Back in college, whenever my girlfriends and I went out, we had a ritual. While others pray before they eat, we took pictures of and with our food before we eat. Once the food had been placed in front of us, we’d ask the waiter to take a group picture of us before we proceeded to help each other take pictures with our foods, in addition to individual food pictures. Since then, I’ve cut back a bit as other friends started to give me pained looks whenever I whipped out my camera- especially in upscale restaurants in the US. Apparently it is embarrassing.

As it turns out, I wasn’t being embarrassing but part of the pioneering movement of bringing food blogging/food diaries into America (I assure you this is quite a normal habit in Asian communities already). But alas, I don’t think I’ll be starting a food blog any time soon. Recently, I’ve come to the realization that I simply do not have the talent for food photography. My photos just seem to make the most amazing cuisine appear unappetizing. Maybe from now on I should just let others do the work for me while I enjoy the food!