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 • Brand New  • Our Exclusive Interview With Thalia Khreino
Thalia Khreino

Our Exclusive Interview With Thalia Khreino

What inspired you to become a lifestyle curator?

I grew up in a family where traveling, eating, and soaking in the world was something we did regularly. Food is what always brings us together, and having the privilege to travel to the most amazing places around the world was how I fell in love with travel, hotels, food and essentially exploring everything that this beautiful world has to offer. I simply wanted to indulge in life…fully!

Among my friends I was always the one planning our trips, booking our restaurants, and always finding the coolest thing to do in whichever city we were in. I had a private Instagram account where I would post my travels, new finds, and generally a day in my life only visible to those close to me. Eventually, everyone began asking me for recommendations on where to go, what to try and my opinion on them. After getting positive feedback on my recs, I decided to share them with the public as sharing is caring. Although it took me a long time to start my page and begin this journey, I’ve been gathering content for years and I am so glad I finally put myself out there. It has paid off.

Join me on my journey to eating life up Thalia Khreino on Instagram. 

What do you enjoy most about your personal blog?

Thalia Khreino

I enjoy hunting for places to try, speaking to chefs, and learning about their stories, and what led them to where they are. I love hearing the parts that make something whole. I enjoy what goes into every post I do, as it’s genuinely from the heart. The pictures are the easiest part for me – The challenging part is honoring the experience, the people, and all the little things that make a place special. When I choose to share something, it is almost like writing a love letter to the places/ and people I have met on my journey. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

This is a cliché but “believe in yourself when no one else will”. Although I have a very strong support system (thank you), I believe in myself because I am the only one who truly knows what I am capable of and what I bring to the table. Also just shoot your shot, if you fail, at least you’ve tried.

What trends have you seen in the lifestyle industry lately?

I’m not one to keep up with trends, I just do me. I like to stay authentic with myself as everything I share is intentional.

What’s your favorite cuisine and why?

Thalia Khreino

Japanese, but to be specific sushi and to be extra specific I love an Omakase experience. My family call me Thalia Omakase Khreino. Sushi and I have a love affair like no other. Offer it to me for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and just know you have secured a special place in my heart. I love a meal that is dominated by raw fish, served either alone or on pieces of glossy, warm sushi rice that has been prepared to perfection. My love for sushi started at a young age, I have a big family and if there is one thing that binds us all together is our love for it. Shout out to Nobu Old Park Lane, the memories we have there are unbeatable.

Name 3 of your most important qualities as a lifestyle curator.

Being authentic, having the courage and an open mind.

What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned while being a lifestyle and restaurant blogger?

That there is a story behind everything. Don’t take people’s journeys for granted, when you have the chance to know the person in front of you it automatically elevates an experience, as it is no longer just a meal but a moment. I also believe that kindness takes you a long way, being kind can make or break an experience, and it costs nothing to do so. BE KIND!

What do you think are the most important skills that a lifestyle curator should possess?

The most important skills are those that are inside you. Passion, charisma, generosity, and most importantly curiosity. Having a curious mind is the key to having people open to you and how you essentially form a relationship with whatever is in front of you. Generosity is also as important, at first, I was hesitant to share the things and places I kept closest to my heart, but when I looked at it through a different lens, I realized that the things I love the most are the ones I want to see flourish. That is when I no longer chose to gatekeep but to share instead. Sharing has become my love language, to both the places I’ve been and to my friends and following.

What do you think sets you apart from other lifestyle curators?

I am not doing it for money, fame, followers, or clout, nor to receive a free meal or stay, I am simply doing it for the love of it. I am not going to lie and say those things are not benefits, but they won’t change the fact that I do things my way.

How do you stay creative and motivated in your line of work?

Thalia Khreino

Whether it’s a friend/follower trying one of my recs, a chef thanking me for my review/ words, or even just bumping into someone that tells me they love my page and read my captions no matter how long they are… it simply just about being recognized through a personal connection that motivates me. It’s not about the numbers or stats on my page, but about a feeling I’ve evoked in someone. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me, acknowledged me, and motivated me. All the messages I get from you daily are what drives me forward and brings me closer to what I love. I appreciate all of you <3.

What do you think is the key to creating an enjoyable lifestyle?

Knowing that there is no one size fits all method. Everyone seeks pleasure differently, so it is crucial to interact and speak to your clients/audience to learn more about their desires, needs, likes, and dislikes. Only then, are you able to tailor and personalize these differences for them when curating their enjoyable lifestyle?

How do you stay up to date with the latest lifestyle trends?

I don’t, I am not trying to fit into what is going on, I just enjoy what it is that I like. If a new restaurant has opened and it’s going viral on my TikTok, and after attending the opening it hasn’t met my expectations, I won’t sacrifice my time and effort to post it just so people can see I attended the opening, I don’t jump on any trend unless I vouch for it.  I always try to be as raw and authentic to myself as possible.

What’s the most creative dish you’ve ever tried?

I guess the most creative dish I’ve ever tried would have to be the dish that I “created”. During my time living in Washington D.C., I lived across the street from Nobu, and over time I built a lovely friendship with the head server Zoe. We eventually created a roll that was off the menu and called it “The Thalia”.  It has been my go-to order at every Nobu worldwide ever since.

“The Thalia” is an inside-out spicy salmon cut roll with soy paper, instead of seaweed and tempura flakes inside. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

What’s the most interesting foodie experience you’ve ever had?

Thalia Khreino

Every meal is interesting when you are a foodie, as you get to experience the story, effort, creativity, knowledge, time, and love that is put into each dining experience or dish in front of you. However, one of the more unique experiences I’ve been to is the Tuna Fight club in London, hosted at the Notting Hill fish shop. “It arrives in a polystyrene icebox the size of a coffin: a 160kg bluefin tuna”, which according to Chris D’Sylva owner of the Notting Hill fish shop “costs the same as a mini”. The night begins with several dozen Londoners gathered outside watching the tuna be offloaded off a truck and carefully positioned on a tuna autopsy table, ready for the fight to begin between the expert samurais and a bluefin tuna.

Once the clacking and cracking of bones are done and the tuna has been defeated everyone is invited to pick up a spoon and dig in, scooping out pieces of tuna straight off the carcass as the chefs prepare the Omakase tasting. More about this on my Instagram.

What kind of advice do you have for aspiring lifestyle and restaurant bloggers?

Be yourself. That is the only thing that will set you apart from the person next to you.

P.S. I love to connect with people, get to know them, and ultimately curate trips, guides, recommendations, and even what to order at a restaurant, so please reach out to me for any help! I also want to shout out to my twin flame, the person that’s always hungry with me and down to try new things, thank you for being you. I am so glad we get to savor moments, people, places, and food together. There’s no one I’d rather do life with. I love you, Tam.