We’re One Big Happy
(And Hungry) Family

We employ a team of culinary enthusiasts, cultural experts, actors and comedians who are very smart and extremely proud to share their NYC knowledge with you. Our guides work exclusively for Foods of New York Tours and many have been working with us for over 10 years. They adore NYC food & culture and can’t wait to share it with you. 

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.

Get the whole story

Our Team

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Our tour guides are well trained and well fed!

We employ a team of culinary enthusiasts, cultural experts, actors and comedians who are very smart and extremely proud to share their NYC knowledge with you. Our guides work exclusively for Foods of New York Tours and many have been working with us for over 10 years. They adore NYC food & culture and can’t wait to share it with you.

Office staff

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Amy
AmyCreative Director, Since 2006
I didn’t dream of a career in the food industry. I spent 12 years as a Career Counselor and by 34 I was working at NYU teaching seminars like ‘Don’t Quit Your Day Job’. That is, until… I quit my day job. With a family history deeply rooted in NYC’s mom & pop shops, and 2 years of food-tour-guiding on weekends, I left NYU to creatively direct the Food Tour show full-time, from behind the scenes.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: The perfect portable meal: A Rice Ball from Faicco’s

Favorite spot in NYC: My stoop on Cornelia Street

Mason
MasonOperations 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

Danielle
DanielleLogistics/Marketing, Since 2015
I am a native New Yorker and new resident of Queens, a unique food mecca. After graduating from Georgetown University in 2002, I coached lacrosse in London and took advantage of long school breaks to travel and fall in love with all different food cultures. After returning to NYC, I built a career in the marketing and product development industry. I love working ‘behind the scenes’ at Foods of NY Tours.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: pork belly buns at Momofuku Ssam

Favorite spot in NYC: Coney Island on a hopping summer day

Meghan
MeghanLogistics, Since 2018
Reader, writer, part-time ninja & wanna-be cartoon character, I’ve worked the food scene in NYC for 17 years. Professional drink-slinger & joke-cracker, I’m thrilled to work with a team that lives & breathes food like I do!

Favorite food/meal in NYC:
Peruvian Roast Chicken, Rice & Beans, Fried Yucca, & a bucket of green sauce from Peking BBQ in Woodside, Queens.

Favorite spot in NYC:
Once upon a time I was walking down Amsterdam, BOOM! Saint John the Divine Cathedral on 112th — one of the biggest cathedrals in the country! Now, I wander in on a weekday and I have this awe-inspiring space all to myself. Shhhhh! Don’t tell!

Natasha
NatashaLogistics, 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

Kristina
KristinaLogistics, Since 2018
I am a human woman that came on vacation to NYC 12 years ago. I have worked in theatre and hospitality since and consider NYC my home at this point, especially in the West Village. And I enjoy cooking for friends in my micro kitchen!

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Mamoun’s Falafel on W4th (get the extra hot hot sauce) AND the taco truck on W4th and Grove (get all the sauce). Also, vodka.

Favorite spot in NYC: The Town Hall and of course, St. Anne’s Warehouse.

Tour guides

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Bert
BertTour Guide, Since 2011
Originally from Alabama, I’ve been living, playing and working in NYC for over 2 decades. I’m always full of fun facts and French fries. I’m like a honey ham; Sweet, salty and scrumptious.

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: It’s a tie between my garden in Brooklyn and Bethesda fountain in Central Park. I am Bert James and I am why birds suddenly appear

Chip
ChipTour 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

Cindy
CindyTour 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

Colleen
ColleenOriginal Greenwich Village tour, Since 2018
Born and raised in Atlanta, I’ve lived and performed in San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, and the Mexican Riviera, but I will always consider New York City home! You can get the best of everything here- art, history, and food! I’ve composed music for the Smithsonian, directed circuses, hosted musical theater open mics all over the city, and I currently teach acting at a state university. I live uptown in Hamilton Heights with my two cats, Eliot and Buckley.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Black licorice ice cream from Morgenstern’s

Favorite spot in NYC: High Bridge, over the river, halfway between Manhattan and the Bronx

Curt
CurtTour Guide, Since 2004
I have been working for Foods of New York for over 10 years, and I love it! Being a tour guide affords me the opportunity to bring my love of food and my love of NYC together. This job is a great opportunity for me to knit architecture, history and cultural offerings together with great food presented in a fun, light-hearted way.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Ramen at Momofuku

Favorite spot in NYC: Staten Island ferry with the harbor and skyline views

Darrel
DarrelTour Guide, Since 2007
Originally from Dallas, TX, I moved to NYC 18 years ago after studying theatre and cinema at Southern Methodist University. I have lived in many neighborhoods from the West Village to the Upper West Side to Midtown where I currently reside. I worked as a musical theatre performer nationally and internationally on Broadway’s The Scarlet Pimpernel and West End’s The Rocky Horror Show among others.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Beef Wellington at Stanton Social Club

Favorite spot in NYC: Strolling along the beautiful High Line

David
DavidTour Guide, Since 2018
Growing up in Washington, DC, I was exposed to cuisines from all over the world. In fact, my love of food was the reason I left the corporate world behind to attend the French Culinary Institute. My catering business, City Forager, has been going strong in Greenwich Village ever since. This neighborhood has a special place in my heart, and it gives me such pleasure to share its culinary and cultural delights with our guests. So let’s go!

Favorite food/meal in NYC:
Oysters at Grand Central Oyster Bar

Favorite spot in NYC: Sullivan Street Tea and Spice Company

Doron
DoronTour Guide, Since 2017
I am a New Yorker who just happens to have been born and raised in England. In 2014, after twenty years of eating my way around the world, honing my experience as a tour guide, and working in various bars and restaurants, I finally returned to the city my parents called home. My goal is to fill guests with as much history and trivia as incredible food, and to leave everyone with a smile on their face!

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Everything at Rafele’s and cupcakes from Sugarsweet Sunshine Bakery

Favorite spot in NYC: Scouring the shelves of Housing Works Bookstore for food literature

Heather
HeatherTour Guide, Since 2017
I moved to New York City on October 14, 2005, a date I’ll never forget, from Augusta, GA, to attend acting school. I then spent three years in LA auditioning and working in a high-end sushi restaurant. There I learned a great deal about fresh fish and of course, sushi. And that is where my love affair with food really took off! I love to eat, to explore and to learn all about food. Simply put, food makes me happy. And so does New York.

Favorite food/meal in NYC:
Bia and Allswell in Williamsburg

Favorite spot in NYC: Washington Square Park, Roberta’s in Bushwick

Jackie
JackieTour 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

Joanna
JoannaTour Guide, Since 2015
Originally from Southern California I moved to NY over ten years ago to pursue my singing career. I had the opportunity to sing on cruise ships for four years. It was onboard that I discovered the best way to explore any port was through the local cuisine. Now, back in NY, it’s time for me to make new food memories in the city I call home!

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Shanghai Café in Chinatown.

Favorite spot in NYC: Madison Square Park, where my husband took me the day he proposed.

Joe
JoeTour 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.

Jordan
JordanTour Guide, Since 2016
Since I was 14, I have always had a job in the culinary industry. Food is my true passion! Aside from biking, baking, Brooklyn and film- I have a strong passion for wedding cakes, ice cream, and tacos.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: The Emmy Burger at Emily’s (that pretzel bun is everything!) and 2 scoops of “snap, mallow, pop” from Ample Hills

Favorite spot in NYC: Red Hook, Brooklyn! Red Hook has everything including Valentino Piers, food trucks , cafes on Van Brunt Street, Ikea, and Fairway

Marie
MarieTour 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

Noah
NoahTour Guide, Since 2018
I grew up in Boston, the second of five children, and learned from a very young age how to fight for the best piece of food on the table. I’ve been cooking since high school and eventually came to New York for culinary school. It’s hot in kitchens, being outside and eating it way better. I’m slowly working on my tattoo sleeve based on food. I’m currently trying to go to all the diners in the city to find the best corned beef hash.

Favorite food/meal in NYC:
The italian sandwich at Russo’s in the east village

Favorite spot in NYC: The secret, abandoned city hall subway station

Paulette
PauletteTour Guide, Since 2015
My intense love of food (eating it and learning about it) had me leave my home state of Utah at age 18 to pursue my dream of becoming a pastry chef. I graduated from The French Culinary Institute Pastry Arts program and since then, I’ve had my cakes published in “New York” and “Brides” Magazines. I’m also featured on The Cooking Channels “Unique Sweets.”

Favorite food/meal in NYC: A warm chocolate chip cookie from Levain

Favorite spot in NYC: Governors Island – it’s like traveling back in time

Raheem
RaheemTour Guide, Since 2007
I moved to NYC to study at the School of Visual Arts. After finishing my BFA, I was able to focus on my true passion, food, full-time. I’ve been with FNYT tours since 2007. In that time I’ve gained 45lbs and made over 28,000 new friends. I live life by the great director, Federico Fellini’s mantra, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta”. My tours are featured in Time out NY, NBC News, Fox’s Hells Kitchen, and TLC’s Cake Boss.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Joe’s Pizza

Favorite spot in NYC: The Natural History Museum

RJ
RJTour Guide, Since 2015
Born and raised in New York, and spent 29 years as a drummer. I’m passionate about History, Science and Documentaries. I’m proud to be a Foods of NY tour guide, and can’t wait to share my favorite neighborhood with you.

Favorite food/meal in NYC: Corned-beef on rye with Russian dressing, half sour pickles and a can of Dr Brown’s cream soda from PJ Bernstein’s

Favorite spot in NYC: Standing on the sidewalk early in the morning, when the streets are completely empty

Robin
RobinTour 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

Robin S.
Robin S.Tour Guide, Since 2018
Originally from New York, I have lived and traveled all over the world seeking out new and exciting authentic cuisines. I am a professionally trained chef and have worked in standout foodie capitals such as California, France, Lake Tahoe and New York. I believe that a balanced diet means a cookie in each hand.

Favorite food/meal in NYC:
Sweatbreads at Le Coucou, Totten Island Oysters at Upstate Oyster Bar and Lobster Paella at Soccarat

Favorite spot in NYC: Murray’s Cheese Shop-tasting the best cheeses in the world!

Ryan
RyanTour 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

Stephen
StephenTour Guide, Since 2017
A deep-seeded passion for learning and excitement brought me to NYC, but it’s the food that kept me here. I’m a self proclaimed human Swiss army knife, who loves to build and create just about everything. By day I build and design furniture and by night I devour my way across the city; one bite at a time.

Favorite food/meal in NYC:
Banh Mi from Ba Xuyen in Borough Park

Favorite spot in NYC:
Astoria Park – watching the sun sink below Manhattan, between the Triborough and Hell Gate bridges.

Ted
TedTour Guide, Since 2012
I have lived in New York City for 34 years. 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. I also do volunteer work with many non-profits.

Favorite food/meal in NYC:
In addition to the places we feature on our tours, I like Arturo’s on Houston Street, Bite on 14th or 22nd Street, and Harlem Tavern on Frederick Douglass Boulevard

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