Thursday Traveler:Linda Kissam

by Amelia Old
1 comment

I recently became connected to Linda Kissam through the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. I highly respect Linda and thrilled to highlight her as this week’s Thursday Traveler.

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Linda Kissam is the president of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association.  She is a professional food and wine writer based 50% out of Southern California and 50% out of Seattle on a 42’ Grand Banks boat.  

Through her monthly radio guest spots, food & wine pairing articles, recipe & destination couplings, food wine and travel book reviews and story placements in several publications, she reaches thousands of readers/listeners with each article and on-air interview.

Linda specializes in easy, breezy destination stories focusing on what makes each destination special through it culinary, wine, beer and spirit offerings and coordinates an active review council which reviews domestic and international wines.  

Her time spent as a publicist for a well-known wine region, where she worked with many top chefs and winemakers, taught her it’s the story behind the food and the experience of the place that makes the trip memorable. She never knows if a story will end up being based on finding the perfect latte, ordering Pommes Frites with Parsley Butter in a small French bistro, or attending a wine seminar aboard a cruise ship.

She never travels without a notebook, camera and a great pair of Brighton flats. She has an addiction to personable Chefs, unique restaurants and interesting wines. Anyone who knows her will tell you that she loves traveling anywhere, by any means, and is somewhat obsessive about jewelry and a good taco.

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Not only are you a professional travel, food, and wine writer but you are also the President of the International Food Wine and Travel Association. What inspired your interest in this industry? For many years I was the executive director of a California wine region. In part, it was my job to promote the region by bringing in writers and writing “turn-key” press releases.  After ten years and reorganization of family obligations, I decided to switch sides and become the “hosted,” instead of the host.

Out of all of your trips, what was your favorite destination? Jordan

Your least favorite? South Dakota

What is your #1 bucket list destination? Ireland

Who is your greatest travel inspiration? That’s an interesting question.  I will switch that question around just a bit to say who my travel mentor was. Every newbie should have someone who guides and directs them their first year.  That would be the former president of IFWTWA, Maralyn Hill. She taught me how to work in the industry as a professional journalist.  She really fast-tracked me into gaining membership into IFWTWA, working on the board of directors  and understanding how to obtain quality press trips.

I love sharing inspirational quotes with my readers. What quote would you share with someone inspiring and motivating them to not only ‘Be the Change’ but to also see the world? 

I Read.I Travel.I Become.-3

Find Linda on the Web:

http://www.allingoodtaste.info

http://foodwinetravelchix.com

https://www.instagram.com/LindaKissam/

https://twitter.com/LindaKissam

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1 comment

Linda Kissam September 6, 2016 - 1:13 am

Thank you so much! Such an honor to be your Thursday Traveler!

Reply

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