Discovering New Menu Inspirations: Alyssa La Spisa
If you’re looking for a tasty accompaniment to your next burger, check out Alyssa La Spisa’s recommendations.
The 33-year-old from the Upper East Side has created quite the buzz with her social media series “Where Hot Guys Eat IRL.” In this series, she interviews attractive New Yorkers, asking them to share their favorite dining and drinking spots. The show has struck a chord with singles navigating the dating scene, often seen as a map to find eligible bachelors.
“I think everyone is seeking real connections lately,” La Spisa shared, expressing her own frustration with the endless swiping on dating apps. “I just want to help bring people together, or at least encourage outings where friends can explore these great spots,” she added.
La Spisa’s series, which began last year as a twist on her earlier show “Where Hot Guys Eat,” focuses on venues with appealing patrons. The idea sparked while she was at a bustling Jack & Charlie’s in the West Village, witnessing the city’s slow return to life post-pandemic.
“People seemed eager for that in-person connection,” she reflected, “so I felt compelled to share it.”
Her latest venture, likened to a mix of popular shows like “Chicken Shop Dates” and “Top Joe,” aims to interview men directly, bringing the conversation right to the source. Each short video, available on her Instagram (@the_recommendista), garners thousands of views and has turned into a social media sensation, particularly on TikTok.
“I find her content quite engaging. She’s friendly and gives great tips on where to meet single guys,” said follower Marisa Simone, who works in political advertising.
The series has motivated Simone to visit one of the trendy spots she learned about: Port Said in Lower Manhattan. She reported an abundance of “definitely” attractive men there.
La Spisa’s initiative taps into a growing interest among New Yorkers for real-life connections, boosted by platforms like LooksMapping, which evaluates restaurants based on the attractiveness of their patrons—places like Carbone have notably high ratings.
Some of the men interviewed have even gone on dates as a result. “After being featured, I’ve seen a rise in people reaching out to me,” said Hank Hoover, a content creator. He noted that he went on several dates he might not have otherwise taken.
Eron Luterman, a brand design manager, felt comfortable discussing his favorite spots but mentioned he wasn’t actively seeking a partner at the time.
“I did receive a few messages,” he admitted, “I didn’t mind the attention, but I wasn’t really looking for a date.”
Interestingly, after features on the show, Naama Tamir, owner of a Mediterranean restaurant, noted a notable increase in young female patrons.
“People were referencing the video when they came in, which was unexpected but welcomed,” Tamir said.
Some men mentioned they had found partners post-show, while others were still hoping for a lucky break.
Charles Hsu, a 24-year-old actor and comedian from the series, expressed pride in being labeled a “hot guy,” though he hasn’t experienced any romantic encounters through the project yet.
La Spisa hasn’t tracked the romantic success of her guests but feels satisfied with the engagement the series has sparked.
In her words, “I’m just glad it resonates with viewers wanting something more meaningful from the dating scene in New York.”
“It’s clear that this project has struck a chord,” she noted, emphasizing a genuine desire among many to meet people in person. “That speaks volumes about our current dating landscape.”
