About TastesOf™

Travel Through a Local Lens

The people we love have a remarkable way of shaping how we experience the world.

My family and closest friends have shaped the way I live life. Together, we've always shared a deep curiosity for different cultures, unforgettable meals, meaningful conversations, and the people who make every destination unique. Whether we've traveled together or simply exchanged stories from opposite corners of the world, we've inspired one another to keep exploring, keep learning, and remain curious.

That curiosity has always been a part of who I am. As a chef, I find joy in discovering the stories behind ingredients, traditions, and the people who bring them to life. It taught me that food has a remarkable way of connecting us, no matter where we come from.

After 8 years as a chef, I stepped into a new chapter by joining my mother's company, Rostin Ventures. As I learn the behind-the-scenes of building a business she has led for more than twenty years, she entrusted me with bringing TastesOf™ to life, a purpose-driven vision that reflects the way our family has always experienced the world.

In 2018, our family lost my brother, Cameron. His adventurous spirit and love for discovering new places and connecting with people continue to inspire us every day. As we build TastesOf™, we carry his memory with us, believing he would have found so much joy in the people, places, and stories this journey will uncover.

We believe every destination has a soul. It's found in the people, the food, and the traditions that make a place unforgettable.

That's why we created TastesOf™. A luxury travel and culinary publication for people who believe the most memorable journeys aren't measured by how many places you visit, but by the people you meet, the meals you share, and the stories you bring home.

This is TastesOf™. We are so grateful you're here.

How We Work

Editorial Integrity

TastesOf™ is committed to honest, experience-driven travel journalism. Our recommendations are based on genuine experiences and editorial evaluation. When travel, accommodations, meals, or experiences are provided through a hosted visit or commercial partnership, we clearly disclose those relationships. Editorial opinions remain independent and reflect our authentic assessment.

We Only Review What We've Experienced

We do not write about places we haven't visited. No aggregated scores, no secondhand opinions, no AI-generated summaries. Every word on this site was written by someone who was there.

We Tell the Truth

A great review is honest about what didn't work. We write about the cold soup, the indifferent service, the overpriced wine list — because that's what makes the praise meaningful when it comes.

We Write for Readers, Not Algorithms

Our reviews are long because great places deserve long reviews. We don't optimise for search engines or social media. We write the kind of piece we'd want to read before booking a trip.

Alyssa Ross

Culinary Travel · Fine Dining · Global Cuisine

"The most unforgettable experiences are rarely about extravagance alone. They are about how people feel."

Food, hospitality, atmosphere, and connection have the power to transform ordinary moments into meaningful experiences. Growing up in Texas, food was always connected to gathering and making people feel welcome — from family pasta nights to grilling outdoors together, the most meaningful moments happened around the table.

Travel deepened that understanding: California coastal living introduced farmers markets and intentional wellness rituals; New York and San Francisco reinforced how international communities shape culinary identity; New Orleans revealed soulful hospitality centred around warmth and emotional connection. From Greece and Iceland to Brazil, Colombia, Hawaii, and beyond, one truth became clear — the most unforgettable experiences are rarely about extravagance alone. They are about how people feel.

CoversCulinary Travel, Fine Dining, Global Cuisine

The People Behind TastesOf™

Writers, photographers, artists, and passionate travellers — each bringing their own lens to the destinations and experiences that make the world worth exploring.

On the Road

Photography Contributor

Erik Carlson

Entirely self-taught, Erik photographs for the pure love of it. His lens is always watching how light hits trees, buildings, and people — aware of clouds, their colour and texture, every sunrise and sunset. He sees the world as a collection of stories waiting to be told, and finds beauty in everything big and small.

Covers: Travel Photography, Landscapes

Based: On the Road

Travelling

Arts & Design Contributor

Julia Ross

An artist and experienced traveller, Julia sees the artistic qualities of every destination — from architecture and design to the beautiful presentations of top chefs. With a passion for promoting local businesses, she contributes to TastesOf™ to feature boutique hotels, spas, restaurants, and local destinations through a local lens.

Covers: Design, Architecture, Local Dining

Based: Travelling

Houston, TX

Contributor

Brandi Leblanc

Brandi brings her own perspective and passion to TastesOf™, exploring destinations and sharing the experiences that make travel meaningful. Her contributions reflect the spirit of discovery that sits at the heart of everything we publish.

Covers: Travel & Experiences

Based: Houston, TX

Travelling

Filmmaker & Storyteller

Christelle Auzas

Christelle Auzas is a filmmaker and storyteller with an eye for capturing the beauty, culture, and human connection that make a destination memorable. Through thoughtful visual storytelling, she brings places to life by focusing on the details, people, and experiences that reveal their unique character.

Covers: Film/Photography, Visual Storytelling, Culture