We recently had the chance to connect with Laura Matsunaga Ms. and have shared our conversation below.
Laura, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I experienced true joy
was with my boyfriend. It’s hard to name my last joy with him, because every moment we share is pure joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m thrilled to soon begin working with Special Needs students — a new and meaningful chapter that combines patience, compassion, and creativity.
Outside of the classroom, I’m a passionate foodie! For the past three years, I’ve proudly been a Yelp Elite member, exploring all kinds of cuisines and sharing my honest experiences. Yelp has opened so many doors for me — and saved me money — through amazing free events like the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival, Wonderfront Festival, Oktoberfest La Mesa, A Night at the Children’s Museum, and collaborations with popular restaurants such as Shawarma Guys, Shawarma House, and Short Stop Mediterranean Cuisine.
My foodie journey has even gone global — my trademark, GourmandLaura, is now officially internationally protected!
When it comes to favorites, I can never resist the ramen from Menya Ultra, sizzling plates from Sizzling House & Noodles, comforting pho from Phonomenal, and flavorful dishes from Sala Thai, Chin’s Szechwan, and Sura Korean BBQ.
As adventurous as I am with my palate, I’ve also tried some of the craziest foods out there — including blowfish in Japan, a fried cricket, balut, and even a pork placenta gelatin supplement!
Thanks so much for taking the time to get to know me a little better. My foodie adventures are all about discovering culture, creativity, and connection — one delicious bite at a time! 🍜✨
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Learning all about the Japanese internment camps and the tragic genocide that occurred during World War II deeply touches my heart — especially since I’m of Japanese descent, being half Japanese myself.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To slow down, relax, and take deep breaths when it comes to coping with stressful occurrences in my life — for me to live in the present!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
My belief in the afterlife is that there’s so much more beyond the outer realm of this universe. I believe we become spirits with the power to travel anywhere, and it becomes our duty to protect our loved ones who are still alive on Earth.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I am a positive and energetic individual who embraces life fully. As a passionate foodie, I enjoy exploring new experiences, and I am committed to helping others with a compassionate and generous heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gourmandlaura?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmatsunaga?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/y0ZQUs03tw
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gourmandlaura?si=QyweF2Ws0xTqNm80
