We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Hong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
As the cliché goes, good things happen outside of your comfort zone. I can accredit most of the good things in my life to taking risks. For example, going to college 3 hours away from home at the University of Kentucky, where I gained two business degrees and made lifelong friends, including my best friend of 10 years.

Another risk was taking a call center contracting job right after college and finding a company I’ve been with for 6 years and now work on their marketing team.

Probably the biggest risk I’ve taken so far was agreeing to go on a date with a boy who lived 100 miles away that I met on a dating app and ended up finding the love of my life (go on that date ladies!).

And starting a food Instagram, alone during lunch at jury duty, which has led to me finding a passion through sharing my love for food.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Last week, I introduced myself to a friend of a friend and she said, “Aren’t you ColumbusEatsFirst?”, which must have been the highlight of my foodie career so far. I mean, to be recognized for my fun Instagram page? Food Network, here I come!

I’m constantly thinking about what new restaurants I want to try, new reels and TikTok’s I can create and acting upon any opportunity that comes my way. My biggest goal in 2025 is consistently posting to really increase my interactions. I take pride and feel accomplished when my coworkers come to me for restaurant recommendations, when I’m trusted to choose dinner plans, and when I’m recognized for my platform. It feels like the work is really paying off!

A few lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Go to that networking event or happy hour.
Listen to understand and not just to respond.

Post your content! You never know what opportunities will come of it.

Be confident! (even if you fake it till you make it)

I’ve focused my personal and professional brand on strong relationships. My happiness resides in spending quality time with my friends and family. The random bowl cut girl asking if you want to play mermaids at the pool? That was me. The girl signed up for more clubs and extracurriculars than she can handle? Me, again. The friend making plans during your allotted couch rotting time and hosting themed parties? Guilty. I’ve brought my strength in developing relationships and my extroversion into my work as food blogger. From this, I’ve developed type A planning abilities, which comes in handy preparing for an interview or a St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun charcuterie board

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently had a friend in town, and this was our go to Columbus itinerary.
Check out @columbuseatsfirst on Instagram for all the crave worthy food spots!

Friday:
Breakfast @ Fox in The Snow
Explore German Village, check out some shops
Lunch @ Katzingers (my go to is Kahrl’s Killer Club)
Walk around Schiller Park and then get some ice cream at Jeni’s
Pop into The Book Loft
Dinner @ Barcelona or Cobra
Antiques on High for drinks

Saturday:
Exploring @ Kenny Centre
Quick breakfast @ Belles Bread
J Avenue for fun knick knacks
Lunch @ Sushi 10
Order, pick up and eat next door! (my favorite is the Spicy Crunch Salmon) or Jiu Thai Café down the street, amazing hand stretched noodles.
Dinner @ Kitchen Social (friendly managers and staff, butter cake is “chefs kiss”)
Dancing and Drinks @ The Go Go (70’s theme with a dance floor and free popcorn)
Late night snack: the food truck right outside The Go Go is a MUST.

Sunday:
Breakfast @ The Lox Bagel Shop
Walk around Short North, stop into Rose Bredl and Happy Go Lucky Shop
Lunch @ Wario’s (insane subs and sandwiches)
Take a stroll through Goodale Park
Lastly, stopping by Sheetz on your way home!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s always been a dream of mine to write a book with a dedication page. Or give an acceptance speech. For now, I will be living out my dream through Voyage Magazine.

To my mom, a fluent speaker of four languages, master pho chef and the human epitome of selflessness. I could give you the world, and it still wouldn’t be enough. Thank you for absolutely everything you do for us.

To my little sisters, thank you for your spontaneity, letting me boss you around during content photoshoots, and for playing restaurant with me since 2003.

To Joey, thank you for waiting the excruciating few minutes to eat so I can get the perfect shot when the food comes out. I’m thankful for the invisible string that tied me to you.

To my Dad who has brought all the neighbors to our yard with his BBQ skills and eggrolls. Thank you for instilling my love for food at a very young age.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbuseatsfirst

Other: TikTok: @melisshong
Business Inquiries: [email protected]

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