THE STORY OF
ONE HUNGRY MAN

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It really all began in 1977 by sampling the perfect  slice of thin crust New York style pizza.

Todd, Owner and Founder, sitting at a desk

Meet Todd, Owner and Founder

My first journey to New York City was in the Summer of 1977. I was 15 years old and I had $5.00 in my pocket; enough for a round trip bus ticket, the perfect slice of New York style pizza and, quite possibly, the best fresh filled cannoli I’ve ever eaten. That day ended outside a tiny cafe listening to an elderly man playing a sitar. This food and cultural experience was the beginning of Foods of New York Tours, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.

Our Team

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Our tour guides are well fed. Our office staff are well informed.

At Foods of NY Tours we pride ourselves on our deliciously good food knowledge, cultural expertise, great sense of humor, attention to detail and superior customer service. We’re pleased to be able to provide our tour guides with a highly competitive salary, yearly bonuses, and a retirement program. We consider ourselves one big happy and hungry family. We live and breathe NYC food & culture and we love sharing it with you.

Office staff

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Our happy Operations Manager Mason, pointing a bowl of rice balls

Mason
Operations Manager, Since 2014

With 25 years of restaurant experience, a Theater degree, International Business MBA and a passion for all things food and drink…you would say food tours are in my blood. It all started as a busboy in a family run Italian restaurant and what followed was a passion for restaurants and food exploration.  As a third generation New Yorker I have lived all over NYC and love exploring every neighborhood for the best eats it has to offer!

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Katz, Nom Wah

Favorite spot in NYC: Bar stool at The Blind Tiger

Our logistics and office manager Natasha, seated at a restaurant

Natasha
Logistics & Office Manager, Since 2017

Born and raised in the South Bronx, home of the hip hop, I fell in love with the music of my surroundings. I began singing at the age of 8 and til this day it is my passion and my therapy. As a young girl, my dad would take me downtown to places like the Statue of Liberty, Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building and more. NY is not only my stomping but also where my heart lays.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Double chocolate chip cookie from Levain Bakery

Favorite spot in NYC: Laying in the grass at Bryant park during spring time

Tour guides

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Our Tour Guide Bert, holding a tray of bowls full of delicious mac and cheese

Bert
Tour Guide, Since 2011

I’m an actor, improvisor and comedian from Alabama. I’ve been living and playing in NYC for 25 years. My Mother thinks I’m handsome.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Late-nite Cheese Fries: Hot, salty and full of remorse the next day but oh so good

Favorite spot in NYC: My garden in Brooklyn and also the Staten Island ferry. It’s free, a little trash, and has wine. Just like me!

Our Tour Guide Chip . telling intriguing stories

Chip
Tour Guide, Since 2018

I developed my love for cuisine, drinks, and stories through a decade of slinging dollar beers at Punk Rock dive bars and mixing luxury cocktails at French Fine Dining establishments. Living in the Empire City for many years, I have a passion for my town’s history, culture, eateries, and watering holes. As an actor and bartender, I enjoy swapping stories and talking cuisine with everyone.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: The burger at the Wren Pub.

Favorite spot in NYC: At Niagara Bar having a pint with Joe

Our energetic Tour Guide Cindy

Cindy
Tour Guide, Since 2001

Born in NY, moved to Philadelphia at 5, moved to Hawaii at 12. I tour guide because of my love of NYC history. Friends don’t want to hear me anymore so my boss (TODD) luckily hired me back when the wheel was invented and I can now talk about the brick patterns, while people eat great “Mom and Pop” food along the way. This makes me the luckiest kid on the planet.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Challah French Toast at “BonBonAire” in the West Village

Favorite spot in NYC: Rockaway Beach for Surfing

Our happy Tour Guide Farshad standing beside delicious chicken at Peking Duck House

Farshad
Tour Guide, Since 2021

Born, raised, and educated in New Jersey, growing up I took monthly trips to NYC to discover new spots to eat. I spent my senior year of high school watching the Food Network 24/7, so I can chiffonade a thing or two. I also ate my way through France and Japan for a combined 5 years, and then moved back to the states to follow my dreams!

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Although originally a New Jersey delicacy, I gotta say a hot plate of disco fries.

Favorite spot in NYC: Rockefeller Center. It’s got Saturday Night Live, Nintendo, ice skating, every flag in the world! Can’t dismiss it just because it’s a popular tourist destination.

Our Tour Guide Jackie sitting on steps

Jackie
Tour Guide, Since 2017

I grew up in Philadelphia, the home of the cheesesteak and water ice and am now a proud New Yorker. Since graduating from DeSales University with a degree in theatre, I have traveled the country performing in regional theatres and national tours. One of the biggest perks was getting to try the local foods! I’m thrilled to get to share the food and history of one of my favorite neighborhoods, Chelsea.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip cookie at Levain Bakery

Favorite spot in NYC: Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunset

Our happy Tour Guide Joe

Joe
Tour Guide, Since 2018

A third generation New Yorker, I have acted in Film, Television and Theater in NYC for 30 years and have also worked all over Manhattan at iconic food destinations such as the Fulton Fish Market and the James Beard House. I love discovering new dishes and then perfecting them at home. By sharing our cultural culinary delights together we learn a little bit about each other…Hey, that’s New York!

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Tied between Locanda Verde (steak tartar) and Minetta Tavern (veal marrow bones and Grand Marnier souffle)

Favorite spot in NYC: My rooftop eating my smoked ribs or my Seafood Gumbo on a summer night at sunset.

Our enthusiastic Tour guide Maie holding a bowl of rice balls and Italian salami

Marie
Tour Guide, Since 2007

I came to New York as a young girl, over 30 years ago, to study at The American Academy of the Dramatic Arts. I performed in downtown clubs, theaters and in small budget films – a life filled with many, many adventures. I’m happy to share those stories with my tour groups. I am proud to be part of The Foods of New York team.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Summer rolls at Pho Banc in Chinatown

Favorite spot in NYC: Fiat Cafe in Little Italy

Our Tour Guide Rick holding a large cheese pizza in front of Joe's Pizza

Rick
Tour Guide, Since 2019

Rick is a bartender, an actor, singer, and music lover with more than 30 years of Restaurant experience. Originally from Vermont, he has a special interest in introducing people to the thing o’ beauty that is NYC, by way of good food with a story.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Pasta Sinfonia at Becco

Favorite spot in NYC: Jimmy’s Corner

Our Tour Guide Robin holding a slice of pizza, surrounded by our happy customers

Robin
Tour Guide, Since 2014

Born and raised in Rhode Island, I moved to New York 1994 with a degree in Theatre. Between theatre jobs I have worked as a waitress, a bartender, and even a singing flower for Macy’s Flower Show!

I have lived in Hell’s Kitchen, The Upper West Side, The Upper East Side and The East Village and I now live in West New York, NJ right across the Hudson River…. I can see NYC from my house!!

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Sinfonia di Paste at Becco

Favorite spot in NYC: Washington Square Park

Our tour guide Ryan holding a large cheesy pizza

Ryan
Tour Guide, Since 2017

A born New Yorker, I have been involved in the world of food for over 15 years. I am also an avid NYC wanderer and an artist (filmmaker and musician). I can’t wait to share my passion with locals, out-of-towners and peoples from around the world who come to the greatest city in the world to take a bite out of us…

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Roberta’s in Brooklyn

Favorite spot in NYC: Outside on the Staten Island ferry in the chill of winter with a coat, a scarf, a pair of headphones and some killer tunes

Our Tour Guide Ted telling a story like no other

Ted
Tour Guide, Since 2012

I moved to New York when Ed Koch was mayor, and 75 cents bought you a slice of pizza or a subway token. And most subway cars were not air-conditioned. I love to travel, but I always miss New York and am happy to return. I am passionate about the history, architecture, and culture of New York and in particular, Greenwich Village.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: In addition to the places we feature on our tours, I like Ubani on Bedford Street, Bite on 22nd Street, and Fumo in Harlem.

Favorite spot in NYC: Coney Island on Friday nights in summer for free fireworks