A day at the 7th annual Jewish Food Media Conference

Of course a bright and early road trip to Factory220 for the Jewish food Media Conference starts with some freshly brewed (or hot white mocha) at Patis Bakery, and I have to say I don’t know what’s sweeter, those bite-sized samples or the Passaic people energy- such sugar vibes.

When it’s your first time anywhere (think Kosherfest first time coma :) You don’t know what to expect, so by default, you’re in for a whirlwind. I did attend last year’s JFM Conference, so I had what to compare it to (disclaimer the standard of #swag expected was set high) and this year’s lineup, as well as influencers in attendance and general food fest, was everything and more. Always a plus is meeting like-minded insta friends IRL and discovering they are just like the persona they depict, only taller and just MORE.

But first #coffee, I know, it’s a problem...but when you see @thebrooklynbarista doing her thing live, it’s hard NOT TO. Off the record Alisen, I know you do parties and events, but what about general breakfast in bed types of days? The signature swirl on those cappuccinos was postable! How apropos were those nuffin muffins right next to the coffee? Me and @naominachman had a good @thenuffin breakfast munch. What was it less then <2 grams net carbs per nuffin? So 2 grams x 7 is…;) those cinnamon crumb tops though.

Okay, for the actual program lineup! What you think we eat all day?

The founder, Melinda Strauss @therealmelindastrauss gave the opening remarks for the 7th annual JFM, and she always has the best energy (I’m biased because I already spent some quality photo/gif snap with Melinda over at the @masbiask (Masbia soup kitchen) photo booth before the event, so when she spoke I was just like Yass girl! We’re already friends :)

We had the privilege of word/food drooling from Adeena Sussman, the cookbook author, food writer, recipe and product developer responsible for the success of New York times acclaimed cookbooks like Sababa and the Cravings series. Thank you for trekking all the way from Tel Aviv.

Fleishigs’ very own Mr. and Mrs. Klein spoke, and it was such a treat to meet them, unanimously everyone was saying how real they are and how their passion for everything they put out is evident. It’s now wonder @fleishigsmag is one of the only Kosher publications distributed in Barnes and Noble and Whole Foods; quality knows quality.

Finally, it was time for lunch…#thisiswhatwecamefor.

The written word does not do justice for the succulence served in the form of a charcuterie table from @meatandboard

and the sandwiches, salads and hot dishes from the @thehumbletoast

#funfact there was nada humble piece of toast in sight. We’re talking corned beef sandwiches and piping grilled salmon that can give vegans a run for their money.

In between bites and refills :) I got some quality mingle that was sustenance enough #fillerup.

@Stuffffed was loading me up with her signature parve (mushroom-based) lachmagine, more on that later, because this is a huge trend, @meatlessnation, a mushroom-based meat style dinner kit actually won the new product of 2019 at Kosherfest, so you see the mighty mushroom is on to something! @busyinbrooklyn, thanks for the pics! I have to say, your Millennial Kosher cookbook is such a conversation starter, I was standing next to two women, and we saw your book on the stand, legit gave us a whole 20 minutes’ worth of gab. Esty of the @cookingwithtantrums, your faked ziti recipe is everything. The way you work the room! It was so inspiring to see your vivacious energy in real-time.

In between dainty scoops of dairy-free @theboozery sorbet, (what? it’s less than 5% alcohol, and I’m not driving*) I got to “casually speak to Chef Eitan, @chefeitanbernath, emphasis on the casual, “So are you going to Kosherfest tomorrow? (my attempt at small talk with an underage legend) “Nah, I’m not allowed in yet...under 18.” This was probably the most controversial thing I heard all day, then again, the security at the Meadowlands is not to be shunned, my sympathy is with all of ya’ll who wish to exhibit a booth just to attend the food fest, I mean Kosherfest.

I got to meet the @d.e.v.inefoods, and legitimately, your skills are beyond, who comes out with a cookbook so young?! Oh ya you and @overtimecook...speaking of, can I get my preorder of Real Life Kosher Cooking signed please Miriam?

Back to the dessert, Joy, @joyofcakes, you outdid yourself with that cake masterpiece! And the iced cookies! @fruits_by_pesha, can I come and stay with you for a long weekend? Just crash on the couch and munch on dried watermelon and your new line of fruit smoothies? Legit the “healthy” superstar of the day.

My family said I wasn’t allowed home without loading up on quality swag, so in my bag went three pieces of each of the @simply___chocolate squares, I have to say the peanut butter filled interior is what Reese’s fanatics are made of, how did you get that perfect consistency?!

Attention @watchme.whip, that JFM macaron topped cake was #cookiecake #GOALS. I noticed the “M” from JFM was untouched...Melinda, I think that piece has your name all over it :)

Apple Pie push-pops and cranberry tarts, sweets to the brim, @delightfully__sweet, and @frostingsandco no one left hungry; just confused about how all these creamy treats were dairy-free!

After a long 1 1/12 lunch break, we resumed regularly scheduled events. Except these speakers aren’t “regular.” Do you know Dini Klein? Formerly “Dini Delivers”, (that’s how I initially approached her “you’re Dini Klein of Dini Delivers, she smiled at me and said we’ve rebranded to @prepandrally now”) I love how all these influencers are mega business/marketing moguls as well, it’s like one cohesive conglomerate of smart foodie hustlers.

The final speaker of the day was Sina Mizrahi, @sinamizrahi, a food photographer who shared her industry tips on how to take the perfect photo/angle/shots using an iPhone. Come on, most of the fined images that even make it to the feed are the candid #shotoniPhone. This was so valuable.

When it was time to leave, and everyone was hugging/snapping/tagging each other like old school friends and we finished stuffing our bags with swag to go, I reflected that yes food is important, it’s a mode that brings everyone together, but the energy that is effused when people in the same industry gather to support one another. This is the sustenance that nourishes to the max.