After months of sifting through more than 1,500 applications from around the world, Tourism Richmond announced that Vancouverite Lindsay Anderson won the coveted Richmond Foodie Blogger job.
"What we loved about Lindsay was her signature food writing and her photographs," said Tracy Lakeman, CEO of Tourism Richmond. "Not only that, she is absolutely engaging, both in her writing and in each community she goes in.
"Lindsay is also an adventurer at heart and she uses food as an integral part of her travels."
What also helped seal the deal was that Anderson received 3,366 votes on Tourism Richmond's Facebook page, which was nearly 1,000 ahead of her closest competitor.
Anderson, 27, comes with a wealth of food and writing experience. She's worked as a film set caterer, was head cook for 120 tree planters and has blogged about her travel and dining experiences from six continents, 29 countries and 131 cities.
Prior to her new Richmond Foodie Blogger position, Anderson was the communications ad assistant manager at Vancouver's The Dirty Apron Cooking School and Delicatessen.
Last year, Anderson completed a Masters in food culture and communications from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy.
"Lindsay's passion for all things food is palpable, and her broad culinary experience will bring a unique perspective to the blog," said Lakeman, adding Anderson's assignment is to eat her way through 365 restaurants in 365 days.
Anderson is thrilled and a little overwhelmed at the attention she's getting.
"It's a bit surreal and I'm extremely grateful to Tourism Richmond for this once in a lifetime opportunity," said the self-described professional vagabond. "You don't often land your dream job, and the fact that every day I get to do what I love to do is pretty awesome."
Anderson found out two weeks ago that she had snagged the desirable position and had to keep it quiet until yesterday.
"That was really hard," she said. "My mom flew in from Victoria and I wish I could have had her reaction on camera because she started screaming at the top of her lungs while fisting the air."
When asked what her all-time guilty pleasure is, Anderson said: "My favourite food changes week to week, but if I had to pick one thing it would be a really good sourdough bread with really good butter."
In the meantime, Anderson will continue to live in her home in east Vancouver.
In addition to receiving a daily remuneration for all of her restaurant meals during her one-year contract, Anderson will also receive a salary of $50,000, living compensation and a one-year membership at the Richmond Olympic Oval's fitness centre.
"I'm sure I'll put my membership to really good use," quipped Anderson, who added she doesn't own a car and rides her bike everywhere.
"I plan on taking Pilates and yoga classes and some dancing classes too."
Anderson will also be asking for the public's help in choosing restaurants.
"I don't know the food scene here so I'll be asking locals to help me out," she said. "For Father's Day, I'll be curious to hear where the best place is for steaks."
The newly minted blogger will take photos, shoot videos and blog about her experiences on a daily basis.
Anderson's inaugural blog goes live today, Wednesday, June 6 at www.365daysofdining.com.
Anderson's winning video, as well as the 277 photos that Anderson launched on an online photo campaign, can be viewed at htpp: //lindsshouldeatrichmond.squarespace.com.
