This month I was honored by the Orlando Sentinel and Food Editor Lauren Delgado by being inducted into the Orlando Sentinel’s Culinary Hall of Fame for 2017, its 10th class. I joined many other great local figures in our culinary industry and am just humbled to have been awarded. We started TastyChomps.com in 2008, almost 10 years ago, and it has been nothing but a joy and pleasure to share stories about our local food scene. Here is to another 10 years ahead!

For the article, visit: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/food/culinary-hall-of-fame/os-et-culinary-hall-fame-2017-htmlstory.html

As the child of Vietnamese refugees, Ricky Ly grew up surrounded by food, the center of almost every celebration or festival.

The civil engineer decided to flex his more creative side and promote Orlando’s burgeoning culinary scene by starting the Tasty Chomps food blog in 2008.

His first post? A review of a now-closed local, family-owned Indian restaurant near the University of Central Florida.

“I really was inspired to help spread the word about food, restaurants, cuisines and cultures that are not typically heard of,” said the 31-year-old Orlando resident.

Since then, Ly has become an expert on the Orlando restaurant scene. He has led fellow food writers on culinary adventures, written “The Food Lovers’ Guide to Orlando” and been featured on ABC’s “The Chew.” He also started the Orlando Foodie Forum, a Facebook group for food lovers to share their experiences at Central Florida restaurants.

Tasty Chomps isn’t alone in its growth — the Orlando food scene has developed, as well. Orlando’s diversity is what makes the city so different, Ly said.

“I take it with pride to be able to share a little bit of Orlando wherever I go, whatever I do.”

For the article, visit: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/food/culinary-hall-of-fame/os-et-culinary-hall-fame-2017-htmlstory.html