This picture is the most you’ll be seeing of this week’s Campus Celeb for a while. Junior Taylor Levy has been studying abroad in Copenhagen all semester and is not coming back anytime soon. She is loving the Danish city so much that she decided to extend her trip a bit… for another semester. This adventurous foodie is snapping pics of every delicious thing she eats and posting them on her drool-worthy Instagram account, @taysteebites. While we will miss her bubbly presence on campus, we are excited to see another semester of European food porn! Read on to find out more about Taylor!
Major: Psychology
Minor: Drama
Hometown: New York, NY
On-campus involvement: I joined the rock climbing club last year, but I can’t say I’m exactly “involved.” This past summer, I went to London for a Wash U Shakespeare program. That counts, right?
Why did you choose to go abroad to Copenhagen? Honestly, my choices were pretty limited and Copenhagen seemed like a chill city. I also heard it was the happiest place on Earth and that everyone is beautiful. Both are very true! Also, I did not want to be in a huge, overwhelming city and Copenhagen seemed to be the perfect size. I love that I can be in Europe and still have no problem communicating with people because pretty much everyone speaks fluent English. I, on the other hand, still cannot properly pronounce the name of my street: Fyrbødervej!
What is your favorite part of being abroad that is specific to Copenhagen? There is this thing called “hygge,” which basically translates to bonding and chilling. Because it gets so cold and dark so early, Danes like to invite friends over for cozy hangouts. I love that! It’s nice to know that not everyone considers going out and getting blasted to be the best way to enjoy the night. Copenhagen is also the safest city in the world! This is great because I like being independent and not having to worry about being sketched out if I’m alone at night.
Why did you decide to extend your semester abroad to a full year? Because YOLO. I think studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience, so why not make it a longer one? Yes, I miss home and my friends, but being here is like being in heaven. I have weeklong travel breaks every few weeks, the workload is at like a level 2/10, and not to be a cheese ball, but I have made some incredible friends. So if the people next semester are half as great as the people I’ve met this semester, I’ll be happy to stay.
When did you start your food Instagram account, @taysteebites? What inspired you to create it? I started my food Instagram at the end of the summer. I have always been a foodie and eventually realized that my personal Instagram account was just turning into a foodie one. I figured that not all of my followers wanted to drool over burgers and cake, so I decided to make one for those who did. Plus, I like taking pictures and editing them, and what’s more fun than making something look delicious?! I also knew that I was going abroad and I wanted to get a head start and prepare for my European dining experience.
Which national cuisine has been your favorite thus far? I would have to say Italy. You can buy street pizza that is equivalent to the shmanciest place in NYC! The coffee is also top notch no matter where you buy it, which is not the case with other cities I have been to.
What is your favorite Danish dish? Well it’s not like drop dead drool, but there is a place called Paleo, and they make these awesome burritos. The kicker is that the wrap is made out of egg, which I think is so creative. Now I can eat a burrito without feeling like a guilty load! Definitely a must-try!
Top three places to dine in Copenhagen? Straight up addicted to Joe & The Juice! I always get the club: pressed bread with avocado, chicken, tomato, and pesto sauce! Simple but amazing. Second place is Koefed. It brings farm-to-table to a whole new level. Seriously, wow. To start, I had this puffy cheesy bread that came with samples of different types of caramelized, salty butter. I was hooked from the complimentary bread course until the insane chocolate finale! Third is Noma. I haven’t been yet, but my dad is taking me next week so I have to put it on my list, especially since it’s the #1 restaurant in the world! I hear there are ants in a lot of the dishes, so I’m pumped for that. If you can make bugs taste good, then I’m impressed.
Best thing you’ve eaten abroad? Hands down the chocolate lava cake at L’Avenue in Paris. Melty, heavenly fountain of chocolate deliciousness!
How has being in Copenhagen changed or expanded your view on food? It has taught me that food can be very expensive! First off, your average cup of joe is about 36 kroners, or $6. Taste-wise, everything here is so fresh. If I put a new bag of lettuce in my fridge, it will be funky in a day or two. Preservatives are just not a thing here. Since I don’t eat out for every meal, I cook a lot and have learned that I can be pretty creative with just a few ingredients. Interesting fact: Unlike in the US, fast food here is much more expensive than healthier food, which explains why everyone is in great shape.
How do you think your Instagram will adjust to being back in the states? When I get back, I will be in New York and will certainly be hitting up all my favorite spots that I have missed so much. You can expect a ton of sushi and home-cooked meals. Before I’m back in the US, because of my long winter break abroad, I think I will be stepping up my Instagram to blog status so I’ll be posting my own recipes and reviews online!
Check out two of Taylor’s posts that were featured on @foodintheair, one of Instagram’s hottest foodie accounts: