Meet Edible Houston Super Fan - Bella Kafarela
In the past year, chances are you’ve seen fellow Houstonians enjoying libations, dining or shopping with an Edible Houston Loyal to Local passport in hand. One of them is lifelong Houstonian Isabella “Bella” Kafarela. Since she became a Member, she has completely immersed herself in the local food scene, collecting stamps and meeting vendors, chefs and artisans.
“I absolutely love meeting folks behind the scenes,” says Bella. Edible Houston, she says, has served as her director and teacher, and now Bella is eating more consciously.
Come rain, shine, heat or humidity, on most Saturdays you will find Bella shopping and indulging at her favorite farmers market: Urban Harvest. Her first priority is coffee, followed by breakfast at the El Topo Food Truck. It’s her favorite food truck, which she stalks regularly: “Best tacos in the city and the chorizo grilled cheese is to die for,” Bella boldly claims. After filling up on tacos and coffee, Bella then proceeds to make her way through the market for her weekly menu of local meats, produce and treats. As a regular fixture at Urban Harvest, most vendors know Bella and she is greeted with warmth.
Since she became a Member, the way Bella shops and dines has changed. For one, she is far more aware of sourcing and supporting local. “It truly has broadened my horizons on the local scene,” she says. Where before, Bella typically shopped at wholesale clubs and grocery stores, now she does the bulk of her grocery shopping at farmers markets.
“Eating locally has benefitted me greatly, as locally sourced food transfers the heart and soul of local vendors; it truly is captured in the quality of the food,” Bella says. Bella proudly totes her nicely worn passport to get exclusive special offers at local eateries and markets, but she also gains friendships. In addition, she relishes the opportunity to rub shoulders and talk food with talented Houston chefs.
“Some of my favorite memories are from the passport meetups, when we get to meet the chef,” she says.
As Bella recalls meeting the faces behind the food, she realizes there’s a social aspect to being a Member. It’s not about just bonding with fellow Houstonians and food lovers. “A lot of love is invested by the Edible Houston team and community,” she says. “It doesn’t go unnoticed.” Members meet regularly for a variety of occasions, like learning how to make tamales with Arlene Morales, or a beer tasting at Eureka Heights Brewing Company.
This year alone, she joined the table at TRIBUTE, met up with everyone for cocktails and bar bites at Poitin and attended the recent craft beer map event held at Finca Tres Robles, all for a fraction of the regular ticket price. Already, two of the locations where she had her passport stamped have become meeting places. Bella hosts her St. Anne Women’s Guild get-togethers at Vibrant; and Harold’s in the Heights serves as the meeting hub for her monthly book club.
Through her membership, Bella has found hospitality and kindness. She is happy to support these talented chefs, baristas, butchers and vendors in Houston. Bella says she is excited for upcoming Edible Houston events this holiday season and is eagerly awaiting another year of meetups and partnerships in 2020.
