Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Zook.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am an educator by day and food blogger by nights and weekends. I have always loved food, both cooking and eating. I love trying new places and new flavors, and more than anything, I love meeting the people behind the food! My Instagram account @zookeatsaustin started as a way to post pictures of food that I like and tried from around the city.
Over time it also became a platform to post homemade dishes, and most recently, my journey in becoming a home pizzaiolo. As time passed, I began to post more and more places that I would frequent and places that I just fell in love with across the city. As a food blogger and somewhat of a critic, I found myself only wanting to post things that I loved and that I could be positive about. In other words, if my experience was bad or if I didn’t love what I was eating, I would rather not post than to write a negative critique.
A few years ago, I connected with a friend, Craig Smyser, and we began to make a web series called Discover Austin EATS. This grew from an existing series Craig was already doing called Discover Austin, but now with a spin on the food scene in and around this foodie-centric city. We have been to lots of dives like Mouton’s and Asia Market, and even some of the fine dining locations around town like Odd Duck. We have stayed true to our mission, we promote places that have great food! After about 20 episodes, we are still going strong and have no plans to slow. Our most recent episode was filmed at Banger’s and should be viewable in November 2021.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
You know, there isn’t really anything challenging about food blogging. I get to go and eat great food and hear the stories of the people behind that food. There are certainly challenges in scheduling episode shoots, but it is really a blessing to experience and share about the food that we love so much in Austin, TX.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the head choir director at Vandegrift High School in the North Austin area. I am in my 11th year in the position and am so blessed to be teaching in what I believe is the best school in the country! Wonderful students, parents, co-workers, administration, and a beautiful facility. I am truly blessed to be there! During the 11 years, I have taught at Vandegrift HS, all the choirs have received highest honors at UIL all 11 years. We have also been fortunate to perform at the state conference TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) Convention in 2016, for the Southwest ACDA (American Choral Director’s Association) Convention in 2016, and the National ACDA in 2019. The Vandegrift HS Choir was the first HS choir to perform at both SWACDA and NACDA in the history of Leander ISD.
I have an undergrad degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University in Austin, Texas.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Never be afraid to ask for help. I have tried to find people that are operating at the top of their game…people that I greatly respect…and then ask them for help. The most successful people are ones that never stop learning and pushing to be better versions of themselves. We do that with help from each other.
Contact Info:
- Email: zookeatsaustin@gmail.com
- Website: www.zookeatsaustin.com
- Instagram: @zookeatsaustin
