Wishing you all a fantastic, prosperous, healthy and delicious 2016! The last couple of weeks of 2015 were relaxing, with lots of family time, play time, relax time and food time - it was just the most ideal way to end a great year. 2015 was indeed grand! Before we dive into this sparkling new year it is a good time to take a moment to reflect, appreciate and celebrate the year gone by.
Happy New Year! Hope you all had a fantastic and safe start to 2015! After a relaxing break over the Holidays with 2 weeks off I am back ready to kick-start 2015 with much enthusiasm. As I do each year, I’d like to review my year 2014, looking back and reflecting the past year. This is a moment to take a step back to look at the achievements and to give thanks before we all tumble forward into a brand new year!
2013 - it’s here! We’re well into the second week of the new year and I still need to get into the swing of things around here. Isn’t it funny how easy it is to fall out of a routine? Honestly though, after living decadently for the past two weeks I have to say I am happy to have my routine again. While all those indulging meals, cakes, desserts and treats were grand I am feeling over-satiated and glad to be cooking up my lighter dishes in the kitchen again.
What I’ll miss however is the extra time we took to spend with friends, who usually gather around our place for dinners, game nights and conversation far into the night. That was real luxury for me. I love catching up with them as most of us live in different cities and usually connect with short texts, tweets or Facebook messages throughout the year.
. . . . What I did not realize is that I’ve been doing it for over six years! The traditional way to go about this would be to sit down and write a proposal, with the goal to write a book, which eventually would be published. Instead, I blogged—for six years non-stop, covering many stories, thoughts, memories and almost always sharing a recipe’s creation.
2011 ….
… is it already time to say goodbye you? It seems like it was just a few days back I was saying Hello to you and looking forward to paint you with vivid colors. Now here I am again - same place, same time and looking forward to greeting another new year with the same eagerness and enthusiasm. But 2011 … you have been good to me.
Hello 2011!
We’re here, standing in a brand new year. Looking at this clean and untouched canvas that will eventually be painted in all the vivid colors 2011 will offer, I am filled with excitement. But before I take the big leap and begin painting the new year with the colors of my plans and goals, I’d like to invite you to share a retrospective of 2010.
Personally, I am rather elated that 2009 has come to an end. Things can only get better. It’s been a volatile year with a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows. As I look forward to what the new year brings on, I reflect at what 2009 left us with.
While it’s keeping me waiting, I decided to bring Spring to WFLH anyway with a new blog design.
For quite a while I’ve been wanting to have a fresh, new and unique design and with Hannah Craner of Sherbet Blossom Design I seem to have found the right person to realize my ideas.
I have often mentioned my rugged and very much used scrapbook in which I have been collecting recipes since I was about 20! It’s a cherished scrapbook because it contains recipes from mostly my mother and grandmother but in the past 10 years I have added recipes from Tom’s mum and grandmum too! It’s falling apart and has notes, pictures and sticky notes inserted all over the place. That is exactly the reason I started WFLH over three years ago – to try and get a systematic organization into my recipes.
I wanted the new blog design to mirror this. An impression of recipes written on notepaper, held together with paperclips and sticky notes.
Hannah is patient! She heard all my ideas went away and came up with this! I like the direction it’s going in and although the entire design is not complete and there is a bit of tweaking and fixing to do, maybe color changes etc., we thought we could go live with it to see what your reaction is.
In the next few days there might be a few changes so please excuse us while we play around – however I hope that by next week we will have more or less the fixed design.
In other news – I have so much to tell you! 40th birthday parties, renewing vows and a big move – oh there is so much indeed. But one step at a time. Today enjoy the blog design!
Hugs!
We've come full circle! Here we are at the cusp of a new year. As we stand on top of the hill looking forward to all 2009 will bring, I can't help but take a quick glance back at 2008.
Even though we've just experienced an extremely volatile year with the economy down to it's worst, terrorists in Bombay and the yo-yo prices of gas to name a few issues, personally it was a good year with several great highlights scattered throughout.
Photo: Daniela Müller
Welcome to my official about page for What's For Lunch, Honey?. I launched this blog in 2006, and it transformed into a vital platform connecting me with like-minded bloggers. At that time, food blogging was still a niche endeavour. Through this blog, I discovered the art of photography and styling, becoming a self-taught photographer. Over the past two decades, my blog has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a food photographer and stylist. I am passionate about capturing visual narratives and creating vibrant, uplifting imagery that showcases the beauty and emotional bonds of real food. When I'm not behind the lens, I’m on an adventure, discovering my next favorite dish or fulfilling my wanderlust. "What's for lunch, Honey?" was a powerful catalyst that shaped my journey as a teacher and mentor. Over the past 18 years, I've had the privilege of organizing bespoke workshops and retreats around the globe, while also offering comprehensive individual online courses.
Who am I?
Meeta - a name given with love by my dad! I was born during a beautiful summer day in 1972 in Bombay, India, practically delivered in a hotel that became the backdrop of my father’s life and career, infusing me with the essence of hospitality. This vibrant hotel lifestyle opened doors to the world, allowing me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, learn various languages, and embark on countless adventures.
Following my father's footsteps, I pursued Hotel Management with a focus on Marketing and Guest Relations, and trained in one of the world’s finest luxury hotels in Doha, Qatar. It was there that my love for food blossomed, igniting a spark that continues to fuel my journey.
Now settled in Germany with my wonderful husband Thomas and Soeren, my delightful son of 5 6 7 11 16 23! years, I have charted a course away from hotels. My career led me through advertising, architecture, design, and software firms, a journey that unfolded in unexpected yet enriching ways.
Residing in Weimar, I finally feel grounded, having discovered a true home. Yet, the wanderlust within me still whispers, urging me to explore where life may lead next.
My love for photography has always been present, but it blossomed through my blog, unveiling the captivating realm of Foodography. This transformative experience has allowed me to capture moments that tell stories, inviting others to feel the vibrancy of each scene and savor the essence of the experience. I invite you to join me on this journey and see if I am succeeding!
What's with the Food Blog?
Arriving in Germany, I found myself yearning for the tastes of home—the earthy warmth of Indian curries, the vibrant mosaic of Arabic spreads. Each dish was more than mere sustenance; it was a vessel of memory, a thread connecting me to my heritage. This longing ignited a passion within me, transforming simple nostalgia into a profound journey of culinary exploration.
Delving into food history became my obsession. With each recipe recreated from my grandmother’s notes, my mother’s whispered instructions, and the treasured wisdom of countless “aunties,” I wasn’t just cooking. I was preserving stories. I began to play with ingredients, layering flavors until each bite tingled with discovery. I wanted to share not just recipes, but that moment of delight when taste transcends the ordinary.
What began as a private digital kitchen, a quiet space where family could gather virtually, soon grew into something more. Encouraged by those closest to me, I opened the doors to the world. What’s For Lunch, Honey? was born.
Today, this humble blog cradles over 800 recipes. It is a tapestry of tradition, experimentation, and invention. From cherished classics to bold new creations, each dish carries a piece of my journey. Over two decades, this space has blossomed beyond anything I once imagined. Every award, every mention, every photograph published, and every word written has been a quiet triumph. It is a testament to how passion, when shared, can find its place in the world.
In February 2009 Times Online UK selected What's For Lunch, Honey? as one of the World's Top 50 Best Food Blogs.
Yup - you bet I feel good about that one!
What's with the name?
The name has a simple, spontaneous story behind it. I created the blog in just a few minutes, almost without thinking. At the time, I had something baking in the oven, and as my two boys wandered into the kitchen asking, “What’s for lunch?” it clicked. That simple question felt perfect. It was honest, everyday, and full of warmth. Right then, I knew it would be the name.
My first post now seems wonderfully naive. But like being thrown into deep water, I learned to swim quickly, and on my own. Back then, I had no idea so many food blogs existed across the globe. Discovering this world was like uncovering a hidden community. It has since given me so much: friendship, support, motivation, and genuine joy. For that, I am deeply and continually thankful.
What’s For Lunch, Honey? has become far more than a place to share thoughts, experiments, or musings. It has grown into a creative platform where I’ve developed my true passion: food photography and styling. My favorite days are spent in the kitchen, tinkering with a recipe I’ve been dreaming up. Then I carefully plan a photoshoot to capture the dish in just the right light.
Through this space, I strive to share that passion and preserve these moments. I do this for myself to look back on, and for anyone who visits. And in the process, I’m still learning something new almost every day. I hope I never stop.
Quality Seal
Naturally, the heart of this blog is food. For me, the journey to good food begins by knowing exactly where it comes from. The quality of my ingredients matters deeply. Most of the fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other fresh products I use are organic or fair trade. This commitment is part of a larger philosophy: to be mindful of the environment I live in today and the one I will leave for my child.
Of course, sensibility is equally important. I believe in sourcing regional and seasonal products that honor both the earth and the budget. Cooking with ingredients that are thoughtfully chosen makes every moment in the kitchen more meaningful and worthwhile.
Several posts, regularly include a section about a specific product, which takes a closer look at the product from a health and nutrition point of view and gives helpful tips on selecting and storing. You will find many fresh products in my Ingredient and Food Know-Hows category.
Recipes
Every recipe you find here is assembled with love, care, and deep passion. My sources are wonderfully varied: a clipping from a newspaper, a page in a magazine, a cookbook passed down, a whisper from my grandmother, a tip from a friend, or sparks of my own imagination. Inspiration comes from everywhere.
I never copy a recipe word for word. Most of the time, I adapt, adjust, and refine until it feels like my own. When I prepare a dish from a cookbook or an online source, I always credit the original, recommending the book or linking back with gratitude.
These recipes are posted with thought and time, and my tweaks often reflect our family's tastes. Still, if something in a recipe doesn't seem quite right to you, please let me know. I will gladly look into it and appreciate your note.
Posting & Commenting
Maintaining a blog is rewarding work, but it is not without effort. Each post follows a careful process, from photographing a dish (often after it has been safely tucked away from hungry family members) to writing and polishing the final words. By the time a post is ready—usually after a few focused hours—I feel a true sense of accomplishment.
Your comments are invaluable to me. They are my most meaningful feedback and help me understand what resonates with you. I read every single one, though I can't always reply individually. When possible, I respond to comments in thoughtful clusters, usually within a day or two of publishing.
I welcome respectful discussion and differing viewpoints, and I do not delete comments simply because I disagree. However, I do not tolerate personal attacks, insults, rudeness, or promotional content. Such comments will be removed.
Please stand behind your words by commenting with your name. Anonymous comments are not welcome here. This space is built on openness and respect, and I ask that you engage accordingly.
Thank you for being part of this community, for your thoughtful feedback, and for sharing in this journey with me.
Reviews & Advertising
I want to be fully transparent with you about the recommendations I share here. If I ever mention a product, ingredient, or cookbook, it is because I genuinely believe in it and have chosen to use it myself. Every recommendation comes from a place of honest experience, not from paid partnerships.
In the past, I accepted products and cookbooks for review from publishers. I remain an honest and straightforward person—my reviews will always reflect my genuine opinion, whether positive or otherwise.
You may have noticed that there are no longer any advertisements or affiliate links on this site. I have chosen to remove them all. I now cover all the costs of the blog myself to preserve its integrity and keep your experience focused entirely on the content.
My commitment is and always has been to share what I truly love, to inspire with authenticity, and to keep this space genuine. Thank you for being here.
Copyright/Photography
All content on this blog—including text, photographs, and recipes—is created by me and is protected under copyright law. All rights are reserved unless otherwise stated.
If you would like to share or republish any portion of my work, please contact me first for permission. You may not use my content for commercial purposes, alter it in any way, or reproduce it without my explicit consent.
This applies especially to my photography. The images on this site are not free to use, republish, or redistribute in any form, whether for personal or commercial projects. A simple email to request permission will prevent potential legal issues and is the respectful way to engage with my work.
You are welcome to share my posts on social media using the provided share buttons or by sharing a link directly to the blog post. When doing so, please do not screenshot or download my photos to repost—instead, use the original link so proper attribution remains intact. Republishing full posts or recipes on other websites, even with credit, is not permitted without prior written agreement.
I am open to collaboration and licensing opportunities. For inquiries, please email me at meeta@whatsforlunchhoney.net.
Thank you for honoring the creativity and effort that goes into what I share here.
Beyond the Blog: Food Photographer, Educator and Visual Storyteller
While this blog is my creative home, my work extends far beyond these pages. I am a freelance food and lifestyle photographer available for commissioned shoots, commercial projects, brand collaborations, and editorial assignments. With a distinctive eye for light, composition, and narrative, I specialize in creating images that are not only beautiful but purposeful—whether for cookbooks, branding, restaurants, or products.
In addition to commissioned work, I license a curated selection of my images for stock and commercial use. My photography archive includes thousands of professional food, travel, and lifestyle images—both those seen here and many more from my personal portfolio. If you are looking for authentic, storytelling visuals, I invite you to browse my available work or request a custom curation.
Some of my work can be viewed in my portfoilio.
Sharing Knowledge Through Teaching and Mentorship
My passion for photography is matched by my commitment to teaching it. I offer tailored photography workshops, online courses, and one-on-one mentoring for individuals and businesses. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to master your camera, a food entrepreneur looking to elevate your brand imagery, or a restaurant team wishing to improve your social media visuals—I create personalized learning experiences to meet your goals.
I currently offer:
I welcome inquiries about photography commissions, image licensing, teaching engagements, or custom workshops. Each project begins with a conversation to understand your vision and needs.
For rates, portfolio samples, or to discuss a collaboration, please contact me directly at:
I look forward to hearing from you and exploring how we can bring your visual story to life.
*Please note that this post is subject to additions and changes as it grows and develops.
All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2026 Meeta Albrecht unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First