Growing up in a small town, Billy Dove spent much of his free time working in a local café. It was here, between washing dishes and preparing meals, that he realized the value of community support to local businesses. “The café thrived because of the community,” he recalls, “and it opened my eyes to how much ‘local’ means to people.”
Billy’s realization led him to his passion: helping communities connect with local restaurants. Discovering great local eats is easy with his three step-guide to finding hidden culinary gems.
STEP ONE: Look for a smaller menu. A menu with less options usually means the restaurant is doing a few things well, instead of trying to do too much.
STEP TWO: Find photos. We eat with our eyes. If we can see how things are plated, how items are put together, it lets us know what we can expect and which items we might want to try.
STEP THREE: Ask about local ingredients. Restaurants that support local farmers and vendors are a great resource in any community and are certainly worth supporting. Local also means fresh, so you can expect great flavor.
“It takes the community to support local eateries. Showing your support to those who want to share their special dishes with you deserve an opportunity to succeed at what they love,” Billy says. “The men and women behind these businesses are our neighbors, friends, and maybe even our family; give them a chance!” For more great tips, follow Billy Dove on social media: 417foodist