Louisville is Hot and This Influencer Knows Where It's Cooking

Food fanatic and overall lover of life Erica Durrett can tell you where to go, what to eat and what’s going on any day of the week in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s her hometown and where she’s been dishing up the food and fun on her popular social media account louisvillefoodlife. It’s a busy time of year for the influencer. Recently the city hosted Bourbon and Beyond and the Louder than Life Festivals, two events showcasing why Louisville is not to be missed when it comes to food, drinks and music. Durrett, one of Beyondish’s local brand ambassadors, gave us some insider info on what makes her hometown so great.

Where did your passion for food start? 

I think I came out of the womb loving pizza. My mom ate it while she was pregnant with me and it’s still one of my favorite foods today. I grew up experimenting with different ways to make plain, everyday food more interesting and tastier too.

Are you originally from Louisville?

Yes, I grew up here. I was born in Germany because my father was in the military, but Louisville is all I know.

What puts Louisville on the map when it comes to its food and culture? 

Louisville has a lot of variety when it comes to food. So many of our restaurants have done a great job with Southern cuisine fusion. We have many great, local chefs with their own restaurants that are really doing a great job.

How do you discover the hot spots and delicious dishes you feature on your social media?

I’m always just trying to stay on top of it. If I hear of something new, I make a point to try it as soon as I can.

Any favorite restaurant or dish you cannot get enough of?

I love Pizza Lupo, Toasty’s Tavern, and Shiraz, just to name a few. I could eat at these spots at least once a week.

How about some hidden gems?

There are so many. One that comes to mind is Shahar. I recently went there for a plant-based Taco Tuesday.

How do you decide on the tone of content for your thriving Instagram feed?

I wanted it to be energetic and enticing. I want to make sure you want to run out and get that food or go to that restaurant ASAP.

Can you tell us about the most memorable meal you’ve had lately? 

So many good ones… lets see. Recently I had an incredible meal from the Bitchin’ Biscuits food truck. I tried the gouda gravy and brisket biscuit, the sausage gravy biscuit with shredded hashbrowns, and a pizza swirl biscuit. Each one was buttery, cheesy, and totally over the top—especially that smoky gouda gravy. Easily one of the most memorable bites I’ve had in a while.

Walk us through a night out in Louisville for you. Where should we go for fun on a Saturday night?

The Nulu area is the hot spot right now. There are lots of places to pop in and out of–extra points if its on a patio. Then grab a cocktail or two after. You have your choice of fun bars or karaoke or clubs with DJs. You can also make your way to Whiskey Row to end the night, or Bardstown Road is also fun.

If you have someone visiting from out of town, where are you taking them to eat first?

It depends on what they are in the mood for. Toastys, Grassa Gramma, Bar Vetti or La Bodeguita de Mimi are all on the list though.

What kinds of restaurants would you like to see more of in Louisville?

I’d like to see more Filipino, Honduran, Puerto Rican, Peruvian or Persian restaurants.

Instagram Hot Take: Can you give us just one tip for making great content in your feed?

Explore the smaller hidden gems—there are plenty to discover. Before you go, search the restaurant online to see what’s already been photographed. Then look for details or angles that haven’t been highlighted yet, or find ways to capture popular items even better than what’s out there. Aim to showcase something fresh and make your shot stand out.

If reviewers got reviewed, how would you like yours to read?

Drool-worthy content that draws you in just looking at the picture or video. A girl that loves and cares about her community.

You are very generous and it shows. Who are you following on Instagram? Fellow foodies you’d like to call out?

louisvillebites, hiddenlouisville, thingstolou, laureninlouisville, juliameganky, sydneyinkentucky, aloushfoodie, thelouguru, letsgolouisville, datelistlou and more. There are lots of great content creators here.

Erica and Beyondish editor-in-chief Ken Carlton dishing in Louisville.

For more Local living and loving in Louisville, give Durrett’s mouth-watering Instagram page a follow on https://www.instagram.com/louisvillefoodlife?igshid=1sze9z1cvfsu9