Menuism Featured Reviewer: BananaWoo
Menuism reviewers are truly awesome! Whether they found an unexpected tasty gem of a restaurant or took it for the team after having a terrible meal, we truly applaud all their efforts in giving us the scoop on where we should be spending our hard-earned money on. On that note, I’d love to introduce you to those reviewers who we feel really contribute quality content to the site as well as quality information to fellow Menuism’ers. Our Featured Reviewer today is Lynn, better known as BananaWoo. So let’s learn more about Lynn from Minnesota.
I was born in Seoul, but raised in Minneapolis. I consider myself a Midwesterner and Minnesotian. During college I lived in Ames, Iowa, but most recently moved back to a Minnesota suburb which I now call home. I am still attempting to travel the world. Food lover by nature; I love to eat, cook and create. I also enjoy writing and think the art of literature and food complement each other well.
Currently, I work as an admin for a commercial real estate company. Definitely not my true calling, so on top of my 9-5, I go to grad school full time just to keep things interesting. When I’m not wearing my monkey suit and I don’t have my nose in a psychology text book I like to write, read, garden, philosophize, cook, listen to music, watch reruns of No Reservations and The Office, play with my cats and eat (not necessarily in that order).
1. How did you find out about Menuism?
Totally by luck. I like to look for new websites that have anything to do with food. I think I just entered in Food Blog or something like that to a Google search.
2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?
I really liked the community feel of Menuism. It seemed like there was a lot more interaction between members versus lots of other food sites that just have a “liked it” or “didn’t like it” option. It’s nice to know a little about the people who are writing the reviews.
3. What restaurant did you write your first review about?
Broders’ Pasta Bar, a family owned Italian restaurant in Minneapolis. One of the best Italian places I have even been!
4. What is your food philosophy?
You are what you eat. Not literally, but I think if you are adventurous and have fun with the food eat those things will be reflected in other aspects of your life.
5. What are your favorite restaurants?
Hoban for Korean, Broders for Italian, Fuji Ya for Japanese and sushi, and Café Beaudelaire for burgers and Brazilian.
6. What are your favorite cuisines?
My top 2 are Korean and Italian, but I will eat almost anything. Every cuisine has something important to contribute to the food world.
7. What are your favorite comfort foods?
Mac & cheese, spaghetti with Italian sausage, and steamed rice with Kimchee.
8. What is the best meal you ever ate and why?
That is a tough one to decide. One of my top most memorable experiences was probably in Venice, Italy. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name, but it was a bistro right on the waterside. I had a noodle dish with fresh seafood. It’s hard to beat Italian wine and fresh pasta sautéed with the catch of the day. No other seafood pasta has ever come close.
9. Do you have any favorite cookbooks (if any)?
In my kitchen I have some hand-me-down Betty Crocker cook books and Korean Cooking for You. They are good references, but I like to do a lot of experimenting in the kitchen. When I cook I usually glance at a recipe, but wing the rest of it. That is why I’m a horrible baker; everything has to be too precise.
10. What words of encouragement would you give to first time Menuism reviewers?
Tell it like it is and take a gamble with your writing. Feel free to be yourself. You can tell people who enjoy writing their reviews because they are entertaining and interesting to read. Also, be informative and encourage your friends to join!
If you’d like to be able to keep up with Lynn’s reviews, click here to check out her profile!
If there is a Menuism reviewer who has rea’lly helped you make great dining choices and you’d like to see him or her be a Featured Reviewer, than be sure to message me or send me an email at abby@menuism.com.
By Abby C. Abanes
Menuism Community Manager
