Q&A: Stephanie Smith Debuts “300 Sandwiches: A Multilayered Love Story”
Stephanie Smith
Miami, FL – July 28, 2015 – Miami’s 2nd Time Around along with Style Saves celebrated Stephanie Smith’s delicious new book “300 Sandwiches: A Multilayered Love Story.” With sandwiches curated by Stephanie and created by Prime 112, and rosé provided by Nikki Beach, guests indulged in a fun-filled night filled with recipe swapping and shopping.
Although she’s used to reporting about celebrities and the latest headlines, New York Post reporter and creator of 300Sandwiches.com, Stephanie Smith, has now found herself in the spotlight thanks to her latest book, “300 Sandwiches: A Multilayered Love Story.” One day after making her boyfriend, Eric, a turkey sandwich, he had joked that she was 300 sandwiches away from an engagement ring. Smith undoubtedly accepted the challenge, and soon later launched 300sandwiches.com, a blog about her journey of winning over her man with her kitchen creations. While on sandwich number 257, Smiths boyfriend popped the question. This latest book has sparked quite the conversation about gender roles and her good eats, gaining nation-wide recognition.
World Red Eye was able to catch up with Smith before her book launch where she gave us an inside look into her journey to THE sandwich, as well as her career working as a reporter and what she loves most about Miami.
Stephanie Smith
WRE: Tell us about what you were doing before you wrote “300 Sandwiches”?
SS: I was eating delicious food that my boyfriend Eric was making me every day. As well as writing about music, food, business and fashion for The New York Post’s Page Six column. I’ve also written for Women’s Wear Daily, People, Mediaweek, Money, and Vibe magazines.
For me, it was my journey towards marriage, my journey of learning to cook, and discovering how much power I had to bring happiness into someone’s life by doing the little things.
Stephanie Smith, Reporter and Author of "300 Sandwiches: A Multilayered Love Story"
WRE: Interestingly enough you are not a chef, tell us about the concept behind “300 Sandwiches” and what made you write it?
SS: 300 Sandwiches started as a joke between my boyfriend, Eric and I. He’s an amazing cook. I didn’t cook but I ate, and I ate well because my boyfriend cooked. The only thing he wanted me to make for him were sandwiches. So one day, I made him a turkey and swiss on a Sunday afternoon on a whim. Eric ate it, loved and blurted out, “honey, you’re like 300 sandwiches away from an engagement ring!” I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. But I was also intrigued at what would happen if I made them. How would our relationship evolve? What would I learn about myself as I learned to cook? What adventures would we have through 300 sandwiches? So I got cooking, and started a blog tracking my progress.
WRE: What sandwich are you at now? Did it take until the 300th sandwich for your boyfriend to propose?
SS: Eric popped the question at #257, my “Fish Killer” grilled fish sandwich. Even though he proposed before sandwich #300, I happily made him the other 43 sandwiches before we got married in June.
Stephanie Smith
Stephanie Caro, Jeffrey Rodriguez, & Stephanie Smith
WRE: What was your boyfriends (now husband) favorite sandwich of them all?
SS: He says the lobster roll! I’ve done several versions, the first was for sandwich #8! I like mine light on the mayo, with a touch of Old Bay seasoning.
WRE: Is there anything you learned along the way about your relationship/self while enduring this 300 sandwich process?
SS: Totally. The 300 sandwiches represent a journey. For me, it was my journey towards marriage, my journey of learning to cook, and discovering how much power I had to bring happiness into someone’s life by doing the little things. I did one nice thing for my man–-made him a sandwich. Then I did that one nice thing over and over. The payoff was seeing his daily appreciation for my actions. Everyone has their “300 sandwiches”—it could be massages, or manicures, or workouts—anything done repetitively that makes you or someone else feel good.
Stephanie Smith
WRE: How has your position as a Page Six reporter influenced this book?
SS: Reporting for Page Six involves going out and meet celebrities, covering events, interview CEOs and business heavies. It’s fun, it’s busy, and nonstop. The job is the perfect counterpart to my domesticated personal life, where an ideal night was making food with my man and watching “House Hunters” on HGTV.
WRE: Why did you choose Miami to host your book launch?
SS: Miami is my third home—first New York, then Chicago, my hometown. I come down a few times a year and have tons of friends here. Plus I have some family not too far away. I love checking out Soho House for cocktails, and Prime 112 for dinner. I’m on my way to Yardbird for lunch, which I’ve been meaning to try for months.
Zach Picon
Chad Fabrikant, Stephanie Smith, & Jared Shapiro
Stephanie Smith & Jared Shapiro