About the Blog
ABOUT ME
Hi, my name is Nicolette!
I began writing Beauty and the Feast this year as a class project. Little did I know how quickly my love for food would amplify in the 10-week lifespan of Drexel University’s quarter system. Beauty and the Feast has become a creative outlet to discover what elements make food intriguing, enticing, and all-around beautiful. To define “beauty” is not simply to say something is pleasing to the eye because I believe the concept goes much deeper than that. I focus on space, style, and stories to give beauty precision. When referring to space, I draw upon the restaurant’s design, which might be broken down into architecture, décor, or how it fits within its surrounding community. Style features the artistic elements of the food itself, which encompasses the way the food looks when plated or the unique flavors inspired by a certain region of the world. The story element is my personal favorite because it gives a voice to the people behind the food. I always try to incorporate a personal anecdote from the owners themselves, employees, or guests. In doing so, I often find out the inspiration behind the food, learn facts about its history, or unravel locals’ opinions about their experience.
After a recent move to Center City, Philadelphia my boyfriend and I opened our eyes and mouths to the vast number of food options within the area. We have visited numerous restaurants around town and have a list of favorites where you can find Stephen Starr’s El Vez as well as new places we want to try (Harp & Crown is first on that list!). My goal is to share my experiences in a way that brings out the authenticity of Philadelphia’s food scene while getting to know the people who make it happen. It is the passion of Philadelphia restaurateurs that drives this blog and my endless curiosity that amplifies it. That, to me, is The Beauty and the Feast.
To find out more, stay tuned for my next blog post. Have an idea in mind, or just want to say hello? Please e-mail me at nicolettebrunettiBATF@gmail.com.