Here at Experience Days we got the lucky opportunity to interview; Avital Ungar- Owner of ‘Avital Food Tours’, who specialize in sharing the stories of the people ‘behind the food’ in these unique San Francisco walking food tours. The walking tour features four iconic neighborhoods, including: the Mission District, the Haight Ashbury, North Beach and Union Square.

1) Please tell us a little about the history of ‘Avital Tours’ and how it got started?

I started my company in 2011. At that time, I was hanging out in the San Francisco Mission District, my friends and family lived in the Mission District, and there was so much innovation and creativity exploding in the neighborhood with regards to the San Francisco Culinary Scene. Simultaneously, I was pursuing my sommelier certification, and wanted to tell the stories of the chefs and restaurant owners through a unique culinary experience for locals – and the vibrancy of the Mission food scene was a great starting point. I realized that if I could build an experience for someone who lived in the Mission District to come on my Mission District Food Tour and learn something new – whether it was the story of the murals or 5 different types of oysters or the origin of the Mission-style burrito – then I knew that travelers seeking a local’s perspective would also enjoy it.

2) What is the best part of your Job?

I love that I can go out to eat and drink and call it “research.” My work is my play and my play Is my work – I love it!

3) Do you have any news about ‘Avital Tours’ or exciting information or a story you’d like share with our readers?

So many funny things have happened on tours – but I know guests are always shocked to find out that I drive a three-wheeler Meter Maid vehicle for a car to get around the city! Sometimes, its parked on our tour route, and I always love seeing guests reactions when they find out I’m not joking around. I did actually buy one at auction…

4) What do you think makes ‘Avital Tours’ experiences unique and special for customers?

Our core value as a company are: Breathe Curiosity, Take Responsibility, Embrace Quirky, Create Community and Build AWESOME Experiences – so we’re really focused on the small details of the tour and culinary experience from a local perspective.  Specifically, we build our tours from appetizer to entrée to dessert and throughout the experience guests are surprised and delighted by not only the food and drink, but by the stories, quirky personalities and chefs along the way!

5) What’s your most frequently asked question from customers?

Haha – I don’t know! “How do you stay so thin?” My answer is usually “I eat high quality ingredients – and drink lots of wine!”

Thanks so much to Avital for taking the time to talk to us and giving us an insight into these delicious tours! If you want to find out more information on these tours, then please click on the following links (for which we have quite a variety of).