This week's Foodista Five interview is from Foodista staff contributor Rosemina Nazarali, a self-described pop culture fanatic and social media junkie. Rosemina writes most of the celebrity content for Foodista, a beat that keeps her updated on the latest fad diets, post-pregnancy slimdowns and wacky weight loss tricks. Read on to learn more about Rosemina's favorite food memories and the source of her creative inspiration.
1. What's your food background? How did you get started writing about food?
Food has always been a major part of all my family gatherings growing up, so I understood its importance. It has always been the centerpiece of any get-together, whether it be an outdoor barbecue or take-out from a family favorite.
On the flip side, I've always have a very odd relationship with food -- I've always been a very picky eater who never wanted to try new things. Eating used to be a mere necessity. Other than the odd craving for chocolate and comfort food, I didn't understand the infatuation many people had with trying new foods and testing out new flavors. Why not just stick to what you already know is good?
In the last couple of years, I've broadened my horizons a bit when it comes to food and cooking. I've learned my way around a kitchen, which has helped me to gain a better appreciation for different tastes and flavors. I'm still fairly picky, but now if you ask me to try something new, I might just give it a taste.
I began writing about food soon after my interest was piqued, and was then given the opportunity at Foodista to combine two of my favorite things -- food and pop culture!
2. What inspires you to create?
I feel inspired when I am surrounded by art. A great song, a beautiful photograph, an inspiring book or a really great meal. When I'm writing, I like to have music playing in the background, something to get me pumped and excited about what I'm working on. When it comes to cooking, I prefer to create in silence. It helps me concentrate on the dish I am creating and forget about everything else -- almost like a small escape from reality.
3. What is your favorite thing to prepare?
I like to challenge myself in the kitchen. I recently made my first Christmas dinner, which was super-stressful but also so rewarding. I also love making cheesecake. I have yet to bake a perfectly smooth cheesecake, but I sure am getting closer!
4. What's your fondest food memory?
Choosing just one memory is a bit hard, but the first one that comes to mind is cooking with two of my childhood best friends. One of my friends recently bought his own place and we all decided the first thing we should do is cook the first meal in the new kitchen. We tried our hand at a Thai curry dish which turned out to be delicious... except in all the excitement, we forgot to add salt.
5. What's one food trend you wish would go away, and one food trend you hope stays?
I sincerely hope that the idea of a celebrity telling other people how to eat goes away in the very near future. I think it does much more harm than good, especially when it comes to self-esteem and body image issues. It is always great to see a healthy celeb share the types of foods they like to eat and even when they share their diet secrets, but celebrities are not nutritionists. It's great to hear what they have to say to give us ideas, but jumping from one fad diet to the next will not keep you in great shape.
The food trend that I absolutely adore is all the wonderful cupcakes and cake pops that we have been seeing on Foodista recently. People have been getting really creative with their designs and they seem to just be getting better and more delicious!
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