Tina Gohar had been following and contributing to a social media channel devoted to food in New Westminster when her friend suggested she launch a similar venture for the Tri-Cities.
That was last summer when the Gleneagle secondary grad took her friend’s advice and launched Eat Tri-Cities on Facebook, a public site showcasing good eats at local restaurants.
Today, her Facebook group boosts 7,800 members who share their love for grub with photos, provide reviews, announce openings and ask for recommendations from fellow foodies.
Last month, Gohar added an Instagram page and, soon, she plans to have a YouTube channel to take videos of Tri-City eateries and to interview business owners.
“It’s growing really fast,” Gohar said, noting she now has six volunteers to moderate her digital sites.
Gohar, who grew up in Port Coquitlam and moved to New Westminster in January for work, said she pays for the meals herself and currently snaps food images using her iPhone.
Her aim is not to monetize the sites; rather, the goal is to support “as many as restaurants as I can, especially during the pandemic when many business owners are struggling.”
She posts twice per week; however, the sites are also populated daily with members’ suggestions.
For Gohar, who works as a kinesiologist, her focus is more on healthy eating and nutrition.
And what she’s learning about the Tri-Cities is that the area is full of hidden gems. “I grew up in Port Coquitlam and I think, ‘How did I not know about this place?’ They don’t have money to market so it’s word of mouth. My job is to let people know that these places exist.”
As for her favourite finds? Gohar names C Market Coffee (111-100 Schoolhouse St., Coquitlam) and the Beanery Coffeehouse & Eatery (101-2591 Panorama Dr., Coquitlam).
