Season 3 Episode 3: Misha Simon, TisRareWeGetOut
In this episode, I’m excited to take you behind the scenes of my latest Sprung On Food interview with Misha Simon, the culinary mind behind TisRareWeGetOut and Misha's Kitchen.
The Calming Art of Cooking
When I first sat down with Misha, one of the most surprising and delightful revelations was his love for the simple act of chopping an onion. He shared, "Being in a quiet kitchen and just chopping an onion is literally one of my favorite things." It’s not just about the task itself; it's the calm, rhythmic process that brings him peace.
From Pandemic Pivot to Food Content Creation
Misha’s journey into food content creation is intriguing. During the pandemic, he started posting his food content on TikTok, which rapidly gained traction. As his following grew, he transformed his online presence into a business, all while working as a general manager in the restaurant industry in the D.C. Metro area. It’s incredible how he turned a challenging time into an opportunity to thrive.
Signature Dishes with Cultural Roots
When I asked Misha about his signature dishes, he lit up talking about tahdig, a Persian crispy rice dish. It’s a family favorite that he’s been perfecting over the years. Misha explained, “My dad was born in Tehran, Iran, and he's Armenian. Growing up, tahdig was a staple in our home, and I’ve worked hard to get it just right.” The detailed process he described—from rinsing the rice to creating a saffron extract—showed just how much care and tradition goes into making this dish.
Navigating Social Media Interactions
Misha also shared his experiences with social media feedback. Initially, critical comments were tough to handle, but over time, he’s learned to manage them with humor and grace. He recounted a particular instance involving pre-grated Parmesan cheese, where he jokingly responded to a comment about using "fake" cheese with, “Oh, because I only like fake cheese.” His approach shows resilience and a sense of humor in the face of online scrutiny.
The Role of AI in Content Creation
A fascinating part of our conversation touched on the future of AI in content creation. Misha’s brother advised him to adapt to AI technologies to stay competitive, which sparked a thought-provoking discussion about the potential for AI-generated content. It’s a reminder of how fast our world is changing and the importance of staying ahead of the curve.
Balancing a Full-Time Job and Content Creation
Balancing content creation with a full-time job is no easy feat, and Misha detailed how he manages his time. He plans meticulously, especially around the natural lighting in his kitchen, to ensure his videos come out just right. The dedication he puts into his work—from shopping for ingredients to filming and editing—is truly admirable.
If you’re as inspired by Misha’s story as I am, you can follow him on social media. On Instagram, he’s @TisRareWeGetOut, and on TikTok, he’s @Misha's_Kitchen. He’s also working on some exciting projects, including a saffron salt and a cookbook. Stay tuned for more delicious updates!
You can watch each episode, in its video version, on YouTube here.
Follow on Instagram for some behind the scenes and short form content here.
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