‘I don’t give bad reviews’: Fresno food vlogger says he only uplifts
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Sanger native Michael Castillo, better known as MIKEY THE FOODIE GUY says he only uses his platform for positivity and wants to see his favorite local food spots win.
“I do food reviews here in the valley to help local small businesses,” Castillo said, “I don’t post any bad reviews.”
Since 2022, Castillo has posted food reviews of food venues throughout the Central Valley. From Porterville to Reedley, Madera, Clovis, Fresno, Oakhurst, and more, Castillo has gained millions of views on social media along the way.
He says the most important part of his reviews is being genuine, even when the truth may hurt a restaurant owner’s feelings.
“I just keep it real,” he said. “When I try spots that aren’t good, I have to let them know, like, respectfully – I can’t post this one.”
Castillo says he feels it’s important to be responsible with his content and protect the livelihood of every restaurant he visits.
“For one I don’t want to hurt anyone, and for two, I just don’t want to bring bad energy towards a place – because some people on the Internet tend to overdo it sometimes.”
Castillo has reviewed food trucks, bakeries, diners, and foods across all different cultures.
He says that, despite how different every venue he visits can be, he still manages to find something he can appreciate and share with his audience.
“I’m Hispanic so a lot of my videos are taco trucks, taco stands, taquerias,” Castillo said, “but when I try other foods – other cultures will make their foods a similar way. It’s a trip.”
Castillo says the things he cherishes most are the friendships he’s made and the pride he can take knowing he’s sharing the Central Valley’s best food exports with the world.
