This post WAS posted by Kelly Soderlund on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on August 10th.
Top Chef alumna and San Francisco resident Melissa King is used to being on the go. The chef has been in the kitchen since she was 6-years-old, holds a bachelor’s in cognitive science, and finished at the top of her class at the Culinary Institute of America. A finalist on the most recent season of Bravo’s Emmy award-winning show, the fan favorite is now teaming up with her friend (and Top Chef Season 12 winner) Mei Lin to bring her Co+Lab pop-up concept to Los Angeles on Aug. 17. A portion of proceeds from the LA event will benefit La Cocina, a Bay Area organization that cultivates the talents of low-income food entrepreneurs, with a special focus on minority women. We asked King to dish on her travel habits, tips, favorite cities to visit, and the products she can’t travel without.
H: So, tell us. What’s in your carry-on?
MK: My carry-on often includes my iPad, headphones, Kiehl’s lip balm, Persol sunglasses, raw almonds and a banana, and an extra small cooler bag to transport snacks like frozen dumplings, local artisan cheese, and salami back home.
H: Carry on bag of choice?
MK: I’m obsessed with J. Crew, and their Abingdon bags are very reliable and stylish. Next on my wish list though is an Ernest Alexander leather weekender bag.
H: How often would you say you travel?
MK: I travel about once a month. It’s often for work, but I like to think it’s for play!
H: First, business class or coach?
MK: I usually just fly coach so I can save my money for food, but I cross my fingers for the day I get upgraded to business or first class!
H: Ok, now that we’re warmed up let’s play a game of favorites. Favorite city to visit for work? Why?
MK: My favorite city to visit for work is Tokyo. It’s a city full of food, culture, and beauty. It’s an inspiring city for any chef to be in.
H: Favorite city for play? Why?
MK: My favorite city to visit for play is New York City. There’s always somewhere to go, somewhere to eat, and people to visit when I’m there.
H: Favorite hotels?
MK: My favorite hotels are any Ritz Carlton hotels, Ace Hotels, and the Peninsula in Hong Kong.
H: Favorite airline? Airport? Airport Terminal?
MK: My favorite airline is Virgin America for domestic travel and Singapore Airlines for international travel. My favorite airport is the Hong Kong Airport—they have the best food!
H: Any travel tips before you take off?
MK: Make sure you wear comfortable clothes before getting on a long flight. I wear sweatpants, a watch like the Invicta sports watch, a hoodie, and slip-on Vans so I can slip through the security line with ease.
