First post… kinda nervous
Hi! I am so glad you are here
Before we dive into the culinary adventures, let me introduce myself and the purpose behind this page. My name is Hungry Socialite, and I am 23 years old… so young, right? I was born in a little town in Venezuela called Puerto Ordaz. Our family had moved there from Italy many years ago. However, I only lived in Venezuela until I was 7 years old, because political trouble pushed us to move to a new place: Panama City, Panama. At the moment, I didn’t think much of this change (I was 7, what was there to think about?), but now looking back, I am so happy and grateful to have been raised in Panama. Despite its small size, Panama is full of diversity—in people, nature, businesses, and most importantly, food.
Growing up, our home cuisine was already diverse, with arepas and empanadas for breakfast and all kinds of pasta for dinner. Panama took it a step further, introducing me to delights like hojaldra and carimañolas, but also mixing in some fantastic Asian fusion, Peruvian, Mexican, and a myriad of other cuisines. Having all of these available, it was so easy to fall in love with food. I started going out a lot to restaurants, and even from a young age, I had very strong and specific opinions about everything we ate. In high school, when I started driving and became a little more independent, I remember being so excited and passionate about trying out the new restaurant in town or going to events like Burger Week.
I really thought everyone felt like that about food. I mean, who doesn’t love food? I’m guessing that if you’re reading this, you can relate. But apparently not everyone obsesses over stuff like “finding the perfect restaurant, making sure it matches the vibe of the group or event; it also should be a good location, but wait, the food has to be excellent, and it can’t be overpriced; also, it has to be good drinks if we are going out after; also, we should be able to talk over the music; I heard about this place that everyone loves, but I’m not sure it met expectations;” and so on. If all of that sounds like the normal thought process to you, welcome to the club!
Fast forward to when I was 19, and I packed my bags for Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a degree in industrial engineering and a minor in computer science at Georgia Tech. There, I found fellow foodies who helped me escape the usual college meals at Chick-fil-A and Chipotle (no offense, I love these, but Jesus, sometimes I need a little treat). Money was tight back then, and fine dining was a luxury. Then came the big move to New York City, just around three months ago, fresh out of graduation.
Now, I'm still not rolling in money; I'm just a kid navigating the city for the first time. But it feels like the right place and time to turn this obsession into something valuable. New York City, seriously? The food scene here is simply chef's kiss. Plus, I've got a job—finally. Translation: I'm using my hard-earned money to explore restaurants. Period. End of discussion. And speaking of that job, it gives me time. No more 3 am study sessions – I now have afternoons and weekends for my hobbies, like writing on this blog.
With that being said, the purpose of this blog is simple: to share what I know and love. I aim to express my most brutal and honest opinions, hoping that some of you will relate to them—or don't (but feel comfortable telling me that). Begin to trust me. Rely on this page when you're craving something exceptional. Whether it's a satisfying burger post-hangover, a special occasion in town, or your curiosity about a hyped-up restaurant demanding a brutally honest opinion—anything and everything! I want this space to feel like a community, a no-bullshit foodie zone. That's it! Plain and simple.
