Top 7 Foodie Spotlights in 2024

#7

The CEO of Whole Foods, Chef Christen Willis, and writer Rosie

Influencer: Rosie, a Soul Food blogger based in the Pacific Northwest, shares her passion for Southern cooking through her blog and YouTube channel, "I Heart Recipes." Born and raised in the PNW with family roots in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rosie brings the traditional values and recipes of her heritage to life for both her real-life and online family.

Chef: Chef Christan Willis, based in Atlanta, has established herself as a leading culinary expert. Her passion for cooking began in childhood, watching her mother in the kitchen. Her career, spanning over 16 years, includes TV appearances and a feature at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Here, she showcased a unique dish incorporating Cayman Jack Margarita, reflecting her innovative approach.

Executive: Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods Market, emphasizes a leadership style focused on purpose, team culture, customer experience, and technology. Since Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods in 2017 for $13.7 billion, Buechel has been injecting new energy into the brand. Organic products represent a significant part of the company, with over 37,000 organic items in more than 535 stores, marking Whole Foods as the only national grocer with organic retail certification.

#6

LATRYGUY has his best meal at Tev’s Kitchen

In this engaging video, the host shares his experience visiting Tev's Kitchen, a popular eatery renowned for its oxtail, chicken wing, salmon, and more.

The day is beautiful in LA, and despite not having a haircut or shave, the host is eager to try the food at Tev's Kitchen after seeing numerous recommendations. Arriving at the location, he interacts warmly with the community, including a 98-year-old man, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere.

Tev, the owner, shares his journey from starting in his house to opening the restaurant, highlighting his motivation to break generational curses and provide opportunities. The host then dives into trying the food, praising the quality, especially the wings and short ribs, and noting the exceptional customer service.

Tev's story of turning his passion into a profitable business and his advice to just "do it" and work hard resonates. The video captures the essence of community, hard work, and the delicious results of pursuing one’s passion, encouraging others to support local businesses and follow their dreams.

#5

Reduce severe allergic reactions

The FDA has approved Xolair, a drug designed to reduce severe allergic reactions to foods like milk, eggs, walnuts, and peanuts, offering hope to millions with severe food allergies.

This marks the first FDA approval for a medication that protects against multiple food allergies, aiming to lessen the effects of accidental exposure rather than treating reactions as they occur.

Xolair, developed by Genentech and Novartis, is administered via injection every two to four weeks and works over time to improve tolerance to certain foods.

Despite its potential benefits, the drug is accompanied by side effects such as fever and injection site reactions, and carries a risk of anaphylaxis.

The cost of Xolair is significant, ranging from $2,900 to $5,000 per month, though insurance may reduce this expense. This approval expands Xolair's indications, which already included treatments for certain types of asthma, chronic hives, and chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps.

A trial showed that after 4 to 5 months of treatment, 68% of participants could consume about 2.5 peanuts without experiencing severe symptoms, highlighting the drug's potential to improve quality of life for those with food allergies.

#4

Growing San Diego Food Scene

Influencer: Troy Johnson, a writer for San Diego Magazine, has long been an essential resource for food enthusiasts, influencers, and restaurant patrons. As the definitive voice of the San Diego food scene releasing his top restaurant list, his consistent coverage over the years has given chefs and restaurateurs a valuable platform for growth. For all of us who are relied upon by our friends to know the best spots in town, we owe our gratitude to Troy for making us look knowledgeable.

Chef: Phillip Esteban a native of San Diego who has significantly influenced the city's food scene.  His work extends beyond the kitchen, as he is involved in a number of initiatives that aim to celebrate and empower the Filipino community in San Diego.  Phillip Esteban's influence on the San Diego food scene is a blend of culinary excellence, community service, and cultural advocacy, marking him as a significant figure in the industry​. These influences are seen in his restaurants.

Executive: Consortium Holdings has been a transformative force in the San Diego restaurant scene, moving beyond the traditional date night spots in the Gaslamp district and other mainstream venues to create dining experiences infused with vibrant culture. They have been instrumental in making San Diego's dining scene a topic of conversation by bringing socio-economic and cultural diversity to the forefront. Their restaurants not only offer unique culinary experiences but also contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the city. Consortium Holdings continues to expand the horizons of San Diego's food culture with each new restaurant concept they introduce.

#3

#1 BBQ in Texas: Goldee’s behind the scenes

Goldee's BBQ in Kennedale, Texas, is a somewhat hidden gem that has gained nationwide recognition for its exceptional barbecue.

They smoke hundreds of pounds of brisket, ribs, sausages, and turkey, attracting long lines of customers who begin waiting up to five hours before opening.

What sets Goldee's apart, besides its high-quality meats, is its house-baked bread, a rarity in Texas BBQ joints. The popularity of Goldee's BBQ draws people from across the country, eager to taste their renowned dishes.

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#2

Pinky Cole and Matt Horn

Food truck to Franchise: Black food truck entrepreneurship, tracing its historical roots and current expressions. It discusses the role of food trucks in providing opportunities for African Americans to earn a living and create a life on their own terms, from past street vendors like Pig Foot Mary to present-day entrepreneurs like Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan.

Restaurant: After Horn Barbecue in Oakland was devastated by a fire, pitmaster Matt Horn and his team, demonstrating resilience, continued their tradition of giving away Thanksgiving turkeys to the community. Despite the setback, they remain dedicated to Oakland and its people. A Go Fund Me was organized by Horn's wife, Nina, to renovate the space and support staff. The barbecue community, including chefs Nyesha Arrington and Kwame Onwuachi, have shown solidarity. Prior to the fire, the restaurant experienced vandalism. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Barbecue establishments often face fire risks due to the nature of their cooking processes.

#1

Keith Lee makes an impact with his platform

Keith Lee: The story is about a visit to a family-owned Korean barbecue restaurant in Las Vegas. The restaurant was acquired by a father who had always dreamed of owning such a place, but sadly, he was diagnosed with tongue cancer shortly after. Tragically, the father passed away a few days before the visit.

Best Food in San Diego: San Diego offers a rich culinary experience beyond its renowned fish tacos and craft beer, thanks to its great weather, proximity to Mexico, and access to fresh produce. The guide lists 23 must-visit restaurants in San Diego, catering to a range of preferences from casual lunches to oceanfront fine dining, including plant-based and brunch selections.

Food Heaven: Wendy and Jess are best friends and Registered Dietitians with Master's degrees in nutrition who started "Food Heaven Made Easy" in 2011. It began as a creative project to spread their passion for nutritious and healthy eating.