Season 3 Episode 4: Alex Reichek, Chekmark Eats
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alex Reichek, the founder of Chekmark Eats. Alex is not only a prominent food content creator but also a PR and marketing expert renowned for her impactful work with restaurants and food brands. Let's dive into her culinary journey and discover her unique insights into the world of food.
The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie
As we began our conversation, Alex shared her profound love for chocolate chip cookies. Known as a self-professed "cookie monster," she is very particular about what makes the ideal cookie. She describes her perfect cookie as one that is made with brown butter for that rich, distinct flavor and features a mix of Valrhona dark and milk chocolate. The final touch? A sprinkle of Maldon sea salt on top. This combination of flavors and textures makes her ultimate chocolate chip cookie stand out.
Alex also shared her adventures in trying various cookies from around the world, including the famous chocolate chip cookie croissant from Paris. She emphasizes the importance of trying original recipes rather than duplicates that attempt to capture the essence of renowned baked goods.
Exploring Bakeries and Cookies in Austin
Having moved from New York to Austin, Alex noticed a significant evolution in the city’s dessert landscape. When she initially moved back to Austin eight years ago, there were limited options for sophisticated bakeries and high-quality chocolate chip cookies. However, the rise of farmers markets, new bakeries, and Instagram-based cookie shops have transformed Austin into a burgeoning dessert haven.
While New York can sometimes be overwhelming with options, Alex values personally trying what each city has to offer. She believes in tasting and appreciating the unique culinary creations that local bakeries bring to the table.
Food Memories and Emotional Connections
For Alex, food isn’t just about taste; it’s about the experience and the memories associated with it. She shared a touching story of a sunrise hike in Bali where she connected with a local guide through food, despite the language barrier. This moment highlights how food can transcend cultural and linguistic differences, creating profound personal connections.
Alex and I also discussed how both food and music serve as universal connectors, capable of evoking deep emotions and memories. Whether it's a dish that reminds you of home or a song that brings back a special moment, these elements have a unique power to connect people across different walks of life.
Austin vs. New York Food Scene
Alex offered fascinating insights into the culinary differences between Austin and New York. While Austin has made tremendous strides in its food scene, it still lacks the diversity and trend-setting nature of larger metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Despite this, Austin is growing, and with that growth comes more variety and opportunities for unique culinary experiences.
Alex pointed out the current trends in Austin, such as omakase, smash burgers, and speakeasy cocktails, which are somewhat behind compared to what’s happening in cities like New York. However, the influx of talent and the city's expanding food landscape give hope for a more diverse and exciting future.
Parisian Culinary Trends and Viral Foods
When asked about the recent viral Olympic village chocolate muffin situation in Paris, Alex shared her experience with another viral sensation: the chocolate chip cookie croissant. Despite being inundated with American versions of the croissant, Alex insisted on trying the original in Paris, affirming her belief in experiencing food in its authentic form.
Alex’s commitment to authenticity is a testament to her approach to food—she values the original creations and believes in trying foods in the context in which they were originally crafted.
The Rise of Chekmark Eats
Chekmark Eats was born out of Alex's passion for exploring and chronicling restaurant experiences. Initially, Alex started blogging while working at a PR firm in New York. Her blog, which began as a hobby, quickly gained traction and recognition, even landing her a spot in a Huffington Post article listing the best food blogs in New York.
Alex's journey from blogging to becoming a PR and marketing expert underscores her deep understanding of both the culinary world and the power of personal branding. Through Chekmark Eats, she continues to share her culinary adventures while helping restaurants and food brands achieve greater visibility.
Building a Community Through Food
Alex’s dual expertise in food blogging and restaurant PR gives her a unique advantage in her professional work. She leverages her personal experience in the culinary scene to create effective marketing strategies for her clients. This dual perspective allows her to deeply understand the needs of both the chefs she works with and the audience they serve.
Her approach to selecting clients is also marked by integrity—if she doesn’t believe in a concept or see its unique value, she’s not afraid to pass on the project. This commitment to authenticity ensures that she can provide her clients with the best possible support while maintaining her own reputation and relationships within the industry.
How to Follow and Support Alex
Alex Reichek’s journey is an inspiring example of how passion, authenticity, and expertise can create a successful and meaningful career. You can follow her culinary adventures and get amazing food recommendations by following her Instagram at @ChekmarkEats or visiting her website Alex Reicheck, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Whether you're looking for the best restaurants in Austin, New York, or beyond, Alex has you covered.
Thank you, Alex, for sharing your story and insights with us. For those who want to dive deeper into the world of food and culinary marketing, Alex Reichek is undoubtedly a name to follow and learn from.
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