Meet the Food Blogger: Katie Parla
Photo by Jessica Stewart
Hometown: West Windsor, New Jersey. Now living in Rome.
Occupation: Food and travel writer.
Favorite destinations: NYC, London, Palermo, Puglia, Istanbul, Naples.
Dying to visit: Iran and Libya.
Bizarre travel rituals: It takes me hours to pack for a trip, regardless of how short or long. I spend the whole night before packing for a trip, typically from 1-4 a.m., generally being inefficient and failing to learn from experience. I always forget something critical.
In-flight relaxation regime: Absolutely none. As soon as I take my seat, I pass out. I don't recall the last time I was awake for a take-off.
Always in carry-on: A hoodie for freezing cabins.
Concierge or DIY? DIY til I die.
See it all or take it easy? Take it easy.
Drive or be driven? Walk!
Travel hero: Paul Theroux.
Weirdest thing seen on travels: Maybe a severed camel head at a butcher in Syria.
Best hotel amenity: A gym.
I dream about my meal at Noma.
Everywhere I go, I check out the street food stalls, pubs, produce markets, and archeological museum.
When I arrive in a new place, I learn the lay of the land by taking a jog or a stroll depending on fatigue, motivation, and whether I have packed the proper shoes (see bizarre travel rituals above).
I always bring home booze and bacon in one form or another.
If I never return to Side, Turkey, it'll be too soon because the beautiful archeology and Mediterranean coast have been ruined to cater to bloated, sunburned package tourists.
I travel for the food.
MORE KATIE
Websites: parlafood.com, romeforfoodies.com
Blog: katieparla.com
Twitter: @katieparla
App: Katie Parla's Rome for Foodies