Try a Bit of Everything With Instagrubzz

Instagrubzz

Introducing Gabby Marton the content creator behind @instagrubzz! This Florida native has always been a huge foodie, never failing to have her camera out and ready to snap the “perfect picture” of her dish before it gets cold. Marton’s passion for food photography started when she studied abroad in Tel Aviv, Israel and continued throughout the years where she traveled between New York City, South Florida, and now Boston. Marton is always on the lookout for the next-best restaurant and can’t resist a trendy photo op. When she moved to Boston (in the fall of 2019), her mission was to hit up all the best food spots in the city and greater Boston area. She took a break from her eating adventures to tell us about her top five fave dishes, her next stops, and where to get Cinnabon pancakes.

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

To the surprise of many, I am originally from South Florida. I graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 and moved to Brookline to start graduate school. Currently, I am working towards obtaining my doctorate in clinical psychology. I have always had a passion for food photography, especially when I studied abroad in Israel. All of the food was presented so spectacularly that I found myself constantly taking pictures of everything I ate. That was when I decided to create my food Instagram (although with a different name). When I moved back to the United States, I decided to continue posting food pictures. I did go through a phase where I only posted healthy food…but who enjoys that?? In 2020, I decided to expand my account to all kinds of food, healthy or not, and my account began to take off.

If you know me, I don’t discriminate against any kinds of food: Italian cuisine, Japanese cuisine, Mexican cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Thai cuisine. I will eat it all. Every weekend, you can find me begging my friends and family to try out the “trendiest and/or newest restaurant.” My friends always let me pick the restaurant because I put in the research; however they do get annoyed because I don’t let anyone touch the food until I get the perfect picture!

When I moved to Boston, I knew absolutely no one. One goal I made for myself was to try all of the diverse and incredible foods Boston has to offer, and @instagrubzz is helping me achieve that goal. I am incredibly grateful for the Boston Food Community for being so welcoming to me, as I explore my new city.

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

This is going to be extremely hard for me because there are so many amazing restaurants in Boston, but I have limited my top 5 to:

  • ET Roll from Fat Baby: Fat Baby is my absolute FAVORITE spot to get sushi. Before I tried the ET roll, I had never tried eel before, and I was super hesitant. I am not exaggerating when I say: this roll changed my life. I am so obsessed that I eat it for breakfast sometimes…don’t knock it till you try it!
  • Chicken Vermicelli from Pho Lemongrass: This meal consists of grilled chicken over rice noodles and vegetables. I am obsessed.
  • Burrito from La Catrina: My absolute favorite spot for Mexican food in the city! They have bowls, burritos, and more.
  • Gnocchi from Quattro North End: This is one of my favorite spots in the North End. This was a tough decision, but Quattro never disappoints.
  • Lobster ravioli from Panza Italian Restaurant: I am not a seafood person, but this dish is one of a kind and a must-try in Boston’s North End.

What do you think is on the horizon for restaurants?

If I had to guess what the next big trend is for restaurants, I would say tapas. Small plates are great for people that want to try a little bit of everything on the menu (definitely me). I love going to restaurants that serve tapas because I do not have to commit to just one dish, rather I can order a larger variety of items! Boston definitely has some tapas restaurants, but I can definitely see more opening in the future.

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

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

  • @foodagramerz: I absolutely love this account! They post the most insane pictures of food, and I would say they mastered the pasta pictures if I do say so myself.
  • @bostonfoodgram: This account always posts about the newest/trendiest spots in Boston. I love seeing where she is going, as it inspires my restaurant choices.
  • @freshmen15: This account is fabulous. They are always posting the most mouth- watering food pictures. The name is also super clever…props.

Describe Boston’s food scene in three words.

Trendy, Innovative, Tasty

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

Toro, Myers + Chang, Lolita, Coquette, Contessa, Ruka Restobar

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

To be honest, I just use my iPhone. Although, I did just recently purchase a ring light for optimal lighting. Also, it’s all about angles. Once a dish arrives at my table, I just snap away (I even stand up on my chair sometimes which embarrasses whoever is with me). Sometimes, I use Adobe Lightroom to fix lighting and sharpness, but I try not to go overboard with editing.

A Few Of Your Favorite Things:

Favorite brunch spot: North Street Grille and Tatte Bakery

Favorite place for outdoor dining: Davio’s

Favorite BBQ joint: Sweet Cheeks BBQ

Favorite pizza joint: T. Anthony’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

Favorite neighborhood for food: Cambridge

Favorite new restaurant: Volare Revere

Meet The Tastemakers is a monthly column that shares the stories of those contributing to the conversation on Boston’s food scene.

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