Congratulations to Leith Devine, whose Banh Mi Soft Tacos won the contest for Your Best Mash-Up Recipe!
![Banh Mi Soft Tacos](https://images.food52.com/dYqJvCz-Ou8U43o-BsllKfbfXQk=/fc1036fe-0d3c-4927-bf47-c7ece46027ee--2015-0616_banh-mi-soft-tacos_alpha-smoot_105.jpg)
1. Describe an early food experience that has influenced the way you think about food and/or cooking.
I have always traveled extensively, and when I was younger my mother always took me into grocery stores wherever we were because she said that was the best way to see what local people really ate. I still go to grocery stores whenever I travel, and I have an interesting collection of spices, marinades, etc., that I use in my cooking at home.
2. What's your least favorite kitchen task?
My least favorite task? Doing the dishes and peeling potatoes.
3. Your favorite kitchen tool?
A tie between my KitchenAid mixer, a large oval Le Creuset pot, and my outdoor smoker/oven.
![Leith Devine](https://images.food52.com/p5EqTgCFfdRezxHIsJUNplD4ULY=/f0e108dc-9e6b-4f16-89fb-bf632bbcca88--19122936761_3d28782a98_b.jpg)
4. What is your idea of comfort food?
Chicken in milk (my way, I should post it).
5. What is your greatest kitchen disaster?
Still very chewy (uncooked!) and separated scalloped potatoes at Thanksgiving!
Photos of tacos by Alpha Smoot; photo of Leith Devine provided by herself
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