Today, Saldantion features an interview with gourmand and bat photo expert Kristin Hay. You may have come across her work in one of several Middle school textbooks or at a festive dinner table in Austin, Texas. In High school, she used to drive her VW Bug at break neck speeds through the stop sign at 45th and Shoal Creek Blvd. Within the last year, she and her husband Paul have relocated to Tampa, Florida where she continues to rock and roll two to three nights a week and part of every other Sunday. Saldanation is convinced that Kristin could totally kick Lynne Rossetto Kasper's ass in no holds barred cage match.
1. You have lots of salt in your kitchen, or at least you did at one point. What's the big deal with salt?
It is not a "deal"[Saldanation]. It is a love affair. We fell in love in Paris. I ordered a rare steak and it was served with a simple sprinkling of Fleur de Sel. It was amazing and I was in love! But, to truly understand my love of salt, we need to start with my love of bowls. I'm kind of obsessed and my mother fueled this obsession by giving me three small salt bowls. So now I have three bowls to fill: Fleur de Sel (for finishing), Kosher (for cooking), and Sea Salt (for snacks).
2. Your husband Paul eats lots of candy, like a whole lot. Has it made you like candy more or less?
Sometimes I feel like he loves candy more than me. I am jealous of candy. Candy is the enemy.
3. You've looked at lots of photographs in your day. Will you describe one that you wish you'd taken?
Hmm, there are so many. I'll tell you the type of image I like the best--black and white and emotionally charged. I recommend checking out the photo essays found at bostonglobe.com
4. What's your least favorite thing about Florida?
The fact that my friends and family are in Austin, Texas. My favorite thing, is my neighbor, Gary. He is so Tampa and endlessly entertaining. Really, we could dedicate a whole blog to him. The latest Gary entertainment was the other night when he knocked on the door. He came by to ask if we could bring in his mail for a week as he and his girlfriend were going on a cruise. He handed me a to-go container of hot food and says "in thanks, I brought you a hot plate of spaghetti." He then explains, that he hordes coupons for this spaghetti and had delivered a "hot plate of spaghetti" to his mother as well as his girlfriend's mother. "It's just $2.99 with the coupon."
5. If you where a Ninja what would be your weapon of choice?
A double-edged sword because I'm a Double Entendre Ninja.