Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/15710
W W W. PA R K E R S L I G H T H O U S E . C O M Freshest S E A F O O D . Amazing V I E W S . 5 6 2 . 4 3 2 . 6 5 0 0 SHORELINE VILLAGE LONG BEACH NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 5 SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES. LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 71 his work as a photographer. Although he has had no formal photography education, his photography is praised, and is part of the appeal of his blog. Gorgeous, colorful photos accompany his posts, illustrating the beauty of the food being featured. For Armendariz, blogging about food is something that comes natural to him, and with his inviting and entertaining prose, coupled with his stunning photography, his blog became more and has given him more than he ever imagined. Aside from his thousands of readers, publications and people such as the New Yorker, LA Weekly and Martha Stewart also have recognized him. MattBites.com was also awarded with the #7 spot in the London Times UK Top Food Blogs list. The blog has provided him with so much exposure that recently a publisher approached him about writing cookbook. Armendariz says he immediately took the offer and next spring he will debut his first cookbook, "Food on a Stick," which he describes as a mixture of "high brow and low brow foods." High brow and low brow is also how Armendariz said he would describe his own culinary tastes. Armendariz who is Mexican-American and originally from Austin, Texas said his family always encouraged eating a variety of foods and eating together. "Food is a big part of who we are," he said. "For us eating was a social and family activity." When he moved to California 15 years ago, he continued his family's traditions, always trying new foods and encouraging eating as a social activity. In fact, although Armendariz has experienced fine dining at its best, he still says he prefers home-cooked meals. "Experiencing someone's food in their home when it's made with love, is an amazing experience," he said. Armendariz has lived in this city for 10 years, and said that when possible, he and his partner like to do their own cooking and take advantage of local markets such as Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, and the city's various farmers' markets. "We have great access to good and fresh food here in Long Beach, and the farmers' markets are great," he said. In regards to the local dining scene, he finds the local fine dining options to be limited, and said that he often has to travel outside of the city to search for fine restaurants. What he does like about the city, though, is the variety of cuisines that one can find. Long Beach, he noted is a diverse city with a variety of people and cultures, and the restaurants reflect that. Ultimately, Armendariz's goal with the blog is to teach others the importance of having a more personal relationship with our food and those who grow it. "We forget that someone had to make [the food], but now we're seeing where it is coming from again with farmers' markets," he said. "They reflect the ancient way of coming together and buying food, which we've gotten so far removed from." To read Matt's blog, visit mattbites.com Photos courtesy of Matt Armendariz. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT : ARTIST CORNER