Today we’d like to introduce you to Starr Nordgren.
Starr, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Starr (yes, that is my given name, and no, my parents weren’t hippies) and I’m a 30-something writing professor by day and not-so-secret foodie by night.
Along with being a professional grader of essays and an unofficial taster of all donuts, I’m also a bibliophile, an Anglophile, and an enthusiastic supporter of cocktail hour. I am originally from Michigan, did a brief stint in Wisconsin (aka the land of the delicious cheese curd) for undergraduate school, and have been settled in Chicago with my boyfriend, Mario, for the last 18 years.
Chicago is one of those well-known food cities, so for someone who loves to explore and eat, it’s a fantastic place to reside. I started Chicago foodie girl in 2012 (before there was a strong foodie community on Instagram). I always tell my students to write about what they love; as I was the one friends would turn to for restaurant recommendations and the one who planned vacations around various culinary destinations, it seemed only natural to turn my interests into my passion project.
I didn’t know much about photography in the pre-Instagram days, so the early photos on my blog are all quite terrible (really, embarrassingly bad!). It also took me a few years to settle into my voice as a writer. Once I hit my stride, my blog, and subsequently, Instagram, pushed me into a new creative outlet: photography. In addition, they both allowed to me to became part of an amazing community of writers and photographers, some of who have become my closest friends!
Has it been a smooth road?
As I didn’t start out with the intention of becoming a business (or ‘Insta-famous’), any struggles I have faced have mostly been self-imposed. I can be a bit of a perfectionist, so I’m always highly critical of what I publish (especially knowing that many of my students and colleagues follow me!). However, I do try to keep it fun; any time I get too caught up in my own head, I remind myself that this is my creative outlet and something I enjoy.
I can be very picky about the photos I post – not only do I want to create beautiful images but also, I want to accurately represent the restaurants I recommend. There are so many amazingly talented chefs out there; I want my photos to make people drool and appreciate the artistry/work that goes into creating the dishes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chicago foodie girl – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m not a chef or a professional food critic; nor do I work in the food industry (although I did once work for a culinary school!), but I am passionate about food culture. I spend an inordinate amount of my free time trying new restaurants, attending culinary festivals, stalking food trucks, trading tips and cooking with my foodie friends, snapping photos of beautiful plates, sniffing herbs at farmer’s markets, binging on my favorite cooking shows, and experimenting with new recipes. The bottom line is that I love food and I love to share my experiences.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There are so many things I love about Chicago! It goes without saying that the food is at the top of my list – there is a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene that includes everything from five-star restaurants to classic neighborhood joints.
Along with the food scene, I also enjoy having the ability to explore the culturally rich neighborhoods; while I live on the northside, you’ll find me all over the city. Finally, I love that most Chicagoans are so open and accommodating – Chicago has a big city vibe with a dash of Midwestern friendliness and a slower pace than what you’ll find in other major metropolitan areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.chicagofoodiegirl.com/
- Email: chicagofoodiegirl@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagofoodiegirl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagofoodiegirl
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chicagofoodieg
Image Credit:
Ashley Hutchinson
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
