Woke up this morning to find out that I Can Has Cook? has made it to the list of finalists for the Food and Drink category (sponsored by Bord Bia) at this year’s Irish Blog Awards.

I’m truly delighted to have been deemed worthy of a place on this list, which includes The Daily Spud, Gimme The Recipe, Dinner Du Jour, and Like Mam Used To Bake.

As it’s unlikely that I will have to make a speech on the 19th of  March in Belfast – given the strength of my category – I’ve decided to say a few words here.  Much like the tipsy distant relative who embarrassingly takes it upon  themselves to make a speech at a wedding.

I said on Twitter last week when the shortlist was announced that the best thing about food blogging is our community.  Apart from the obvious perks of making me a better cook, starting my food blog two years ago has brought me so much more than I expected, from trips to Australia to an induction into The Marmarati.

Those two years have seen the food blogging community grow and grow.  We’ve been embraced by Bord Bia, we’ve established a favourite meet up spot in Dublin in L Mulligan’s, our own Irish Food Bloggers Association has been established and we’re now at the point of having a 60 strong meet-up of foodies in Inishowen, Co Donegal this weekend, which is just going to be downright amaze.

Not only does my food blog justify my voracious appetite, it has also introduced me to the most wonderful community of people who are so generous with their time and food tips, and have been such a brilliant source of information and inspiration to me.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there may not be such a thing as Best Food Blog because we are all amazing in our own ways.  Hope that’s not too cheesy for y’all.

Here are links to all the nominated food and drink blogs at this year’s Irish Blog Awards.  There are also loads of lovely new ones popping up so have a look through my blogroll to enjoy the full scope of the Irish food blogging community.

Congratulations to all the finalists in the other categories and to the Damien Mulley-led team of people behind the scenes.  See you all in Belfast on the 19th of March!