About
Welcome to The Foodie Patootie! I’m Jennifer Buggica, a digital marketing specialist and food + motherhood blogger based in Tampa, FL.
Having a food blog just came naturally to me. After many years of blogging during not-so-angsty teenage years, I started to write about my favorite Tampa restaurants which led to a short lived albeit highly educational stint as a Social Media Marketing Manager for one of the largest restaurant groups in Tampa. From there, I continued to write about my experience out around my town, but started incorporating recipes as well, embarking on the National Food Holiday Challenge where I cooked every single food holiday for an entire year. I celebrated the end of that on December 31, 2014 by eating a steak dinner that cost as much as a coveted Kate Spade bag (hey, I deserved it!)
I’m Italian and Cuban and I’m fortunate to have been surrounded by excellent home cooks my entire life. In the kitchen, I’m influenced by my family a lot.
In 2016 I landed the greatest role there is and became a mom to our son, Max. And in February, 2018, we welcomed our daughter, Juliette. They are the reason I have adopted a more natural – real – simple – non-toxic food and lifestyle philosophy.
ABOUT ME
To me, food is family. Food is laughter. Food is passion. Food is a journey.
I am lucky to have had many years with my grandfather who is my biggest culinary inspiration. When he passed away – the last grandparent I had living – a piece of my heart went with him. As the patriarch of our family, he was loving and welcoming and had the kindest eyes that have ever existed. He loved fiercely and nothing brought him greater joy than gathering his family for a home cooked meal. I will spend my entire life honoring him by doing the same in my home, and being the best family member, spouse, parent, friend, and neighbor I can.
When it comes to the food I use in my recipes and write about on this blog, I opt for seasonal ingredients whenever available. Cooking seasonally will drastically change the flavor of your food for the better. There is a major difference in flavor between a seasonal tomato and one out of season, just as an example. However, I live in Florida and we have wacky seasons, so I do the best I can.
My husband and I also find it very important to eat organically whenever possible, but especially the items on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list. This is something we will 100% not compromise on.
We have also adopted a non-toxic lifestyle, using plant and mineral based cleaning and self-care products instead of those overrun with chemicals. This is a topic we are very passionate about and I would be happy to discuss why and guide you to great resources if you’d like! (Contact me.)
NEW HERE?
Here are some of my favorite and most popular The Foodie Patootie recipes!
- First row: Enchiladas Two Ways with Homemade Beer Sauce // Modelo Negra Chocolate Ice Cream // Italian Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing // Strawberry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Second row: Cuban Black Bean Dip // Cajun Boiled Peanuts // Pasta Aglio e Olio with Brussels Sprouts // Beer Braised Chicken Nachos
FEATURED
- Fox 13 Tampa Bay: Bloggers Guide Foodies to the Bay Area’s Best Cuisine
- Cilantro Cooks: Expert Interview Series: Jennifer Buggica of The Foodie Patootie About Wholesome Recipes
- ABC Actions News: Holiday Cookie Recipes
CONTRIBUTOR + FREELANCE POSTS
- Mommy Spot Tampa
- Somewhat Simple
- SoFab Food
- Foodable
DISCLAIMER
As a for profit blog, I’ll sometimes share links to affiliate sales and sites, which will provide a kickback to me should you choose to purchase. Please know that I’ll only share links to products I believe in and have personally used and enjoy. I never want to lead my readers astray and provide false advertising. I appreciate you supporting the brands that support The Foodie Patootie!
