VUE

M I L L Y Grace D E L A C R U Z VUE: You're all about discovering hidden gems. What's one surprising thing about the New Jersey food scene that you've come to love? MILLY GRACE: One surprising thing I've come to love about the New Jersey food scene is its incredible diversity. Where else can you grab the freshest seafood at the Shore, snag a perfect bagel with SPK at your local bodega, and sip on an ube iced latte from a Filipino café—all in the same day? Every corner of NJ is home to family-owned gems and local spots serving food with so much heart, you can truly taste the love. VUE: When you're creating content for a restaurant, what's your go-to strategy for capturing the perfect shot or reel? MILLY GRACE: It is all about the lighting + capturing the movement! I always snag a window seat whenever I can for that natural lighting, if there's no window seat available I'll use my selfie light from Amazon. When capturing the food it is all about dimension. Up close shots, cheese pulls, taking big bites, and slow and steady movements! I take tons of footage from all angles and choose my favorites later. My vision is to have someone watch my video and make them feel they're there having a meal with me. VUE: If you could pick one dish that defines your personality, what would it be and why? MILLY GRACE: Oohhh this is SO tough. If I had to pick one dish that defines my personality, it would be bibimbap. It's a Korean rice dish and is vibrant, balanced, and full of different flavors that come together perfectly. Each ingredient brings its own unique purpose, whether it's the crisp veggies, savory protein, or the spicy kick of gochujang. It reminds me of how I juggle all the layers of my life—being a mom, running my business, and embracing my passions—lots of ingredients working together in perfect harmony. Plus, like bibimbap, I thrive when things come together with a little spice and a whole lot of heart! VUE: What's been your most memorable dining experience in New Jersey so far, and how did it inspire you? MILLY GRACE: A few months ago, I was invited to a fall tasting event at Sum Ramen. I've been to many tasting events, but this one stood out the most because the chef was a 17-year-old high school kid, and the workers were his siblings and close friends. ere was something so special about seeing this young chef pour his passion and creativity into every dish, while his family and friends supported his vision with so much love and pride. It reminded me that food is about more than just flavor—it's about connection, community, and the courage to follow your dreams, no matter your age. It inspired me to keep showing up for my own passions, while always rooting for the dreamers around me. It reminded me why I love doing what I do in the first place and made me feel extremely blessed to be able to share these stories online. VUE: As an influencer, you're always inspiring others. What advice would you give to someone looking to turn their passion for food into a career like yours? MILLY GRACE: I think the one thing that stops other people from following their dreams is the fear of failure. ey think it's too late to start now, and that the influencer market is already oversaturated. I started this account about a year and a half ago not knowing where it was going to take me, and here I am today at almost 17k followers! 2025 is your year to start, there is room for everyone to succeed! I do think the key in starting a career in content creation is learning to love what you do and loving the journey. People will follow you because they will feel your heart and passion through the screen. Stay consistent, don't pay attention to the likes/reach! Fall in love with creating content, embrace the journey and hone in on your skills/interests, the followers will come! @ g r aci e tr a vels n j

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