RICHMOND – Virginians are taking to social media to invite the stars of the popular YouTube show Sorted Food to get “Lost & Hungry” here in the Commonwealth, a destination recently named as the “Food Region of 2014” by Esquire magazine. The UK-based video bloggers have paired up with the TODAY show for a US culinary tour, where the route is chosen by fans on social media. Fans must use the hashtag #LostAndHungry to share their suggestions for the best foodie destinations in America.
Sorted Food is comprised of four fun-loving British foodies Mike Huttlestone, Barry Taylor, Jamie Spafford and Ben Ebbrell. The foursome will be sharing their adventures on their blog, YouTube channel, and social media platforms. Additionally, the group has partnered with TODAY as a media partner and will feature weekly updates on “Lost & Hungry” on the morning talk show.
“As Sorted Food plans their journey across the country in a quest to find the best restaurants, chefs, and local culinary gems, Virginia is a must-see destination for these food enthusiasts’ itinerary,” said Rita McClenny, President & CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Virginia offers an exceptional authentic culinary experience that has already sparked the attention of the nation. What makes Virginia so special is the powerful influence of regional flavor and a rich heritage that offers a distinctive sense of place. From Appalachian cuisine to seven oyster regions, 250 wineries to 100 craft breweries, James Beard-nominated chefs to treasured small-town staples, farm-to-fork and tide-to-table, Virginia is a place you can really experience through your taste buds. I encourage all Virginians to use the hashtag #LostAndHungry to tell Sorted Food why they should make the Commonwealth their next road trip destination-and to see why Virginia is for Food Lovers.”
From The TODAY Show Blog:
“Do you have a must-try mom and pop restaurant to recommend? An-over-the-top novelty treat the guys have to taste? Want them to visit your favorite bakery — or maybe even your grandmother, who serves up the greatest apple pie this side of the Atlantic? Let them know! Mike, in particular, wants to eat his weight in cheesecake while working on his tan.
If you’re not yet a fan of SORTEDfood, you may soon end up joining the one million-plus subscribers to their YouTube channel, where they serve up exciting eats (with a side of humor) developed directly through feedback from their followers.”
About Virginia’s Culinary Scene
Virginia’s surging restaurant and bar scene propelled the Commonwealth to new heights in the opinion of leading food and drink journals in 2014. Virginia chefs elbowed their way into the top echelon aided enormously by top Virginia-based purveyors in homegrown meat, seafood and produce along with artisanal cheese makers, bakers and salumeria. Craft brewers in Virginia have created a sensation with a collection of top ribbons in national and international competition, joining Virginia wine, cider and spirits in elevating the state’s long-standing reputation for good things in a bottle. All told, Virginia has staked its place at the table in any national conversation about “America’s best” food and drink.
Accolades
Esquire Magazine named “Virginia the Food Region of 2014,” touting farm-raised oysters in Coastal Virginia, Bordeaux-style wine in Virginia’s Piedmont, cider crafted from heirloom apples in Southwest Virginia, artisanal breads made from heritage grains in Richmond, and five-star dining in the small town of Staunton as some of the culinary experiences that make Virginia a top American culinary destination.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Charlottesville one of “America’s 5 New Foodie Cities.”
Departures Magazine named Richmond the “Next Great American Food City.”
USA Today’s feature story “Virginia is for (oyster) Lovers,” highlighted the resurgence of Virginia’s oyster industry concluded that Virginia has returned to major player status. In August, Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe proclaimed Virginia the Oyster Capital of the East Coast.
Food & Wine Magazine touted the quality of Virginia wine in an article on “The Best Wineries to Visit in Virginia.”
Draft Magazine listed Virginia among “Four States to Beer-Tour Now.”
For more information on Virginia’s exciting culinary scene, please click here.