food historian, writer & professional host.
Ariel is interested in the ways food and material culture connect, divide, and define us in today's world. She thinks food should be shared, ice cream is for every day, and everyone should have a seat at the table.
Ariel holds an MLA in Gastronomy from Boston University, where she focused her thesis research on value and identity formation in alternative food communities. Since then, she has paired her academic studies with real-life experience in the hospitality and events industries while writing for both academic and popular media. Her work focuses on the intersection of food, gender, identity, and community building through shared meals, with a strong eye toward sustainability.
After a few years spent on the road telling stories of sustainably-minded farmers and food producers while hosting family-style shared meals, she now wanders the streets of Portland Maine drinking lattes and sharing cookies with her dog. Browse through her portfolio for samples of feature writing and brand copywriting, or check out her latest work for Secret Supper, an organization designed to inspire intentional gatherings.
Ariel is available for speaking, event planning & hosting, and contributing writing. She also makes a great dinner guest.