Our first video redux from Phillip Bensaid on Vimeo.
What I find fascinating about Foodily is that it links you in through your Facebook account, so essentially everyone can get involved with this site without having to create a profile, you just start searching for recipes. The search engine itself is one of the best I have ever seen because it is so specific. Say if you have chicken in your fridge, but no lemons or garlic. While I think not having garlic in your kitchen would be an abomination; regardless, you could type "chicken" into the search, and in a separate box that is labeled "without", you would type "garlic" and "lemon". The results would then provide you with every recipe you have the means to make, eliminating the hassle of sorting through thousands of chicken recipes. Furthermore, every result has all the ingredients listed, so if you see a particular vegetable or spice you do not like or are allergic to, you can just press the little subtraction sign and all the other recipes involving those ingredients will be thrown out. No more cucumber in my recipes!!
What is also great about Foodily is the food community it creates. Because it is run through Facebook, you have the ability to "like" recipes. So when your friends log onto Foodily, they can see what recipes you have made and whether or not you liked them. Usually when you read online reviews of recipes, you make your decision of whether or not to make a dish based on what complete strangers have said. While Foodily does this as well, it also allows you to actively see what people you know are making. It reminds me of a recipe sharing club - which is something that I have always tried to do with my own friends. Based on what you and your friends like, Foodily will use your personal tastes to recommend you new recipes to try out. I think this tool would be especially useful if you have severe food restrictions. You could have the advantage of having a steady flow of new recipes always at your fingertips!
I think Foodily is yet another way of how the internet is making our world even smaller. Usually I get annoyed with this, constant advances in how we communicate and use technology tend to make me feel uncomfortable because I feel too exposed. However, I really love the idea of a food sharing community. You can make that food world as large or as small as you want, trying only the recipes your friends make or reaching out and taking the recommendation of a stranger. It is a great way to share thoughts and ideas, which for me is what eating is all about.
I am not trying to make this sound like an advertisement, (although, after rereading this blog post, it kind of sounds like one) but I am super excited about this new website and wanted to share it with all of you. I have been waiting for something like this for a long time, and I think as it grows and hopefully becomes more popular, it could be an addictive place for people who love to cook and eat.
This looks great. I just went to check it out on FaceBook, and already have some new ideas for things I'll do in the kitchen this weekend. Like you, I appreciate the community-oriented slant of this--and since so much of people's community is online, now, it makes good sense to bring food there, too. Thanks, Beth.
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