Hola! I’m Allie Lazar, a food writer, audiovisual producer, and eater from Chicago who has spent the past 18 years eating, drinking, and exploring my way through Argentina, and beyond. And this is Pick Up the Fork—your insider’s guide to the food and culture of Buenos Aires, along with my culinary escapades around the world.
About Me:
I birthed Pick Up the Fork in 2009 as a food blog to document my obsession with Argentina’s culinary scene. Before social media reigned supreme, it became a trusted resource for serious eaters (and silly people), serving as a restaurant bible to navigate Buenos Aires’ ever-expanding food landscape. What started as a little blog I thought only my mom would read grew into a respected food publication. I got some press, turned into an award-winning TV series, and launched a career as a professional writer, producer, and sometimes TV host. Hey, I even gave Barack and Michelle Obama restaurant recommendations!
Over the years, my work has been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit Magazine, SAVEUR, and Condé Nast Traveler, among others. You may have seen me on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil, Street Food: Latin America, and Vice Munchies’ Drunk Eats, or read my guides on Eater.com, where I’ve been writing the Buenos Aires restaurant lists for the past 10 years. Behind the scenes, I’ve produced documentaries about chefs like Jamie Oliver and Francis Mallmann. I’ve also written cookbooks, a graphic novel, and consulted on countless culinary projects. Blah blah blah, yaddayaddayadda… all of this is just to prove that I’m a somewhat credible source.
PICK UP THE NEWSLETTER!
Whether you’re an OG Pick Up the Fork reader or brand new, your support keeps this little food corner of the internet alive, and delicious. Here’s what’s on the menu:
Free Subscribers:
Free posts of whatever I’m inspired to write about: think restaurant guides, recipes, interviews, and the occasional food rant.
Paid Subscribers:
Exclusive Deep Dives: Behind-the-paywall looks at BA’s food scene and beyond with unfiltered reviews, rants, and tips.
Restaurant Guides & Curated Food Maps: Insider intel on where to eat—hidden gems, must-visit spots, and my favorite things I usually keep selfishly and sacred to myself. Save time & money skipping bad meals to go straight to the good stuff. No wasted pesos, just incredible bites.
Discounts, Hot New Openings & Events: Be the first to know about what’s happening in BA and beyond. Join a community that values insider tips and honest reviews.
Support Independent Writing: For what you’d spend on a specialty coffee or empanada, you can help keep this newsletter alive. Your subscription directly funds the time, research, and care I pour into every story.
Only Fans or Substack?
For years, Pick Up the Fork was my go-to outlet for celebrating food in Argentina. Now, it’s evolved into a space for thoughtful, independent food writing—free from SEO pressures and algorithm games. I started to miss the joy of simply sharing stories about great food—without obsessing over virality or likes. And, well, it’s this Substack newsletter or Only Fans ; )
So, I’m back with stories, reviews, recipes, and guides to help you navigate Argentina’s food scene (and beyond). If any of this sounds appetizing, subscribe and take a seat at my table! If it doesn’t, chau te mando un beso.
Hope to see you in your inbox!
Besos & Yours Truly, Allie
P.S. Questions, comments, or recommendations? Fax me, page me, or shoot me an email imhungry@pickupthefork.com. If you’d like to work with me, email allie@pickupthefork.com.
Home video: 1989, suburban Chicago. Little food-obsessed Allie at my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary sing-a-long party, attacking chocolate ice cream with the demonic energy of a sugar-possessed 4-year-old. Some things never change.
