How’d you get started in the food social media industry?
For as long as I can remember I was what I would call a “natural foodie” and always loved sharing a good meal with people. It was all very random and unplanned for me getting into the social media side of food. I had been in LA for maybe a year and a half when I met a friend who is apart of the “LA lifestyle” as I call it. She saw I posted a lot of food pictures on my instagram and suggested I create an account just for that. To be honest, at the time, I didn’t really even know it was such a thing to do, but here we are 4 years later and it is most definitely a thing.
Do you have a particular type of cuisine that is your favorite?
This is a question I get a lot and its always a tough one for me. I always ultimately give the same answer. To be honest, I don’t really have “favorites” of anything; food, movies, music, etc. I can never really pick what my ultimate “favorite” would be but more so go on my mood. When I’m forced to give an answer I ultimately pick Italian, as that is the cuisine I grew up eating and will always love dearly!
What changes have you noted in the Los Angeles restaurant industry since the pandemic began?
Since the pandemic, many restaurants had to start thinking outside of the box to keep going. Many created new to-go concepts and at home meal kits to continue serving the community. Others even created mini-markets with fresh produce, meats, and different things for purchase.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
My favorite thing to cook at home would probably be my grandmas meatballs. I always loved making them with her growing up and each time I do it it makes me feel like I’m home with my family again!
What do you think sets Los Angeles apart as a food city?
The main thing I think that sets Los Angeles apart from others as a “food city” would be how the city has not only outstanding fine dining restaurants but also so many delicious street food vendors and mom and pop shops.
What restaurants in Los Angeles do you think are musts for those visiting the city?
This is always very tough for me. I think there are so many components that factor into what are “musts” for one person then another. For example, some “foodies” will say Catch is over hyped where others, including myself, love it and would definitely recommend it. I also think LA has so many great foods that aren’t at typical “restaurants” that visitors should definitely try to check out, with Low Key Burritos being one of my favorites.
Outside of Los Angeles, have you been to any other cities that have wowed you with their food?
Luckily for me I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different cities with incredible food! One of the places I love that I got to recently re-visit was the island of Oahu. I love how, like LA, they have outstanding fine-dining restaurants like Hy’s steak house, but also absolutely amazing local spots like Rainbow drive-in where I could literally eat a loco moco plate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What is your all-time favorite dish?
Back to my earlier all time favorite cuisine response, it is even harder for me to pick an all time favorite dish, but it would definitely be something with multiple different components. This changes on a daily basis, but if I needed to say my absolute best meal at this moment it would start with a spicy tan rimmed margarita and a seafood tower, followed by a pasta course – lets say pappardelle with a pink sauce, and then a tomahawk steak with creamed spinach that has crispy onions on top. Of course, creme brûlée for dessert to top it all off!
How has being a food influencer changed your relationship with Los Angeles?
Being a food influencer has definitely helped get myself out there more and explore different parts of the city. I love being able to explore the city and all of the different foods it has to offer.
