Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Compofelice.
Anthony, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My food story began as a child, as well all eat food to survive, but growing up in an Italian household, I learned to cook, and appreciate great food. That was the beginning.
Over the last 15 years, after returning to Houston (where I grew up) from Colorado, I have been exploring the amazing food and amazing food creators of Houston. I was always intrigued by the stories of those folks who have dedicated their lives to creating delicious and beautiful dishes through pure passion and artistry.
With the advent and growth of social media, I started an Instagram account and began documenting what I thought were the best of the food and personalities that I’ve encountered. I began with a focus on BBQ (we’re in Texas after all) and then rebranded to Subtle Foodie a few years later.
Subtle Foodie was created to highlight what I thought was the most interesting and creative foods, personalities, and places that I’ve encountered in my extensive travels. I do not limit myself to cuisine, culture, style, price point, or serving style. All food, created with passion by passionate people, highlighting the local, fresh, and classic ingredients are the things I seek out. I’ll eat at a taco truck one day and Per Se the next, and everything in between.
I do not review food or restaurants. I don’t see the point. There are plenty of “review” websites, blogs, and media accounts. I highlight what I like, and I want to build a community, not randomly review places that might have an off day. I’m in no means qualified to judge the merits of food, all I know is what I like, and that’s what I post.
I continue to highlight Houston primarily, but seek out the best of where ever I travel, connecting with the locals who have the knowledge about the most unique their city has to offer. I want to experience the local food through the eyes of those who create out of passion, and those who enjoy with a passion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every challenge has its struggles, and the life of a foodie is no different. Right now, the biggest struggle is maintaining my waist line.
In reality, the struggle is keeping up with the onslaught of amazing and new places around the country. I depend on fellow Foodies, media types, industry magazines and restaurant contacts to keep up. I try to visit as many places as I can, but it’s always a challenge.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Subtle Foodie – what should we know?
Subtle Foodie is an Instagram based (primarily) Foodie account highlighting restaurants and food creators around the world who put their passion and life into creating the best food they can and showcasing their own culture, diversity, and dreams.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Quality, consistent posts, photos, and stories of those whose have the passion of food. Trying to communicate that passion is a challenge and I try to make that come across.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.subtlefoodie.com
- Phone: 2812214399
- Email: anthony@subtlefoodie.com
- Instagram: @subtlefoodie
Image Credit:
All my own creation
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.