When I met Eli Knauer who writes Adventures of a Koodie he was nine years old with his goal in life is to be a food writer. In fact, I wrote a piece on him in August, 2010 just as he was starting to blog his restaurant reviews. Since that time Eli has made local, national and international news.
The international attention stemmed from his connection with Ron Matz of WJZ-TV. They both judged the grilled cheese contest at the Mt. Washington Tavern. Matz was impressed on how Eli took the time to taste and comment on the grilled cheese contest entries which precipitated an interview with Eli for the television station. From there interest grew. With over 100,000 hits on his blog and over 200 regular followers, Eli tastes and reviews restaurants letting everyone know if they are kid friendly and how the food tastes from a kid’s perspective.
Eli has been the interviewee but now he is turning the tables and doing the food interviews. Gia Daniella’s four year old son Luca likes to help in their Little Italy kitchen at Café Gia so Eli, chaperoned with his dad, Jason Knauer, came to Café Gia to do a video interview. Luca and Café Gia’s executive chef Gianfranco Fracassetti toured the restaurant’s kitchen and did the interview, Luca a bit shy at first did brighten when it came to making pasta and Gianfranco was very frank in his responses to Eli’s questions.
Eli’s dad, a professional photographer, did a fabulous job of shooting and editing the videoed interview, it gains momentum, so watch it all the way through, it will bring a smile to your face. Don’t hesitate to share it on social media – it would be fun to see this go viral.
I have to admit, I orchestrated this interview when Gia told me her 4 year old like to cook in the kitchen. I thought it would be a fun interview and 11 year old Eli would get to see the back of the restaurant. Eli’s mom, Cheryl said. “Eli was spending serious time putting together his interview questions.” I think Ron Matz of WJZ TV might have some serious competition. What do you think?
The Knauers stayed and enjoyed a meal, a sampling of Café Gia’s new $10 Wednesday at Gia pasta, pizza and risotto night – read all of Eli’s reviews at Adventures of a Koodie.
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