A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

My name is Georgie and I'm a blogger based in London. My passions in life are travel, food and photography. I love exploring new places and over excitedly sharing my tips along the way - so it seemed only natural that I should start a blog!
 

What’s the story behind how you started BirchBowl?

Birchbowl fell into shape pretty naturally. First off I freaking love food, eating it mostly but also making it look like an art form. Secondly, all my close friends and family will know I eat most meals out of a bowl and like collecting unique ones on my travels. So that was the bowl part. And the Birch well that's my name.

Why bowls? What’s wrong with a plate?

The bowl... hmm food just looks better aesthetically in a bowl I think and i'm a messy eater so having sides avoids likely spillages?! Also, the fact I eat a hella lot of Asian food - a bowl, chopsticks and spoon has got to be done.

Your other passion lies in travel and art. How have these impacted on your food?

Travelling in Southeast Asia and holidays abroad are what kick-started my love of cooking. I wanted to eat just as well when I got home so I taught myself how to make my fave dishes. Now, whenever I go somewhere new I try to suss out the local cuisine and then recreate it with a twist back in my kitchen.

As for art, well that's all in the styling. Cooking is a quick release of creativity that has a satisfying and tasty outcome.

You’ve lived in Australia for a while, do you feel that’s influenced your cooking style?

Australia taught me that when it comes to food it's all about a kick-ass breakfast. I had my eyes opened to delicious brekkie combos that were colourful, inventive and healthy too. It was in Byron bay I had my first Acai bowl and it's now a smoothie bowl staple for me now!

Do you do much research into places to eat before you travel?

Definitely! I'm lactose intolerant and enjoy a largely vegan, healthy diet so research is key. I'm big into my quirky eating spots too which are often harder to find so I always read up on the areas and places that fit the right vibe. But, depending on the city a lengthy wander on foot can help you come across some hidden gems.

Have you ever travelled to a country, purely for the food?

Not purely for food but it's a big part of my travel experience for sure. I love trying new and exciting flavours.

Describe the best food experience you’ve ever had.

Ahhhhh, that is way too difficult. I've been lucky enough to eat some banging food in my time not sure I could pinpoint one.

And the worst?

I think i've blanked them out?

If a restaurant was to create your ideal menu, what would be on there?

Healthy, vegan 'buddha' bowls, one representing each of my favourite cuisines. Mezze bowls, Thai bowls, dim sum bowl, sushi bowls, curry bowls, taco bowls you get the idea. Also epic nice cream (banana ice cream) sundae bowls for dessert!

Let us in on your top food styling tip to get that perfect shot.

Never shoot food at night time or with a flash unless you have high-quality equipment. It looks overly shiny and fake and the colour is warped. Also, try and have a mixture of colours and textures on the plate. Putting a fun patterned or colourful backdrop to your food could take it from cool shot to wowza.
 

If you had a cookbook, what would you call it?

Around the world in insert number bowls. That restaurant idea could be a cookbook... Remember you read it here first haha!

If you could only eat in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

Can I cheat and say Southeast Asia? Vietnamese, Thai, Nonya and all the exotic fruits, i'd be in my perfect foodie playground!