Where to Go from Influencers In the Know
ALL ABOUT @ForkingWithArmani
Name: Armani Thao
Account: @ForkingWithArmani
When and why you started blogging under your current handle:
It’s a funny, kind of love story situation on when and why I started my blog actually. I started my blog about 4 years ago, after a few months of dating Nic (now my fiancé). One of our favorite things to do was to go on mini weekend, hotel getaways and explore restaurants and hotels in Boston and along the coast, all the way up to Portland, Maine.
He would take me out to all of these nice restaurants and as a ‘natural’ foodie, my camera phone comes out immediately. Back then, I didn’t have a portable light and I would ask Nic for his phone so I can use his camera flash. He was a bit embarrassed every time and we did get quite a few stares from our neighboring tables. But if you knew me, you would know that I didn’t care. LOL
This continued on for a couple more months and Nic finally asked me, “What are you doing with all of these pictures of your meals?” and I replied, “Nothing! I just l like to take pictures of food. I upload them to share on Facebook sometimes.” And laughed it off.
That’s when Nic made a plea deal with me to do something with my pictures if I’m going to be doing this at dinner. I continued with the blog for a few months and then stopped for about a year and a half before starting back up regularly. To sum things up, he was my inspiration to start this IG food blog and fast forward to today, he’s my biggest fan and now he would not let me eat unless I get THE shot.
TOP PICKS
Three seems to be the best number, so what are your top three for the following categories, and feel free to give some insights:
Top 3 Things You Have Ever Eaten:
This is a tough one, but I will do my best to name some of my favorite dishes I have ever eaten in Boston to keep this simple.
1. Salmon On Fire from @OishiiBoston. This is probably the most mesmerizing dish and most delicious thing I have eaten.
2. Zuma Deluxe Dessert Platter from @ZumaBostonOfficial. This is literally the prettiest display of exotic fruits and desserts EVER. Their signature molten lava cake is also the best molten lava cake I have EVER had.
3. Omakase at @_o_ya_. This has got to be the best Omakase experience I have ever had. EVERYTHING, I mean everything was absolutely unique and so savory.
Top 3 Restaurants Inside Boston:
This is also a very, very tough one. There are so many incredible restaurants in Boston.
I’d literally have to break it down by categories if you’d want my accurate response to this. But here are three standout locations I HIGHLY recommend.
1. @OstraBoston. One of Boston’s most elegant, upscale, Mediterranean seafood restaurant. This is a dining experience that you all have to have. The snow egg dessert is also a work of art and absolutely decadent. You will not be disappointed.
2. @BostonChopsDowntown. Probably my favorite Steakhouse in Boston. I’m obsessed with the ambiance and food here. Presentation, taste and portions are perfect. Foodies, there’s an Instagram Table that was featured on Forbes. Talk about the perfect lighting for all of your pictures.
3. @ZumaBostonOfficial. This internationally known restaurant made its debut in Boston in May 2019 and have made its staple as one of the trendiest spots since.
If you’re a Japanese food fan, this is the spot for you. Literally everything is
exceptional. Perfect for a trendy night out or special occasion. They also serve lunch on weekdays.
Top 3 Restaurants Outside of Boston:
1. Lowell Restaurant in Lowell, MA. Thus far, this is my favorite Cambodian restaurant. They serve pretty much everything my mom and dad used to cook for my siblings and me, growing up. In addition, if you haven’t tried Cambodian Food, you definitely need to take a trip and try it for yourself. Lowell Restaurant is definitely a great introduction to Cambodian Food.
2. @ThaiBarShiOfficial in Weymouth, MA. They have the BEST Boat Noodles in all of Boston. Chef Jake is also a master at food art and sushi here is absolutely to-die-for. Authentic food, artistic presentations and incredible prices.
3. @FishBonesOfChelmsford in Chelmsford, MA. Literally one of the best seafood restaurants I’ve been to. The staff, atmosphere and food are always on point every time I go. Locals all know about this spot.
Top 3 Favorite Restaurant Pages to follow:
1. @Deuxave I have never seen food presented so stunningly. @ChefChrisCoombs and his team truly know their stuff. Trust me, follow them and you’ll understand why I’m practically speechless.
2. @GreenleafMilford This is a restaurant in Milford, NH that deserves all the love. A farm-to-table restaurant that sources ingredients from local vendors. Their page focuses on the art of food, background stories on their amazing chefs and also their efforts in supporting local vendors and farmers.
3. @DoubleChinBos. Check out this Asian Fusion restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown, Boston. The account features so many unique foods that they offer, giveaways and updates. Such a fun page to follow.
Top 3 Favorite Influencers to Follow:
1. @Migrationology Do I need to say more?! Mark Weins features some of the most authentic Southeast Asian foods and more. I love how cultured and insightful he is with how he presents food.
2. @StickAForkInMe Rachel is from Boston, now living in Miami and she
showcases some of the mose outlandish food porn I have seen. Follow her for doorl-worthy content. I had the pleasure of meeting Rachel a few months back and she is so sweet and humble.
3. @Davidwma YOU ALL need to follow David. His page is filled with BTS shoots that David and his team films for commercials, etc. His work is absolutely impressive and super interesting.
SUPERLATIVES
If someone asked you for a restaurant that would “Even Keep the Inlaws Happy” where would you suggest they go?
Great question! In December, I already had the opportunity to recommend and experience that very place. We went to Sinatra at @EncoreBostonHarbor to celebrate my fiancé’s late grandmother’s birthday and it was a very special evening. Everything from the food to the ambiance and experience was stellar. We all loved it!
What are your “bucket list” items/restaurants to try that you haven’t yet been to?
1. @PabuBoston
2. @Uni_Boston
As you can tell. I am a HUGE fan of Japanese food. So naturally, these two infamous Boston restaurants are on my bucket list. I’m disappointed in myself for not having been yet. SOON!
If you were “going to the electric chair” What would your last meal be and from what restaurant?
1. I’m not trying to be biased, but it would definitely be the ‘Cha Ma Sur’ from @PeephuptmeiRestaurant in Lowell, MA. It is my favorite Cambodian dish and I grew up looking forward to my mom making this dish.
Some of our Favorite Photos from @ForkingWithArmani
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