Traveling abroad is all well and good, but New England native & lifestyle Instagrammer Danielle Connell prefers exploring her own backyard. Whether she’s on a day trip around the area or getting to know different parts of Boston, two things are for sure: she’ll be sporting the season’s latest fashion and posting about the most delicious food she can find. Follow her adventures (along with 20,000+ other folks) then read on for insight into her favorite BBQ joint (and why it’s so special to her!), how she likes her lobster rolls and which restaurant always makes her feel like she’s on vacation.
Tell us a little about yourself. How’d you end up in Boston, and what inspired you to create your Instagram account?
I was born and raised in Massachusetts! My hometown is Westford, I went to college in Lowell, and I’ve been in the Boston area since 2010. I always knew I wanted to live in the city and was so thrilled to make it a reality. Creating my Instagram account was born out of a need to share my finds with the world. It’s something I had always adored doing and, as a result, I was often asked for recommendations by the people in my life. My day job is fairly dry, so this fuels my creative side big time as well. I’ve been taking pictures for as long as I can remember, starting with disposable cameras that I would then beg my parents to develop.
Name the top five dishes on your Boston food bucket list.
Ooh, this is tricky, but let’s go. I would say in no particular order: lobster roll (with butter — I know a lot of people love their lobster rolls cold, but I have to go with warm) from Row 34, moussaka from Committee, Texas Rachel in a Skirt from Rosebud Kitchen in Somerville, anything from Tiger Mama with a side of coconut sticky rice, and a Fenway Frank.
What do you think the next big trend is for restaurants?
We’re already seeing this, but a return to an unrushed dining experience. Everyone is running around ragged and there are fewer things more pure than sharing a meal with people who fill up your cup. Dessert? Sure! Another drink? Why not! That kind of feeling. Also it’s very clear that diners want transparency in where their food is coming from, with an emphasis on local, organic, sustainable.
Which chefs are your favorite to follow on Instagram and why?
@tfimb because he is always impressing me, @colinclynch because he’s behind some of the best spots in Boston, and @donutseduceme because she’s funny and makes the best desserts!
Beyond chefs, what are your top three favorite food Instagram accounts to follow?
@meaghanmurray, @baddiedae, @nailthecocktail — none of the three are strictly food accounts, but they’re 1. all real, hardworking, supportive, and funny women I call friends and 2. in the know of the best spots and sharing them with us creatively
Describe Boston’s food scene in three words.
forefront, dynamic, unstoppable
Which restaurants haven’t you been to but you’re eager to try?
Tons, but to name a few: Chickadee, No Relation, Zuma
What’s your food photography philosophy, and can you share your top tips for taking awesome food photos?
Food is memories, fuel, and a lifelong relationship so I like the human element in my food photos. That being said, I am not the best at the gorgeous food flatlays some creatives take, so that’s also why you’ll find me in many of my food photos. Top tip: Have fun with it! Whether that means taking a bunch of shots to get it just right or snapping a quick picture as you dig in.
A Few Of Your Favorite Things:
Favorite brunch spot: Friendly Toast — kitschy and delicious, what could be better?
Favorite place for outdoor dining: The Barking Crab — it always feels like I am on vacation when I am there.
Favorite BBQ joint: Redbones — my late father’s favorite spot so it’s nostalgic for me as well.
Favorite late-night: Bova’s for pastries 24 hours a day!
Favorite neighborhood for food: Fort Point/Seaport — but genuinely, I would say all of the neighborhoods are killing it and you’d be hard pressed not to find a spot easily!
Favorite new restaurant: Shore Leave
