Meet Paige Christo from @PKCeats, a Massachusetts native who has grown up navigating the food scene one bite at a time. Christo has thoughtfully combined her love for cooking and eating out with her love of photography to create a drool-worthy instagram account. Read on to hear more about her favorite spots plus her tips for snapping the best photo for the ‘gram.
Tell us a little about yourself. How’d you end up in Boston, and what inspired you to create your Instagram account?
I’m Paige with a love for food photography, food styling, and recipe curation. You may know me as @PKCeats! I love the thrill of traveling, a juicy cheeseburger, a full charcuterie board with a glass of white wine during a summer sunset, a stiff martini on a Friday night, and a donut every day of the week. I grew up on the South Shore in Weymouth and went to school at UMass Amherst for both my undergraduate degree and my master’s degree. I am currently living on Nantucket. I ended up in Boston because I am super close to my family and it’s always felt like home. I was inspired to create my Instagram account years ago when I was very much single and would go on dates and when asked what my hobby was, I would respond “eating”. There were not many second dates, that’s for sure! Fast forward to now, and I have a husband who appreciates and loves dining out, cooking, and my food photography. Incorporating my love of food into my daily life has been one of the most rewarding and exciting adventures. I created @PKCeats to document my eating story, one tiny Instagram square at a time. When I started out, the market was so new and exciting! I was surrounded by influencers just starting out like me, learning each day. There were no algorithms or shadow banning – it was a simpler time. As time goes on, I have stayed consistent in sharing my favorite recipes, restaurants, personal travels, and lifestyle hacks.
What makes the Boston restaurant scene special?
The Boston restaurant scene is so special because of the talented chefs, the diverse cuisines, and the city’s energy. Each area of Boston is so unique so you can easily find your favorite area and spots, yet branch out and try somewhere new.
Name the top five dishes on your Boston food bucket list.
- Steak tartare from Woods Hill Pier 4
- Donuts from Kane’s Donuts
- Cheeseburger and a glass of wine from Gray’s Hall
- Jasper’s famous pan roasted lobster from Summer Shack
- A bifteki gyro from Greco
What do your friends and family think of your life as an influencer?
My family and friends are incredibly supportive of my life as an influencer. For the first half of 2022 I had to pause content creation because I was juggling a full-time job, finishing my masters degree, and planning my perfect wedding. Everyone supported the decision to pause this very important aspect of my life, but cheered me on for the day I could resume again. Needless to say, the break reenergized and excited me for the future of PKCeats. I try to include my family in the benefits of an influencer lifestyle because I appreciate that they see there is so much time, dedication, and creativity that goes into this. I am so proud that this creative piece is a visual representation of who I am through the lens of eating, traveling, cooking, and my overall lifestyle.
What’s your food photography philosophy, and can you share your top tips for taking awesome food photos? Do you use any fun tools or equipment for snapping the best ‘gram worthy photos?
My food photography philosophy is that best shots are typically taken by not overthinking the content. Tips for my best photos are: use natural lighting, do not over filter but create a consistent aesthetic, and if it doesn’t look good or you didn’t like it, then do not post it! I want the integrity of my page to always be true to what I believe. If I don’t like something I won’t post it and if the photo does not show the quality or expectation of my brand or the restaurant/product I’m working with, then I will not post.
What advice would you give someone just starting out as an influencer?
If you’re just starting out as an influencer, it’s important to find your niche, style, and stick to it. The market is so much more saturated than when I started so it’s more difficult to get a loyal fan base because there’s just so many accounts! However, if you do what you love and believe in, you will succeed.
Which Boston restaurants and chefs are nailing it on social?
- @littledonkeyboston Every dish they post, I want it immediately!
- @committeeboston This aesthetic is a vibe.
- @locosouthbos I mean come on, the signs outside are what we’re all thinking most days.
Beyond chefs, what are your top three favorite food Instagram accounts to follow?
- @jqlouise – I think she’s brilliantly talented and she’s just as wonderful as a person as her social media is.
- @pigoutboston – I’m keeping my eyes on this account as I think it’s something special to watch.
- @christinaorso – She’s been a friend and a mentor in the influencing world. I think her talent is distinguishable
Favorite spot that everyone should try once: Farm Grille & Rotisserie
Favorite place to splurge: Grill 23 & Bar, Woods Hill Pier 4, Nautilus Pier 4
Favorite brunch spot: Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant
Favorite pizza joint: Picco or Area Four
Favorite neighborhood for food: Seaport or South End
Favorite spot to take visitors from out of town: Woods Hill Pier 4
Favorite foodie book or movie: I love cookbooks. Cravings by @chrissytiegen and It’s Not Complicated by @katieleebiegel are two of my favorites.
Meet The Tastemakers is a monthly column that shares the stories of those contributing to the conversation on Boston’s food scene.
