My Story

How the Foodie Society Started

The Beginning

Like most kids, during my childhood I would pretend to be a chef while playing with my younger sister. We would craft "pies" out of mud, create "salads" from grass, and "smoothies" out of dirt. However, even more profound than my silly childhood games with my sister was my connection to food through my parents. I grew up surrounded by my parents, uncles, and aunts owning several family-run restaurants all my life. My first steps, my birthday parties, and even my first job took place at Zen Fusion. I gained my deep appreciation for food and other cultures through the creative dishes from various cuisines made by the cooks. The flash of heat from the woks, the aromatic spices drifting through the air, and the excited chatter of customers were what made up my childhood and my life. From my firsthand experience seeing the heart and soul that chefs, including my own grandfather, put into every dish, I learned the importance of food and community, which go hand in hand. Food is a celebration of culture, people, and most importantly human connection. Join me and others on the same journey of discovering who you are through food!

My sister and I enjoying food as kids by eating at restaurants when we traveled. Our first experience having handmade, steamed dumplings in Seattle.

My grandparents are a huge inspiration and reason for my connection with food. Their cooking inspired me to see the beauty, hard work, and importance of tradition behind food. In many ways, my childhood was built on their cooking and love.

The Journey

A collection of photos representing my journey with food over time.

Curiosity

As a kid, my parents took my sister and I often to eat at Charlotte restaurants. The exposure to other cultures and learning to try new food in general was a helpful skill we both picked up. At age ten, I wasn't afraid to try escargot (snail) or chicken feet. The combination of valuable family time and adventurous eating broadened my worldview.

Discovery

Fortunately, through my travels I have been able to gain insight on how food influences and interacts with culture, and vice versa. Traveling opened my eyes and my stomach to new cuisines, as well as the stories and history behind each restaurant I dined at.

Growth

Today I continue to explore food through the lens of culture and community. By continuing to be open-minded and accepting, food has been a valuable part of my journey to discovering who I am. There is so much to learn from sharing meals with others, which Foodie Society strives to achieve. The simplest ingredients can transform the course of your life entirely.

Mission Statement + Values

Our mission is to explore the world through the lens of food, create a vibrant food-loving community, and embark on a flavorful adventure together. Let's embrace the joy of sharing food, celebrate the richness of culture, and take this unforgettable journey of adventurous eating!

Authenticity

Foodie Society strives to be transparent about all food experiences and craft honest, real reviews for readers. All recipes, cultural stories, and restaurants will remain as authentic and genuine as possible.

Creativity

Foodie Society embraces creativity through unique recipes, fresh and honest approaches, as well as innovative storytelling. Creativity and passion for food are both interconnected, both of which are the driving forces behind the joy of eating.

Inclusivity

Embracing, learning, and celebrating diversity is an essential component of the Foodie Society. We welcome readers from all cultural backgrounds and respect the diverse cultural roots of various cuisines. The origins and traditions of dishes will be acknowledged and appreciated.

Community Engagement

One of the main goals of the Foodie Society is fostering a strong sense of community among food-lovers and creating a safe environment where positive, enriching experiences can take place. The blog aims to be a welcoming space for culinary discussions and enthusiasts.

Why You Should Join

Embark on an exciting culinary journey by joining my food blog, where we celebrate the richness of cultural diversity through delicious recipes and heartwarming anecdotes. As a high schooler, I believe in fostering a tight-knit community of adventurous eaters who share a passion for food and embrace the power of cultural exchange to create lasting connections and understanding.