A friend texted me this morning:
Hey where do you always find such good restaurant recs? I usually am just [scouring] social media lol but are you subscribed to anything?
Here’s my reply (lightly edited):
That’s very kind of you!
GO WIDE
I source possibilities from:
- Eater
- The Infatuation
- NYT Cooking
- UA eats
FILTER
From there, I remove:
- Anything overpriced (some exceptions)
- Any bad health ratings
DIG DEEPER
Then:
Spend time reading recent reviews on Google Maps. The “best” reviews are often from a few years ago. Chefs/staff have turned over or quality has slipped, so it’s good to know what recent reviews say. I also cross-reference published reviews, interviews with the chefs/owners, & sometimes check out their Instagrams.
TALK TO PEOPLE
But more than anything, it’s just word of mouth—from friends or anybody I talk to.
For example, an old lady did my bloodwork at Quest Diagnostics & I could tell her last name was Polish. When I asked what Polish food she recommended in Greenpoint, she raved about “Restaurant Relax.” Total hole in the wall, but amazing goulash, potato pancakes, and stuffed cabbage.
I also like to hunt for spots that are near something I’m doing. So, I’ll search for the best spots near X museum. And start my hunt that way.
Hunting for great food reminds me of hunting for bargain-priced stocks; I love the process of finding a great restaurant, almost as much as I love eating the food with friends.
P.S. Today I tried Bagel Pub because Sabrina (sister) recommended it. I had an everything bagel with pesto cream cheese—delicious! I have a goal to try a new bagel & slice every 2 weeks.