Celebrating The Women of Edible Excursions
Since Day 1, women have been at the heart of Edible Excursions. This International Women's Day, we’re highlighting the culinary queens bringing you the best of the Bay Area’s food scene by asking them more about what they know best—their love for food!
What’s the story behind Edible Excursions?
“After managing Northwest advertising sales at Gourmet Magazine (RIP) for almost a decade, my desire to merge a passion for ingredients, farmers, chefs and artisans with my career piqued. Thankfully, the GM of the Four Seasons Hotel provided me with the opportunity to develop an SF culinary experience for their guests, coinciding perfectly with the opening of the Ferry Building Marketplace. That’s when Edible Excursions was born.” -Lisa Rogovin, Founder & CEO
Why did you join Edible Excursions?
“Initially as a way to supplement my personal chef income but quickly realized I was made for this job! Being surrounded by fabulous food people and talking endlessly about food—that's pretty much my dream job!”
-Rebecca Sibrack, Tour Guide
“To share my knowledge of the local food scene with visitors, highlighting local flavors and ingredients.”
-Katie Dyos, Tour Guide
Where did your love for food come from?
“My grandmother was a wonderful cook, as was my mother. And, I really do love to eat... Carbs and sweets mostly!” -Amy Skepner, Operations Manager
“From growing up in San Francisco. When I was a kid, my parents would take us out to dinner to a different restaurant in a different neighborhood each week. Italian in North Beach. Chinese in Chinatown. Japanese in Japantown. Mexican in the Outer Richmond and French in the Inner Richmond. I loved every bite and I started to cook to try and learn how to make those dishes at home.” -Tori Ritchie, Tour Guide
How can we become more adventurous eaters?
Lisa’s tip: “Challenge yourself to try new things, which really isn’t much of a challenge if you live in the Bay Area.”
Rebecca’s tip: “Step out of your comfort zone—our tours can be a great start!”
Amy’s tips: “Explore with others, travel, and embrace local diversity.”
Tori’s tip: “Try a new restaurant in your neighborhood that you don’t usually go to.”
Katie’s tip: "Don’t shy away from food trucks or pop-ups!"
Favorite and/or underrated food spots in the Bay Area?
Lisa’s top pick: "In my opinion, the prepared food counter inside Super Mira Market in Japantown has the most underrated food in the city. Pro tip: learn how to ask Mr. Suzuki, in Japanese, for extra sauce to go with his Japanese Fried Chicken."
Rebecca’s top pick: “Joodooboo, a Korean deli in Oakland, is a hidden gem."
Amy’s top picks: “For my favorite indulgences (carbs and sweets!), the sourdough round at La Farine in Oakland and the ice cream at Mitchell's in San Francisco. I'll also drive a long way for Picante's tacos and pico de gallo and chips in Berkeley.”
Tori’s top picks: “I can’t get enough of the margaritas at Tommy’s Mexican, the Burmese food at Mandalay, the great produce at Clement St. Farmers Market, and the See's candy store on Ninth Avenue.”
Katie’s top pick: “I live in the outer Richmond district and enjoy my neighborhood spots, especially Pizzetta 211.”
Want to meet these amazing women IRL? Book a tour to see (and taste!) for yourself why they love our local food scene so much.