Today I’m talking about everything food with my good friend Carlos, better known as NY_Hidden_Gems on Instagram. Carlos has a love of food that started at an early age with his Mom’s cooking.
Listen in to our speed round for the best hidden gems on and around Long Island, plus his number 1 pick where he proposed to his fiancé earlier this year.
Watch the NY_Hidden_Gems Interview
About Carolos aka NY_Hidden_Gems
He doesn’t consider himself a photographer but enjoys taking photos. His Instagram only started about a year ago but since the pandemic he’s seen more growth because he started supporting local restaurants on Long Island while everyone was looking for the best takeout spots.
Carlos tells us all about how he got into his love of food from his Mom. They’re Hispanic which has a rich food culture and his Mom cooks enough for 12 guests even if its was just him and his Dad at the table. His Mom also brought him into the kitchen and taught him everything she knows.
I think when someone has a passion for food but also cooks, you get a true perspective on what’s really happening at a restaurant when they dine out. They can see the effort that a restaurant chef is delivering on the plate.
A Memorable Dining Experience
After telling Carlos about my latest dining experience at Garden Social in East Meadow, I asked him if he has had an experience that blew hismind? Carlos has a great story to share about his proposal at his favorite spot in Long Island City. It has a great view of the water and serves up 4 star Latin Fusion that will make your mouth water. Coincidentally it’s now his fiancé’s favorite restaurant as well, for obvious reasons.
Don’t walk, run to Blended on the Water and if you propose there too, Carlos and I want to hear about it!
Speed Round: Hidden Gems on Long Island
This weeks picks for best brunch is in Huntington at The Shed and you gotta check out his favorite lunch spot in Northport, Robkes.
If you’re looking for Italian food take a trip to Spuntino in Dix Hills but if you’re looking for an outrageously good cocktail, you’ll have to take the trip to Sugar Factory in Manhattan.
To wrap things up he’s taking you back to Huntington for a guava cheesecake that’ll knock your socks off at Babalu, the I Love Lucy themed restaurant that’s been getting lots of attention lately.
Do you have a hidden gem you’d like us to know about? Tag us on Instagram or leave a message in the comments.