Nestled in the heart of Marin County, California, is Heidi Insalata Krahling’s beloved restaurant Insalata’s. As a Michelin-rated Bib Gourmand, Insalata’s is celebrating its 27th anniversary of serving soulful rustic foods from all parts of the Mediterranean. Food, community, and family are the cornerstones of Heidi’s life, guiding her passion, creativity, and philanthropic initiatives each day. From cooking classes and mentorship to her two cookbooks, Insalatas’s Mediterranean Table and Insalata’s and Marinitas—A Story of Two Restaurants, Heidi has consistently contributed and raised the bar in both her local culinary community and the wider food stage at large. With so much already under her belt, we couldn’t wait to discover what she would do with our list of IFs. Drumroll, please…
IF you could have any actor play you in a movie, who would you want?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus. But she can’t dance in the movie!
IF you could imagine yourself in a different industry, what would it be?
Floral—except for going to the flower mart in the middle of the night!
IF you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
My dad. He was an extraordinary cook and died so young.
IF you could join a musician, dead or alive, on stage to sing along or play an instrument with, who would you choose and why?
Freddy Mercury from Queen and “Don’t Stop Me Now.” I would sing and Freddy would sing backup and play the piano.
IF you had to eat the same thing every day for the rest of your days, what would you eat?
Breakfast would be berries and yogurt and for lunch, I’d have avocado and Thai fish crudo. Dinner would be BBQ pork ribs and salad.
IF you could enhance one aspect of your intelligence, what part would you want to enhance?
Instant recall.
IF you could re-experience an awesome day in your life, what day would you choose and why?
Probably my wedding day. It went so fast. The memory is a blur!
IF you had a superpower, what would you want it to be?
Multiply food for those in need, similar to the parable, Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes.
IF you had $10 million that you had to donate to someone else, who would you choose and why?
ExtraFood. I have been on the board for 10 years. Amazing nonprofit feeding our community.
IF you had to choose now, what would your last meal consist of?
None of this goes together but what the heck, it’s my last meal!
Avocados—any preparation, pasta with wild mushrooms, and freshly made maple bars.
IF you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be present. Take every moment in.
