Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Swannie.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have two hobbies: writing and food. While most people plan vacations around landmarks or natural features, I’ve always designed trip itineraries around notable dining experiences. Put simply, I’m a food tourist. Much like a tourist would seek out exciting experiences, I spend my free time visiting Orlando’s best food spots. If something is smothered in cheese or made with a family recipe, I plan to try it.
When my fiancé and I first moved here, I launched the Orlando Food Tourist blog to discover the city’s best culinary offerings and share my findings with both locals and prospective visitors. Though Orlando offers over-the-top theme park delicacies, you’ll also find small, locally-owned spots where family recipes are served with a smile. The goal of the website is to showcase a unique Orlando identity shaped by both tourist-driven dishes and restaurants rooted in tradition.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started the Orlando Food Tourist blog at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, so that hindered in-person visits and new food options. Sometimes, the best part about a meal is interacting with the family members behind the restaurant/bakery/concept. As the world returns to a sense of normalcy, I look forward to uncovering some of the city’s best-kept food secrets.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, I am a full-time writer in the travel and tourism industry, so I’m always searching for experiences that showcase a city’s best features. I’m a firm believer that a great vacation is defined by the flavor of a destination. In a city driven by tourism, it’s important to highlight the extravagant dishes that entice visitors, as well as the mom-and-pop spots with heartfelt stories and a passion for food.
The Orlando Food Tourist blog is designed to be a resource — both for locals seeking a new spot and tourists who want to explore the tastes of the City Beautiful. In addition to short, digestible posts on social media, I also share the full picture behind the meal on the blog. Visitors can expect to find culinary highlights, spots for foodie-focused travel, and bites tied to experiences (e.g. a picnic at Bok Tower Gardens; a shopping excursion at Stasio’s Italian Market & Deli; what to snack on while admiring topiaries during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival).
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Have the courage to reach out to people who inspire you. If someone is doing something you admire, let them know. At the very least, leave a comment on a social media post that grabs your attention. Send an email. Say hello if you pass by in a coffee shop. Don’t be afraid of making connections with creatives who share the same passions — you never know who could become a close friend or colleague.
Contact Info:
- Email: orlandofoodtourist@gmail.com
- Website: orlandofoodtourist.com
- Instagram: orlandofoodtourist
- Facebook: orlandofoodtourist
- Twitter: orlfoodtourist
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@orlandofoodtourist
Image Credits
Personal photo – Anthony Tonsoline Food photos – Jessica Swannie
