Before Gourmantic was launched two years ago today, it existed in another form. A series of dinner parties for friends were held at home. Mr G took meticulous care of drinks and wines while I created in the kitchen. Conversations centred around travel and food, the people you meet along this journey, exciting culinary discoveries, regional wines and drinks, and restaurants experiences we wanted to share.
These soirées often lasted until 3 am with guests still seated around the dinner table with no desire to leave.
Today, as Gourmantic turns two years old, it is a chance to reflect at those beginning as well as revisit the vision I had when I founded it – a magazine style website celebrating travel and food. 392 articles have been published to date, including 9 from select contributors, and we still stand by our goal to provide quality, experience-based articles that are designed to inspire.
The achievements of the first year are still celebrated today; the highlight being winning first prize in the May Grantourismo Travel Writing Competition in the category of travel and food.
The second year saw Gourmantic become involved in several Sydney events, many of which were through repeat invitation. We have been privileged to attend some of the best functions, parties and launches, and meet people in the food and drink industry. The level of attention and hospitality that has been shown towards us has been both touching and humbling at times. Whether it was a cheeky evening at the Emmilou Tapas Bar New Menu Launch Party, the glamour and bubbles of a Champagne Experience with Champagne Jayne, or a trip back in time at Elizabeth Bay House for the launch of Schweppes Elixir, each experience has been a privilege we both cherish.
Our achievements are also cause for celebration. As our Media page indicates, one of our articles was praised by Monbana Chocolatier in France and subsequently forwarded to their international clients including Chef René Redzepi, whose Noma Restaurant has been twice awarded Top Restaurant of the Year. We have received high accolades in the Emmilou April 2011 newsletter and have been featured on the Greenhouse by Joost website, a project that is currently touring the world.
As Gourmantic enters its third year, our travel plans which did not eventuate due to unexpected reasons will become a reality. They will feature many culinary adventures and fuel my number one passion: writing.
Thank you for your readership, comments, support, emails, friendship, advice, feedback and connections. We look forward to having you with us on our continuing journey.
Corinne and Mr G
Happy anniversary Gourmantic and Congratulations to both of you on these fantastic achievements! René Redzepi… that’s awesome.
PS What are your favourite posts from the last 12 months?
Thank you for your continuing support Chris 🙂
That’s a good question. I’ll modify the post with the faves!
Congratulations on all of your achievements. Fully deserved! Also, well done on reaching your 2-year anniversary and we’re looking forward to year 3.
Julia and Barry.
Thanks Julia and Barry – you’ve both been tremendously supportive!
Congrats! And to many more posts and years!
Let’s drink to that, Tina! 🙂
Happy Blogversary! Looking forward to year 3 and many more to come.
Grazie, Kathy! 🙂
Happy Birthday Gourmantic! May there be many more reviews and anniversarys.
Many thanks for your support Craig, from both of us 🙂
Happy Birthday – looking forward to another fabulous Gourmantic year ahead!
Here’s to toasting a Martini together in the year ahead! 🙂
Congratulations to you and Mr. G! Your hard work has paid off and your accomplishments are well deserved. Can’t wait to see what comes next! 🙂
Thanks so much for your support, Nicole! I have a few ideas in progress… just waiting for the right time to make them happen 🙂
Congrats Corinne and Mr G on all your achievements! While you celebrate 2 years of great work, wonderful experiences and meeting different people, we can perhaps celebrate a mere 2 months into our own journey 🙂
Thanks Chopin 🙂 It wasn’t long ago that we were celebrating monthly anniversaries. You’ll get there in no time!
SO hugely proud of you!!! To accomplish all this and face the trials you have makes me want to hug you so tight and cheer. 🙂 Wishing you many happy travels and even more success in the years ahead. 🙂
Thank you Krista! It’s nice to stop and smell the roses every so often 🙂
HUGE congrats on your anniversary. You’ve achieved so much in the past 2 years (ahem the same amount of time I have been blogging…) You’re (both) inspirational.
congratulations Corinne and Mr G. wishing you more succesful years to come 🙂
Many thanks Flip, from both of us 🙂
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