About Matt

I believe life happens quickly. Be prepared to get the most out of it.

I believe people who cook and feed others are some of the most giving and open people on the planet.

I believe food unites us.

I believe in a person’s personal choice when it comes to food, free of dogma and preaching.

I believe real food has real flavor. You can keep the fake stuff.

I believe sharing a meal with strangers strengthens us all.

For the past 20 years I’ve been immersed in food in one way or another. As a former graphic designer and art director in the food industry I’ve surrounded myself with great food before I began branching out into photography and blogging as a way to expand and share my passion for all things food and drink. High and low, near and far, food and flavor have always been my driving force and the stories that shape how and what we eat have always captivated me.

I began my blog in 2005 as a way to share my personal take on food and those behind-the-scenes moments I experienced in my work. It’s a labor of love that has led to some of life’s most interesting moments all over the world.

Mattbites has been recognized by numerous publications, editors and writers and is one of the charter members of Martha’s Circle, a selection of lifestyle blogs selected by the editors of Martha Stewart Living. In September 2008, I made my favorite cookie recipe with Martha Stewart during her daytime television show devoted to the topic of blogging.

In 2009 I began teaching workshops devoted to food photography as well as speaking on food styling and photography at conferences, schools and colleges. Keep an eye for this space for upcoming dates and if you’re interested in more please email me.

I’m writing a cookbook that will be out in Spring 2011.

I live in Long Beach with my partner Adam Pearson and three dogs.

Press Coverage

  • Martha Stewart
  • The New Yorker
  • Bon Appetit
  • House Beautiful
  • The Times Online
  • Epicurious
  • Serious Eats
  • Everyday Food
  • Eurocheapo
  • Calgary Herald
  • Austin American Statesmen
  • Delish
  • CNET
  • Times Online UK
  • Edible Los Angeles
  • LA Weekly
  • Woman’s World
  • Eater LA

Interviews & Features

Upcoming Speaking Engagements and Workshops

  • BlogHer Food ’09 • September 26, 2009 • San Francisco California
  • Styling and Photo Techniques for Food Writers and Bloggers • November 7 -8, 2009 • Long Beach California
  • Food Blogging Camp•  January 9-16, 2010 • Ixtapa, Mexico
  • Styling and Photo Techniques for Food Writers and Bloggers • March 13-14, 2010 • Long Beach California • Info Here
  • International Association Of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Photo Workshop • April 21, 2010 • Portland, Oregon
  • Styling and Photo Techniques for Food Writers and Bloggers • June 26-27, 2010 • Long Beach California • Info Here

Media

Photography

  • Matt’s photo clients include La Brea Bakery & Nancy Silverton, Pom Wonderful, Time Magazine, Culture Magazine, The Skinny Bitch Cookbook (2010) and many others. Visit www.mattarmendariz.com.

For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit the FAQ section of Mattbites.