The People Behind Every Bite
A woman veteran-owned team of locals who spend our days introducing Southwest Florida through its family-owned restaurants, chefs and stories.
Left to Right: Michel Eustache Nur Eustache Kim Morris Liz Valdez Kim Burbacher Tia Cyr
Since 2022
Five years of excellence
Veteran-owned
Founded by a US Navy
veteran
100% local
Family-owned restaurant partners
4 cities
Naples | Bonita | Marco | Fort Myers
Every experience is a curated mix of locally owned restaurants, generous tastings, and the stories behind the chefs, cultures and flavors that make this region special.
Some tours include transportation between stops; others are relaxed walking journeys through Southwest Florida’s charming downtowns. Either way, you’ll leave with happy souls, full bellies, and memories that last long after the final bite.
From the Navy to the heart of Southwest Florida
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Liz Valdez is a US Navy veteran and the founder of Paradise Food Tours and Paradise Experiences. Drawing on more than 20 years in interior design, transportation and customer relations, she built Paradise Food Tours to use food and culture as connectors that strengthen local commerce and community.
“You’ll never go bankrupt over-feeding people.”
Off the clock, you’ll find her reading books, scuba diving, snorkeling or saltwater fishing somewhere tropical with her husband of 22 years, JC, and their children, Elian and Iris. She’s a graduate of Leadership Collier Foundation, class of 2026.
(Liz’s favorite business philosophy, borrowed from a Chipotle CEO, and the reason no one leaves a tour hungry.)
Your Guides to Paradise
MEET THE TEAM
Locals, parents, musicians, and bakers; every one of them happiest at a table full of people.
Community builder, public speaker and mom of 2. Wrote and self-published a children’s book for her daughter.
Fun facts: former foster kid, loves strawberry rhubarb pie
Liz Valdez, Owner
Sports mom of 4 boys, storyteller and avid thrifter. Adores Christmas and Disney.
Tia Cyr, Director of Operations
Mom of three teenage boys, dog mom to Mac, and maker of pies, cheesecakes and a signature sangria.
Go-to: eggs benedict, bread pudding, a good pasta
Kim Burbacher, Guide
Fort Lauderdale native turned Naples local and self-appointed “Chief Event Organizer (a.k.a. CEO of fun).”
Off duty: golf, sunsets and consignment-shop treasure hunts
Kim Morris, Guide
Classically trained Venezuelan musician who may burst into song in Spanish, Italian or English - depending on the tour.
Foodie tip: olive oil on everything, even ice cream
Michel Eustache, Guide
Professional Venezuelan dentist, 3 adult children, major fan of hockey fights.
Nur Eustache, Administrative Assistant
Beyond the Business
Liz is a passionate community builder and advocate for local restaurants and foster kids. Her work extends across multiple community initiatives:
Foodies for Fosters
A charitable initiative connecting food, culture, and social impact.
Support Local Restaurants -Southwest Florida
A thriving Facebook community dedicated to championing independent dining.
Paradise Plate
Food blog amplifying culinary voices and celebrating local restaurants.
Connect with Liz
239-450-0874