Meet Jamie Bassaline | Food Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Bassaline and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, what are you inspired by?
I started my food Instagram account (@jamie_eatsfood) out of a deep passion for food and the incredible experiences that come with exploring new flavors. Living in New York City at the time, I was surrounded by a vibrant food scene with endless small businesses, hidden gems, and diverse cuisines to try. It felt like a never-ending adventure, and I wanted to share those discoveries with others.

Food has always been more than just sustenance for me—it’s about culture, connection, and creativity. When I moved to Atlanta, I knew I had to continue my culinary journey and share the new flavors I was experiencing. No matter where I lived, food has always been a way for me to connect to the world around me, and my Instagram became the perfect platform to document and share that passion with friends, family, and my followers.

Over the last three years, I’ve navigated a personal change by becoming gluten-free, but that hasn’t diminished my love for food or my desire to explore new dishes. In fact, it only motivated me to post more and share the many gluten-free alternatives that are just as delicious. Through my social platform, I’ve been able to showcase not only my favorite restaurants and products but also bring attention to places and foods that cater to those with dietary restrictions. I love using my account to show that food is for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. It’s all about the joy of discovery and sharing those experiences with fellow food lovers around the world.

Overall, I was inspired by the people, the small businesses, the hard workers and entrepreneurs who wanted to share their products, their food, and their culture with the world!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective on food, especially as someone who is gluten-free. While I share a wide variety of foods and restaurant experiences from around the world, I’m also passionate about highlighting gluten-free options that allow people with dietary restrictions to enjoy amazing meals too. It’s not just about indulging in food but also about creating inclusivity for all food lovers, regardless of their dietary needs. In addition, I’m deeply committed to supporting small businesses and sharing products that I truly love and believe in. Whether it’s a local gluten-free bakery or a new kitchen gadget that I think could make life easier, I love giving small brands a platform. Social media is a great way to build connections with people and brands. I am very fortunate to have an amazing support system.

Building my food Instagram account hasn’t always been easy, especially since I work a full-time corporate job. Balancing both has been a learning curve, but it has also taught me a lot about time management and perseverance. I’ve learned that it’s important to find something you’re passionate about outside of your 9-to-5, something that lets you be creative and gives you energy.

What I want the world to know is that my journey is about more than just food—it’s about creating a community around shared experiences, inclusivity, and supporting businesses that are doing things the right way. I’m proud to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their own passions, no matter how busy life gets.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am very fortunate to have a lot of friends all over the country. Majority of my friends do not live in Georgia so it is always exciting to have them come visit me. We’d start the week by hitting up some of the city’s most popular and cool restaurants. For lunch, we’d grab a bite at Ponce City Market—a trendy spot with food stalls, local shops, and a rooftop bar with great views of the city. After we can walk the beautiful beltline and make some stops along the way. Then we could head to The Battery, where we can eat at one of the amazing restaurants and maybe catch a Braves game if it’s baseball season. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy good food, a fun atmosphere, and the energy of a game day.

The next day, we’d head to Dahlonega to check out some of the beautiful wineries in the area. There are so many stunning vineyards there, where we can relax, sip wine, and take in the mountain views. It’s such a scenic, peaceful escape from the city. As for dinner, I’d take my friend to a local favorite, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, because Atlanta is known for its delicious BBQ, and their smoked meats are legendary. Since I’m a big fan of chicken wings, we’d also have to try a few local spots known for their wings. We’d end the week with a visit to Piedmont Park for a picnic and perhaps catch a live show or concert if there’s something happening. Between amazing food, great drinks, and exploring some hidden gems around the city, we’d definitely have an unforgettable week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have never started my food instagram journey if it wasn’t for my mom, who has been a constant source of inspiration. She used to work in NYC so she knew a lot about the amazing food the city provides. She has always been a passionate foodie, just like me. Growing up, she was the one who sparked my love for exploring different restaurants and trying new cuisines. She always made dining out an adventure and in my childhood was always down to go to the city with me and try different restaurants and food. It was actually her idea to start documenting my food experiences. She encouraged me to share my journey, suggesting that I capture the restaurants I visit and the meals I try—something that eventually grew into my food Instagram account. Her support, both in nurturing my passion for food and pushing me to share it with the world, has played a big role in where I am today. So, this shoutout goes to her for being my biggest cheerleader and for always inspiring me to keep exploring and sharing the love for food.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie_eatsfood/