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Mr. Joy

@joyatfirstbite_

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Discovering food and experiences that bring people joy
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📍Chicago,IL and Beyond ✈️

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Second time in Albuquerque… and somehow it hit even better. 🌄✨

I had the opportunity to explore the city with @visitabq , and this trip was everything—culture, unforgettable flavors, and jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets over the Sandia Mountains. From the moment I checked into @sandiacasino —located right on the reservation—with room views that were nothing short of stunning, I knew this experience was about to be special.

Now let’s talk FOOD… because Albuquerque deserves a spot on your bucket list—no question.

We kicked things off at @oni.abq with some incredible ramen, fried noodles, and chicken—straight comfort food done right. Then made a sweet stop at @heidis_jam_factory_ for ice cream (burnt honey s’mores with homemade honeycomb 🔥) and their strawberry jam? Elite.

Dinner at @bienshur was a full-on elevated experience—beef carpaccio, carrot & arugula salad, and bison lasagna… 10/10.

Breakfast at @lawaffleria_abq? Blue corn waffles with fresh blueberry syrup… yeah, you need that. But @mesa_provisions_abq stole the show for me—DUCK PASTRAMI, green chile cheddar biscuits, honey chipotle carrots, and the juiciest smoked half chicken I’ve ever had. My favorite meal of the trip.

Stopped by @daydreambar for a refreshing frozen mocktail, then had one of the BEST breakfasts ever at @sundaysbagels—bacon, egg & cheese on a sourdough rosemary olive oil bagel with rosemary bacon butter and spiced tomato jam… I’m still thinking about it. Plus a blue corn bagel and the best lemon poppyseed pound cake I’ve ever had.

At @thehomesteadabq , I enjoyed Cuban sliders, burger sliders, an affogato, and a latte flight—all with amazing views.

And of course, I had to experience the @sandiatramway—riding up 10,000 feet on the longest tramway in North America, taking in views that honestly don’t feel real.

Before heading home, I made one last stop at @codabakery for what might be the best Vietnamese iced coffee in the world and a perfectly made pork bánh mì.

If you’re looking for peace, beauty, and some of the most underrated food in the country… Albuquerque is it.

Trust me—this won’t be my last time back. 💯 #truabq #visitabq #joyatfirstbite #albuquerque taken in Albuquerque, New Mexico by @joyatfirstbite_

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6 months ago

What up doe 💯 I just wrapped up an unforgettable trip to Detroit with @visitdetroit and wow, this city truly blew me away.

From the food to the culture to the people, every moment was special. I spent time walking the beautiful @detroitriverfront, catching the energy of a @detroitlionsnfl game, learning music history at the legendary @motownmuseum, exploring art at @pushgallerydet and @liquorbasketgratiot, and connecting creativity with cuisine at @someday.wewill. I even got to experience the magic of @afrofuture, which was one of the highlights of the trip.

🍴 The food scene stole my heart. I enjoyed farm-to-table dining at @seldenstandard, French pastries and breakfast from @mkcannelle_, Detroit-style pizza from @buddyspizzadet, and an iconic Coney and Bronx wrap from @lgeorges6mile (one of my absolute favorites!).

I treated myself to sweet desserts from @goodcakes_andbakes (including one of the best chocolate chip cookies ever) wonderful soul food at @fixinsdetroit, and a memorable brunch at @eatdimestore with their duck hash. I also had amazing smoked BBQ from @smokeygsmokehouse, bold East African flavors from @baobabfare (my personal favorite restaurant during the trip), and delicious tacos from @shellshockdtacos.

A stop at @easternmarket was the perfect way to support local farmers and vendors, and nearby I found a hidden gem at @mitsosgreekfood where I tried the best Greek iced coffee.

🏨 My stay at @roostdetroit in @booktowerdetroit was just as special, with friendly staff, beautiful art throughout the space, rooftop vibes, and a perfect central location that made exploring the city so easy.

Detroit, I truly fell in love with you and I can’t wait to be back. 💙 #VisitDetroit by @joyatfirstbite_

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a year ago

I spent an amazing weekend in Columbus with @experiencecolumbus, and this city REALLY showed out! 🙌🏾

🏈 THE EXPERIENCES

🏈 @ohiostatefb — My FIRST Ohio State football game! 🏈

🧢 @homage — Buckeye gear before the game!

🎶 @cbussoulfest — Music, culture & community!

🚲 @thesciotomile — Biked and scooted along the riverfront with skyline views.

🌃 @lincolnsocial — Rooftop skyline views!

🏙️ @shortnorthartsdistrict — Local businesses, art & shops.

🛍️ @eastmarket_cbus — Great local vendors & food.

🍽️ @momogharohio — Incredible Nepali dumplings!

🎨 @adamahceramics — Beautiful ceramics.

🪴 @colesplants614 — Great spot for plants.

🛍️ @galleriebycfa — A great local business.

✈️ @columbusairport — Flew right into Columbus.

🏨 @graduatehotels — A great home base.

🍴 THE FOOD

🍕 @gattoscolumbus — Columbus-style pizza and my favorite pizza of the trip!

🍕 @donatospizza — Columbus-based pizza with a sweeter sauce.

🥐 @danthebaker — Incredible sourdough pastries & treats.

🥪 @carolinessandwiches — The Pig in the Weeds was a must!

🍫 @thebuckeyelady — My first Buckeye! Chocolate + peanut butter. You KNOW I loved this! 😂🥜

🍗 @flavor91bistro — Ethiopian-spiced & BBQ wings at @cbussoulfest.

🍩 @donnasdeliciousdozen — Strawberry & Buckeye donuts + Buckeye iced coffee 🔥

☕️ @bottomsupcoffee — The Rainy Day Coffee was so much fun!

🍽️ @socalkitchenandbar — The olive oil cake, sweet potato sushi & bread were 🔥!

🧇 @winstonscoffeeandwaffles — Blueberry waffle with sausage & egg = HEAVEN!

☕️ @onelinecoffee — Lavender Lemonade was so refreshing.

🍪🍦 @threequeensicecream — Cookies + Blueberry Cornbread ice cream!

🌮 @masamexicangrill — Delicious blue corn tacos.

🍦 @jenisicecreams — Salted Peanut Butter from the ORIGINAL Jeni’s! A peanut butter lover’s dream! 🥜🍦

🌭 @schmidtssausagehaus — Bahama Mama sausage + Buckeye puff pastry.

❤️ Columbus gave me SO much JOY!

Thank you @experiencecolumbus for such a joyful weekend! I’m looking forward to coming back and experiencing even more of this amazing taken in Ohio State University by @joyatfirstbite_

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7 days ago

I came across @thejibaritostop while walking downtown looking for something to eat, and I’m so glad I did! 🙌🏾

I had never tried Puerto Rican food before, so this was my very first experience — and it was definitely #JoyAtFirstBite! 😋🇵🇷

I started with the Parcha, a freshly made passion fruit juice, and the Pepper Steak Plate. Both were amazing! I was in a rush, so I didn’t get a chance to try everything I wanted, but that just gives me another reason to come back.

If you’ve been here before, what dishes should I try next time? 👀

📍 The Jibarito Stop
174 N Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60601 taken in The Jibarito Stop by @joyatfirstbite_

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8 days ago

❤️ HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE @takeitfromnesh!!! ❤️

Yesterday, we celebrated my beautiful wife’s 35th birthday with a great dinner at @nisitaverna. 🥰

We were supposed to be in Greece celebrating this year, but because of her injury, we had to postpone our trip. 🇬🇷❤️ So instead, I brought a little taste of Greece to her, and it definitely made us even MORE excited to experience the real thing together once she’s healed!

Happy Birthday, my love! I love you so much, and when you’re better… WE’RE GOING TO GREECE!!! 😁🇬🇷❤️ taken in NISI Greek Taverna by @joyatfirstbite_

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10 days ago

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13 days ago

Growing up, I’ve always loved sweet potatoes, but crazy enough, I NEVER liked sweet potato pie. 😂

I finally tried my mother’s homemade sweet potato pie for the first time… and WOW! 🤯🥧🍠

Y’all… I’ve been MISSING OUT! 😂

Now I’m curious—what’s a food you enjoy in one form but don’t enjoy in another?

And how many of y’all LOVE sweet potato pie? 👇🏾 #joyatfirstbite #sweetpotatopie #fallfood taken in Chicago, Illinois by @joyatfirstbite_

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14 days ago

DC WAS JOYFUL!!!!!!!!! ❤️✨

I just wrapped up an unforgettable few days in Washington, DC with @visitwashingtondc, and wow, this city truly gave me so many reasons to smile.

From taking a pedal boat around the Tidal Basin with @au.capitalcollection and visiting the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, to visiting the MLK Memorial, DC gave me so many moments to pause, reflect and take in the city.

One of my favorite experiences was @museumofbible, where I learned about the Dead Sea Scrolls, explored different areas of biblical history, and even received a card with my Hebrew name. Being able to connect with my faith in such a unique way was truly special.

I also toured @nmaahc with @fortheloveofdcarts_sasha, where the Emmett Till exhibit was especially powerful. I learned more about African American history and resilience before enjoying a meal at Sweet Home Café—and that pecan pie was AMAZING! 🥧

And of course, the FOOD! 🍴 @oribudc introduced me to a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, including Wagyu beef fried rice and dumplings. @cutdc had incredible steaks and a sweet corn pasta that was out of this world, while @rosasdinerdc served chicken and waffles with pineapple butter that was TO DIE FOR! I also enjoyed @donisima_dc, @eltamarindodc, @moonrabbitdc by @chefkevintien, and locally made ice cream from @the_creamery_at_union_market.

Meeting Mrs. Ali, who is over 90, at @benseverything and hearing her wisdom was another moment I’ll never forget. I also learned more about the history of Black businesses along U Street through @theblackbroadway by @brianaindc.

🏨 My stay at @grandhyattdc was the perfect home base—beautiful, centrally located downtown and connected directly to the Metro, making it easy to explore the city.

DC, thank you for showing me so much JOY! ❤️ From the history and culture to the people and food, this trip was one I won’t forget.

I can’t wait to share the full adventure!

#Only1DC #JoyAtFirstBite by @joyatfirstbite_

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a month ago

Looking for a little joy? Start with Garrett Popcorn! 🍿❤️

Chicago, you already know Garrett Popcorn is an icon—and this year, they’re celebrating 77 years! 🎉

I stopped by to grab the limited-time Spicy CheeseCorn recipe, and let me tell you… it has that cheesy goodness with a kick from cayenne and chili peppers. 🔥

Of course, I had to bring some home for the family! 😂 And here’s my tip: if you want to take it up another level, mix the KettleCorn recipe with the Spicy CheeseCorn recipe. That sweet + spicy combination is GOOD! 👀🔥

And if you’re a KettleCorn fan, it’s back in shops too!

🚨 Chicago, Spicy CheeseCorn will be available ONLY September 17–19 at the 26 W Randolph St. shop, so don’t miss it!

77 years of Garrett Popcorn, and plenty of joy to go around. ❤️

#GarrettPopcorn #Garrett77 #Chicago #ChicagoFood #joyatfirstbite by @joyatfirstbite_

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17 days ago

JOY IN COLUMBUS 😁😁😁

I spent an amazing weekend in Columbus, Ohio with @experiencecolumbus, and this city REALLY showed out! 🙌🏾

🏈 THE EXPERIENCES

I experienced my first @ohiostatefb game, biked and scooted along @thesciotomile — one of the best riverwalks I’ve experienced — and had a great time at @cbussoulfest.

I also grabbed some Buckeye gear for the game at @homage and enjoyed our stay at @graduatehotels.

🍴 THE FOOD

Columbus definitely did NOT disappoint!

🍕 Columbus-style pizza from @gattoscolumbus ( my fav)and @donatospizza ( will enjoy if like sweet sauce)

🥐 @danthebaker — incredible pastries sandwiches and treats, and EVERYTHING they make is sourdough and their iced dr

@carolinessandwiches must try sandwiches try the pig in the weeds.

🍫 I tried a Buckeye for the first time at @thebuckeyelady. If you’ve never had one, it’s a sweet peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate. And if you know me, you know I LOVE peanut butter, so this was right up my alley! 😂🥜

🍗 Wings and burgers from @flavor91 at @cbussoulfest

🍩 Delicious donuts from @donnasdeliciousdozen at @cbussoulfest ( they do have storefront)- the strawberry one and the buckeye one are my favorites. Thr buckeye iced coffee will have you in heaven

☕️ Rainy Day Coffee from @bottomsupcoffee — a floating cloud of cotton candy over a hot cup of coffee!

🍽️ An amazing meal at @socal_kitchenandbar - olive oil cake , sweet ootsto sushi , and that bread is heaven

🧇 Waffle breakfast sandwiches from @winstonscoffeeandwaffles at @eastmarket_cbus , the blueberry waffle with sausage and egg was heaven

🌮 Blue corn tacos from @masamexicano

🍦 Salted Peanut Butter ice cream from the ORIGINAL @jenisicecreams — my favorite ice cream so being here wasa dream

🌭 Bahama Mama sausage and Buckeye puff pastry from @schmidtssausagehaus

Columbus gave me food, culture, sports, community and experiences that brought me JOY — exactly what Joy At First Bite is all about. ❤️

I can’t wait to come back and experience even more!

What did I miss? What should I experience next time I’m in Columbus? 👀👇🏾

#YesColumbus #JoyAtFirstBite #ColumbusOhio #ExperienceColumbus #ohiotravel taken in Ohio State Stadium - the Horseshoe by @joyatfirstbite_

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20 days ago

DC WAS JOYFUL!!!!!!!!! ❤️✨

I just wrapped up an unforgettable few days in Washington, DC with @visitwashingtondc, and wow, this city truly gave me so many reasons to smile.

From taking a pedal boat around the Tidal Basin with @adventuresunbound.dc and visiting the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, to visiting the MLK Memorial, DC gave me so many moments to pause, reflect and take in the city.

One of my favorite experiences was @museumofbible, where I learned about the Dead Sea Scrolls, explored different areas of biblical history, and even received a card with my Hebrew name. Being able to connect with my faith in such a unique way was truly special.

I also toured @nmaahc with @fortheloveofdcarts_sasha, where the Emmett Till exhibit was especially powerful. I learned more about African American history and resilience before enjoying a meal at Sweet Home Café—and that pecan pie was AMAZING! 🥧

And of course, the FOOD! 🍴 @oribudc introduced me to a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, including Wagyu beef fried rice and dumplings. @cutdc had incredible steaks and a sweet corn pasta that was out of this world, while @rosasdinerdc served chicken and waffles with pineapple butter that was TO DIE FOR! I also enjoyed @donisima_dc, @eltamarindodc, @moonrabbitdc by @chefkevintien, and locally made ice cream from @the_creamery_at_union_market.

Meeting Mrs. Ali, who is over 90, at @benseverything and hearing her wisdom was another moment I’ll never forget. I also learned more about the history of Black businesses along U Street through @theblackbroadway by @brianaindc.

🏨 My stay at @grandhyattdc was the perfect home base—beautiful, centrally located downtown and connected directly to the Metro, making it easy to explore the city.

DC, thank you for showing me so much JOY! ❤️ From the history and culture to the people and food, this trip was one I won’t forget.

I can’t wait to share the full adventure!

#Only1DC #joyatfirstbite taken in Washington, DC by @joyatfirstbite_

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a month ago

DC WAS JOYFUL!!!!!!!!! ❤️✨

I just spent the last few days in Washington, DC with @visitwashingtondc, and honestly, it was such a blast! From incredible food to beautiful experiences, DC gave me plenty of reasons to smile. 🥹

🎥 Video of my experience is dropping soon!

#Only1DC

Places I visited:
@benseverything
@donisima_dc
@rosasdinerdc
@oribudc
@cutdc
@yellowthecafe
@latejanadc
@jessietaylor.seafood
@eltamarindodc
@theblackbroadway
@museumofbible
@moonrabbitdc
@chefkevintien
@nmaahc
@the_creamery_at_union_market

#only1dc #joyatfirstbite taken in Washington D. C. by @joyatfirstbite_

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a month ago