Photo credit: ny.eater.com
Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter who has transitioned into a prominent TikTok restaurant critic, is set to lead a food festival in New York that has the potential to influence the food scene significantly. Lee, known for his unique style of critiquing meals from the comfort of his car, will headline the NYC Family Style Food Festival.
Taking place in Brooklyn’s Industry City on Saturday, May 17, the festival will kick off at 1 p.m. It promises to bring together a vibrant mix of over 40 restaurants, alongside streetwear brands and musical performances. General admission tickets are currently available, starting at over $40. Attendees will be able to purchase food from participating restaurants, as well as merchandise.
The lineup features an array of esteemed New York restaurants, including the likes of L’Industrie, Katz’s Delicatessen, Lucali, Russ & Daughters, Potluck Club, Dhamaka, Double Chicken Please, Raku, Forsyth Fire Escape, and Nom Wah, among others.
Originally launched in Los Angeles, the Family Style Food Festival was conceived to unite popular restaurants with trendy brands. The event was the brainchild of Ben Shenassafar and Bobby Kim from the streetwear brand the Hundreds, in collaboration with event producer Miles Canares, debuting in 2019.
Last year, the festival was acquired by digital media company Complex, which aims to enhance its footprint with a new food publication and an expanding range of events. Alongside its Los Angeles roots, the festival made its first appearance in Las Vegas at ComplexCon last year, where Lee curated a section featuring some of his beloved local restaurants.
Lee has gained popularity for his method of exploring various restaurants, often independently owned, while sampling their offerings in his car. He shares these culinary experiences and critiques with his massive TikTok following of over 17 million. His recent adventures in New York included stops at places like Trinciti Roti Shop in Ozone Park, Bolivian Llama Party in Sunnyside, and Brooklyn’s Taste of Heaven.
Source
ny.eater.com