#FrayFollows: @dcfoodporn
Are you looking local accounts to follow that cover the best in food around DC? This month we are featuring Justin Schuble from @dcfoodporn, a DC-based food Instagram account that always leaves us hungry!
1. How did you get started with @dcfoodporn?
I started @dcfoodporn during my Freshman year at Georgetown University. I often joke that it all started because I was sick of eating at the dining hall, but it’s the truth. I grew up in Potomac, MD and was familiar with the D.C. food scene as a kid, but once I got to college I wanted to explore the city even more and discover spots that I didn’t know existed. I started by posting food photos (taken on my iPhone5) to my personal Instagram account (@justinschuble), but when I realized that my entire feed was food photos, I knew it was time to create a separate account dedicated to food. I created a new account, which I originally named @freshman_foodie but quickly changed to @dcfoodporn, and the rest is history. Over the years I have learned a ton about social media, photography and food, allowing me to grow the account from zero followers to almost 200k.
2. What are some of your favorite places to eat in DC and why? (TOP 3)
For me, a good restaurant has great food, atmosphere and service. My favorite D.C. restaurant (at the moment) is Little Serow. The bold flavors, turquoise walls and quality of service make eating there such a fun experience. I also love that I don’t even have to order because the menu is already set each week. Next on my list would probably be Tiger Fork. Blagden Alley is one of my favorite places in the city, and every time I go to Tiger Fork I feel like I have found a hidden gem. Finally, I am really excited about the opening of Maydan, the newest concept from the Compass Rose team. I got to eat there last week before the restaurant opened, and I thought it was excellent. Eating with your fingers was encouraged which made me love it even more.
3. Where do you see @dcfoodporn going in the next year? Other cities perhaps?
Over the last few months, I have been transforming @dcfoodporn from a hobby to a full-time gig. I have started to introduce travel and lifestyle content and have been posting more photos of me so that people can get to know the person behind the account. Growth is always my main goal, because the larger my audience is the more opportunities I have to expand the brand. I have a few projects in the works that I can’t discuss just yet, but expect some exciting things for @dcfoodporn over the next year. In the meantime, make sure to check out my newly re-designed website (www.dcfoodporn.com), where I will be adding more content over the next few months.
4. What are some of your favorite local IG accounts to follow?
Because my feed is so full of food photos, I love following local Instagrammers that are posting about things outside of the food space. @adrienradford, @golightly, @acreativedc are a couple favorites.
5. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Any restaurants you would recommend for anyone staying in town for the holiday?
I’ve always loved Pumpkin Pie, and it’s definitely a Thanksgiving staple in my house.My family always eats at home, but If you’re going out for Thanksgiving, Le Diplomate and Blue Duck Tavern look like they have some cool meals planned.
What are some of your favorite local DC Instagram accounts to follow?
you should check out @abooziefoodiedc !!!