A New York native who moved to attend the University of Tampa and never left, Melissa Santell initially romanticized becoming a food critic while writing restaurant reviews for the school paper. After working as the Marketing Director for a luxury catering company in Manhattan, she witnessed the powerful blend of food and photography. This revelation led her to pursue food photography as a career, eventually founding FoodxFeels in Tampa.
ABOUT ME
As an Italian American, cooking with the people I love most has always been at the forefront of my life. In some ways, I think I’ve always known I would have a career that highlights food.
I love being a food photographer because I have the opportunity to help restaurants and food brands share their passion with the world.
Food photography is more than just taking pretty Instagram pictures – it’s an art form with its own process. Something that people don’t see is how much time photographers spend coordinating meetings, planning shot lists, prepping equipment leading up to the shoot and editing galleries after shoot day.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Tori Bar has officially been added to the rotation of restaurants I frequent for happy hour, late-night bites and everything in between. Aside from having an eclectic selection of small plates and hand rolls, the atmosphere is lively.
Cacciatore and Sons on Armenia Avenue is an effortless “yes” for a quick lunch. My go-to order is their House Giardiniera (this insanely bountiful olive salad with pickled cauliflower, carrots, pepperoncini and celery – swoon!), a deviled crab and if I’m wildly hungry, I’ll order one of their daily hot food specials, which never disappoint.
Cellar Masters, hands down, is what I think about when anyone breathes the word “wine” in my direction. To know it is to love it, and whether you’re a master sommelier or the occasional rosé drinker, it’s an experience you’re going to remember.
I have a slight obsession with Pete’s Bagels, despite having a small gluten intolerance (like the rest of the world). As a native New Yorker, I’m constantly on the hunt for a worthy bagel, and their everything bagel passes the test. If I’m in the mood for a full-service breakfast experience, Pinky’s Eggs Benedict always hits the spot. For a quick sweet bite, Sucré Table’s croissant muffin of the moment is a MUST.
The Saturday St. Pete Farmer’s Market brings me an immense sense of joy that I otherwise would miss. Traipsing through floating stands filled with miniature succulents, microgreens, locally grown produce, diverse food offerings and hand-crafted goodies just feels right.
If I’m stepping out for cocktails, Hotel Bar, Bunny’s, Pali House’s bar (their dirty martini with bleu cheese olives is next level) and Alter Ego are forever headliners in the “where should we go tonight?” conversation.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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