5 for Friday - Jameson Fink, wine writer/editor & podcast host

I have the great providence of being surrounded by inspiring people. 5 for Friday questions will be asked of artists, farmers, curators, creators, innovators, entrepreneurs etc – all of the people that I find interesting. Everyone gets the same five questions. I have so many things to tell you about Jameson Fink, that I need to slow down my thoughts and focus as I write. First of all, how awesome is that name? It was love at first sound bite.

I met Jameson many years ago at the inaugural International Food Bloggers Conference, where he was helping Foodista, the website that created, sponsors & puts on the event every year. While he worked for his registration, I snuck in under the title of 'friend' (I am not a blogger, nor have I ever been), abusing my priveledges in an attempt to glean some free information about the wonderful world of websites. (Side note: The conference is an absolute MUST for anyone interested in food, writing, blogging or web work and is coming back to Seattle in September of 2014.) On the very first night of the conference, Foodista hosts a launch party that rivals Food & Wine Aspen, I swear. It is full of awesome food, awesome people and there is a general air of conviviality dashed with a wee bit of debauchery - a perfect blend. Long story short, we met, we drank, we ate, we drank and I've called him a friend ever since.

Jameson is a wine guru like none other I've met before. I apologize to all of my wine friends in advance, but he's the bomb. Jameson has this amazing ability to break down the somewhat alienating language and culture of wine to people that aren't in the habit of brushing up on their knowledge of terroir. Frankly, I don't give a shit where Gascogne is - I just like crispy white wine - and Jameson is my faithful go-to for advice on what to pour for any occasion. Additionally, he has an absolute mastery of the english language and listening to him speak about wine is similar to being read to - like poetry. He's quick, informative, humble and adorable. (I might add SINGLE for anyone looking - drop me a line and I'll play Yenta.)

While professionally he's popped around to different wine shops in Seattle (and can currently be found on the floor at Bottlehouse in Madrona), he now dedicates a fair amount of time to blogging about wine and chronicling his international adventures in pursuit of the perfect sip. Hint: it involves bubbly. You MUST read his blog and you MUST subscribe to his informative podcast, Wine Without Worry.

1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning? A mix of two high fiber cereals akin to tree bark, with raisins and soy milk. A small glass of OJ. Coffee.

2. What is one thing you do EVERY day, by choice? Go for a walk to either clear my head or cloudy it up further in an attempt to nurture my "everybody in the pool" cast of ideas that permeate my waking thoughts.

3. If you had all the time in the world and no budget restrictions, what one project would you take on just now? (Can be a hobby, business, trip, etc).   I'd spend a year wandering Tasmania, with a focus on food, wine, and beaches. Then start a winery that exclusively made sparkling wine.

4. Where is your 'happy place'?   Often located at the intersection of whimsy, absurdity, and discovery.

5. What is your signature dish - something you make well and consistently? A melange of ever-changing vegetables with tofu in a spicy tomato sauce. Served over couscous.