Meet Stephanie Burnette | Food & Travel Writer, Editor, Author in the Southern US

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

Hi Stephanie, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
For several years I lived by the motto: “Come from a place of yes” and it served me well, until it didn’t.

By saying yes, I widened my circles of influence, went to amazing events, produced work in new ways. I found out I was naturally good in new situations and could hold my own with peers more experienced.

Saying yes also meant taking on too much, not sticking with boundaries, tackling projects incompatible with my skillset. Moreover, my work ethic– at times– was abused by those who recognized I was not likely to say no.

I’ve shifted my affirmation to something less elegant: “Don’t waste the pretty.”

For me, it means do the best and the most you’re able with the talent and capabilities you hold right now, without fear.

Don’t waste the pretty is not rash, it is thoughtful decision making without emotional influence. Its aim is experience and growth, regardless of failure.

“Don’t waste the pretty” eviscerates regret.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I help produce lifestyle magazines. I didn’t go to school for it, my first career was in corporate finance in Atlanta after graduating from UGA. As a mom with two young kids, I volunteered my way into writing a newspaper column about food. They never paid me for it. Not once did I ask for a dollar. It was my starting block and you can’t put a price on legitimacy.

2022 has been incredible. I became Editor at Large for atHome magazine, where I plan issue theme and story. It is creative work that feeds my soul, in collaboration with my boss who is in her 70s. She is sharp as a tack and we have moments of sharing a brain. I also write for EATER, something I love; I’m in awe of their huge zealous audience.

The James Beard Foundation asked me to be one of their judges this year; I secretly visited restaurants in five states– from Feb through April– and witnessed how winning a James Beard Award impacts the trajectory of a restaurant… forever.

I’m currently writing a long-form feature about female flower farmers and travel stories about Atlanta and Savannah and Miami.

I just got a book deal with Reedy Press. It’s something I’ve wanted for a very long time. After hustling for 10 years trying to get signed, I gave up; focused on other things. Two years later, Reedy emailed me: we heard you’d be great to write a book for us.

Brand recognition and being known is of zero importance in my world. My gift is that I’m ever curious and my joy is being good at telling stories that aren’t mine.

People are amazed that I figured out how to become a published food and travel writer. Was it hard? Sure. But I was good enough and interested enough to make it. Tenacity only works if you’re in the correct lane and writing/publication is solidly my lane. Louis Pasteur said, “Luck favors the prepared,” and I am aces at being ready.

The lessons along the way were my nuts to crack, my problems to solve, but someone recently said something that really stuck with me, “Your windshield is three feet across and your rear view mirror is six inches. Where are your eyes focused?”
My eyes are pointed at the horizon line and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love to book a room at The Thompson in Buckhead, which gives you access to Tesserae and the incredible views at their rooftop club. Dirty Rascal at the hotel is a stellar restaurant; the handrolled “lasagna” is not to be missed. Also, Lucien Books and Wine is a good place if dining solo, in Buckhead Village, which has stellar shopping.

Saito is a great date night spot for sushi in Downtown Atlanta. The interiors are gorgeous and the restaurant is so well-run. It’s also above Red Phone Booth; their bourbon stock is staggering to me and if you go around midnight the news crews roll through for a drink after the late news.

Lake & Oak BBQ in East Lake/Decatur is delicious and I am a fan of chef Todd Richards. His book “Soul” is a modern classic.

Chef Kevin Gillespie’s Gunshow is a restaurant experience I want again and again, in Glenwood Park. The rotating chefs and dimsum-style cart service all in a hip, casual atmosphere is hard to beat.

If I’m up in Alpharetta, I’m getting caviar deviled eggs at Carson Kitchen. I also recently had a stellar meal with my daughter at Lapeer Seafood. The housemade spaghetti with lobster and peas was killer.

Lastly, I will go anywhere writer Wendell David Brock says to eat. He just retired from the AJC food desk and has amazing recs for international restaurants. Follow him on Instagram.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my professional world, my shout out is to my first three editors.

Wanda Owens taught me how to write for Lifestyle by brutally editing my stories without comment. I learned from her that a quote better say something better than you can.

Pete Martin cares about the word on the page. He would rather a story be right than clever and it’s something I carry with me every day.

Jay Spivey let me write whatever I wanted, even small weird stories and recommended me to others. If you ever have a cheerleader as generous as Jay Spivey, count yourself lucky.

Instagram: @eatdrinkcarolinas

Other: sburnette@communityjournals.com