Mateo Castillo

Food Columnist

As the Food Columnist for Daily Local Finds, Mateo Castillo explores the local Eat & Drink scene through the lenses of culinary history, restaurant criticism, and food culture. He seeks out authenticity across the community, celebrating the diverse chefs and artisans who shape the local culinary landscape. By sharing the stories behind the plate, Mateo helps readers connect deeply with the community's vibrant food culture and discover their next favorite dining experience.

Expertise

Culinary HistoryRestaurant CriticismFood CultureChef Profiles

Coverage Areas

Eat & Drink

Latest Articles

Diverse coffee champions from China, Malaysia, and Belgium celebrating their wins at the World Coffee Championships in Brussels.
Eat & Drink

New World Coffee Champions Crowned, Featuring Cosmic Inspiration

In a preview of global coffee's future, competitors from China, Malaysia, and Belgium were crowned world champions at the 2026 World Coffee Championships in Brussels.

Jun 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Interior of the new Filigree Coffee cafe in Horizon West, Orlando, featuring high-end espresso machines and grinders, with a barista preparing a drink.
Eat & Drink

Filigree Coffee Opens First Orlando Cafe in Horizon West

At its new 1,000-square-foot cafe in Horizon West, Filigree Coffee has dedicated three Mahlkönig grinders and a La Marzocco GB5 AV espresso machine to ensure precise coffee preparation from its openin

Jun 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Sprouts Farmers Market store with a Klatch Coffee sign, showcasing a blend of grocery shopping and specialty coffee experience for customers.
Eat & Drink

Sprouts Farmers Market Expands Klatch Coffee to Over 11 SoCal Stores

Starting May 24, Sprouts Farmers Market will unveil over 11 new in-store Klatch Coffee cafés across Southern California, a bold move set to redefine the grocery shopping experience.

Jun 30, 2026 · 2 min read

A diverse group of famous musicians performing a moving tribute to Lauryn Hill on stage at the BET Awards 2026, with a captivated audience watching.
Eat & Drink

BET Awards 2026 Honor Lauryn Hill With Star-Studded Tribute

After years away from major stages, Ms.

Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read

A futuristic soccer stadium filled with cheering fans at dusk, illuminated by vibrant lights, symbolizing the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Eat & Drink

2026 World Cup host countries announce expanded tournament schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 cities in three countries, a 62.

Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read

A Flavortown Laser Titanium Fry Pan with a '30% OFF' tag, showcasing continued hot deals after the Prime Day sale frenzy.
Eat & Drink

Kitchen Deals Remain Hot After Prime Day Sale Frenzy

The Flavortown Laser Titanium Fry Pan, a popular kitchen item, remains 30% off even after Prime Day officially concluded.

Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read

A happy couple enjoying a delicious, chef-prepared meal delivered by CookUnity in their modern kitchen.
Local Real Estate

CookUnity meal delivery service shows high satisfaction

By the close of 2025, chef-created meal delivery service CookUnity hit an astonishing $750 million in annual recurring revenue, according to CookUnity .

Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read

An exquisitely prepared modern Mexican dish served at Californios, highlighting the restaurant's historic achievement of three Michelin stars.
Eat & Drink

Californios Becomes World's First Mexican Restaurant With 3 Michelin Stars

In a historic first, Californios in San Francisco has been awarded three Michelin stars in the 2026 guide, making it the world's first Mexican restaurant to achieve this pinnacle of culinary recogniti

Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read

A dramatic display of discounted kitchen appliances, including a Vitamix blender and Wusthof knives, during the final hours of Prime Day 2026.
Eat & Drink

Prime Day 2026: Final Hours for Kitchen Deals

With just hours left, the Vitamix Ascent X3 blender, a kitchen staple, is still available at a stunning 42% off, slashed from $650 to $375, Bon Appétit reports.

Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read

A modern kitchen counter showcasing a Ninja Foodi air fryer and Vitamix blender, highlighting Prime Day 2026 deals for home cooks.
Local Real Estate

Find the Best Prime Day 2026 Deals for Home Cooks Now

The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 10-Quart XL 2-Basket Air Fryer, a true kitchen workhorse, now commands a tempting $170 — a full $80 off its original $250 price during Amazon Prime Day, as reported by The Wall

Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

A modern kitchen showcasing a variety of high-quality kitchen appliances and cookware, with a focus on deals available during Amazon Prime Day.
Eat & Drink

Amazon Prime Day offers deals on kitchen appliances and cookware

Prime Day is here, and the kitchen is calling!

Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

A hand misting stale bread with water, showcasing a simple yet effective method to revive its freshness for baking or eating.
Eat & Drink

Revive Stale Bread With This Simple Water Trick

One simple method for reviving stale bread, often dismissed as too basic, has been hailed as a 'surprise winner' by culinary experts for its remarkable effectiveness.

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Futuristic bar with advanced technology and robotic staff serving customers, highlighting innovation amidst labor challenges.
Local Real Estate

Bar Trade Show Highlights 2026 Tech Trends Amid Labor Shortages

At Bar Convent Brooklyn 2024, a seismic shift was undeniable: over 40% of new product launches championed non-alcoholic or low-ABV options.

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

An artfully crafted gourmet jelly cocktail, a modern take on the Jell-O shot, displayed elegantly in an upscale NYC bar setting.
Local Real Estate

Elevated Jelly Cocktails Trend in NYC, Expanding Nationally

In the vibrant heart of New York City, a Brooklyn culinary team is conjuring magic, transforming the humble Jell-O shot into elaborate mango mezcal margarita and espresso martini jellies, part of a trend now expanding nationally.

Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Sleek Fellow Series 1 espresso machine on a kitchen counter, showcasing its premium design and the opportunity for a discounted purchase.
Eat & Drink

Fellow offers $200 discount on Series 1 espresso machine

For the first time ever, Fellow Products has slashed $200 off its Series 1 espresso machine, bringing the premium device down to $1,299.

Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read

A beautifully styled kitchen counter showcasing open cookbooks, fresh ingredients, and cooking utensils, bathed in warm sunlight, representing Prime Day cookbook deals.
Eat & Drink

Find the Best Prime Day Cookbook Deals 2026

Yotam Ottolenghi’s acclaimed ‘Ottolenghi Simple’ is currently a stunning 57% off during Amazon Prime Day 2026.

Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A delicious and healthy cold sandwich made with fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
Local Real Estate

Easy Cold Sandwich Recipe for Busy Days

Forget elaborate meal prep.

Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up, cinematic view of a thick, 2-inch end-grain maple cutting board from Boardsmith, showcasing its premium craftsmanship and durability on a kitchen counter.
Local Real Estate

Boardsmith's 2-Inch Maple Board: A Top-Tier Cutting Board

Weighing up to 10 pounds and costing $230.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Diverse group of runners participating in MapMyRun's Million Mile Summer Challenge with Under Armour shoes.
Local Real Estate

MapMyRun Launches Million Mile Summer Challenge for 2026

One hundred lucky participants in MapMyRun's Million Mile Summer Challenge will receive two pairs of UA HOVR™ Machina shoes, regardless of their individual distance logged.

Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read

TSA agent confiscates a large bottle of ranch dressing from a bewildered World Cup fan at airport security.
Eat & Drink

TSA Warns World Cup Fans About Ranch Dressing Carry-On Rules

As World Cup fans prepare to depart in 2026, the Transportation Security Administration has a specific warning: large bottles of ranch dressing won't make it through security in carry-on bags, reports

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read