With a gleaming smile and positive attitude, this foodie has set her sights not only for great food but the big screen, which is why we are proud to introduce Anna Rose Kowalski as our featured foodie.
Anna recently spent awhile living in one of the most sought after tropical destinations in the world: The Hawaiian Islands! And not for a vacation either. She had been researching the story line for an upcoming doc, Money Fish, about the island’s controversial fishing industry. There’s no doubt in my mind she’s had her fill of seafood along the way, but this driven and ambitious woman will stop at nothing to get her hands on more eats. After writing a progressive food column for BlogTO during this past year, she entertained readers of the culinary treasures in Toronto with her quirky take on each dish she enjoyed. As a well known twitter (@meatysweats) and instagram fanatic (meatsweats), Anna loves to share her adventurous side through photos and experiences. Let’s see what she has to say:
When and why did you start writing about food?
I’m not afraid to ram fish tacos into my mouth on a first date while cilantro gets stuck in my teeth as sour cream dribbles down my chin… this is fact. I’ve been sharing my food facts for as long as I can remember. Why? Because I love food and anyone who loves food enjoys reading about it nearly as much as they love eating it.
What do you love most about food?
I love that there are no rules when it comes to food – you try something – adjust it – learn from it – eat it. Simple. No restrictions.
What do you do when you aren’t writing about or eating food?
I’m a researcher for a television company, and recently worked in Hawaii on a doc series about the fishing industry.
Do you cook? If so, what’s your specialty? If not, why?
You can’t call what I do ‘cooking’… I ‘wing it’. Whatever my hungry heart desires I go for. Sometimes it works (sole fillets coated in salt and vinegar chips), sometimes it doesn’t (honey and goat cheese pork).
What’s your favourite type of food(s) and where do you go to get it?
I’m currently on a sea food kick – I mean, how could I not be? If you ever find yourself on Oahu you have to check out Blue Water Shrimp. It has a deceiving exterior but some truly fantastic fish.
What’s your favourite hidden gem?
My hidden gem is a trek for Torontonians: it’s a spot called The Buddhist Vegetarian Kitchen in Scarborough. It is the best faux goose you will ever try! I’m salivating.
What’s your go-to restaurant?
A ‘go-to’ restaurant doesn’t exist for people who love food. Foodies are restaurant sluts, they will never settle down. It’s all about one night meals in this type of relationship.
What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?
My most memorable food experience happened in Charleston, SC – I’m talking foodgasm good. The restaurant was Poogan’s Porch and I had the pan seared jumbo scallops with smoked bacon and white cheddar grit cake. It was pure magic.
What’s one restaurant you have to try before you die?
I don’t have a bucket list when it comes to restaurants – places come and go too quickly to set my sights on something so fickle.
What’s your biggest restaurant pet peeve? (Play nice.)
Hospitality can make or break a restaurant.