CHERIMARIE POULOS shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning CHERIMARIE, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Carlsbad Food Tours builds a strong sense of community in Carlsbad by celebrating local culture, supporting small businesses, and connecting people through shared experiences.
First and foremost, the tours highlight locally owned restaurants, tasting rooms, and artisan shops, giving small businesses increased visibility and helping them thrive. By introducing guests to hidden gems and long-time favorites, the tours directly contribute to the local economy and help foster pride in the culinary diversity of Carlsbad Village.
Each tour also weaves in the history, art, and stories of Carlsbad, offering participants a deeper understanding of the city’s roots and evolution. This cultural storytelling transforms a simple food tasting into an experience that builds appreciation for the city’s identity—bridging the gap between past and present.
Carlsbad Food Tours also creates community through personal connections. Tour groups often include both locals and visitors, and the shared experience of walking, tasting, and learning together creates opportunities for conversation, laughter, and friendship. Locals rediscover their own town, while out-of-towners feel like they’ve been welcomed into the community.
The company further extends its community impact through inclusivity efforts, such as participating in Autism Certification programs and offering accessibility accommodations, ensuring that everyone—regardless of background or ability—can feel welcome.
Additionally, Carlsbad Food Tours collaborates with nonprofits and local events, donates gift certificates for fundraisers, and participates in citywide celebrations like Taste of Carlsbad Village. These efforts reinforce its role as not just a tour company, but a community ambassador.
In essence, Carlsbad Food Tours helps build a vibrant, connected community by championing local flavor, fostering human connection, and sharing the stories that make Carlsbad special.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
About Us – Carlsbad Food Tours
Carlsbad Food Tours is a locally owned and operated culinary walking tour company based in the heart of Carlsbad Village in North County San Diego. Founded in 2014 by Cherimarie Poulos, a retired nurse and passionate foodie, our tours blend delicious food tastings with rich storytelling about Carlsbad’s history, culture, and architecture. We offer a unique, three-hour guided experience that highlights locally owned eateries, tasting rooms, and artisan shops, allowing guests to eat like locals while exploring the charm of our coastal community. Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong resident, our tours are designed to connect people through food, celebrate small businesses, and create memorable experiences for all.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Growing up with animals taught me some of the most powerful lessons about who I am and what I’m capable of.
🐾 Responsibility Built My Confidence
Taking care of pets—feeding them, cleaning up after them, and making sure they were safe—gave me a real sense of responsibility. Over time, I realized I was capable of caring for another life. That gave me confidence in my own ability to handle challenges and follow through.
🧠 Empathy Became One of My Strengths
Since animals can’t speak, I had to learn to pay attention to their body language, sounds, and moods. That made me more emotionally aware and taught me how to tune in to others. I’ve come to see empathy not as a weakness, but as one of my greatest strengths.
💪 I Learned to Be Resilient
Sometimes pets get sick, make mistakes, or eventually pass away—and going through those hard moments showed me how to cope, adapt, and keep going. I learned that even when life is painful, I have the strength to face it.
🌿 They Taught Me to Be Present
Animals live in the moment. Being around them reminded me to slow down, enjoy the little things, and not get so caught up in the noise. I found peace in that kind of presence.
💞 Unconditional Love Reflected My Worth
The love I got from my pets was pure and unwavering. Feeling that kind of love helped me see that I was worthy of love just for being myself—not for what I do or achieve, but simply for who I am.
Growing up with animals didn’t just make me love animals—it helped me discover my own strength, compassion, and sense of purpose.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are already enough—just as you are—and one day, you’ll be so proud of how far you’ve come.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is real—but it’s only part of the story. It reflects aspects of who I am, shaped by what feels appropriate, expected, or safe to share. But there’s also a deeper, more personal side that isn’t always visible—a quieter version that holds my full range of thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Both are true. The real power comes when I allow those versions to align more closely, letting my public self reflect more of my authentic self—with honesty, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My life has been one of both service and adventure.
I began by serving in the U.S. Army, which instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, purpose, and resilience. After my time in the military, I dedicated over 30 years to nursing—specializing in heart surgery and caring for veterans. It was a career rooted in compassion, where I had the privilege of helping others heal, often in their most vulnerable moments.
Later in life, I followed my passion for food, community, and storytelling by founding Carlsbad Food Tours, where I’ve been able to connect people through culinary experiences and share the cultural richness of our beautiful coastal town.
But my story isn’t just one of service—it’s also one of exploration. For five incredible seasons, my husband and I lived aboard a 41-foot sailing catamaran in the Bahamas, waking up to turquoise waters and living a life guided by the wind and tides.
I’ve also traveled extensively, soaking in the beauty and history of countries like Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain, France, and Portugal. Each journey has expanded my perspective and deepened my appreciation for people, cultures, and the simple joy of a shared meal.
My life has been guided by curiosity, care, and a desire to make meaningful connections—whether through service, sailing, or savoring the flavors of the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlsbadfoodtours.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Carlsbadfoodtours
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/northcountysandiegofoodtours
- Yelp: https://Yelp.com/biz/carlsbad-food-tours-carlsbad
- Youtube: Carlsbad Food Tours@1635
