Let’s go out to eat tonight!
I’m Ryan Sutton, your favorite laid-off food critic, and I’m here to make sure that we’re eating and drinking well even when life throws us a few curveballs — something I know a thing or two about! So welcome to The LO Times, a Substack “bestseller,” and a food media site for our era of economic uncertainty. Think of me as a your personal guide to dining out during these tumultuous but delicious times.
I’ve been reviewing NYC restaurants for nearly 18 years, starting with Bloomberg News in the aughts — throughout the Great Recession — and then with Eater NY for nearly a decade….until layoffs hit in January. My job was a casualty, but wouldn’t you know it, New York still needs folks to help us decide where to eat and hang, especially as the pandemic-battered restaurant community roars back to life.
As some well-funded media sites cut back on food criticism, an absolutely vital service, this one-person outfit is doubling down on it.
Yep, that means I’m back at it, reviewing restaurants in one of the world’s greatest cities. I hope we can figure out a way to enjoy it all together even as the price of everything shoots up, as rents remain at sky-high levels, and as layoffs continue to jolt our resilient economy. It’s all the more reason to find a bit of joy where we can, maybe even at one of our city’s absolutely amazing restaurants.
Monthly and Yearly Subscribers: What You’ll Get
Timely reviews of the new restaurants you’re curious about, quick takes on hot new dishes, a regular sandwich column, a very cool meat column for when you just want a solid steak or chop, the city’s best new restaurants (later in the year), and clutch intel on dining out, including details on tough reservations and new menu items.
“Best of” lists that you won’t find anywhere else — with pointed recommendations on what restaurants or dishes to avoid. Expect columns like how to splurge on that nice meal you’ve been saving up for (and what spendy restaurants to skip), where to find affordable eats in specific neighborhoods, and where to grab a great steak (or where not to).
A weekly “Free Food” column that offers original reporting on the biggest food news, plus essays and critical roundups of major reviews from around the country
Access to our full vault of reviews and lists the second you subscribe.
Annual price: Less than a good prime rib after tax and tip.
All subscribers can expect about two posts per week as The LO Times finds its groove.
A few more things: There are a lot of bland lists out there; I’ll make sure our “best of” columns feel more like a cool mixtape (or email) from your buddy who always has their eye out for what’s good (and what’s not)! I also hope you’ll dig our focus on value, whether you’re worried about your next paycheck, waiting to see what your bonus will look like, or even looking for a job. And while putting out this type of journalism is expensive, we’ll still publish a few free posts every month.
That’s it for now, and please do email me anytime at lotimesnyc@gmail.com or at ryanpsutton@gmail.com if you have any questions, concerns, or if you just feel like chatting about restaurants.
Happy chomping!
Ryan!
