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I know that our blog covers a wide variety of topics. Recently I’ve gotten some questions about what it is we are trying to accomplish with this new venture. There has also been a lot of confusion about whether or not “Are You Gonna Eat That?” is focused on McKinney and Doyle (restaurant and bakery in Pawling, New York) specifically. To answer bluntly, no. McKinney and Doyle staff writes this blog, which is why it’s referenced in certain posts, but it is not about McKinney and Doyle. This blog is about all things food industry related. Those who contribute to this blog, whether they write full posts, send photos, or send ideas, care deeply about the industry as a whole. We get excited about new trends and products and find joy in creating memorable dining experiences whether they are in a restaurant or in a home kitchen. We’ve created this blog as a way to grow our tribe outside of M&D walls.

If hand made pasta gives you butterflies, if the perfect tomato melts you heart, if a perfectly paired wine makes you close your eyes and possibly moan in appreciation, this blog is for you. It’s for the people who know why a great meal is worth big bucks and who would rather spend money on a night out in an amazing restaurant than in a chain restaurant mass-producing chicken wings. It’s for the people who know their way around a kitchen and aren’t scared of a tricky recipe. And lastly, it’s for those who understand what it takes to work in the food industry and know with their heart of hearts that it’s not a job for the meek, weak, or lazy. We post for you.

There are so many food blogs out there. Most of them focus mainly on recipes, which is great! Who doesn’t love a good recipe? In fact, we’ll continue to share recipes here too. But we saw a need for a general food industry blog that could not only teach people how to make a variety of dishes, but that could also bring people into the depths of restaurant world; take them from their cozy booth in the corner to the crazy action behind the line in the kitchen. We want to share the ins and outs of how a restaurant works and how some of that knowledge can be repurposed at home. As crazy as this sounds, there is so much more to the food industry than food.

I’m Becky McKinney and I am the main blogger for “Are You Gonna Eat That?” I’m not a professional chef and to be totally honest, I don’t even work in the industry anymore. But for 25 years, the restaurant/food industry has been my heart and soul. My father, Shannon McKinney, owns McKinney & Doyle, a fine dining restaurant and old-fashioned bakery in Pawling, New York that’s been wildly successful since 1986 and my mother; Aida McKinney runs the place with him. I started working in the bakery at 12, worked as a hostess by 16, server at 17, bartender once I turned 18, and then bounced around the entire front of house until I moved to Florida at 25 years old. I worked in several restaurants while I was away at school too: busser, server, hostess, bartender, caterer, you name it, I’ve done it.

My parents have always considered going out to eat as “research and development.” I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard “Okay, everybody order the weirdest thing you see on the menu” (that’s how I learned that pate, beef tongue, bone marrow, and sweetbreads were actually among the most amazing things one could ever eat). When I was young I can assure you this tactic was not my favorite, but I’m beyond grateful for it now because I have learned SO much about food and I’m still learning more every day. And now, thanks to this blog, I can share the wealth with my fellow foodies. Welcome to the tribe!

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Rebecca McKinney

I was born a foodie. My dad is a chef, baker, and restaurant owner and my mom might as well be because she owns whatever kitchen she walks into. I grew up working in my family’s restaurant and bakery in Pawling, New York – McKinney and Doyle. I started behind the bakery counter at 12 years old after begging my parents to let me start working. At 16 I worked as a hostess. By 18 I was serving tables and training behind the bar where I then worked every other weekend throughout my college career. Even now, when I am visiting my family in New York, I help out where I’m needed. To make a long story short, the food and restaurant industry has been my life for as long as I can remember.

I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.

So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!

Eat well & travel often,

Becky McKinney

Latest posts by Rebecca McKinney (see all)

• Why Food Makes the Best Gift for a New Mom - April 12, 2023
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