We had the good fortune of connecting with Phoebe Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phoebe, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Nowadays, I am really strive for more of a work life balance. I do this by being in the zone when I am working, and being completely offline mentally when I am not working. I think this balance helps me stay more present.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my spare time, I love traveling and exploring cultures through food. The intersection of these two passions is what inspired me to create my food and beverage page.

Since the pandemic, I’ve also pivoted to showcasing local small businesses and making city guides of where to eat and drink, as well as unique activities to do. Of course, the height of the pandemic was tough and I felt at a standstill in being able to move forward with my account. But it also helped me realize that I don’t have to travel far to highlight good places. There are so many amazing places to try just in my backyard!

I want the world to know that my brand is just me organically discovering and sharing my favorite spots. It’s that simple!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sunday Weekends are for brunch so we would go to Crema Cafe in Seal Beach, California. While waiting for our table, we would walk around and explore the little shops along Main Street. After brunch, we can walk along the pier and admire the ocean. Seal Beach is one of my favorite options for beaches because it is low key and doesn’t get super crowded.

Monday
One of my favorite, quintessential Southern California activity to do is stand up paddle boarding. A local spot along Pacific Coast Highway I would take them to is Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals in Huntington Beach, California. It’s peaceful and relaxing and I love going early in the mornings when there is still a nice marine layer. Afterwards, we can go to the popular Pacific City and people watch, drink good coffee at Philz Coffee, and walk along Main Street and the pier.

Tuesday
In the daytime, we can do something fun like parasailing in Dana Point, California, at Dana Point Parasails. Before we head home, we’ll stop to get an açaí bowl at Blue Bowl in Orange, California. After freshening up and getting some rest, we would do something unique later in the evening, like Tiki Tuesday at The Fifth in Anaheim, California, a local bar with rooftop views of the nightly Disneyland fireworks. Of course, to get the deal we would have to dress up in our best tiki attire.

Wednesday
We can take it easy midweek and sleep in. For brunch, we will go to Nếp Cafe & Brunch near Little Saigon in Fountain Valley, California. They have delicious Vietnamese fusion food and the most delicious egg coffee. Then, we can take a walk around Mile Square Park right across the street. It is a huge urban park with basketball and pickle ball courts, cemented paths, playgrounds, archery, paddle boat rentals, and more.

Thursday
We have to get a classic brunch one day so I would choose Moulin in Newport Beach, California. It’s an unpretentious and reasonably priced French cafe that really transports you to Paris. Afterward, we can get a taste of Orange County by walking along the upscale real estate in Corona Del Mar, taking a walk around Sherman Library and Gardens, and getting a view of the Pacific Ocean at Inspiration Point.

Friday
To avoid the Friday traffic, I would suggest something more local and even indoors if it is hot. My personal favorite would be an escape room at Cross Roads Escape Games in Anaheim, California, Afterwards, we can check out a local brewery and food hall in downtown Anaheim, such as Modern Times and the Anaheim Packing District. It has a little something for everybody in your party! We can wind down the evening with a night cap at Pali Wine right next to the Packing District.

Saturday
Another stop I have to take all out of town tourists is 2nd and PCH is Long Beach, California. It’s so cathartic just to window shop, feel the ocean breeze, and watch the plethora of boats while drinking margaritas second story restaurants such as Ola Mexican Kitchen. If we still have room for dessert, we would stop by Boba Guys and go for a walk around the marina. Some Saturdays they also host a local makers market with tons of small business vendors which is fun to peruse.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first shoutout that comes to mind are my professors and mentors who helped propel me along the field of speech language pathology. They gave me the confidence, ability, and flexibility to flourish in my career and pursue other endeavors. My second shoutout is my circle of friends who are patient and entertain my pursuits when I drag them along to new restaurants and local events.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoebe_eats/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/phoebechen

Image Credits
Christine Ahn, Danielle Hubbard, Verona Botha, Tricia Pham

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