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 Carissa, better known as Riz. So let’s learn more about Carissa originally from Fargo, ND and now attending school in Pittsburgh, PA.

I’m currently a student in Tom Savini’s Make-up Effects Program which is located south of Pittsburgh. It’s one of the best schools in the nation for learning about special make-up effects for film and also a lot of fun. I mean how many schools teach you how to make monsters? One of the things that really drew me into the field of make-up was the travel opportunities it was sure to offer me… that and the job variety as well as being able to make a living creatively.

I grew up in Fargo, ND (and also spent quite some time living in Minneapolis, MN) which is hot dish country so was always excited for something different, especially things with new and unusual spices to me. Early on I got the travel bug and started seeking out any travel opportunity I could find as it would allow me to experience new sites, new cultures and, of course, new foods. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of seeing what different towns have to offer.

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

I was actually in LA with my friend Lee and we were looking for places to eat when we ran into this site. We had a lot of fun reading different reviews (especially the negative ones) and I decided I had to join right away.

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

As someone who loves to travel so much, the “try list” feature was something that I adored.

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

Linguini’s. After eating here, I decided it was time for me to start contributing to the site and letting people know about the little treasures I’d found while eating out. Especially since so few were listed in the South Park, PA area (where I live)

4. What is your food philosophy?

I feel that dining should always be a fun adventure. I love trying new foods especially ethnic foods. I especially love trying spices from different cultures. I’m always on the lookout while dining out (or watching cooking shows) for new ideas and flavors to bring to my kitchen. I always have a lot of spices in my home cabinet cause it allows me to play in the kitchen. Even if I’m just making Mac N’ Cheese, I always want to make it my own by adding in ham or roasted chicken or peas and, of course, my own blend of spices.

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

There is really so many it’s hard to list them all. Basta Pasta in San Francisco, Sushi Time and Duane’s in Fargo, Savoy’s Pizza in Minneapolis, the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant a cooking school in Napa Valley, and Crab Pot in Seattle are amount my favorites.

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

I love just about everything but my very favorites have got to be Asian (Japanese, Thai, Mongolian, Chinese), Mexican and Italian.

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

I know most people don’t consider it a comfort food, but for me sushi is the ultimate comfort food. More standard ones include tater tot hotdish, meatloaf and mac n’ cheese.

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

Probably the Crab Pot in Seattle while I was on vacation visiting family. There was a big group of us and the night was so nice we ate outside. They dump all the seafood on the table in front of you on parchment paper and refuse to give you forks. It combined all of my key ingredients for a great meal: fantastic company, comfortable atmosphere, amazing food and fantastic times. Heck, how much better does it get than being on vacation and visiting relatives you don’t get to see very often? In my book, not much better.

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

I get most of my recipes off line when I do go hunting for new things to cook, but even then I mostly just use them as jumping off points for my own creations. We have a smoothie book that’s really fantastic for ideas that I use a lot and also the Better Homes and Garden book has a lot of solid dishes for me to spice up. My very favorite cookbook in the entire world is our family cook book that my mom put together. In addition to all my favorites from the entire family while growing up, it also has dishes from father back in our family history all the way back to my great grandma which is such a special thing. My mom worked so hard to gather the best of the entire family into one place and now I feel like I have a piece of them in my own home to use whenever I want. I think everyone should have a family cookbook made at least once in their life.

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

Just be honest when writing reviews. Tell about as much of the restaurant as you can from the service to the food, etc. The more reviews we have out there, the better choice we can make for dinner. And the more you write, the easier it gets.

If you’d like to be able to keep up with Carissa’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