Sophie Gee of Three Hungry Chicas loves New England’s food scene, from Kittery, Maine to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and all the way down to Boston. The seasoned foodstagrammer took a break from snapping photos of noodle pulls, super thick sandwiches and loaded ice cream cones to chat about the evolution of her Instagram account. She talks about why the farm-to-table trend is so important, which brunch spot has the best breakfast pizza and where to find amazing chicken wings.

Tell us a little about yourself. How’d you end up in Boston, and what inspired you to create your Instagram account?

I started my account over 3 years ago with my 2 roommates at the time. We all loved going out to eat and taking pictures of food, so we figured why not start an account and have a little fun. Fast forward to today, I’m located in Portsmouth, NH but spend most of my free time devouring all the delicious food around New England. I find myself spending most of my time in Boston, but also love the food scene in Kittery, Portland, and at home in Portsmouth.

Name the top five dishes on your Boston food bucket list.

There are so many amazing restaurants in Boston, it was hard to narrow it down to just 5 dishes, but here you go!
1. Celery Caesar from Coppa (@coppaboston)
2. Anything and everything from Oleana (@oleanabuzz)
3. The ‘Sin’ Burger from The Blue Ox (@theblueoxlynn)
4. Za’tar French fries from Semolina (@semolinakitchenbar)
5. Pad See Ew and Khao Soi from Dakzen (@dakzens)

What do you think the next big trend is for restaurants?

I really hope that more and more restaurants continue the farm-to-table trend. Community is so important, so I love seeing people supporting local farmers, and hope to see more and more of it over the next coming years.

Which chefs are your favorite to follow on Instagram and why?

I love following Gary Kim (@_garykim) owner of Mr. Kim’s Restaurant in Portsmouth, NH, and Ana Sortun (@sortunchef) owner of Oleana, Sarma, and Sofra. Both chefs make the most innovative and inspiring food. I love following along on Instagram to see what delicious dishes they are creating.

Beyond chefs, what are your top three favorite food Instagram accounts to follow?

@ehgg – I love how fun and creative their posts are. @stillcutedough – who doesn’t love donuts?! @eatingthroughnyc – theres nothing I love more than the food scene in NYC, so I love following along any NYC food account, especially this one!

Describe Boston’s food scene in three words.

Diverse, local, and creative.

Which restaurants haven’t you been to but you’re eager to try?

bartaco @bartacolife (I’m a huge taco and guac fan), KAVA Neo-Taverna @kavaneotaverna (I love greek food and have heard incredible things), and Fool’s Errand @foolserrandboston (who doesn’t love an “adult snack bar”! Plus, have you heard about the picture in the bathroom?!), and Fox and the Knife @foxandknife (their vibe is amazing and the food looks delicious!).

What’s your food photography philosophy, and can you share your top tips for taking awesome food photos?

Lighting is key! Natural lighting is always best, so take your food outside for photos if you can. If you know you’re going to a dark restaurant and won’t be getting good natural lighting, definitely take a light.

A Few Of Your Favorite Things:

Favorite brunch spot: Lincoln Tavern (@lincolnsouthbos), their breakfast pizza and fruit pebble pancakes are a must. Street (@streetfood360) in Portsmouth

Favorite place for outdoor dining: Oleana (@oleanabuzz). There is nothing better than sitting outside on their private patio.

Favorite BBQ joint: The Smoke Shop (@thesmokeshopbbq) is my go-to when I’m in Boston. I’m absolutely addicted to their chicken wings! When I’m at home, I LOVE Ore Nells (@orenellsbbq) in Kittery, ME. Literally everything on the menu is delicious. Even their sides and cocktails!

Favorite late-night: Empire (@bostonempire) – I’m a sucker for their pot stickers and scallion pancakes.

Favorite neighborhood for food: South End. There are so many different cuisines, and I have never had a bad meal at any restaurant.

Favorite new restaurant: Mr. Kim’s (@mrkimsrestaurant) in Portsmouth, NH. I have tried nearly every single thing on the menu since they opened earlier this summer, and every dish is delicious. I have yet to find something I don’t like! The food is creative, fresh, and inspiring.