A comprehensive map of Kenji’s Instagram mentions

[https://www.rajahamid.com/journal/kenji-lopez-alt-seattle-recommendation-map](https://www.rajahamid.com/journal/kenji-lopez-alt-seattle-recommendation-map)

​

I’ve seen other attempts at this but I made a few changes. The blog post above has more details/instructions.

* Made in Google Maps “Lists” feature rather than Google “My Maps.” This means you can Follow it an it’ll populate on your default Google Maps layer if you choose to toggle it on.
* I copy/pasted Kenji’s commentary and a link to the IG post for context.
* I’ve committed to keeping it updated (has everything since Nov 2020), and also included recommendations beyond Seattle. It’s more like a PNW+ map and spans the West coast.

​

**What I’m most keen to hear from you is what your thoughts are on his recent IG post** ([https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct9iCErJSOo/](https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct9iCErJSOo/)) **about what he should do with all that insight.**

He and I are considering collaborating together; I’d love to learn what you’d find most valuable/useful/convenient to help guide the thinking.

* What would you want as a traveler to Seattle?
* What would you want as a local to \[your city\]?
* If you’ve acted on a restaurant recommendation from Kenji, what was that like? Do you order the same dish he does? Or do you use the recommendation just go get you in the door?
* For you, what is it about Kenji’s restaurant recommendations that makes them different from other sources (e.g., blogs, publications, etc)?
* Assume Kenji’s recommendations didn’t exist, what’s the best source of restaurant recommendations for you? Do you cross-reference sources or are there some sources 100% trustworthy to you? What or *who* are those sources?
* How much does seeing a photo influence your decision on whether to go somewhere or order something? Would you prefer video?
* How much does sharing your feedback on a recommendation matter to you?
* How much does context about a restaurant play a role in influencing you? Do you prefer just straight-up tips like “get \_\_\_\_, paired with \_\_\_\_. I liked \_\_\_ a lot…” instead?
* What are shortcomings of other restaurant recommendation sources that you see? You can pick whichever you’re familiar with (e.g., Google Maps, Yelp, Eater, food podcasts, etc). Feel free to include non-restaurant-specific sources as well (e.g., Instagram, TikTok). What do they do really well?
* How do you use your at-home computer vs your phone differently in helping you decide where to go?
* If you’re already familiar with using this map I made, what are some shortcomings of it? What’s great about it?
* If you could wave a magic wand (within the context of getting restaurant recommendations), what would your wish be? Feel free to be unrealistic here.

This is a lot to ask, so thanks for taking the time to read and to share your thoughts! If you’ve already commented on the IG post, I’ll read that too 🙂

by BroomeStreet