Meet Mr. Chimetime: The Food Critic Who Blends Taste Testing With Acts of Kindness

Social media has revolutionized the role of a food critic. Once an exclusive domain of the elite, the power now lies in the hands of the people. All you need is a taste for unique foods, a camera, and a relatable personality.

Rashad Mooreman, aka Mr. Chimetime, embodies these qualities and more, tantalizing taste buds and uncovering culinary delights for his audience of over 2.4 million followers across all platforms.

Before delving into the world of food reviews, Mooreman had a background in information technology. However, due to the industry's inability to provide a livable wage, he seized the opportunity to switch fields.

Now, blessed with the opportunity to travel the world and eat, Mooreman shares his love of food with restaurants, the homeless and other charities, often donating thousands of dollars.

In a world where over-the-top reactions and staged reviews are common, Mr. Chimetime offers a fresh perspective and a delightful flavor in food exploration.

What sparked the change from IT to becoming a food critic?

I had a strong passion for IT and still do to a degree. However, despite having an IT degree and three of the main certifications needed to obtain a decent job, it still wasn't enough to earn a livable wage. COVID hit shortly after I applied to these jobs, and while it was in effect, I traveled to different cities to review restaurants that were open and struggling to find customers. During that time, I spent $1,000 a month promoting restaurants on Facebook, informing customers about places that were open and served decent food.

What inspired your interest in focusing on BBQ?

Earlier in my food reviewing career, I visited a popular BBQ restaurant called "Terry Black's BBQ" in Dallas, TX. That review alone changed my entire perception of how BBQ should look and taste. It was also my first time trying a BEEF rib, which I never knew existed. It was an all-around amazing experience.

What state do you believe has the best BBQ?

Texas has THE BEST BBQ in the world for now (and it's not up for debate, lol).

How do you think social media has influenced the way people discover and try new foods?

People eat with their eyes first, unfortunately. So if a dish looks good on social media, psychologically, people feel they must have it. Even if it's a dish they know nothing about, its visual appeal draws them in. This is good for restaurants if the presentation matches the quality, but sadly, most of the time, it doesn't.

How has your personal approach to food changed since you started sharing it on social media?

I'm a lot more critical, mainly because I'm fully aware of my influence. I'm also aware that restaurants love to overcharge and underperform. Nothing—and I mean NOTHING—upsets me more than a restaurant overcharging a customer for food they could have made at home in 5-10 minutes. I also know from research that some restaurants are aware of their poor service and food but choose not to change. If you don't care about the customers who keep your business afloat, then I don't care about the way I review the food you serve me that customers complain about. It's sad that it takes someone with a platform like mine for restaurants to take their customers' complaints seriously.

Philanthropy is a significant aspect of your career. Can you share more about the kinds of initiatives you're involved in and why giving back is important to you?

I take the domestic violence initiative and feeding the homeless seriously. Whenever I have food that has been barely touched or non-perishable foods, I donate to either a homeless shelter, a domestic violence shelter, or both. Giving restaurants big tips for great food and customer service is VERY important to me as well. Not only does it bring awareness to the restaurant when posted on social media, but it also helps the restaurant pay workers, perform updates that couldn’t be done before due to finances, and most importantly, pay off bills to stay not only alive but open. My supporters have blessed me tremendously, and to show my appreciation, I'll ALWAYS give back.

You’re on a mission to uncover culinary delights across all 50 states. What has been the most surprising or unexpected discovery on this journey so far?

The most surprising and unexpected discovery was the food scene in Detroit, MI. It simply isn't talked about enough. When you hear "Detroit, MI," it's mostly associated with negativity, which deters people from visiting the city and exploring its food scene. The best pizza in the world is in Detroit, MI. The best corned beef is in Detroit, MI. Some of the best Middle Eastern food is also in Detroit, MI. I encourage anyone who has never visited to go with an open mind. You'll love it.

Photo Credit: Mike Byrd | FatBelly Media