PHOTO CREDIT: JUSTIN OF THREE SIXTY PHOTO
Richmond’s 365 Days of Dining Campaign!
Please vote Mijune Pak of Follow Me Foodie ONCE A DAY until May 1st!
So it continues! I’m going full throttle guys! Yes, no shame. Must campaign. I don’t care who’s in the lead or whether I come first (although that is the ultimate goal), but what I care about is how I ran the race and not where I finished. It’s the final stretch and my final plea.
I realize that it’s not my friends and family I need to convince, it’s everyone else who doesn’t know who the heck Mijune Pak or Follow Me Foodie is. And that’s a lot of people! So who is she and what is she doing here? And out of 1500 applicants who applied to be the city of Richmond’s food blogger, why did she get picked to be top 12? Totally legit questions and I need to give you reasons why you should vote and help me get votes.
The Richmond 365 Days campaign is about one person dining in one city at 365 restaurants for 365 days. Yes, all 12 candidates love to eat, have big appetites, take photos of food and are more or less well travelled and enjoy cooking. But there is a lot more to this than all that. And the truth is, I’ve sort of being unofficially doing this campaign already – just not in one city and on my own. I started this blog July 2009 and if you look through my blog archive (on the right column of this blog) I’ve pretty much written a blog post every single day. That’s 980+ posts. I have no other writers or help, this is all me.
Yes, that means on average I eat out once a day at a restaurant and have written and documented every moment of it on Follow Me Foodie. As I said, it’s beyond a passion, it’s my life. These aren’t just any blog posts either, these are very detailed food posts and if you click though them you can see for yourself how much work and dedication I’ve put into this. It’s not about quantity, but the quality I put into each post and when it comes down to it, I know what this job requires because I’ve been doing it out of passion on this blog since 2009.
I moved to Richmond about a month and a half ago, literally the same time they announced this campaign. Although I am now considered a local in Richmond, I have yet to experience life actually living here. Being familiar with Richmond and living in Richmond is totally different, so there is still lots to be discovered and I can write from a perspective locals could relate to and tourists could imagine.
As for the restaurants? Yes, you could say I’ve checked them out. In fact here are my Richmond only restaurant posts in the last 3 years.
2. Koto Izakaya Sushi & Robata
6. Chinese Alaskan King Crab Dinners!
7. Empire Seafood Restaurant 帝苑海鮮酒家
8. Sing Yee Chinese Restaurant 勝意食館
9. Pho Lan
10. The Jade Seafood Restaurant – Chinese New Year Dim Sum
11. Continental Seafood Restaurant 辛運海鮮酒樓
12. Nan Chuu Japanese Izakaya 南廚
13. Mazazu Crepe
15. 10 Things to Look for When Dining Vietnamese! (Pho Boi, A Taste of Vietnamese)
16. Kalok Seafood Restaurant 加樂海鮮酒家
17. Capstone Tea & Fondue (Richmond)
18. Shanghai Wonderful Restaurant
19. Continental Seafood Restaurant 辛運海鮮酒樓 – Banquet Menu
20. Gingeri Chinese Cuisine 金如意
21. Tri-Pot (鼎王滷味)
22. Zephyr Tea House Cafe (飄香)
23. Ichiro Japanese
24. Qoola Frozen Yogurt + Fruit (Self-serve, Aberdeen Centre)
25. Top Gun J&C 尖東新派食館 – Visit 3
26. Maruwa Sushi Japanese Restaurant
27. Wing Kee
28. Kumare Restaurant (Introduction 101 to Filipino Cuisine)
29. 2011 Richmond Summer Night Market: The Food Vendor Reveal
32. Beijing Cuisine
33. Desserts fit for Royalty! – The Apron at The Westin Hotel
35. Delicious Cuisine (一品怪廚) – Taiwanese Restaurant
26. Sushi Hachi 鮨八
27. The Apron – Persian New Years Dinner
28. The Apron
29. 4 Stones Vegetarian Cuisine
30. Hog Shack Cook House – **Updated
31. Empire Chinese Cuisine – The Alaskan King Crab dinner
32. Pearl Castle
33. Suhang Restaurant – Visit 2
34. Tapenade Bistro – Nichol Vineyard Winery Winemakers Dinner
35. Kiriri Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar
38. Dinesty Chinese Restaurant
40. Rainflower Restaurant – A “homestyle” Chinese dinner (Visit 4)
41. The Jade Seafood Restaurant – Formal Chinese New Year Dinner & Symbolism
42. The Jade Seafood Restaurant
44. Part 4: Chinese New Year at Saint Germain Bakery
45. Part 3: Chinese New Year Dinner at Fisherman’s Terrace
46. Part 2: Chinese Candy 101 – An Introduction to Chinese New Year Candies
47. Part 1: Chinese New Year & Chinese Tea 101
48. Rainflower Restaurant – Visit 3
49. Manzo Japanese Restaurant (Itamae)
50. Shanghai House Restaurant – Visit 2
51. Good Eat Seafood Restaurant
52. Tapenade Bistro (Steveston Village)
55. Noodle-Mania Event (Northern Delicacy – Part 3 of 3)
56. Noodle-Mania Event (G-Men Ramen – Part 2 of 3)
57. Noodle-Mania Event (Spicy Stage Cafe – Part 1 of 3)
58. Charcoal Sushi & BBQ Restaurant
59. Vivacity Seafood Restaurant
60. Deer Garden Signatures (Soup Noodle Restaurant)
61. Steveston Village Seafood Feast
62. 3rd Annual HSBC Chinese Restaurant Awards at Red Star Seafood
63. Timmy Kitchen
65. Cake Art – French Pastries & Special Occasion Cakes
67. Empire Chinese Cuisine Restaurant – Alaskan King Crab Dinner
68. Aoyama Cafe (UCC Coffee/Japanese Cafe)
69. Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant – Banquet Dinner
70. Empire Chinese Cuisine Restaurant – Banquet Dinner
71. Empire Chinese Cuisine Restaurant – Dim Sum
72. Koto Izakaya Sushi & Robata
73. Richmond Foodie Tour – Alexandra Road
74. Red Star Seafood – Chinese Restaurant
75. Wo Fung Dessert (Aberdeen Mall – Famous Chicken Wings)
76. Seto Sushi Japanese Restaurant
78. Chop Restaurant+Bar+Lounge – Desserts
79. Chop Restaurant+Bar+Lounge
80. Maple Castella – Pork Floss Bread
81. Original Joe’s Restaurant & Bar
82. Maple Castella – Blueberry Bun
83. 8 Juice
84. Top Gun J&C Restaurant – Visit 2
85. Diplomat Bakery
86. Top Gun J&C Restaurant – Desserts
88. Gyo-O Kaisen Shokudo Japanese – Desserts
89. Gyo-O Kaisen Shokudo Japanese Restaurant
90. Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle
94. Tropika Restaurant – Richmond
95. Cimona Cafe
96. Guu Japanese Izakaya – Aberdeen Restaurant
97. G-MEN Ramen Noodle Shop – Visit 3
98. Prata-Man Singaporean Cuisine
99. Saint Germain Bakery – Napoleon
100. Rainflower Restaurant – Visit 2
101. Tuttimelon – Premium Frozen Yogurt
102. Ajisen Ramen
103. Peanuts – Bubble Tea
104. Thai Kitchen
105. Empanada Hut
107. Claypot Restaurant – Hot pot
109. Taiwanese Cuisine aka Chopsticks
110. Luck’s Gourmet
111. G-MEN Ramen Shop – Visit 2
112. Negative Space Chinese Cuisine
114. Dragon’s View Chinese Cuisine
115. Pearl Castle
116. Tim’s Dessert House
117. Your Dessert
118. Ocean King Congee & Noodle
119. Admiralty Chinese Cuisine
120. Pho Thai Hoa
121. 2009 Richmond Summer Night Market – Dessert highlights
122. #9 Restaurant
123. Purity Vegetarian
125. Tuttimelon – Premium Frozen Yogurt
126. Sushi World
127. New Asia Deli – Vietnamese Subs
129. Shanghai River Restaurant
130. Frappe Bliss
132. Katsu-Ya Sushi
134. Mandalay Lounge & Steakhouse – Cocktails
135. Tenku Bakudanyaki
136. Steveston Pizza Co.
137. G-MEN Ramen Shop
Whoa. That took longer than I thought and I’ve tried more than I realized. I’ve tried 137+ restaurants in Richmond (with some repeats) since July 2009. The city has over 800 restaurants so I’ve really only made a dent, although a decent start. Out of 800 restaurants about 400 are Asian so I do know the food, culture and history behind it… home cooked, restaurant style and I’ve travelled lots around Asia.
In terms of being an “adventurous eater”… I’ve eaten bugs, so you can put yours hand down – see video here. It’s not only Asian food I know about though (by the way bugs are not part of typical Asian cuisine and daily diet), but it’s other types of food too. Again if you have a moment to explore this blog you will get the idea. It is no doubt a food blog.
In regards to honesty, which is my number one concern with this campaign. I would never ever jeopardize the trust you have in me. I spent 3 years earning the trust of loyal readers, and most have never even met me, and I am not about to throw that e-relationship away. Blogging is done with integrity and it’s the philosophy that guides this blog. From the very first day I have been completely transparent with my audience and honest in all my restaurant posts. I state my biases and honest opinions and would never sell out for freebies or a paycheque. Those who question how this Richmond blogger or “PR person” can remain honest through this campaign, well the proof is in this blog because my style and approach hasn’t changed since day 1.
If you have any other questions or need more reasons for why you should vote for me – read more about me here, or leave a comment and I would be happy to reply. I’ve replied to almost every comment left on my blog. I have built this blog up from scratch and the only reason I ever did it was because I love it. My writing style is conversational and entertaining (although you might not have gotten that from this post), and regardless if I get the job, that restaurant list above will continue to grow. I honestly just enjoy the food this city has to offer. Have faith that I can do the job well and do it with integrity.
Please vote Mijune Pak for Richmond 365 once a day until May 1.
Twitter: @followmefoodie #TeamMijune #Richmond365
Facebook: “LIKE” me.
A quick glimpse at what’s going on in the #TeamMijune Twitter world:
@thaaschocolates - Vote for @FollowMeFoodie in 365 Days of Dining Best Blogger Contest – you can vote ONCE A DAY until May 1! http://bit.ly/I8yWJ1
@CoffeeGeek - Mijune @followmefoodie is one of the best food bloggers in BC, and deserves this job – but needs your help! http://bit.ly/I8yWJ1
@bluecanoeresto - placed my vote today….she is local…honest.. passionate… name starts with an M, ends with ijune. Good luck http://bit.ly/I8yWJ1 #richmond365
@matthewcarberry - I’m not even Canadian, but I’m still voting for @followmefoodie for favorite food blogger.
@mini604 - Mijune @followmefoodie is one of the most dedicated food bloggers in #Vancouver. Vote for her here: http://bit.ly/I8yWJ1 #Richmond365
@lizceee - #FF to @followmefoodie who is seriously top notch food blogger AND super nice, in the running for #Richmond365 but #nothingcompares.
@Sales_Wright - Just placed my vote for #Richmond365 blogger. Kind of went without saying = @followmefoodie http://facebook.com/RichmondBC#TeamMijune
@youna__c - @followmefoodie congrats for making Top 12!! Ur one of my top food blogger lady crushes 
D #Richmond365
@PirateMeghan - Things that are a part of my daily routine-eating, sleeping & voting for @followmefoodie. Make it part of yours too! #TeamMijune
@CrispyLechon - #Richmond365 I reviewed the blogs of the 12 finalists and I’m quite convinced that @followmefoodie is the best candidate. Hope she gets it.
@gastrofork - @followmefoodie congratulations on becoming a finalist for#Richmond365!! I couldnt think of anyone better suited for the position!!
@DaintySecret - I don’t have facebook so I had to use my Fiance’s to vote for @followmefoodie 365 Days of Dining in Richmond, BC
@CityFood_mag - Good candidates, but I know that @followmefoodie will bring absolute integrity and her fierce palate to the job. And did I mention her two hollow legs?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Some additional reasons to vote for Mijune.
• Mijune is a prolific and consistent food blogger and has been blogging for a number of years. I hate to say this but some of the finalists only started or restarted their restaurant food blogging when this opportunity came up.
• She has a very good social media presence with very active Twitter and Facebook accounts.
• She is multi-media savvy (print, radio and TV) having appeared on radio talk shows and even on a Food Network show. This position will involve media interviews by worldwide press and she has the best experience to represent not just the food industry in Richmond but the city of Richmond as a whole. Who else can best represent a predominantly Asian community than an Asian?
• Eating out everyday for 1 year will not be a problem at all for her. She can out eat almost every foodie in town,
• She is not squeamish in anything she eats. She has eaten bugs, live octopus, etc. So eating pork blood, pork intestines and other offal typical of dishes served in Chinese restaurants in Richmond is a piece of cake for her.
• In the course of her food blogging career, she has tried and reviewed cuisines from different cultures from Chinese to Ukrainian and everything in between. She is very knowledgeable in a large number of cuisines and can certainly give expert insights.
• And finally, she is good-looking and articulate, a perfect ambassador for Richmond. I want her to represent the city where I have lived for most of my adult life.
To add to Crispy’s excellent comments (hi CL !):
I find Mijune’s restaurant reviews, recipes and other write-ups extremely comprehensive and informative. She leaves no stones un-turned (or is that no dishes/morsels un-eaten ?) . Also, Mijune is able to provide very balanced perspectives with respect to facts and opinions. Every write-up is a treasure trove of information. And the photos ….. they speak for themselves.
And of course she seems to have a loyal following of really cool readers
.
Mijune is also kind and easy to approach – a lot of food bloggers out there aren’t very nice at all and having someone with her bubbly, no holds bar honest personality is exactly what Richmond needs as a food blogger. Regardless of her relationships with chefs and restauranteurs, she’s unbiased in her opinions about food. She doesn’t come from a food background (ie. no formal education of it) but she takes the time to educate herself about what she’s eating. Her palate is impeccable and she can identify upcoming food trends. She’s definitely someone who knows how to write – the countless hours she spends writing and editing her blog is mindblowing – her passion is clear through her entries here. And while most people go on vacation to see the sights, Mijune goes to taste the food… I think she must’ve went to 50+ restaurants in a 2 week timeframe while she was staying in New York city alone. Plus her stomach is a bottomless pit!
You asked how to convince people to vote for you? May I suggest that when someone follows you on twitter that you respectfully follow them back? That’s a start!
After all twitter is a “social” media platform. Use it to not only promote yourself but interact with new followers that ARE interested in what you do.
Best of luck to you in the competition!
@Crispy Lechon, LR and Linda – I am completely overwhelmed and honoured by your comments. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that at all. I am incredibly grateful to have such amazing readers that’s for sure. Thank YOU for being so loyal and investing all these years into following this blog. Thank you for recognizing the time I have put into it. It means so much to me to have your testimonials and it’s crazy that we’ve never even met (except for Linda
). I will try and make you guys proud!! :*)
@Paula – Hi Paula, thank you for your comment and best of luck. To answer your question I actually follow and interact with a lot of my followers. I might have unintentionally missed an occasional one here and there, but for the most part I try my best to answer, retweet and communicate with my followers. I’m not sure what your Twitter handle is on Twitter, but if you would like to Tweet me and introduce yourself we can continue talking about food on there.
I appreciate you voicing your concern.
Paula, I don’t think its fair to say that as not representative of Mijune’s character or personality. I follow somebody because I am interested in what they have to say, not expecting them to be necessarily interested in what I have say. I follow Oprah, but I don’t expect her to follow me or many of her 11mil followers
Totally agree with Paula..U GO GIRL! What comes around..goes around!
I honestly could not imagine anyone other than Mijune taking this position. Her expertise when it comes to food is nearly unparalleled in the Vancouver food blogging scene. As Richmond 365 skews heavily to blogging about culinary adventures, I can’t overstate exactly how massive Mijune’s advantage is over the other candidates.
Plus, I can rest assured that she’ll eat everything on the menu so I know what to order when I hit up that restaurant!
You are the one food blog in Vancouver that I look forward to reading.
I trust your writing.