About

Hello and thanks for reading Eastside Foodbites. Here are a few questions that I get asked a lot:

Who are you?

I’m Valentina, a 3^rd generation Los Angeles native (and proud of it!).  I grew up in glamorous Norwalk, spent my teenage years watching punk bands at places like the Jabberjaw and the Macondo, played in a couple of bands, went to college in Long Beach, graduated, had a stint as a high school teacher, got married, moved to Venice, did some more college, lived in Alhambra for awhile, graduated again, became a copywriter, and now I reside in Northeast LA.

Why did you start Eastside Food Bites?
I’ve been into restaurants, cooking and writing for awhile, and I got a bit of a reputation for giving good food advice. Friends would say, “you should start a website,” and I thought it sounded fun, so I did. Plus, I write for a living, so it’s nice to have an independent writing outlet.

Are you a food expert?
No. I’m just a curious person with a decent palate who enjoys trying new places and pontificating, but I didn’t go to culinary school or anything.   There are a lot of food bloggers out there, and some are bona fide culinary experts for whom I have nothing but respect.  But me?  I’m just having fun, and I encourage you to take my food writing for what it’s worth.

What do you like most about doing this blog?
I really love promoting local business. I think the best restaurants are the ones that come from the blood, sweat, and tears of passionate people, and I’m into doing any little thing I can to contribute to their success.

I also really enjoy the eating part.

Do you only write about the eastside?
This blog is about LA food culture from an Eastside perspective, so it mostly focuses on Highland Park, Eagle Rock, East LA, Echo Park, and Silverlake along with areas that don’t require too much driving—Downtown, Los Feliz, Hollywood, etc.  I do, however, leave my part of town every now and again, so you’ll see the occasional Westside post.

Who takes the photos?
Me and my husband Josh.  He taught me everything I know on the subject.

Do you get free meals?
It happens, but rest assured that I’ll always disclose that fact to you, so there’s no funny business.  Mostly, though, I pay my own hard-earned money to buy the meals you see on this site.

Do you take suggestions?
Of course. Send your tips to eastsidefoodbites@gmail.com, or post them in the comments of this page.