There is one face I think of when I sit down to eat a meal: Keith Habersberger of The Try Guys. Keith is friendly, positive, and personable, as are the other Try Guys; but there is something special and magical about the “Eat The Menu: Keith Eats Everything” series on YouTube. I am one of those people who forget to eat lunch and dinner, but when I see a new video posted with Keith’s wide smile as the thumbnail, it’s a gentle reminder that my body needs fuel.
“Eat The Menu” is exactly what it sounds like. Keith orders one of everything off the menu of a beloved national chain restaurant or fast-food establishment and tries each item. Lately, he has also been visiting family-owned businesses, theme parks, and culinary events. Keith gives an honest review of each item and expresses that his opinions are purely based on his taste. He invites guests to eat with him as well, which results in playful banter. It’s rather hilarious to see Keith destroy his lactose-intolerant stomach with grease, dairy, and sweet treats. By the end of each video, Keith is usually suffering, but he suffers for us! “Eat The Menu” currently has 70 episodes, including an epic 3-part delve into The Cheesecake Factory’s expansive, ridiculously long menu.
Not only does Keith remind me to eat, but his videos allow me to body-double, a process in which someone completes difficult tasks with another person. Watching Keith eat makes me want to eat, something that I frequently struggle with. I can sit down with my plate and munch along as I watch Keith devour his way through an entire restaurant’s menu; these videos are not just entertainment, but encouragement. I also enjoy his reviews, and he’s inspired me to try new items I wouldn’t normally order.
I don’t think that The Try Guys expected nor intended for so many people to be positively and strongly affected by their silly eating videos, but this series has helped me re-establish my rocky relationship with food. He approaches food in a fun, engaging way, without judgment. For people like me, Keith and “Eat The Menu” are godsends.
