"Going Local Long Island" is excited to welcome Gary Dvoskin as their newest food reviewer, bringing his passion for local dining to a broader audience. Gary, who has been writing reviews for the past nine years, discovered his love for food writing as a refreshing escape from the increasingly heated political climate on Facebook. Stumbling upon the "Tri State Restaurant Club" back then, Gary found solace in sharing his dining experiences, where restaurants, unlike politics, offered a non-controversial and enjoyable topic for discussion.
Gary’s approach to choosing restaurants to review is as organic as his love for food. Most of the time, he reviews places he happens to visit on a given night, especially if the experience stands out. However, he’s also intentional about seeking out lesser-known spots, particularly those that may be struggling or are hard to find. Through his connections with other food critics and his active participation in food communities, Gary is always on the lookout for unique, fun places to share with his readers.
A Long Island native, Gary’s personal life is as deeply rooted in the community as his food reviews. He’s been married to his high school sweetheart, Lisa, since 1991. They first met while working at McDonald’s in 1983, sparking a romance that’s lasted over four decades. Lisa, whom Gary often refers to as his better half in his reviews, is a lawyer. Their daughter, Regan, 28, is a computer scientist living in England with her fiancé.
When he’s not exploring local eateries, Gary is an avid power walker, averaging over six miles a day this year. He’s also a dedicated sports fan, with a particular passion for the Islanders, Jets, Giants, Mets, Yankees, and Knicks. A personal injury attorney by profession, Gary grew up in Plainview and now resides in Melville. His background as a jock, playing soccer and wrestling in his youth, has perhaps contributed to his discipline and drive in both his professional and personal life.