Tina Firesheets has been a writer and editor in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina since the late '90s--back before downtowns were cool and shopping malls were a main attraction. She enjoys festivals, summer concerts and al fresco dining. A former journalist, magazine editor, and school communications professional, she currently works in advertising. But what really brings her joy is eating and writing about food. She plans entire trips around where she intends to eat and will stop whatever she's doing--even on deadline--for food conversations.