Best friends Emily Temkin and Hanna Pastor have a special gift for finding unique, outrageous and over-the-top food. Some examples? Everything bagel doughnuts, fruity pebble pancakes and biscuit bread pudding French toast with lemon anglaise (just to name a few). Their knack for discovering these epic eats unfolded online circa 2016 through a hilariously-named Instagram account called The Fattest Friends, and the posts have only gotten bigger and better since. Below, they share their guess on the next trend for restaurants, their go-to order at newly-opened Highland Fried and the two female chefs they love to follow on Insta.
Tell us a little about yourself. How’d you end up in Boston, and what inspired you to create your Instagram account?
We both grew up in the suburbs of Boston and haven’t strayed very far. We were tired of cluttering our personal Instagram feeds with photos, but we were not ready to stop posting food photos for our friends to drool over.
Name the top five dishes on your Boston food bucket list.
Chicken and Rice Bowl with Extra White Sauce – Chicken and Rice Guys
Grilled Crack – Mike and Patty’s
Plate with Chicken, Spicy feta, and Zucchini Chips – Gre.Co
Classic Jumbo plus Bacon (of course) – Bagelsaurus
Tan Tan Ramen – Ganko Ittetsu
Crazy Alfredo – Carmelina’s (we had to pick 6 to include this one!)
What do you think the next big trend is for restaurants?
We think the next big trend for restaurants is going to be robotic kitchens. Spyce (editor’s note: from chef Daniel Boulud) is the first to do so and has done a great job, so we wouldn’t be surprised if more restaurants follow the trend.
Which chefs are your favorite to follow on Instagram and why?
Our two favorites are Tiffani Faison (@tiffanifaison) and Sarah Wade (@chefacita). We love seeing the behind-the-scenes look at the lives and eats of these powerful female chefs!
Beyond chefs, what are your top three favorite food Instagram accounts to follow?
Three accounts we love are @bostonfoodgram, @eastcoastfeastcoast, and @bostonfoodies.
Describe Boston’s food scene in three words.
Hearty, loving, and creative
Which restaurants haven’t you been to but you’re eager to try?
We are dying to try Pammy’s, PAGU, and Rosebud. Also we love the Bacon Truck, so we need to try out the Bacon Truck Cafe!
What’s your food photography philosophy, and can you share your top tips for taking awesome food photos?
Our philosophy for taking food photos is get up close and personal with the food.
A Few Of Your Favorite Things:
Favorite brunch spot: Lulu’s
Favorite place for outdoor dining: Banyan Bar + Refuge and Naco Taco
Favorite BBQ joint: Sweet Cheeks or Red Bones
Favorite late-night: Saus
Favorite neighborhood for food: Fenway
Favorite new restaurant: Highland Fried. They have incredible service and amazing food! Try the 3 piece dinner with a side of mac and cheese and the watermelon slushie.
