Today, we’re debuting a new blog series! Meet the Media Monday features a brief Q&A with leading Charlotte journalists as we get to know the faces behind the stories that matter most in the Queen City. We’re kicking things off with Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate.
Kristen is one of Charlotte’s leading food journalists, largely due to her time as both Food Editor and Editor of Charlotte magazine along with her current role as Editor and Founder of Unpretentious Palate. We caught up with Kristen over lunch at The Improper Pig to discuss the Charlotte food scene, dogs and everything in between.
How long have you lived in Charlotte? What brought you here?
KW: “I’m originally from upstate New York, went to college in DC and was working there after graduation. My first introduction to Charlotte was when it hosted the DNC in 2012. A few months later, we moved to Charlotte for my husband’s job and didn’t know much about the city at all. Six years later and we are so glad to call Charlotte home.”
What’s your favorite activity in Charlotte?
KW: “Dogwood Bar is our go-to spot for a night out. We have a great time popping in and seeing who we will run into. My husband and I also collect bourbon and wine.”
What attracted you to journalism?
KW: “Like a lot of journalists, I was attracted to the public service aspect and this feeling that you are working for the greater good.“
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you/your job?
KW: “Being a food editor sounds super glamorous, and while it is a lot of the time, for every great meal I have, there are three bad ones. It also takes work balancing eating out for the majority of meals while still maintaining healthy habits.”
What are your favorite social media platforms?
KW: “I’m not a huge fan of social media to be honest! Twitter is mostly bad news while Instagram can be fake. If I had to choose, Facebook is the most helpful for me.”
What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on the job?
KW: “I was working at The Washington Post and had just moved to the news video team. Saturday was my first shift alone and it was the day that Gabby Giffords was shot. It was a long day of trial by fire, not to mention an adrenaline rush of trying to get video footage to the reporters that were covering this huge breaking news story.”
Want to learn more about Unpretentious Palate and their stories covering food and drink in Charlotte? Follow along on Instagram here.
