TikTok sensation and culinary critic Keith Lee is stirring the pot once again, announcing a 'Redemption Food Tour' with Atlanta poised as the comeback city. Lee, whose candid reviews have amassed him a robust following of over 16 million on the platform, previously ranked Atlanta's dining scene at the bottom of an eight-city tasting tour, a move that didn't quite savor well with the local food enthusiasts. According to a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, he's planning to give the A-Town fare another shot, though with precautions: "We come in peace. With that being said, we will be protected," Lee affirmed.
Dishing out hard truths with his palatable presence, the Las Vegas native's harsh critique last time even served up threats against him and his family, leading to heightened security concerns. He promises new restaurants and, as he says, new categories—perhaps to chew over a different taste of Atlanta gastronomy. The last round of venues included hot spots like The Atlanta Breakfast Club and Old Lady Gang, but in a video statement, Lee says he plans to feature different establishments in the upcoming tour. This time, hoping to avoid a sour aftertaste, eating anonymously as usual which will be accompanied by "people with us who are legal and licensed" to ensure his family's safety, Keith Lee told WSB-TV.
The crisp reception from Atlanta's food aficionados the first time around was met with more heat than a gourmet kitchen, with some detractors critiquing Lee for choosing popularity over authenticity in his restaurant selections. This backlash simmered into an ugly boil with reported threats that took aim at the critic's peace of mind. In response, Lee's upcoming tour will be escorted by security to shield from any potential grilling. The TikTok star's redemption round is set to feature a fresh menu of food locales, perhaps fishing for a better representation of Atlanta's diverse flavors.
Lee's timeline for his return is currently under wraps, but he hints at it being "soon." The foodie community and restaurant owners, no doubt, are on the edge of their seats (or stools), ready to serve up their best in hopes of flipping last year's script. With Keith Lee's taste buds heading back to Atlanta, restaurants now have their chance to prove that, in the culinary world of this social media influencer, they can indeed bring home the bacon—and hopefully, Lee and his family will too, but just home safe, skipping any unnecessary side dishes of drama.
