San Francisco Food Tours: Eat Like a Local with Kara Ricciardi of Stretchy Pants Food Tours

If you love food and travel… this episode is for you.I sit down with Kara Ricciardi, founder of Stretchy Pants Food Tours in San Francisco, to talk about how food tours can completely transform the way you experience a destination. Kara has traveled to over 80 countries (yes, 80!) and is a trained chef, so she brings a unique perspective on how food, culture, and connection all come together when you travel.We talk about how she turned her love of food and travel into a business, and why food tours are one of the best ways to really get to know a place, from meeting local chefs to discovering hidden gems you’d never find on your own.We also get into her San Francisco tours, including:Chinatown dim sum and tea experiencesA North Beach “gourmet ghost tour” (yes, haunted + delicious)Fisherman’s Wharf and Ferry Building food toursCustom tours for groups, team building, and special eventsAnd what I love most about her approach? It’s not scripted. Every tour feels like you’re hanging out with a local friend who just happens to know all the best places to eat.We also talk about why food connects people in such a powerful way, the difference between eating at a place vs. understanding the story behind it, and how these shared experiences create lasting travel memories.If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, or just want to experience your own city in a new way, this episode will definitely inspire you to eat your way through it.👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.Chapters00:00 Kara's Journey from Brooklyn to San Francisco02:56 The Impact of Travel on Food and Culture06:01 Memorable Culinary Experiences Around the World09:07 The Birth of Stretchy Pants Food Tours12:12 Creating Unique Food Tour Experiences15:00 Exploring San Francisco's Culinary Landscape17:55 Diverse Tour Offerings and Customization20:55 Future Plans for Stretchy Pants Food ToursSupport the show