Tuesday, 16 February 2010

• Q&A: Love Food, Love Your Job

  
  Moira Campbell (center), Gainfully Employed Foodie
  

  
  

  Do you really like food? OK, stupid question...I guess I could've just looked at the URL of this site. Now let me ask you: Do you really like your job? If the answer is "no," maybe you should consider following in the footsteps of Moira Campbell. Moira, of New York City, is the owner and founder of Rum and Blackbird Tasting Tours, an organization that leads lucky participants on a mouthwatering walking tour of Hell's Kitchen. Read on to find out how she got to have one of the tastiest jobs ever.
  
  Q: What is your goal as a tasting tour guide?
  A: First, I aim to highlight the best food in the neighborhood. I also choose restaurants, delis, and bakeries that are mom-and-pop shops, family run, and locally operated so that I can put money back into our New York City neighborhoods. The best part of the business is finding the hidden gems that even locals don't know about, such as La Rosita, a small Mexican deli on the Western side of Hell's Kitchen. The deli has a small window in the back of the shop that churns out amazing hand-made tacos, rich oxtail soups, and soft tamales amongst many other Mexican specialties. There are no frills at La Rosita, except for the amazing flavor of the food.That's when we really get to wow our tasters.
  
  Q: What does a normal day at the office look like?
  A: While I'm in the office I'm working on marketing materials and expanding my PR campaign. There is a lot of time spent on researching New York's history so the tour can become more detailed, informative, and provide a richer experience for our tasters. Current events are very important too. I take time to read all the food blogs, magazines, and newspapers in order to keep a finger on the pulse of the food world. I also meet with different chefs, restaurateurs, and writers in the industry to learn more from them, network, and spread the word about Rum & Blackbird.
  
  Q: How do you keep people happy and engaged on a long tour?
  A: When I'm on the street I'm leading tours and feed hungry tasters. I try to make them laugh - it's all fun all the time when you're pounding the pavement with R&B. The primary focus of a tour is the food, but since we are not always eating during a three hour tour, I fill the non-eating time with interesting tidbits about the neighborhood that we are walking through. We stop outside of many restaurants that we don't taste. I explain the restaurant's concept, menu, specials, and the chef's story. There are also great tales to tell about the neighborhood's history and evolution. It seems like the anecdotes of gore, murder, and gang crimes are tasters' favorites.
  
  Q: What did you do prior to this?
  A: Before starting my tasting tour business, I went to the Culinary Institute of America, then received a degree in English from Clark University. My goal was to combine the two degrees and start a career in food writing, which was what lead me to work at Starchefs.com to assist on their first book of chefs throughout the country. I then worked in public relations for chefs and restaurants at Gail Schoenberg PR. I still jump on the chance to use my culinary skills by catering small parties and working as a personal chef.
  
  Q: Do you have any advice for readers hoping to work in the food industry?
  A: Yes - get your hands dirty any way that you can. I often volunteer and give my time for free in order to meet new chefs and other food professionals at events. Even if you don't want to work in a restaurant, you can volunteer for a Food Bank event or at a soup kitchen to get more cooking time in.
  
  Q: What is the best part of your job?
  A: The best part of my job is being able to support the outstanding neighborhood shops on the tour while making my tasters happy by feeding them amazing food. Good food makes people happy. What a simple and easy equation!!
  
  For more information, visit www.rumandblackbird.com and schedule a tour..It makes a great Valentine's gift for all you hungry procrastinators! Do you have a job you love? Does it involve food?
  

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