Meet Kristin, the foodie behind @BayAreaEats!
We’re stoked to introduce you guys to Kristin, the foodie behind the popular Instagram account, @BayAreaEats! She’s curating the next Culinary Box and it’s going to be awesome. We don’t want to spoil too much, but get ready for some mouth watering treats.
We sat down with Kristin and asked a few questions to help you all get to know her a little bit better.
Q: Hi Kristin! We are so excited to chat with you and have you curate the next Culinary Box! First things first, how did Bay Area Eats start?
A: I grew up on fast food, microwavable dinners, and on rare occasion, an authentic Japanese meal prepared by my baachan (grandma). I’ve always loved food, but as a kid, I appreciated quantity over quality- pints of Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food was my all-time favorite. One year, my parents set a New Year’s resolution to try a new ethnic cuisine each month. My sister and I were less than thrilled about this foray into the unknown. And sure enough, my 10-year-old pallet was not impressed by the dolmas and hummus at our first adventure to a neighborhood Greek restaurant. We continued to try new foods and slowly but surely, I began to expand my culinary horizons.
As a collegiate athlete, I learned the importance of properly nourishing my body with food (which significantly reduced my ice cream consumption). But, between classes, track practice, and work I didn’t have time to cook. So, I found myself eating my way through every restaurant in Berkeley. I started snapping photos of wherever I ate, and that’s when Bay Area Eats began. Today, I get to inspire others to try new restaurants and cuisines the same way my parents did years ago.
Q: That’s awesome, we love that guiding mission behind your account! Does that tie into your thought process for curating #YUM03?
A: Yes, it totally does! #YUM03 is all things San Francisco. I drew inspiration from mornings at the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market, picnics in Golden Gate Park, and the hustle and bustle of the Financial District.
Q: How fun! We can’t wait for subscribers to get a small taste of what the Bay Area has to offer! When you’re not out and about, what’s your favorite thing to cook at home?
A: Eating out can be very indulgent (Exhibit A) (Exhibit B). So, when I need to reign in my sweet tooth and reset, I opt for this paleo sausage and kale soup. It’s quick and easy- throw chicken stock, sausage, onions, sweet potatoes, and kale in to a pot and ta da! Delicious meal that lasts for days!
Q: We’re definitely going to have to try out that recipe! Now for a few fun questions. What’s the best thing you’ve ever received in the mail?
A: A Canon Rebel XT. I pinched pennies for months and months to afford my first DSLR camera. So, when I accidentally left it in a hotel lobby just a few weeks after buying it, you can imagine my despair. Luck was on my side- a guest had brought it to the lost and found and it was shipped back to me!
Q: That is nuts, we’re so glad you got it back! As a subscription service, we have to ask - what’s your longest-running subscription?
A: Sunset Magazine! It has everything from interior design inspiration to vacation ideas and restaurant tips.
Q: That’s definitely a good one. Well, thank you so much Kristin for taking the time to chat with us!
A: Of course, thanks for having me!
If you’re not subscribed to the Culinary box yet, be sure to sign up here. It’s shipping out in March and will be filled with the best Bay Area treats!
