THE STORY OF
ONE HUNGRY MAN
It really all began in 1977 by sampling the perfect slice of thin crust New York style pizza.
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
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
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
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
Bert
Tour 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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Kurt
Tour Guide, Since 2019
Born and raised in Connecticut, I moved to New York after earning a degree in Theatre. Between theatre and film jobs I have worked as a waiter, a bartender, and even managed a surf shop & cafe’ in Venice, CA!
My passion is for sharing this amazing city with our guests. I truly believe the ghosts of our past are alive today. You can hear their voices all around us; in the food, the arts, and the streets of our city. Listen closely and they’ll tell us their story!
Favorite food/meal in NYC: Di Fara Pizza
Favorite spot in NYC: Brooklyn Heights Promenade
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
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
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
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
Ted
Tour 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: oney Island on Friday nights in summer for free fireworks