congrats Eric! Want to pitch them the idea of Breakaway videos on sfgate.com (wink, wink)? Haha
-Henry
Excellent! Love the SFC's food section. What a great way to start your weekend. Congrats!
Congrats Eric! You must be so excited! I really can't wait to see what you write for them – you have so many fresh, exciting, practical ideas communicated in a friendly and accessible way – I think they're very lucky to have you! Don't get so busy that you forget about us little people!
so excited that I misspelled my own name!
That's great! Can't wait to see the column.
Congratulations! I hope it's a great new home for you.
Wow, congratulations! I'd say that's pretty exciting news.
I'm so happy for you!
most excellent! i will resubscribe and let them know it is because of you, eric!
Congratulations! That's a great news!! Will the series be featured on SF Gate also?
That's super news! It's about time more people got introduced to your great cooking ideas.
I have no idea why you are shocked…you have a fabulous site, great instruction and clearly love your job…
having you on staff is a no-brainer…good luck and I hope you can forward or link to your columns
What fantastic news! So glad that you get to showcase your talent and ideas in a larger format. Will you be the Chronicle's CME (Chief Macha Evangelist)? Congratulations!
great choice, i look forward to this!
Many congratulations Eric. You're a great writer, quite apart from your food talents, and I know you'll do a wonderful job and continue to build your practice, ideas and reputation.
Great news to hear! I love reading your blog and I'm sure that so many people will love reading your work in print.
Fantastic break, Eric. Congratulations!
Oh that's so exciting! We need to get your website DONE!
Eric – good for you. We'll look forward to reading your column each week.
That's great news, Eric — a win for the Chronicle for sure. Congratulations!
Humbled at the outpouring of support, thank youuuu!! Em, yes, it will appear on sfgate as well. Lots of people have written me in email with some fantastic suggestions of things you'd like to see covered … please keep them coming!
About to go enjoy this intensely blue sky and warm sun in Tilden Park in Berkeley. Daphne has a brand new $5 sunhat from H&M!
Kudos to you, Eric! What an honor to be singled out by one of the the ultimate foodies in SF. Very well-deserved!!! Delighted for you!
Congrats…..
Congratulations. Happy to hear that. It was an unexpected surprise for you.