Do you have a personal blog?
I do, but its currently constrained within the confines of my mind, and not yet available for public consumption. When I manage to harness all of my ideas into one, semi-concise ball of fervor, I'll hopefully wind up with a blog that's part feminist, part foodie, part queer, and part eco-conscious - with plenty of music and culture tossed in for good measure. Y'know - cause I really like to narrow things down.

What is your day job, or rather, what do you do when you're not food blogging?
I'm...green blogging. No, seriously, I quit my job working in communications for a non-profit international women's organization about two weeks ago to become a full-time blogger for an indefinite period of time. I see it as a period of renewal: it's all about taking risks, trying new things, and following my heart. In the meantime, I'm also blogging for Green Daily. You should read it, if you don't already. In fact, stop reading this survey and go there this instant. It's amazing.

How long have you been blogging with Slashfood and what is your favorite post?
About two weeks (see above). My favorite post? Hmm - probably "PETA again using scantily-clad women to make its point" because I was able to write about several issues that I was passionate about, including vegetarianism and feminism. And any blog that lets me do that is one I want to be a part of!

Do you have any non-food related, non-blogging related hobbies?
I'm into new music (right now I'm really into underground rap and queercore), guinea pigs (I have three: Rootbeer, Squeakers, and Soda Pop), and winter-themed ale. I also like to dance, and try to do so often and without abandon.

Not every foodie does, but do you cook?
I sure do.

What is your most prized utensil/gadget in the kitchen?
My roommate just bought a garlic press, which I keep stealing from her and using as often as possible. I can't believe I ever lived without one - it's unbelievably easy to use, and a great stress reliever.

List three things in your refrigerator right now.
Sundried tomato and basil hummus, leftover buckwheat waffle batter, and Yuengling Lager.

You have to impress a date with a home-cooked meal. What are you going to make?
A spinach and onion frittata with a side salad of mesclun greens, toasted walnuts with homemade sherry vinaigrette and a glass of Gewürz. Or, y'know, whatever. I haven't really thought about it that carefully.

What's the last thing you ate?
Raisin granola and peach soy yogurt and about four cups of black coffee (I'm shaking as I write this).

Confession time: what do you eat that will get you banned from Slashfood?
Those logs of processed cookie dough substance...raw.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My mom's homemade pizza, with mushrooms, onions, and a pesto sauce.

Your mom makes the best ____.
See above.

Which chef would you most like to come to your house and cook you dinner?
Philadelphia's Marcie Turney and/or Valerie Safran of Lolita and Bindi fame.

Who would you most like to eat dinner with?
I really just like eating dinner with my mom and dad, to be completely honest. And if that makes me a huge nerd, well, so be it.

Your drink of choice?
I was going to say a black velvet, but then I realized that would be the third time I've mentioned alcohol in this survey, which is seriously going to get me a reputation that I don't need. So I'm going to go with peach smoothie.

What was your best restaurant dining experience?
A graduation party dinner at Philly's Farmicia. I had tagliatelle with soy sausage, and it was out of this world.

The worst?
For a vegetarian, any dinner out can be a potential nightmare, especially when your waiter doesn't grasp your dietary needs. At worst, they're completely confused and slightly angry - "What?! You want that salad WITHOUT bloody steak? I'm sorry, I do not comprehend." - and at best, they're offering you the only dish that wasn't fried in chicken fat - "Um, ma'am? We have nachos....oh, wait. They come in a bed of bacon."

Do you want fries with that?
I mean, who doesn't?

What foods do you think should be banned from existence?
Anything that had a face. (And don't go leaving a comment like, 'But Ellen, potatoes have eyes.' Sorry. Not original enough. You have to do better than that.)

What do you see as the biggest "thing" in food for the upcoming year?
I see the local and organic food movements continuing to pick up steam, as well as a resurgence in slow food, as we continue to be plagued with food marred by hormones and chemicals. Also, I think probiotics and Omega-3 fatty acids are going to find their way into even more aspects of our diets, until the terms are as well known as "calories" and "cholesterol."