Foodle

Tucked away on Johns Bridge Road in #JohnsCreek, @alzeinshawarma has been a go-to for years when it comes to bold Middle Eastern flavors. Their take on broasted chicken—a crispy classic with roots tracing back to Muslim communities in New York in the 1960s—makes this spot a must-try. Alongside #KarachiBroast, it’s one of the area’s top choices for this style of chicken.

Of course, Al Zein isn’t just about the chicken. Their shawarma brings an authentic Arabic touch, and even their cole slaw hits different. Add in their social media buzz (yes, the famous “Ashley” video), and it’s clear why this restaurant has earned loyal fans. Johns Creek is carving out a quiet reputation for hidden food gems, with Al Zein standing tall among the best.

#AtlantaFood #MediterraneanEats #AtlantaRestaurants #SyrianCuisine #BroastedChicken #ShawarmaLovers #FoodieATL #EatLocalATL #HiddenGemEats #JohnsCreekEats Less

Southern barbecue bragging rights are official! 🐖🔥 Southern Living just crowned @citylimitsq the best BBQ spot in the South. A few days before the list dropped, I was in line for over an hour in West Columbia—and yes, every minute was worth it.

This isn’t hype… chopped pork with those crispy skins, rice & hash (a #SCBBQ must), and hoppin’ John keep me coming back. I’ve stood in line for nearly two hours here before, and I’d do it again tomorrow.

I’ve been to quite of few of the joints made the cut, but I’ll say it—leaving out Owens & Hull is a miss. Big, big oversight! Still, no complaints with City Limits sitting on top.

#SouthernLiving #CityLimitsBBQ #WestColumbia #ColumbiaSC #SodaCityEats #SCBBQ #SouthernBBQ #BBQLovers #BBQTrail #FoodieTravel #BestBBQ Less

Thanks to @luke.fortney of @nytcooking for recommending these noodles! I ran over to College Point, Queens when I saw them.

My friend @dandanzou66 said they’re just like the ones her mom makes back in Chengdu. She was super excited that the owners are from her parents’ village. It was so fun to watch them speak in their dialect together.

@littlepeppernyc folks, check it out!

#nycchinesefood #sichuanfood #sichuannoodles #queensfoodie Less

Wanted to share some personal photos from my Top 50 Restaurants of Long Island search this year … 2025 is the third year I’ve worked on this list, and like usual I ate at dozens of contenders throughout the year. The photos you see here are places that ended up making the list after serious discussion with @mariesworldeats , @erica_marcus and @melireports. They were the obvious choices we didn’t have to fight about, lol.

My biggest goal this time was to diversify the list to include a wider selection of Central, South American and Caribbean cuisines. Because I definitely think this is one of New York’s greatest culinary strengths. Happy to get some Cuban, Dominican and Jamaican food on there!

Thank you to all the photographers, editors, designers and writers who worked on this project!

Check out the full list at the link in my bio.

📸: Jamaican fried chicken sandwich on Coco bread at @thebayviewkitchen

Arroz con Pollo at @rinconcriollo76

Head-on shrimp 🦐 at @anna.pizza.wine

Lebanese molokhia stew at Beit Zaytoon

dumplings at @jia_dimsum Less

Just wanted to immortalize my visit to the iconic @modernsnackbar with these photos. I stopped by while working on a separate piece about new breweries, because my belly was buzzing and I needed a bite to eat. What an awesome place!

It may have been the IPA talking, but this local duck plate was so satisfying. Like Thanksgiving levels of happiness, and those mashed turnips?! Less starch than potatoes but so much more flavor. Although next time I will be ordering that prime rib, which the guy next to me got while he was taking his mom out for lunch. Top Long Island experience, get out to the North Fork right now, it’s so lovely.

#historicrestaurants #northforkli #longislandny #lieats Less

Enjoyed the most wonderful aguachile, prepared with local fluke at @northforkoysters in Greenport last Friday.

I was dumbfounded that the fish was bright purple, but the bartender explained it’s simply dyed in cabbage juices. The mango sauce added a fruity note to the affair. I know where I’ll be dining in Greenport from now on. Gorgeous!

#northforkfood #greenport #longislandfood #lieats #aguachile Less