Chloe-Rose Crabtree is a chef, journalist and co-founder of the food research project Sourced. Originally from Los Angeles, she took a pause from cheffing to research the relationship between 19th Century lifestyle media, nationalism and motherhood for her MA in history and literature from Columbia University. After completing her degree she moved to Paris where she was history editor for Culture Trip before returning back to her kitchen roots. Chloe currently chefs and bakes at Bake Street in Stoke Newington and has co-founded Sourced, a public research project that looks at the cultural, political and commercial relationships we have to food and drink.
What does a journey mean to you?
A journey for me is about being present in the moment. One of the best things I have changed about the way I travel is to avoid looking at “10 best” or “must-see” lists when finding places to go. I usually have a couple of things I really want to do or see, but sometimes the best place to eat is the shop right in front of you when you’re hungry or the best park is the one you’re already sitting in. There’s a lot of pressure about traveling the right way and seeing all the things but I find so much more joy in travel when I keep things unplanned and bask in the freedom of having nowhere to be.
Which country or location most inspires you?
This is totally biased because I am from there but LA for sure. Angelenos have been told for so long that our city has no culture that we’re determined to define what that culture is for ourselves and we always want to show people what LA means to us. It’s an incredible city to visit if you have someone to show you around.
Where would you go back to and why?
Berlin! Both times I’ve gone to the city it was in February so while gorgeous and fun it was also freezing. I’d love to spend a summer week going to art museums, drinking in biergartens and walking through the city without having to wear a bajillion layers. I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to cold weather.
Top insider tip for London?
London is so much more than Central London! Lower rents outside of the city centre mean more interesting food and drink spaces and independent shops! This applies for most cities really. If there is good public transit it is worth it to stay a little less central to save a little money and get a better sense of what the city offers to the people that live there.
