Meet Su-Jit Lin | Food, Travel & Lifestyle Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Su-Jit Lin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Su-Jit, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
That the actual writing part is probably one of the things that takes up the LEAST of a writer’s time! Research, reaching out to contacts, scheduling interviews or on-site visits/press trips, organizing data, planning assignment timelines, following up with sources and editors, and editing post-submission are all time-consuming parts of the job that folks don’t realize eat up the largest chunks of productive hours. And even before that, there’s the pre-production phase of coming up with story pitches, shopping those ideas, refining article concepts and angles. And as with all businesses, admin such as making sure you stay on track for deadlines, billing, and tracking invoices are of the utmost importance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets my food writing apart is the fact that I come from two generations of chefs/restaurateurs and have worked in the industry since I was tall enough to man the soup station at my family restaurant. Having worked front of house, back of house, and in fast food, casual dining, and fine dining gives me a unique perspective and ingrained knowledge of challenges, the significance of small victories, and importance of advocacy.

As for travel, working in that sector for over a dozen years at my corporate day job as an in-house writer has given me a sense of appreciation and an eye for hospitality detail, as well as — again — an understanding of the challenges faced by those in that industry.

It wasn’t easy, though. When I started writing professionally fresh out of college, I was practically begging to write for free. My resume would get rejected offhand based on my very ethnic name; I’ve been asked in preliminary interviews about my fluency in English. (Meanwhile, I was born and raised in the U.S.) There were a lot of false starts and stops, like when I left New Orleans to return to Long Island, New York, where the food scene, culture, and understanding of earned media was behind that of larger cities and business-owners thought I was selling ad space when I wanted an interview for a story. There’s a lot of distrust in the media in smaller suburban areas where mom-and-pops don’t necessarily understand how press works.

But in Atlanta, it’s a collective effort between the media and business-owners to elevate the profile of our growing city. I choose to elevate with my writing rather than publish negative pieces, and provide honest, constructive feedback to those who ask for it. And I think by championing for small businesses and rooting for their success, focusing on spreading the word on those trying hard to do good, it helps to establish trust in storytellers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooh, there’s so much to love in Atlanta that honestly, I can create an exceptional week for any style of vacationer! I’d recommend staying at the Kimpton Shane, and definitely having dinner at Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails — it’s one of the most underrated hotel restaurants in the city. The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead is one of my favorite places to give visitors context to the city, and as busy as the BeltLine is, it’s absolutely an experience. Oakland Cemetery is also one of my favorite places, and I love to wander through this park with a treat and a coffee from Little Tart across the street. Far from morbid, it’s beautiful, peaceful, and absolutely alive with botanicals, which makes it feel celebratory rather than sad. And I live in Marietta, so I often take guests to wander and shop the square after starting the day at Sessions Stand for coffee and pastry.

My absolute favorite bar is Vesper in East Atlanta Village. It’s so posh yet cozy, and the cocktails are exceptional. Palo Santo at night, with the city skyline sparkling in the background, DJ playing, and smoky tequila drinks on deck, is one of the best ways to lose track of time for me. For something unique and less formal, the original Battle and Brew in Sandy Springs is fun for dorm room hangout vibes.

For a high-end, unforgettable meal, I can’t recommend newcomer Ryokou enough, and Lazy Betty never, ever disappoints. Tasting menus at The Alden, Nadair, and Georgia Boy are also way up there. The riverview and ambiance make Canoe one of my favorite mini-escapes. And for seafood, The Optimist is a top pick if you’re not going the sushi route, for which I’d recommend Brush.

For mid-range, Auburn Angel is a notable newcomer, and I adore Kitty Dare, No. 246, the Woodall, Tio Lucho’s, and Storico Fresco. Foundation Social Eatery is well worth the drive to Alpharetta, where my favorite Delbar location is. (Free parking!)

Finally, for casual or affordable options, I can’t get enough of 3+3 Lanzhou Ramen in Kennesaw, Rina in O4W, Varuni Napoli for Naples-style pizza, China Kitchen in the Atlanta Chinatown Food Court, and Fox Bros. BBQ.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In highly competitive fields such as writing, so much of one’s success depends on the support and faith provided by others. It only takes one “yes” or referral to change your life and launch your career, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have a long list of people that have impacted mine … especially in Atlanta. The writing community here is warm and inclusive, and I love that particularly in this city, it’s being built mindfully and intentionally. For instance, when I moved here nearly five years ago, Hannah Selinger introduced me to Lia Picard, who has so kindly invited me and so many others into this city’s creative microcosm. She’s a huge part of why I love Atlanta so much.

Then there are folks like Sucheta Rawal, who referred me before we even met based on having read my work; Mike Jordan, whose wisdom, experience, and recommendations have guided my path; Caroline Eubanks who continues to inspire me; and so many more that offer guidance, opportunities, and generosity I have never experienced in other cities.

And there’s no way I’d have been able to achieve what I have without the public relations professionals I’ve come to know through the years that represent restaurants across Atlanta and beyond. The access they provide is invaluable, and being able to celebrate bylines with them while telling the stories of those making their dreams come true and the world a better place is what makes all the work worth it.

Website: https://www.sujitlin.com

Instagram: @sjlin

Linkedin: /sujitlin