MAGGIE LEAF IS a HOSPITALITY professional, free-time food writer, and good time haver.
Kansas born & bred. D.C. fed.
To me, the only two things in life that make it worth living are not guitars that tune good and firm feeling women, but rather day drinking on sunny Sunday afternoons and unbuttoning my pants after a meal shared with loved ones. (Sorry, Waylon Jennings.) Bonus points if either of those things include a frozen piña colada.
My journey into food and beverage service began while earning my Bachelors of Arts in political communications from The George Washington University. Since graduating, I've been so relieved that my degree is applicable to more than just Capitol Hill. What started as a part-time barista gig at a small coffee shop near Union Station has blossomed into a passion for all of the creeks and streams in the hospitality watershed.
In my five years as a hospitality professional, I've enjoyed myriad roles in food and beverage, including but not limited to: barista, bartender, server, host, front of house leadership, and social media coordinator.
Creatively, I am drawn to the intersection of food, popular culture, and populist thought, and write about it on my Substack, Cherry Pickin'. I'm eager to develop my voice as a food writer, while playing an active role in service industry culture.
Thanks for being here <3
