Ep 28 - Thick Eats: Ethical Food Blogging - What makes a REAL Food Critic on Instagram?
Explicit content warning
03/14/25 • 43 min
The true value of restaurant reviews comes from those who understand both sides of the dining experience. Local food blogger and influencer, Anthony from Thick Eats, joins Chef Tony and KC to discuss how his family's 37-year Lebanese restaurant business shaped his approach to food content creation for Instagram and beyond.
Starting Thick Eats during the pandemic, Anthony set out with a clear purpose: to spotlight restaurants deserving attention rather than chasing trends. "I was seeing restaurants that I personally enjoyed struggling," he explains, describing his motivation to create content that genuinely helps businesses. This perspective stands in stark contrast to many modern food influencers who prioritize aesthetics over substance with ZERO experience in a restaurant.
We get into the evolution of food criticism from the brutal newspaper critics of decades past to today's social media landscape where anyone can post reviews without accountability. Anthony positions himself in this ecosystem as what the hosts dub an "ethical blogger" – someone committed to honesty, fairness, and transparency. His process involves personally vetting restaurants before featuring them, initially paying for his own meals, and refusing to promote establishments he doesn't genuinely enjoy.
What makes Anthony's content amazing is his understanding of restaurant operations. Growing up in his family's Mediterranean restaurant, Azar's Mediterranean Specialties, he learned firsthand about ingredient quality, cultural dining traditions, and service styles. This knowledge allows him to educate his audience about different dining experiences – like explaining why fine dining establishments pace their service differently than casual eateries.
Though social media growth presents challenges in today's saturated market, Anthony remains committed to quality over quantity. His measure of success isn't follower count but seeing people tag restaurants he's promoted during their special occasions – proof that his recommendations create meaningful dining experiences.
How do you separate authentic food content from clout-chasing in your social feeds? Follow Thick Eats to discover restaurants worth visiting from someone who understands food from both sides of the kitchen door.
Connect with Anthony and support his amazing work here:
https://www.instagram.com/thickeats/
https://www.youtube.com/@thickeatsva
https://www.tiktok.com/@thickeats?_t=8eGneCz2WvS&_r=1
Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective
VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support
CONTACT US:
www.burnthandsperspective.com
[email protected]
IG @Theburnthandsperspective
Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com
For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
*The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!
The true value of restaurant reviews comes from those who understand both sides of the dining experience. Local food blogger and influencer, Anthony from Thick Eats, joins Chef Tony and KC to discuss how his family's 37-year Lebanese restaurant business shaped his approach to food content creation for Instagram and beyond.
Starting Thick Eats during the pandemic, Anthony set out with a clear purpose: to spotlight restaurants deserving attention rather than chasing trends. "I was seeing restaurants that I personally enjoyed struggling," he explains, describing his motivation to create content that genuinely helps businesses. This perspective stands in stark contrast to many modern food influencers who prioritize aesthetics over substance with ZERO experience in a restaurant.
We get into the evolution of food criticism from the brutal newspaper critics of decades past to today's social media landscape where anyone can post reviews without accountability. Anthony positions himself in this ecosystem as what the hosts dub an "ethical blogger" – someone committed to honesty, fairness, and transparency. His process involves personally vetting restaurants before featuring them, initially paying for his own meals, and refusing to promote establishments he doesn't genuinely enjoy.
What makes Anthony's content amazing is his understanding of restaurant operations. Growing up in his family's Mediterranean restaurant, Azar's Mediterranean Specialties, he learned firsthand about ingredient quality, cultural dining traditions, and service styles. This knowledge allows him to educate his audience about different dining experiences – like explaining why fine dining establishments pace their service differently than casual eateries.
Though social media growth presents challenges in today's saturated market, Anthony remains committed to quality over quantity. His measure of success isn't follower count but seeing people tag restaurants he's promoted during their special occasions – proof that his recommendations create meaningful dining experiences.
How do you separate authentic food content from clout-chasing in your social feeds? Follow Thick Eats to discover restaurants worth visiting from someone who understands food from both sides of the kitchen door.
Connect with Anthony and support his amazing work here:
https://www.instagram.com/thickeats/
https://www.youtube.com/@thickeatsva
https://www.tiktok.com/@thickeats?_t=8eGneCz2WvS&_r=1
Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective
VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support
CONTACT US:
www.burnthandsperspective.com
[email protected]
IG @Theburnthandsperspective
Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com
For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
*The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!
Previous Episode
Ep 27 - From Ingredients to Tradition: Crafting Authentic New York Pizza with Brooklyn legend Gio Lanzo
Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind that iconic New York pizza you love? In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the heart of the pizza-making process, from sourcing the finest ingredients to sharing stories of struggle and triumph in the restaurant industry with pizza legend Gio Lanzo of Luigi's in Brooklyn!
In this raw and authentic episode we want bring to light the importance of quality ingredients, featuring discussions on the best tomatoes for that perfect pizza sauce. Chef reveals how the consistency and taste of tomatoes can truly elevate a slice, pointing to his go-to choice, Mutti tomatoes. But it's not just about the ingredients—it's also about the heart that every pizza maker puts into their craft. Luigi's is just that!
Listen as Gio shares how he balances staying true to time-honored recipes while embracing modern techniques to meet the ever-changing culinary demands. This blend of innovation and respect for tradition ensures that the soul of New York pizza remains vibrant and beloved. (and yes, its all about the water for the dough!) He has also found fame as an internet sensation and has been featured in movies like Big Daddy with Adam Sandler, axe and AT&T commercials, and even on Netfilx's show Street Eats USA.
The warmth and community spirit of a Brooklyn pizzeria come alive in our conversation. With every customer who walks through the door, there are new stories and connections that make each visit unique. Discover why pizza is not just a meal but a shared experience that brings people together. Join us as we celebrate the culture, the flavors, and the passion that pervades every pizzeria in New York.
At the end of the episode, you'll be left with a richer understanding of what makes New York pizza extraordinary and how family is the KEY ingredient to success!
Tune in, share your thoughts about pizza culture, and don't forget to subscribe, so you never miss a delicious conversation!
Connect with Gio at Luigi's here: https://www.instagram.com/luigispizzaparkslope/
https://flow.page/luigispizzaparkslope
Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective
VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support
CONTACT US:
www.burnthandsperspective.com
[email protected]
IG @Theburnthandsperspective
Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com
For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
*The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!
Next Episode
Ep 29 - One Entrepreneur's Mission to Elevate the 757 - From Nightclubs to Building Brands in Virginia
The path from nightclub owner at 19 to Wall Street trader to sake entrepreneur isn't exactly conventional, but Lynx proves that authentic hustle combined with unwavering purpose can create extraordinary outcomes.
Growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, Lynx always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When opportunity knocked in the form of club ownership at just 19 years old, he transformed a punk rock venue into an upscale 25+ establishment despite not being old enough to drink himself. This early experience in hospitality would prove foundational as his career took unexpected turns.
Without finishing college or knowing what stocks were, Lynx found himself on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, working his way from running tickets to becoming a specialist — the person traders would frantically shout orders to during hectic sessions. His hospitality background served him perfectly in this high-pressure environment. "Half of them were drunk and high anyway," he laughs, revealing the surprising parallels between nightlife and Wall Street culture.
The creation of Tyku Liqueur represents another fascinating chapter in Lynx's journey. After discovering the premium sake at P. Diddy's restaurant in New York, he recognized its potential and helped grow the brand through strategic networking with celebrities like 50 Cent and Floyd Mayweather. What makes the story compelling is that none of the founders had Japanese heritage, yet they slept in rice fields to prove their dedication to traditional production methods.
Throughout our conversation, Lynx emphasizes his philosophy of purpose-driven work and refusing to accept failure: "Excuses are just reasons not to succeed in life." Despite opportunities elsewhere, he deliberately returned to Virginia Beach, seeing untapped potential in the region he loves. His passion for elevating the 757 area code is infectious and might just inspire you to reconsider what's possible in your own backyard.
Ready to ditch the excuses and embrace the hustle? This episode will show you how purpose and determination can transform every aspect of your life and business.
Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective
VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support
CONTACT US:
www.burnthandsperspective.com
[email protected]
IG @Theburnthandsperspective
Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com
For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
*The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!
Burnt Hands Perspective - Ep 28 - Thick Eats: Ethical Food Blogging - What makes a REAL Food Critic on Instagram?
Transcript
Never trust a skinny food blogger .
Speaker 2Never . That's great , that's right right , I nailed it , nailed it .
Speaker 1So Thick Eats , that's your show .
Speaker 3That's your program , right ? Yes , sir .
Speaker 1How do you not
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