Pugs & Provisions began its journey under the name Foodie Squirrel. The concept was born one night over a fabulous meal. People often ask me for restaurant and bar tech support. I discovered the joy of sharing my enthusiasm for the places I love to dine and unwind. I’ve honed my research skills, making it a breeze to pinpoint fantastic spots in any city. In the past, I’d dedicate hours to sending personalized emails and texts to friends, their connections, family, and even strangers I’d encountered on my adventures. My lifelong passion for cooking has been a driving force since my early years, yet I had a habit of not jotting down recipe tweaks and losing track of their sources.
Then, a lightbulb moment! Why not create a site for anyone seeking recommendations for tried-and-true recipes and fantastic places to dine and drink? Not only that, but it could be a hub to document what I cook, the tweaks I’ve made to recipes, my favorite beverages, and mixology experiments. And all the other things in life that bring me joy, including, of course, Pugs of course!
It was called Foodie Squirrel in the beginning because, one, I love squirrels. I have a lot in common with them; for example, I am constantly foraging for food, easily distracted, slightly clumsy, and easily amused. Like squirrels, I navigate, erratically, the city streets in search of a tasty meal and cocktail (OK, so squirrels don’t drink cocktails… or do they?? Hmm)
I opted for a name change because I realized that there was a broader purpose I wanted to fulfill with my website. The perfect fusion of my passions, Pugs, and “Provisions” seemed ideal. In 2019, Pugs & Provisions was born.
I set out to revamp the site, diligently working on updating its content. However, life threw a few curveballs my way in the form of personal challenges, various distractions, and the unforgettable year that was “2020,” causing the project to be temporarily put on hold.
I’m wildly passionate about food, drink, and the art of cooking. I have a deep affection and admiration for locally owned, independent establishments, whether they be cozy restaurants, charming cafes, vibrant bars, or dive bars. While national chains have their place, my heart truly belongs to the unique and original gems that add character and flavor to the dining scene in each city I visit.
Although I occasionally use restaurant review websites to locate dining, drinking, and dog-friendly establishments, I often find myself disappointed with the rating systems and reviews. I hold relatively high standards and am particular in my expectations. It doesn’t mean I can’t relish visiting a dive bar or a cozy hole-in-the-wall eatery. Somebody can find the most exceptional food, drink, and experiences in those unassuming places!
One server’s mistake or even an error from the kitchen shouldn’t tarnish an entire restaurant’s reputation with a terrible review. To me, it is more important how such mishaps are addressed and, in the end, whether the dining experience lived up to expectations and “Did it taste good?”. My evaluations take various factors into account, so I broke down ratings into specific aspects that truly matter to me rather than applying a blanket rating. This approach resonates with many fellow food enthusiasts. I’m not one to bash a restaurant online, but I like to chat with the management about my experience whenever possible. It’s my way of offering some input that might help them down the road.
What you will discover on Pugs & Provisions is my insights into a predominantly plant-based lifestyle (I’m not entirely vegan, more like 98%). I’ll be reviewing a range of offerings, including restaurants, bars, cafes, recipes, kitchen gadgets, food products, and experiences such as cooking classes and boot camps. I have a policy of not posting negative reviews. Instead, I’ll provide constructive feedback and share how I enhance dishes to suit my preferences. If I don’t enjoy something, you won’t find it on my recommendations list!
My mission is to ignite a passion for savoring each meal and to dispel the fears that often deter individuals from embracing a vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based lifestyle. I aim to provide the guidance they need to kickstart their journey, from knowing where and how to begin and what to pick at the store to whipping up delicious dishes in their kitchen. I’m here to direct them toward the best dining destinations where they can relish top-notch dining options.