foodha for thought – menuism blog

Menuism reviewers are truly awesome! Whether they found an unexpected tasty gem of a restaurant or took it for the team after having a terrible meal, we truly applaud all their efforts in giving us the scoop on where we should be spending our hard-earned money on. On that note, I’d love to introduce you to those reviewers who we feel really contribute quality content to the site as well as quality information to fellow Menuism’ers. Our Featured Reviewer today is Meg, better known as Megster11187.  So let’s learn more about Meg from Washington DC.

Introduction

I am a food fanatic. I’ve been baking practically since I could walk, and cooking with my Mom is one of the things I will always remember about my childhood. I was born and raised on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC (really, in the city!) I loved growing up somewhere so active, and couldn’t fathom growing up anywhere else. I am currently finishing up my fourth and final year at University of Virginia, and the future is wide open!

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

It was purely by chance. One of my guilty pleasures is looking up restaurants for places/areas I know I am going to visit (and a quality my boyfriend finds “cutely endearing”) and Menuism reviews kept popping up on various Google searches I’d run. I loved reading other people’s forays into the culinary world, so I decided to sign up and see if I could contribute anything!

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

The ability to search by city and even by neighborhood. I really liked reading what other people had to say about my favorite restaurants! And, unlike other travel sites, I think Menuism’s reviews are actually helpful.

3. What restaurant did you write your first review about?

My first review was Mellow Mushroom, my favorite restaurant down here in Charlottesville, which is a Southern chain. I had a particularly good meal there one night, and had some free time, and voila, review #1.

4. What is your food philosophy?

Try everything once. Eat what you want, but in moderation. There’s so much innovative and delicious food out there…why not enjoy it?

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

In DC – Zengo and Lebanese Taverna. In Charlottesville – Mellow Mushroom, and Basil. I am also a huge fan of Cosi…good thing they’re everywhere

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

Mediterranean, hands down. I will always order hummus, wherever I see it on a menu. I also love seafood, although my college budget makes that more difficult to enjoy regularly.

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

I have a weakness for biscuits and jelly, oddly enough. I could eat breakfast food for three meals a day! But nothing soothes the soul like fresh-baked gingerbread, and a chai from Starbucks.

8. What is the best meal you ever ate and why?

At Zengo, after spending the whole day out shopping with my mom and sister, and the night before I came back down to school to start my final year. We split lobster-crab pot-stickers and shrimp lettuce wraps which were phenomenal. As a main course, I had my favorite dish – the crispy tofu served with bok choy, ginger, and cilantro. And, of course, most importantly…drinks and dessert!  I had an incredible mojito with brown sugar, and we shared the chocolate-chai mousse with churros. It was one of those absolutely delicious meal that lasted a couple of hours, in a festive atmosphere with the best company. It was a great night!

9. Do you have any favorite cookbooks (if any)?

I like the originals – Silver Palate and Joy of Cooking. But, as far as fun baking goes, there is this great baking “cookbook” called “Hello, Cupcake!” which has the most adorable cupcake designs. I love them!

10. What words of encouragement would you give to first time Menuism reviewers?

Be honest and don’t be afraid to be too detailed – there’s no such thing. And have fun.

If you’d like to be able to keep up with Meg’s reviews, click here to check out her profile!

If there is a Menuism reviewer who has really helped you make great dining choices and you’d like to see him or her be a Featured Reviewer, than be sure to message me or send me an email at abby@menuism.com.

By Abby C. Abanes
Menuism Community Manager