This month, TikTok food critic Keith Lee made a significant swing through Seattle, where he embarked on a culinary journey, reviewing a diverse range of food spots. His reviews have not only captured the attention of millions but have also led to unexpected consequences for some local businesses.
Unraveling the Seattle Food Scene with Keith Lee
Reviewing FOB Sushi Bar
Keith Lee, a Texas-based social media personality with an impressive following of over 16 million on TikTok, posted a review of FOB Sushi Bar on November 9. This self-serve restaurant has locations in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood and Bellevue, Washington. In the video, Lee picked around 10 pieces of sushi and then proceeded to eat them all while rating them on a 1-10 scale. Around the 1:50 mark, there was a close-up of one piece of sushi held in his chopsticks. This particular segment caught the attention of other TikTok users who started making their own videos, claiming to have spotted a possible worm in the fish.The initial video, which now has more than 19 million views, went viral. Due to the worm conspiracy videos, FOB Sushi issued a statement on Instagram over the weekend. They thanked Lee for his visit and stated that the claims about worms in the sashimi are "entirely false." The statement explained that the movement in the video is due to the natural elasticity of the fish and not worms. Rumors like this can harm small businesses, so they addressed it directly.By Monday, FOB Sushi had closed both of its locations until further notice. In a new Instagram statement, they emphasized that their highest priorities are the health and safety of their customers. They are conducting a thorough investigation to address the situation and will take all necessary measures to prevent it from happening again.Other Seattle Food Spots
During his visit to Seattle, Keith Lee didn't just focus on sushi. He also reviewed King's BBQ House in the Chinatown International District, an organic apple cider stand at Pike Place Market, Senait Ethiopian Restaurant in Lake City, several teriyaki restaurants, and Hood Famous Bakeshop in the ID. Each of these reviews provided unique insights into the local food scene and offered a different perspective to his followers.For example, at King's BBQ House, he explored the flavors and cooking techniques of traditional barbecue. At the organic apple cider stand, he discovered the refreshing and healthy side of Seattle's food culture. Senait Ethiopian Restaurant offered a taste of exotic spices and flavors that are unique to Ethiopian cuisine. The teriyaki restaurants showcased the versatility of this popular Japanese-inspired dish. And Hood Famous Bakeshop provided a sweet ending to his Seattle food adventure with their delicious baked goods.Overall, Keith Lee's Seattle food tour was a memorable experience that not only entertained his followers but also had a significant impact on the local food industry. His reviews and the subsequent events have sparked discussions and raised awareness about food safety and quality in Seattle.