Fab Foodie: Eat Drink AZ
Melissa Anaya started Eat Drink AZ as an outlet where she could blend her passions of food, hospitality and dining into one digestible space. Beyond highlighting her best restaurant recommendations and food favorites around the Valley, Anaya also works with food and beverage brands to enhance their marketing approaches and leave audiences “hungry for more.”
Best hidden food gem in Arizona: I’ve said it before on here—and I’ll say it again—it’s still Virtù. Nothing beats the ambiance, food, cocktails and, if you want, you can stay in their Bespoke. I strongly recommend you do all of the above. The funny part is Chef Gio Osso and I follow one another on social but I’ve never met him, and I don’t think he even knows this is my spot! It’s like a mini European gem.
Advice for someone looking to build a meaningful digital following: Find what you are passionate about, not what’s on trend. It’s also about who you know. The people doing it will open doors for you and help you. Build a community and get to know everyone within your niche.
A Valley-based chef or restaurateur who inspires you and why: Easy—I have to go with my client Akshat Sethi who owns Thai Chili 2 Go, and not just because he’s my client. It’s because I don’t think I’ve ever met a more driven and focused young restaurateur. He’ll be opening his 12th Thai Chili this year along with a new concept, and he’s going national with franchising them. I get to pick his brain when I can catch him every month and I always leave the conversation feeling like he’s my mentor or coach.
What would you like to see more of in the Arizona food scene: Mexican food—just kidding! I think our Korean food scene is lacking, for sure. I do believe it’s coming; it just hasn’t hit the food scene yet.
For more information, visit eatdrinkaz.com.