Well, I didn't know that they made our Blog's 20th anniversary a National Holiday! I'm just kidding, happy Memorial Day everyone!
And yes, today our little blog turns 20! Little did I know when I pressed "Publish Now" on our first post on May 26th 2005, that I'd still be doing post 20 years later! Hard to believe at times that it's 5527 post in 7305 days……
So much has happened over the last 20 years….I have been told that Blogging is dead for almost a decade now; but I guess I'm just a bit stubborn. When we started, MySpace was making waves by having more pageviews than Google! And that "four lettered website" had just been established in 2004 as well as Facebook.
I just wanted to do this post to thank all of you for visiting, reading, commenting, the wonderful emails, and recommendations. Without you all…well, I don't think we'd still be doing this. And of course, with co-authors Cathy, Vicky, and the late Ed from Yuma (we miss you so much Ed!), I don't think this blog would still be in existence.
I've always thought of our little blog as a food/travel diary of sorts…it ain't fancy writing, but I still look back on my travel posts, and wistfully smile at those places that I enjoyed dining at that are gone. Over the years I've had the honor of sharing my meals and our travels to 37 countries (well, I'm behind on Ecuador and Australia)….the only reason I know that is being asked how many countries I'd been to while grabbing a cold one a couple of months back. The guy who asked me that was shocked that I didn't know that number. I guess it's some kind of badge of honor or something these days? Ok, well, let's get back to the post, shall we?
As for what the future holds, well who knows? Ever since Typepad was purchased a few years ago and stopped offering new sign-ups functionality has deteriorated. It sometimes takes me 8-12 tries to get a photo to post. I've lost content when saving posts and had to depend on the last "restore content". I know I'll need to move to a WordPress platform, but the biggest issue has been not wanting to lose our 5,000 + posts. I know that the actual posts can be migrated; but the issue for me are the photos. So, perhaps I'll find a solution down the road.
Until then, JJ and I would like to raise our "glass" and thank you all for dropping by! And if you'd like to tell me when you started reading our little blog…well, that might be fun!
Cheers everyone!
And it'll be back to business tomorrow for sure!
Thanks for stopping by!
Congratulations and happy 20th anniversary! Here’s to many more years of your great work.
Congratulations! I’ve been reading since May 24, 2013, wow 12 years! Here’s to twenty more years.
Congrats Kirk! So happy I ran across this little place of yours a few years ago — I stop by every day to check in on your latest food adventures and travels. All the best wishes to you, the Missus, JJ, and the occasional Cathy! Looking forward to many years more! Muchos mahalos!
Huge congrats and thanks for the many many wonderful dining tips. Think I’ve been following for approx. 15 years. But hey, who’s counting?
So I was in the fifth grade when you started lol
Congratulations! Yours is one of the first sites I stumbled upon when moving here in 2006 (looking for good dim sum – and frankly – still looking!) and we haven’t stopped since. All the Mahalos and shakas to you.
Congratulations on 20 years! I am not sure exactly when I started reading but I think it was close to the beginning, and I think I found your site via someone’s chowhound post? I remember when Cathy started blogging with you so it’s at least since then. Your posts have always been entertaining and informative! I always check the sidebar first when I’m starting to plan a trip, to see if I can find any spots to visit from previous posts here! I know blogging has changed a lot and I’m thankful you all have continued here.
Happy 20th anniversary! It’s always a delight to read your posts.
Congrats to 20! Blog is almost old enough to drink (or in Japan you are already legal age). I think I started reading 15 or 16 years ago. Back in the Chow Hound days.
Happy 20th Blog-aversary! I can’t remember when I discovered mmm-yoyo, but I follow you religiously (sorry for the stalker vibes!). You’re right, there’s very few blogs nowadays.
Congrats on 20 Kirk!
Happy 20th, looking forward to reading you and your crew’s adventures!
Congrats and many blessings!
20 years is pretty amazing!!! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews and everything else! What I enjoy the most is your honesty which is difficult to find these days. Would totally understand if you want a break but hope the blog keeps going. Cheers.
Congrats Kirk! It’s been such a pleasure to read this blog. You’ve brought so much joy to so many of us. Thank you for sharing your time with us for so long.
Wow 20? Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your meals and travels! It’s always a pleasure to see what you’ve been up to. I often refer to old posts when I’m traveling to see if there’s somewhere I should check out. Thanks again!
Thanks Loren!
Oh wow, 12 years Jessica! Thanks so much for all your comments!
I really appreciate all you comments Peter! Thanks so much!
Man, 15 years Kenneth! Thanks for all the awesome emails and recommendations!
Ouch Franklin! JJK….Thanks for reading and commenting!
Mahalo James! Thanks for being one of my “OG” readers!
I really need to thank you for letting me know about all those new places Elle! I really appreciate the time you take to let me know!
I’m so happy you are able to find a use for our humble little blog Jeanne! Thanks so much for reading. We tried to get to the Pana Food Truck in Santa Cruz, but just missed their opening time….hopefully next time!
Oh my gosh…the Chowhound Days Junichi! I always look forward to your comments!
I need to really thank you for all your comment over the years Sandy! It’s been such a pleasure!
Thanks LL! Thanks as well for all the recommendations!
Thanks so much Kat!
Thanks Jenn!
Happy anniversary! I read all your travel and local posts. 5ish years for me.
Thanks for all the great comments and recommendations over the years RD! I’ve always appreciated them!
Thanks so much HH! It’s great to hear from you!
Hi Greg – It’s great to hear from you! I still remember your comment about your making kalua pork and how much your son enjoyed it. It’s one of my favorite comments!
It’s great to hear from you KathyQ! Thanks for your wonderful comments!
Congrats, Kirk!! Blogging is so not dead. Keep on keeping on.
Congrats, Kirk!! Blogging is so not dead. Keep on keeping on.
Thanks Cathy! Great to hear from you and hope all is well!
Congrats Kirk! It feels like more than 20 years (probably moreso for you). Thanks for the all the content over the years. I can’t count how many new places I’ve discovered from this site. I’m amazed how consistent you are as far as posting very regularly. I didn’t even last a year hahah (but I do intend to start it back up again). Hopefully you still have lots of years left for blogging and you can find a replacement for Typepad.
Happy birthday! I’ve definitely been following for at least 17 years I think!
This blog is on my daily check list, and it’s only one of 2.
Keep up the great work, I know a lot of us greatly appreciate it!
Congrats! I started reading in 2011 when I was living in San Diego and still read for recs whenever I visit!
It sometimes does feel like more than 20 years Denver! Lol! I’m hoping you do start posting again as I really enjoyed your blog!
Oh my….so you’re definitely one of my “OG” readers Jenny! Thanks!
Thanks so much for all the comments, emails, and recommendations Dereck! I really do appreciate it!
Thanks for reading all these years Kim!
What the heck?
Congrats Kirk and Team.
Happy 20th!!
You were my introduction to San Diego (JV’s) and I’ve never looked back 🙂
Congrats Kirk! Been a longtime reader, enjoying all your reviews & recipes (mmm radicchio salad!). Raising a glass to you and everyone on your team, past and present for an amazing 20yr run! Cheers to many more🍻!
Congrats on 20! We’ve been reading this blog for most of those decades, always appreciate the recommendations that you give for the SD food scene.
Congratulations Kirk! Your hard work over the years has made an indelible mark on my tastes and has put me on to so many great restaurants I would have never thought to try otherwise. This blog is my comfort read. Here’s to 20 more!
Thanks Billy! ;o)
Oh my; JV’s! That’s a while back Campy! I know you were also on Chowhound, right?
Thanks Jase! It’s been a pleasure and quite humbling to know you’ve gotten some use out of our blog!
Thanks for being one of my OG “FOYs” Jason! I always enjoy your comments!
I’m so honored Matthew! Thanks so much!
Congratulations! Thanks for the great stories.
Hello, and Congrats! I’d say I started following you’all about ten years ago, when I was living in Tempe, AZ. Couldn’t say how I ran across you; probably just The Bounce. Yours is one of a number of blogs that kept the fire lit in my head to finally start my own. I was part of the phxfoodnerds (was, is, am . . . in it’s death throws or waiting to rise back up, who knows), and when most of it’s data was lost, I lamented all the restaurant reporting I’d done/couldn’t look back on. Now I finally have my own space 😀
Mike Z
Twin Cities, MN
http://www.tundrabites.com
IG – tundrabites
Thanks Soo!
Thanks so much Mike! I went ahead and created a link to Tundrabites! I’m enjoying your posts!
I feel like a newbie for just reading for the last dozen years or so
Big fan, long time lurker. Started reading in 2008 when I was trying to find somewhere to get a banh mi. Been reading ever since! Love your writing style and always appreciate your posts with multiple visits before forming an opinion. Also have a pup that I try to bring everywhere and all your JJ posts are super helpful. Hope you keep blogging as it makes my day every time there is a new post!
Lol ST! Just think; if you were in the first grade back when you started commenting….you’d be graduating High School now! ;o)
Hi Vi! Thanks so much for the kind words. I remember a comment from waaaaay back on Noble Chef’s original owners???? I’m so happy and thankful that you still read our posts! It’s been interesting finding dog friendly places now that we have JJ in tow!
Looking forward to more great writing and pictures. Thanks for doing it, Kirk!
Hi Kirk (and everyone), “Occasional Cathy” here. Slowly getting back into a routine and still do eat out while photographing meals and will be posting when you need a break. The blog and photos bring back such good memories of meals that The Mister and I have shared, along with some of our vacations and Road Trips. Your vacations have been so well planned and interesting and my being able to see (and ask questions) about meals you and Your Missus have had ahead of your postings have made me privvy to the most interesting factoids. Blogging is just fun and a sort of ‘diary’. Honored to be along to help you.
Thanks so much alnc! I always look forward to your comments!
I’ve been so privileged to be able to have you as a partner in this blog Cathy! It’s been a wonderful ride!
Wow, 20 years?! I’m not sure how long I’ve been reading, but I fondly remember Ed from Yuma’s posts. Love this blog!
Yes, we miss Ed from Yuma so much Stephanie! Thanks for all the wonderful comments over the years!
Congratulations! Quite the achievement. On a plane now to Japan and checking up on your Japan posts. Doing Naha-Osaka-Tokyo. I was second guessing my choice of airlines but HAL has Starlink. That should make the 10 hours go by.
Thanks Kyle! So envious of your trip! I think Suzunari is still around; it was our favorite restaurant in Japan. It’s been a while though! Enjoy your trip!
Congratulations! That’s quite the achievement. Reviewing your Japan posts while I’m on a flight to Japan. Flying on Hawaiian and they have Starlink. I don’t have a sophisticated palate like you so I will be hitting up all the konbinis, conveyor belt sushi, and Japanese chains. Thanks for putting in the effort to keep posting on this blog with all the limitations. Aloha.
Hope you have a great time in Japan Kyle!
That’s awesome! Happy 20 years!
Thanks Kimo!
Happy belated anniversary Kirk!
Oh my gosh! It’s so great to hear from you CAB! I hope all is well!
Hello Kirk!
My online browsing habits have me only looking at my favorite websites, blogs, instagrams, etc. during major school breaks so I am finally catching up and thus the super delayed comment (been LOVING all of the JJ pics by the way!!!). First of all, congratulations on 20 years of consistent blogging. WOW!!! I wasn’t exactly sure when I started reading your blog but I remember it being before the time I emailed you about Noodle House of Otemoyan (closed long ago but was on Convoy in that plaza with “the worst parking”). I just searched my email and it came right up. February 2006! I copy-and-pasted the email below (my email to you, not your reply) just for fun:
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Feb 23, 2006
Hello!
I LOVE your website! I found it through a link on Daily Gluttony’s page. I was looking for a noodle place to eat while in L.A. (just drove up there for the day from San Diego) when I saw that there was actually a food blog link FROM San Diego (your site). I clicked on the link and was hooked on your site right away. The photos are so great! The information is useful AND interesting! And you like a lot of the same kinds of food that I like (your entries are so much more helpful and interesting than the typical SignOn San Diego recommendations for the same ol’ expensive touristy places). Anyway! I’ve been trying to find out what happened to this noodle place I used to go to and I came up with no information after much searching. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask you. On Convoy there used to be this place called Noodle House of Otemoyan. They had pretty good soba and udon but my favorite there was the Nagasaki champon. I’d tried a lot of the menu items but after the Nagasaki champon that is pretty much all I would order when I went there. Prior to about May of 2004 I was eating at this place all the time. Then I didn’t go there for a few months and the next time I went, like in August 2004, it was gone and in its place was a copy shop. Since then, I always wondered what happened to it. I was hoping that it just moved but I couldn’t find any info on it. Do you have any idea what happened to it? Or do you know of anywhere else I can get Nagasaki champon? Or do you know where I can get a good recipe for it? I’d pretty much given up hope of ever eating that delicious noodle soup dish again but your food blog gave me hope that maybe you might know of somewhere to eat it or get a good recipe. If you don’t know that’s okay — I just thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. In any case, I’ll still enjoy reading your blog!
Thanks for your time!
Sincerely,
dancing from San Diego
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I never did find a champon I liked as much as the one I had from Noodle House and pretty much gave up trying after sampling the champon from just a few other places. I think the last place I tried was Izakaya Sakura (soon after my email to you) where they had Nagasaki champon on the menu and I was sorely disappointed in what I got. At the time, I overheard one of the group of ladies dining at the table right behind us loudly comment to another (after overhearing my order), “who comes to Izakaya Sakura and orders champon???” Kinda rude and yet funny at the same time. I mean, that’s not ALL we ordered but champon is definitely not what the place is known for and what I got definitely made me not want to order it again from there so I kind of understand why she might have said that. Anyway, I’ve commented very infrequently over the years (always tried to comment when one of “da boyz” was mentioned though!). But I’ve been here following along on your wonderful food and travel adventures from ALMOST the beginning (some time prior to February 2006 anyhow)! Wishing you many more years of food and travel and fun with JJ and the Missus! And here’s to many more years of blog posts from you and your mmm-yoso crew if you’re still willing to share with us and if your blogging platform will continue to support it. Twenty years, though… so impressive! Thank you, and your blogging crew, for sharing with us all these years!!!
Oh my gosh Dancing! February of 2006! It so great to hear from you and JJ sends his best wishes! Thanks so much for the awesome comment! Hope all is well!