It's pretty funny how I first met my college BFF, Rachel. A mutual friend introduced us in econ class back in freshmen year. After I said, "Hi I'm Anna, nice to meet you," she said: "Oh my god, are you in Spoon?" Who knew this girl came across my Facebook profile before and saw my Spoon cover photo. "I really wanted to join Spoon because I love food too! We should hang out and go get food together sometime!" And that's how it all began. She's my best friend and my biggest inspiration in the food world.
It's her passion and heart of gold.
Rachel runs a successful foodie Instagram account @eatsbyrachel that I've had the honor to see grow (and be a part of) these past two years. But it's not about the number of followers or likes— it's about the passion and dedication.
Her foodie Instagram is a combination of her two favorite things: her love for food and her interest in photography. She wants to share with the world what she cares about most, which is as real as it gets. She's always up-to-date on the latest foodie trends. But don't get me wrong; she may post about the new basic LA food places down the block, but good food is good food, and that includes all the Asian food and different ethnic cuisines too.
If you see how her eyes light up when someone mentions food, you'll know that she was born to be a foodie. Her content is organic, authentic, but most importantly, comes from the heart. Food is her hobby and part-time job that she puts time into without trying to get anything in return. It's a piece of her.
If you didn't know, she's super talented and creative. She's the founder of Spoon UCLA's videography team and has created some bomb video content that has gone viral. It was so fun to do Spoon together this year as that is what brought us together as friends. I'm looking forward to see all that she does for Spoon next year!
I got the best of both worlds.
I'm thankful for having a best friend that knows what she really wants in life and spreads that positivity and love to everyone around her. Thanks for bringing me on your food adventures — from Smorgasburg, MOIC, to bplate dinners. It's been some of the best memories of my college years! You're the best foodie-in-crime, and a even better friend.
Keep being you, and never lose this part of who you are. Always know that I'm really lucky to have a best friend like you that constantly inspires me to be a better me. Cheers to a lifetime of foodie adventures together, and can't wait to see all the big things you're gunna do!