Mateo Castillo
Food Columnist
As the Food Columnist for Daily Local Finds, Mateo Castillo explores the local Eat & Drink scene through the lenses of culinary history, restaurant criticism, and food culture. He seeks out authenticity across the community, celebrating the diverse chefs and artisans who shape the local culinary landscape. By sharing the stories behind the plate, Mateo helps readers connect deeply with the community's vibrant food culture and discover their next favorite dining experience.
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Latest Articles
O'Charley's Closes All Company-Owned Locations Amid Industry Woes
Los Angeles, crowned the 'rattiest city' by pest-control company Orkin , saw health officials issue over 120 vermin citations to food facilities in 2026.
Sep 11, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are The Economic Opportunities In Cocktail Culture For Mixologists?
Forget the standard hourly wage.
Sep 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Athens Restaurants Open for Labor Day 2026 Holiday Dining
Over 40 downtown Athens restaurants will open their doors this Labor Day 2026, a vibrant defiance of traditional holiday closures.
Sep 7, 2026 · 3 min read
How Dearborn Diners Balance Influencers and Tradition
The aroma of sweet, syrupy knafeh typically draws a steady stream of regulars to Sweets of Syria, a family-owned bakery nestled in Dearborn.
Aug 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Your Local Restaurants Are Failing. Here's How Communities Can Save Them.
In the last five years, over 30% of independent restaurants in mid-sized cities have either closed or been acquired by larger chains, fundamentally altering local main streets, according to the Nation
Aug 27, 2026 · 4 min read
Gen Z Daycaps Are Boosting Bar Sales, But Is It Sustainable?
In downtown Austin, The Daily Grind coffee shop now sells more cocktails at 3 PM on a Tuesday than espresso shots, a stark reversal driven by Gen Z's 'daycapping' trend.
Aug 25, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Support Local Restaurants in 2026 Without Dining In
The seemingly simple act of ordering takeout from your neighborhood eatery directly contributes to funding your local schools and maintaining your roads.
Aug 13, 2026 · 4 min read
Local dining's unwritten rules could exclude you; etiquette is evolving.
A recent survey found 60% of local restaurant owners attribute rising staff turnover and customer complaints to declining basic dining etiquette, costing them an estimated 15% in potential annual reve
Aug 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Ontario's All-You-Can-Eat Dining Scene Evolves
At The Luxe Buffet in Ontario, California, an all-you-can-eat dinner now costs $19.
Aug 6, 2026 · 2 min read
August's Local Dining and Drink Scene
This August, Atlanta beckons with a K-Pop murder mystery dinner for $75, while Columbus bursts with five new, diverse eateries in a single week.
Aug 3, 2026 · 4 min read
New World Coffee Champions Crowned, Featuring Cosmic Inspiration
In a preview of global coffee's future, competitors from China, Malaysia, and Belgium were crowned world champions at the 2026 World Coffee Championships in Brussels.
Jun 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Filigree Coffee Opens First Orlando Cafe in Horizon West
At its new 1,000-square-foot cafe in Horizon West, Filigree Coffee has dedicated three Mahlkönig grinders and a La Marzocco GB5 AV espresso machine to ensure precise coffee preparation from its openin
Jun 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Sprouts Farmers Market Expands Klatch Coffee to Over 11 SoCal Stores
Starting May 24, Sprouts Farmers Market will unveil over 11 new in-store Klatch Coffee cafés across Southern California, a bold move set to redefine the grocery shopping experience.
Jun 30, 2026 · 2 min read
BET Awards 2026 Honor Lauryn Hill With Star-Studded Tribute
After years away from major stages, Ms.
Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read
2026 World Cup host countries announce expanded tournament schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 cities in three countries, a 62.
Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Kitchen Deals Remain Hot After Prime Day Sale Frenzy
The Flavortown Laser Titanium Fry Pan, a popular kitchen item, remains 30% off even after Prime Day officially concluded.
Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read
CookUnity meal delivery service shows high satisfaction
By the close of 2025, chef-created meal delivery service CookUnity hit an astonishing $750 million in annual recurring revenue, according to CookUnity .
Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Californios Becomes World's First Mexican Restaurant With 3 Michelin Stars
In a historic first, Californios in San Francisco has been awarded three Michelin stars in the 2026 guide, making it the world's first Mexican restaurant to achieve this pinnacle of culinary recogniti
Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read
Prime Day 2026: Final Hours for Kitchen Deals
With just hours left, the Vitamix Ascent X3 blender, a kitchen staple, is still available at a stunning 42% off, slashed from $650 to $375, Bon Appétit reports.
Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read
Find the Best Prime Day 2026 Deals for Home Cooks Now
The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 10-Quart XL 2-Basket Air Fryer, a true kitchen workhorse, now commands a tempting $170 — a full $80 off its original $250 price during Amazon Prime Day, as reported by The Wall
Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read