When a reel by Baldy Eats shows up in your social media feed, it’s hard to look away. In a segment shot at Crispy Cones in Palm Beach Gardens, he takes a big bite of chocolate ice cream topped with chunks of brownies and Kit Kats, plus a Nutella drizzle. His blue eyes go wide. “Brain freeze!” he exclaims, pointing at his sizable bald head. He holds up a chunk of the shop’s signature rotisserie dough that serves as a cone. “This is phenomenal,” he exclaims. “The dough! This is the coolest method of eating ice cream. I’m giving it a 9.8!” A series of flame emojis appear on-screen over the “Will Work for Food” T-shirt that Baldy is sporting.
In less than two years, the Port St. Lucie resident who goes by the moniker Baldy (preferring not to reveal his real name) has amassed a monthly social media audience of over three million viewers who watch him doing what he loves best: eating. “I’ve always been a foodie, so it wasn’t the craziest epiphany for me,” he says. “One day, we just started eating at all these restaurants; my kids were my camera crew.” Baldy posted his first review in November 2023. Within months, his videos were garnering hundreds—and then thousands—of views. “It absolutely blew up,” he recalls.
Baldy says the secret sauce to his success lies in the authenticity of his reviews. “People feel like they are at the table with me. I am really just being myself. People can see the enthusiasm and excitement I have for what I am doing.” His opinions are authentic; reviews are done exclusively upon request from local restaurateurs—a process that eliminates the element of surprise and gives businesses an opportunity to shine. “I understand I have a huge responsibility to let the restaurant put their best foot forward while giving my honest opinion,” he explains.
As for his favorite picks, Baldy says it’s hard to narrow it down completely. But he let us in on four local spots that have made serious impressions on a guy who eats for a living—and that’s saying something.
Baldy’s Favorite Eats
Mana Greek Fusion, Jupiter
“They have a braised lamb shank called the Village Lamb. It’s so soft and tender, it literally melts in your mouth. Every time you go there, you get an amazing homemade meal.”
Thirsty Turtle Sea Grill, Juno Beach and Port St. Lucie
“I have to give a big shout-out to my favorite place for wings. These guys have the best wings anywhere in Florida.”
Two Georges Dockside Grille, Port Salerno
“This is a fairly new place and it’s getting really big. I love the vibe here. They have a great sushi boat. The sushi is so fresh and yummy, and it is priced really well. You would think you would have to go to a fancy sushi place to get something like this.”
Hudson’s on the River, Stuart
“They redid their patio and it’s a combination of elegant and laid-back. It’s beautiful. The Duck Two Ways is to die for. The duck breast is slow-cooked and the thigh and the leg are seared with a beautiful teriyaki glaze. People drive for miles for it.”
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