Handmade: Antwerp’s Food & Drink Artisans
An introduction to my blog
Dear Reader,
Hello and welcome!
Join me as I turn the spotlight on some of Antwerp’s boldest and most skilled food and drink producers. Have your tastebuds tempted, your eyes opened, and your culinary inspiration sparked. From urban beekeeping to vertical farming, microbrewing to out-of-this-world cheese, I’ll bring you the stories behind Antwerp’s producers and distributors of unique local products.
Antwerp’s entrepreneurial ventures in food and drink deserve your attention because they involve passion, family, and bravery. They have local and international connections, and bring people together. They are about craft - lovingly handmade.
Who am I? Why am I here?
I’m Jon. I’m from Manchester and I’ve been living in Antwerp for 5 years. I’m the top chef, food aficionado, and herb & vegetable grower in my entire house (more on that at a later date) and I also enjoy writing. I write professionally and as a hobby, and feel that this blog fits somewhere between the two. By telling other people’s stories, I have a reason to get out there and meet the people of this city, and that is a pretty cool thing to do.
Why? Because through my work I found that interviews always bring the unexpected, which is a joy. But more importantly, they create a valuable sense of human connection. You get to see and hear about people’s hopes and dreams, their skills, quirks and vulnerabilities. And I would like to amplify that sense of connection in my writing.
What’s in store for you?
You’ll get interviews with expert creators; inspiration for on your plate, in your glass, and in your life… hot topics and food for thought. You will learn something new.
I’ll be posting weekly, except for when I’m on holiday or have temporarily run out of things to say. The articles won’t be long - several minutes depending on how fast a reader you are, so check in over breakfast or lunch, on the train or tram - wherever and whenever you like ;-)
Subscribe to receive your posts automatically. To entice you, I intend to go down various rabbit holes on my investigative journey. The idea is that it’s a little bit unplanned, but that one door leads to another. All the pieces will eventually form a lasting picture. Stick with me! It’s time to begin.
Next up
Spring is here. The air is heavy with blossom. Let’s start this journey of connection with the ancient and vital art of beekeeping. Yes, it happens here in Antwerp, and in my first article, I think I’ve managed to avoid using any of those well-worn bee puns.
“Although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.”
― A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Thanks for joining me. It’s great to have you here.
Jon