Hunter Lu
Contributor
Hunter Lu is a New York-based food and features writer, editor, and NYU graduate. His fiction has appeared in The Line Literary Review and The Bangalore Review, and his nonfiction has appeared in Foreign Policy Magazine, Atlas Obscura, Greatist, Edible Queens, The Cleaver Quarterly, and The War Horse.
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The art of pairing sushi hand rolls and martinis, according to an expert
Martini cocktails and hand rolls are an excellent pairing. We interviewed a brewmaster and mixologist to learn all the techniques and tips.
Soju goes beyond shots: How New York’s Round K by Sol is reinventing soju cocktails
Soju, the most popular spirit in Korea, is also great for cocktails. The co-owner of Round K by Sol's, a Korean restaurant in New York City, shared some ideas
How to make Cuban coffee for a rich cup of joe
Cuban coffee, also known as Café Cubano or Cuban espresso, is a way of life for Cubans. Learn how to make Cuban coffee like a pro.
Pumpkin Patch Cocktail? Meet the mixologist crafting fall-themed cocktails
For the best seasonal fall cocktails, we interviewed master bartender Max Green of The Bronze Owl to learn more.
A mixologist guide on pairing drinks with sushi omakase
For the best sushi omakase experience, an excellent beverage pairing is a must. We interview three mixologist to learn more.
Meet the Michelin-starred chef showcasing Sichuan-style cocktails
Wonderland, a Sichuan gastrobar in New York City is creating modern Sichuan cocktails with Chinese culture at the forefront.
This NYC restaurant is upgrading burgers with a new type of American cheese
"New School'' American Cheese is an upgrade to American cheese and excellent for the perfect cheeseburger. Here's what we learned about it.
Bacon and oysters? The Hangtown Fry is a classic from the California Gold Rush
Learn all about the Hangtown Fry, a California breakfast classic of bacon, eggs, and oysters.
A Top Chef winner showcases modern, Sicilian-style aged fish at new restaurant
Chef Dieterle, a Top Chef Winner and restauranteur, is back with a new restaurant, Il Totano, that specializes in dry-aged fish and Sicilian seafood.
The amazing Japanese dishes you need to try at least once
Japanese cuisine is filled with great dishes. From ramen to hot pot, we list out our selection of dishes you need to try.
The complete guide to pork steaks: Where to buy, how to cook, and more
Pork steaks are a filling and mouthwatering alternative to beef that's just as great for grilling or searing. Find out more about this delicious slab of meat.
The best grass-fed burger tips for a great summer cookout, according to an expert
For the best summer burgers, try these grass-fed burger cooking tips from the experts at Verde Farms.
What to know about Brazilian BBQ, a delicious meat marathon
From succulent picanha to fatty pork, Brazilian BBQ restaurants are a meat marathon and guaranteed to scratch the itch of any carnivore.
Burgers and Champagne? A chef explains why this unusual pairing really works
Burgers and champagne might be the perfect pairing. Chef Sebastien Chaoui of The Chester teaches The Manual all about why the flavor combination works.
The top Asian-inspired wood-fire cooking tips from a chef
Learn how to combine wood-fire cooking techniques with Asian ingredients from KYU, a restaurant that specializes in wood-fire cooking.
Purple or green? Meet the mixologist crafting color-themed cocktails
Creating cocktails based on color is a must-try. To learn how, we interviewed Charlotte Voisey, an award-winning mixologist at the cocktail bar two fifteen.
What is Chinese barbecue? An essential guide
Char siu is Chinese barbecue pork, and it's a delicacy that's beloved throughout the Chinese community.
How to make a crowd-pleasing shrimp scampi
Garlicky and buttery, shrimp scampi is equally delicious by itself or with pasta.
Experience Japan in New York: Inside The Prince Kitano Hotel
Looking to experience Japan in New York City? The Prince Kitano Hotel offers everything from authentic kaiseki cuisine to tatami mats.
The ultimate guide to Thai food, one of the world’s most dynamic cuisines
The richness of Thai food goes far beyond standard takeout orders of Pad Thai and chicken satay.
6 classic Italian pasta recipes to make in your own kitchen
For a delicious and ambitious Italian feast, indulge yourself with these classic Italian pasta recipes, a must-cook for any pasta lover.
How to grill spicy Turkish Adana kebabs (and more tips)
One of the most famous kabob styles is the Adana kebab, a spicy Turkish lamb mince fragrant with chili peppers.
What to know about Hanwoo, the Wagyu beef of Korea
Its flavor can best be described as a combination of Wagyu and American Angus. For many beef lovers, Hanwoo is the best of both worlds.
The iconic Benjamin Steakhouse shares its best meat cooking tips
Interested in learning steak cooking tips from a top steakhouse? Benjamin Steakhouse of New York is here to share its best industry tips.
The 7 best anime to stream on Amazon right now
Amazon Prime is home to many anime, from classics to exclusive titles and new ones. So, start your binge sessions right with the best anime on Amazon Prime.
How to make a soft, chewy Neapolitan-style pizza like a pro
Pizza stems from one style — Neapolitan pizza. Despite the countless variations of pizza throughout the world, Neapolitan pizza has stood the test of time.
NYC restaurant Mala Hot Pot teaches us about modern Chinese hot pot
Chinese hot pot comes in many forms. We interviewed Mala Hot Pot to learn the details, from optimum cooking times to their specialty — the Nine-Grid Blind Box.
A Michelin-recognized restaurant’s guide to pairing drinks with Indian cuisine
We interview Chola, a Michelin recognized Indian restaurant in New York to learn about pairing beer, wine, and cocktails with Indian cuisine.
How a Michelin-starred sushi chef crafts omakase to go
Michelin level omakase sushi is now accessible for takeout. We take an inside look into Jōji Box,
How to make a killer meatloaf (and it’s easier than you think)
A favorite of family meals and diners, a well-made meatloaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and is simple to make at home.
Upgrade your next barbecue with elk, the healthy red meat you should be eating
If you're looking for a healthy beef replacement, look no further than elk. We interview First Light Farms to learn all about this healthy red meat.
How to brunch like the French with lobster croissant and champagne
Learn how to brunch like the French with lobster croissant, cocktails, and frog legs. Maison Close, a New York-based French restaurants, teaches us how.
What is caviar? A seafood expert breaks down all the details
Delicate and buttery, caviar is a luxurious delicacy. To guide us, caviar expert John McDonald of Hancock St. teaches us how to enjoy this prized ingredient.
What is dim sum? A guide to China’s most famous culinary tradition
Dim sum restaurants are a culinary institution in many American Chinatowns.
The complete guide to cleaning a fish for beginners
Landed a big catch? Nice work! Tasty, fresh fish meat is just a few slices away. Follow this guide to learn how to best prepare a fresh-caught fish.
How to make sweet and crispy Hawaiian fried chicken
From fragrant garlic chicken to sweet mochiko chicken, Hawaii is a fantastic place for fried poultry.
How to make peri peri chicken, a South African BBQ classic
Want to know about the delicious and spicy peri peri chicken? Read this simple guide and make your own at home with a chef-approved recipe.
Here’s the chicken pot pie recipe you need to bake up this comfort food favorite
The best of both worlds, chicken pot pie combines crispy pastry with rich chicken stew.
Tips and tricks: A pro chef reveals how to cook prime rib
The highlight of any celebration or menu, prime rib requires plenty of skill to execute. Chef James Tracey of Monterey helps us break down this classic.
Tlayudas is the ‘Mexican pizza’ you never knew you needed
Tlayudas are a Mexican street food classic. Chef Alex Mixcoatl shares his favorite tips and tricks with The Manual for this Oaxaca dish.
How to make Salisbury steak, an American classic
An iconic American classic, Salisbury steak is a savory and hearty dish guaranteed to satisfy any meat lover.
How to make chai tea: Tasty recipes for a homemade delight
An excellent beverage for any weather, a cup of creamy Indian chai is second to none. Read on to learn all the tips and tricks to making this amazing drink.
How to make Vietnamese pho, a perfect soup for any time of the year
A steaming bowl of rich beef broth brimming with noodles and fragrant herbs, pho is widely considered the most famous dish of Vietnam.
How to find the best street food (and other travel tips), according to YouTube megastar, The Food Ranger
Looking for travel tips? From the best street food to digital safety, YouTube megastar The Food Rangers share his best tips.
Here’s all you need to know about brisket: A comprehensive guide
There aren't many foods more heartily satisfying than slow-cooked meat. Here's all you need to know about brisket.
Secrets revealed: Chef shares his best tips for cooking a picanha steak
Brazilian picanha is a must-eat for any meat lover. We learn all the tips and tricks from a chef.
A pro chef gives us tips on how to make a great breakfast burger
Who wouldn't want a burger for breakfast? A pro chef gives us all the tips and tricks you'll need.
How to make creamy, crispy chicken fried steak – a recipe for the home chef
Crispy and covered in gravy, chicken fried steak is a delicious and filling Southern delicacy.
Meet the Bikini sandwich, Spain’s answer to the Croque Monsieur
Have you ever heard of a bikini sandwich? It's Spain's version of a Croque Monsieur, and it's incredible.
There are several health benefits of wine – we explain them here
ETTORE, an organic winery in California, shows its expertise on the health benefits of wine.