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Hunter Lu
Hunter Lu
Freelance writer

Hunter Lu is a New York-based food and features writer, NYU graduate, and Iraq veteran. 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.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Office of Mr. Moto sushi entrance.

Want incredible sushi in NYC? Go to this speakeasy (really!)

Does a sushi speakeasy pique your curiosity? The Office of Mr. Moto, New York's newest sushi speakeasy, is a culinary journey you won't soon forget.
Cans o RisEau cbd drinks.

The 7 best CBD-infused drinks we tried in 2023

From tasty fruit flavors to drinks that help to de-stress and mellow out, these are our favorite CBD-infused drinks.
hill country barbecue market brisket 3

Expert pitmasters reveal their top tips to make smoked brisket

If you've ever wanted to barbecue a brisket in your own backyard, these six experts tip from professional pitmasters will guide you through the process.
Chef Guo food.

This NYC restaurant’s $518, 19-course tasting menu of Chinese cuisine is amazing

For a taste of what the emperor of China once ate, try the food at Chef Guo in NYC. While expensive, the experience is well worth the price tag.
Homemade omelette on plate next to toast and orange juice.

How to make an omelet: A step-by-step guide for the perfect breakfast

The omelet is a classic dish great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. See how to make a perfect omelet every time.
ButcherBox corned beef brisket with aromatics on wooden board.

The 5 best Irish food recipes for a tasty St. Patrick’s Day feast

If you're looking for a perfect Saint Patrick's day celebration, make these delicious and crowd-pleasing Irish recipes.
Spicy Shallot Nam Prik in a basket.

Nam prik, the fiery Thai chili dip you should be adding to everything

Spicy and complex, nam prik is a Thai chili sauce you'll crave after one bite. Interested? Chef Prasert of Spicy Shallot is here with the details.
Paella from La Pulperia.

The ultimate guide to world-class seafood paella, according to an executive chef

Want to make seafood paella? We've gathered insight from expert chef Miguel Molina to learn how to make world-class seafood paella.

5 incredible corned beef hash recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

Kick your traditional Irish-American meal this St. Patrick's Day up a notch by making some amazing corned beef hash.
Plate of oysters on ice.

A chef breaks down East Coast vs. West Coast oysters (plus, which is best)

A chef breaks down East Coast vs. West Coast oysters (plus, which is best)

Oysters are delicious and confusing. Chef Michael Cressotti of Mermaid Oyster Bar explains the differences between East Coast and West Coast oysters for us.
Good Culture Spinach and Artichoke dip placed in a bread bowl on a white kitchen counter with salad in the back.

Make these 5 easy appetizer dips for your Super Bowl party

Make these 5 easy appetizer dips for your Super Bowl party

For this Super Bowl, make these delicious and easy dips for an epic game day.
Rodney Scott deviled eggs with pickled okra on a metal tray with a red fork.

The best Super Bowl snacks: Your party will be a win even if your team sucks

The best Super Bowl snacks: Your party will be a win even if your team sucks

Are you looking to up your snack and appetizer game? Then you need to learn how to make these delicious and unique Super Bowl snack recipes.
One smoked salmon eggs Benedict from queensyard on a gray blue plate.

These creative, indulgent Valentine’s Day breakfast recipes are tasty treats

These creative, indulgent Valentine’s Day breakfast recipes are tasty treats

Celebrate this Valentine's Day with these five delicious and indulgent breakfast recipes.
how to make korean bbq galbi beef kit for 6 8 7c967ac965aefa33014d4786505da160

How to make Korean BBQ at home: Everything you need to know

Korean barbecue is perfect for a family dinner or social gathering — no matter the weather.
Secret Island Salmon on a plate.

Experts agree: The salmon cooking tips you need to tap its great benefits

Experts agree: The salmon cooking tips you need to tap its great benefits

There are several health benefits of salmon, a deliciously versatile fish. It's a nutritious superfood that's a great fit for any healthy diet.

A chef’s guide to making the perfect Korean fried chicken

A chef’s guide to making the perfect Korean fried chicken

While making Korean fried chicken at home might seem intimidating, the finished product is well worth the adventure.
Quality Bistro Steak Oscar

Upgrade your filet mignon with a decadent King Crab sauce fit for royalty

Filet mignon is already delicious, but why not upgrade it with King Crab? For the best Steak Oscar recipe, read our recipe guide to learn more.
Small clay cup of Indian chai on a wooden table.

How to make chai tea: 2 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.
Indian butter chicken in a black pan with a spiral of cream being added.

The 5 best Indian butter chicken recipes we’ve tasted

Satisfy your craving for Indian butter chicken without going to a restaurant with these crowd-pleasing butter chicken recipes from Indian cuisine experts.
unique thanksgiving dessert recipes pavlova

3 unique Thanksgiving desserts that have nothing to do with pie

Bake outside the box with these creative dessert recipes for Thanksgiving.
Balvanera restaurant food

The ultimate guide to Argentinian barbecue, according to an expert

Learn all about making perfect Argentinian grilled meats, one of the most delicious barbecue styles in the world.
Cocktail from Chai

A Guide to Modern Chinese Drinks from an Expert Mixologist

While not traditionally known for cocktails, a new wave of modern Chinese restaurant cocktails programs is changing that dynamic.
A5 Ribeye from Holy Grail Steaks

An Expert Guide to Unique Japanese Wagyu Cuts

Japanese beef is some of the most unique in the world. To learn more, read this in-depth guide from the experts at Holy Grail Steak Company.
A long spoon holds fresh pesto above a jar of pesto.

Need to Elevate Your Pasta Dishes? Learn How To Make Pesto

Need to Elevate Your Pasta Dishes? Learn How To Make Pesto

This easy and delicious pesto recipe is a perfect accompaniment to just about any dish.
Array of colorful cocktails at Chez Zou.

You Need To Try These 2 Middle Eastern Inspired Cocktails

You Need To Try These 2 Middle Eastern Inspired Cocktails

Looking to up your cocktail game? Explore the distinct ingredients and flavors of the Middle East to take your cocktails to the next level.
Pitmaster Matt Horn stoking a fire for bbq.

A New Cookbook from a Leading Voice of West Coast Barbecue

A New Cookbook from a Leading Voice of West Coast Barbecue

Pitmaster Matt Horn is sharing his unique style of West Coast barbecue in a brand-new cookbook.
Chanson Le Salon duck a l'orange on white plate.

A Master Class on Classic French Duck a l’Orange

A Master Class on Classic French Duck a l’Orange

Learn how to make classic duck a l'orange from modern French restaurant Chanson Le Salon.
Chef Tobias Dorzon standing solo in kitchen.

From the NFL to Food TV, Chef Tobias’ Unique Journey

From the NFL to Food TV, Chef Tobias’ Unique Journey

Former NFL player, chef Tobias Dorzon shares with The Manual his interesting life journey to becoming a food media star.
Cacio e pepe with mangetout served in a bowl.

5 Classic Italian Pasta Recipes to Make at Home

5 Classic Italian Pasta Recipes to Make at Home

For a delicious and ambitious Italian feast, indulge yourself with these five classic Italian pasta recipes, a must-cook for any pasta lover.
Polish Zapiekanka slice being lifted from the whole pastry in the woods.

A Fun and New Outdoor Cookbook From Men With The Pot

A Fun and New Outdoor Cookbook From Men With The Pot

With millions of followers on social media, Men With The Pot is bringing their amazing outdoor recipes to print with a brand-new cookbook.
Kira Webster smiling and shaking a cocktail.

The Art of Mastering Asian Ingredients in Cocktails

The Art of Mastering Asian Ingredients in Cocktails

Kira Webster, an award-winning beverage director, is here to share her expertise on creating and balancing the best Asian ingredients for cocktails.
Beignets topped with sugar on a plate with a purple mask, a cup of hot drink, and confetti.

The 5 Best Mardi Gras Recipes To Celebrate Fat Tuesday

The 5 Best Mardi Gras Recipes To Celebrate Fat Tuesday

Even if you don't live in New Orleans, there's no reason for you to party and make these best festive Mardi Gras recipes for the perfect celebration at home.
Janique and Anthony Edwards of EatOkra with son on a couch.

Meet EatOkra, an App Highlighting Black-Owned Restaurants

Meet EatOkra, an App Highlighting Black-Owned Restaurants

Husband and wife team Anthony and Janique Edwards are revolutionizing the landscape for Black-owned restaurants.
Aerial shot of Cefalù, Sicily.

A Guide to Sicilian Wines, the Best-Kept Secret of Italy

A Guide to Sicilian Wines, the Best-Kept Secret of Italy

Sicilian wines are increasingly becoming some of the best wines not only in Italy but also in the world. An expert gives us the rundown.
Jason Hanson on the gun range with a student.

Life-Saving Outdoor Self-Defense Skills from an Ex CIA Spy

Life-Saving Outdoor Self-Defense Skills from an Ex CIA Spy

Former CIA officer and Arlington County Police officer Jason Hanson shares some critical self-defense and survival skills to secure yourself outdoors.
Overhead shot of Korean galbi-jjim short ribs from Perilla restaurant in Chicago, placed on wooden table.

Learn to Make Galbi-jjim a Korean Braised Short Rib Recipe

Learn to Make Galbi-jjim a Korean Braised Short Rib Recipe

For the perfect cold weather food, make galbi-jjim, a Korean braised beef dish once enjoyed by royalty.
Poster of Second Season of Roy Choi's Broken Bread.

Chef Roy Choi Discusses the New Season of Broken Bread

Chef Roy Choi Discusses the New Season of Broken Bread

Roy Choi showcases various issues and passionate innovators within the food industry on the second season of Broken Bread.
firelli hot sauce review on pizza

Meet Firelli Hot Sauce Brand Made With Calabrian Peppers

Meet Firelli Hot Sauce Brand Made With Calabrian Peppers

Firelli, a food company based in Parma, Italy is making the world's only bottled brand of Italian style hot sauce.
Tuna tataki with mixed green and soy sauce on a square plate.

The Incredible Health Benefits of Tuna Fish

The Incredible Health Benefits of Tuna Fish

A seafood expert guides The Manual on a comprehensive overview of the nutritional benefits of tuna.
Plate of Green Prawns from Philippe Chow.

The Art of Stir-Fried Shrimp from a Chinese Master Chef

The Art of Stir-Fried Shrimp from a Chinese Master Chef

Philippe Chow, a celebrity hotspot in New York, shows The Manual the art of stir-frying shrimp.
Selection of ETTORE Wine bottles on wooden table.

The Stellar Health Benefits of Wine Explained

The Stellar Health Benefits of Wine Explained

ETTORE, an organic winery in California, shows its expertise on the health benefits of wine.
Chocolate Fig Tart from JOI.

These are the Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Desserts

These are the Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Desserts

Three decadent gluten-free chocolate dessert recipes that are perfect for any holiday or dinner party.
Pie crust being rolled out on a table.

This is How You Make the Perfect Flaky Pie Crust

This is How You Make the Perfect Flaky Pie Crust

The pie experts from East Bay Pie Co share their tricks and techniques for making perfect, flaky pie crusts.
Hutchins BBQ Red Platter, brisket, sausage, potato salad.

You Can Now Have Texas Barbecue Delivered

You Can Now Have Texas Barbecue Delivered

Iconic North Texas barbecue spot Hutchins BBQ is delivering its famous brisket and sausages nationwide.
Roast lamb on a baking sheet with herbs.

A Meat Expert’s Guide to Show-Stopping Holiday Roasts

A Meat Expert’s Guide to Show-Stopping Holiday Roasts

Stemple Creek Ranch, an organic meat purveyor to Michelin-starred restaurants, tells The Manual their best techniques for cooking a whole roast.
Chef Scott Conant standing.

Chef Scott Conant Shares Family Favorite Recipes

Chef Scott Conant Shares Family Favorite Recipes

Award-winning Chef Scott Conant is back with another cookbook, this time featuring a series of multicultural family favorites.
Ground matcha tea with whisk.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Matcha Tea

The Amazing Health Benefits of Matcha Tea

When properly sourced and brewed, Japanese matcha is one of the healthiest beverages in the world.
best thai recipes som tum ingredients

How to Make Michelin-Starred Thai Food From a Master Chef

How to Make Michelin-Starred Thai Food From a Master Chef

Learn how to make Michelin-starred Thai food from a master chef.
Hands holding a plate of Nom Nom Char Siu, black table in the back.

Best Paleo Recipes from ‘Nom Nom Paleo’ Authors

Best Paleo Recipes from ‘Nom Nom Paleo’ Authors

Michelle Tam & Henry Fong, the New York Times bestselling cookbook authors of Nom Nom Paleo are back with a new cookbook full of international Paleo recipes.
Nigiri Assortment at Koyo on a table.

Two Sushi Chefs Discuss the Preparation of Omakase

Two Sushi Chefs Discuss the Preparation of Omakase

An expert, Michelin-starred guide to everything you need to know about Japanese sushi Omakase.