Miranda Lapides has achieved every DC millennial’s most lofty life goal – she knows how to take the perfect Instagram pic, filter it just right, AND top it off with the wittiest of captions. In addition to successfully realizing this dream, she also just (spontaneously!) ventured on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to China, can make a mean butternut squash mac n’cheese, and is on the prowl for dates…at CVS? Get to know her in our GatherDC exclusive interview!
Allie: I hear you recently went on a big adventure to China. What were some of the best memories from that trip? Eat anything particularly crazy?
Miranda: I did! My favorite memory was going on a Yangtze river cruise, that we literally decided to go on minutes before the boat left. It was at night, so you could see lit up bridges and buildings. Some lights even changed patterns… so it was like watching one beautiful, magical light show with colors reflecting on the river.
Another great memory was visiting the Moishe House in Shanghai. It was a great experience getting to meet Jews living in another part of the world and asking them what being Jewish in China was like.
As for food, the craziest thing I ate was pig brain. It was tasteless and mushy, but it sure made a neat photo! I also had pig feet, duck neck, and what I think was intestine. Sorry, not kosher 🙁
Allie: As a – GatherDC proclaimed – Instagram pro, what makes a good post?
Miranda: I’m flattered! I would say perhaps the right lighting or filter, but I don’t know much about photography. My real answer is anything genuine that speaks to you, whether it’s the books on your bookshelf, a meal you cooked, or a quote you like. It’s your personal ‘gram, so post what gets you jazzed, rather than what you think will garner the most likes. Or when in doubt, go with food. Food is always a solid choice.
Allie: What do you find is the best way to meet potential dates in DC?
Miranda: Honestly, the best way to meet potential dates is in unlikely situations when you’re not even trying! I met someone on my morning commute, just because I thought he was cute and told him so. Meanwhile I was on six hours of sleep and in desperate need of coffee, but the moment felt right. I’ve also met someone at CVS when I was buying toothpaste. Moral of the story is you can find that spark in unlikely places if you’re open to it!
Allie: I hear you’re a pretty great chef. What have you cooked that you’re most proud of?
Miranda: Every fall, I make butternut squash mac and cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food: cheesy and full of warm, comforting flavors like nutmeg and thyme. Invite me to your potlucks around this time of year, and I will surely bring it!
Allie: What’s on your bucket list?
Miranda: One thing I’d love to do is to see a performance at the Kennedy Center. I would love that! Also, traveling to India has always been my lifelong dream.
Allie: Complete this sentence: When Jews of DC Gather…
Miranda: Israel and Curb Your Enthusiasm are common topics of conversation. 🙂
