Nicole Caridad Ralston, is the creator behind @eatenpathnola on Instagram and TikTok, a platform dedicated to celebrating the rich and ever-evolving food culture of New Orleans. Her journey as a food storyteller began shortly after moving to the city in 2012, when she started documenting local restaurants, hidden gems, and culinary traditions through her blog, Off the Eaten Path NOLA. Encouraged by a Xavier University student who discovered her food Tumblr, Nicole launched @eatenpathnola and has been sharing her love of New Orleans food ever since.

Through her content, Nicole helps locals and visitors navigate one of the country's most dynamic food scenes. She believes New Orleans' cuisine is unmatched, shaped by generations of Indigenous, African, Creole, Cajun, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences that continue to define the city's identity today. As a Cuban American, she is especially drawn to New Orleans' role as the northernmost point of the Caribbean and the cultural connections reflected throughout its food traditions.

Whether highlighting beloved neighborhood institutions, introducing emerging chefs, or exploring the stories behind iconic dishes, Nicole's work celebrates the people, history, and culture that make New Orleans a world-class food destination.