Ron Delaney knows good food. Not only does he create great dishes, but he also writes about them too. In his blog Just a Foodie, Ron shares his dishes for others to enjoy, while also giving insight into different restaurants he has visited throughout North America.
“I am passionate about food and food culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. I wanted to share my experiences, recipes, and reviews of restaurants. We have some unique food joints in Atlantic Canada.” said Ron. “I have been cooking for friends, family, and the public for over 30 years.”
His love of food came to him decades ago when he lived alone in the Burin Peninsula. With time on his hands outside of work, Ron started trying out different recipes and learning more about local foods. From there, he wanted to let others know about the food he was creating, as well as the food he was trying at great restaurants.
“I had many opportunities to play with food. I loved my cookbooks and experimenting with them. My blog is dedicated to the people and places that showcase good, unpretentious, comfort food in Canada and the United States.”
Though Ron’s restaurant visits were put to a halt during the pandemic, it gave him a new opportunity to try out new ventures with food at home.
“Slow cooking food, stone-baked pizzas made from scratch, experimenting with soups and stews, trying to be creative and keep the family happy. I have been making a large batch of food and have been ‘ninja-ing’ friends, family, and stranger’s food throughout this pandemic. I love sharing my food.”
When he isn’t cooking up a feed, or testing out new locations for a bite to eat, Ron is the Director of Tourism, Special Events and Economic Development for the town of Bay Roberts, as well as the Co-Chairperson and Coordinator of the Songs, Stages, Seafood Festival.
While his favourite Newfoundland dishes are fish cakes, pan-seared scallops, and Jiggs dinner, his top choice food to work with is pasta.
“All kinds of pasta from scratch, I like to grind my own protein to integrate into the meals, 100 percent fresh ingredients with herbs and fresh garlic. Slow-cooked comfort food.”
While Ron is helping expose wonderful eateries, he is conscious of those who are still building a reputation and have a career dedicated to food. If he has a bad experience at a restaurant, he does not publicize it. He will message the restaurant owner privately.
“I message them privately to let them know their deficiencies instead of calling them out. There is one thing I need to make clear. I will not stomp on those who give their career to food, I was told that if I can’t say something good about people it is better to say nothing.”.
Ron’s blog covers a variety of dishes of his own creation, as well as those served by numerous restaurants. From tacos to soups to burgers. He chats about the importance of sitting with loved ones over food, Top ten pizzas around the bay, how restaurants are intertwined with the success of the economy, meeting Chuck Hughes at his book signing and even Newfoundlanders featured on Top Chef. With food as the underlying common theme, Ron’s articles go back to 2011.
As Ron said in his first entry post : “For those who really know me know that I enjoy some of the finer points of life. First there is my family, I am sure this can be said for everyone. Second would be food, not just eating it, but making it, watching it, basically encountering it in every way possible.”
Check out Ron’s blog, Instagram and twitter.
All photos submitted
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Comment
Gina , Thanks so much for the article. Ya know its the small things in life that take for granted. A nice sunset, family, friends and of course food. I try to tell a story and help experiences. You do the same in your blogs. I appreciate you taking the time to post about me and the wonderful places I have visited.