Greener Pastures

There’s only one way to say it: Ripe London has come to a close.  After over three years of restaurants, romance and recipes, the site has ripened to a point where it can’t ripen no more.

You knew it was coming, didn’t you?  What started off as a culinary-school journal really came into its own when I started writing about love under the guise of food, and I got a real kick out of seeing how far I could take it.  I also realized just how much of an attachment I had to food, rituals and figuring out the whys and hows of romantic love rather than just being in the moment.  Then late last year things began to shift within me in a positive way, and I didn’t feel the need to explore love lessons via food anymore – a big relief – but then I also didn’t have anything juicy to write about...or so I thought.

You didn’t think I’d just leave you hanging, did you?  No way.  You’ve all been so patient with the changes, and now I hope you’ll stick with me through yet another one.

So what it is it?  I’m thrilled to invite you to re-direct your browsers from now on to Green Appetite, my new site, initiative and blog all about eating great food that’s nourishing for our bodies and kind to the planet – not to mention a feast for the senses.  The focus is on whole, living plant-based foods that respect what nature gives us.  In turn, we’re rewarded with better health, a happier planet and much less work to do in the kitchen, so we can have more time for what really matters...sweet, healthy loving!

Looking back, I can now see that I’ve been moving towards this all along.  Even my choice of the word “ripe” seems to have been part of some larger plan that I wasn’t aware of, at least not consciously.  When something ripens, something new and green comes to take its place, beginning the cycle of life all over again.

Unlike the layout of this site that has been minimalist to its detriment, Green Appetite is much more than just a blog.  I’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for you to navigate and find things with a separate, searchable section for recipes.  I hope you’ll take the time to read the (long) launch post on the blog; in it I reveal the background story (way back to 1997!), why I’ve been quiet for the past few months and how grateful I am to the many kind people who helped me along the way.

Thank you so much for dining with me all these years.  The next course awaits you. 

Comments

[Calvin Woods]

Hi there,

Gutted. I knew you said you were stuggling last year. I shall keep up to date on the new site.

CW

[Farnaz]

Hi Jess,

I'd just like to say how much I, and many of us, have enjoyed reading this journal. I just have one question: how long will Ripe London continue to stay online if one wants to browse through and catch-up on missed journal posts perhaps or grab their favourite recipes before you close the shutters indefinitely? :)

FS

[Acme]

Love your new site...lots of information and it's beautiful to look at. Thank you for Ripe London (I'll miss it!) and much success and blessings to Green Appetite.

[Caitlin]

I enjoyed Ripe London but all good things must come to an end and I'm sure Green Appetite will be a great read.

I hope you'll keep Ripe London online even if you're not adding to it. It makes the blogosphere a better place.

[Jess]

Thanks so very much to all of you!

CW: thank goodness struggles are blessings in disguise...

Farnaz: that is very kind of you to say. No worries, I won't be taking down this site any time soon. I'm really touched you want to keep reading!

Linda: thank you for being so devoted. See you at the new one!

Thank you, Caitlin, I really appreciate your support!

[green ink]

I've loved Ripe London from the moment I discovered it, and completely understand you wanting to move on to something that reflects you and your life at this point in time. The new site is AMAZING. Love it! xx

[Jess]

Thanks for making it brighter, P! It's so weird looking at this site now. Here's to happy changes!

[Antonio]

Hi,
Congratulations on a job very well done. I didn't write many comments, but I always enjoyed reading your blog for good natured fun (even learned a few things about good food and London, not a contradiction in terms by any means). By the way, I was first attracted to your blog when you wrote the Ay, Caramba! post, which I thought was great. All the best with greenappetite.
Regards.

[Jess]

Te recuerdo, Antonio! Many thanks for following me. I really appreciate your kind comments. "Good natured fun" -- what more can I ask for? See you on GA.

[Soma Watson]

Although I hardly wrote any comments, I took real pleasure in reading your blogs regularly.Your entertainingly creative take on reviewing food is what I like most about your blogs. I'll surely keep myself posted regarding your new site once it comes up. Thanks very much!

[foodiejunkette]

Oooohhhh...We'll surely miss you. I really enjoyed your well-written reviews. They were fun to read.