There are two things Merideth Ray is passionate about: her work in admissions and restaurants ranging from Sotto Sotto to Nuevo Laredo Cantina.

“I really enjoy food,” said the senior assistant director of undergraduate admissions. “So, if I weren’t in my current role, I’d love to be a chef or a food writer living somewhere like  Provence.”

As a matter of fact, Ray enjoys food so much, she started the blog “An Atlantan Eats: Food Finds and Favorites from an Atlantan’s Point of View” (http://anatlantaneats.blogspot.com).

“I’ve lived in Atlanta for most of my life, so people were always asking my advice on where to eat,” Ray said. “I started keeping a list of restaurants with links to their websites, and eventually it just made sense for this to evolve into a blog.”

Recently, The Whistle sat down with her to learn about her experiences at Tech and the best places to grab lunch. Here’s what Ray shared:

What brought you to Tech?
I actually earned my bachelor’s degree from Tech in 2000. After graduation, I headed to the University of Georgia to earn a master’s in student affairs, but in 2003 I returned to campus to work with the FASET Orientation program. I served as assistant director and then as director until 2007 when I began work as a transfer counselor in admissions. I began my current position in August of this year.

Describe a typical day.
I’m very involved in the training and supervision of the students who lead our campus visits, and I handle the West Coast recruiting territory. So, I communicate a lot with prospective and current students. My days are also full of meetings with the other campus units that collaborate with admissions and occasional evening events with students.

What is something that you want Tech’s faculty and staff to know about admissions?
Last year, about 13,000 prospective students came to Tech for one of our daily one-hour information sessions and tours.

What do you enjoy most and least about your job?
I enjoy my continuous interaction with prospective students and our student leaders. My least favorite part of the job is the paperwork. But, my strategy for making it more bearable is to make sure my paperwork has a personal connection. For example, if I have a catering contract to turn in, I’ll visit that office and speak with my contact in person, rather than just send an e-mail or make a phone call.

What is something everyone should do while working at Tech?
Take advantage of the activities we have access to. For example, when President Obama was running for office, I was able to attend his political rally on campus, and I’ve gotten to hear Maya Angelou speak. These are things I probably wouldn’t have done if I didn’t work at Tech.

Where is the best place to eat lunch on and off campus, and what do you order?
The best place on campus is Junior’s, and I get the gyro plate, which isn’t on the menu. (It’s different from the gyro sandwich because it’s a Greek salad with gyro meat.) The best off-campus lunch spot is Toscano and Sons on Marietta Street, because they know how to do a panini right — with fresh Italian cured meats and cheese on authentic bread.

Aside from blogging, what do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy cooking and like to take cooking classes. I really enjoy the Simple Abundance cooking classes that are sponsored by the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Classes are held at Cook’s Warehouse locations and all of the money raised goes to a good cause.