TikTok food reviewer responds to backlash for ‘ambushing’ staff with Meta glasses in viral videos

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ElizabethEatsNYC, a well-known food reviewer on TikTok, has addressed criticism about using Meta glasses to record her videos. Some viewers have accused her of surprising restaurant staff without their knowledge while filming.

Food reviews are consistently popular online, and they’ve become particularly big on TikTok. Reviewers like Keith Lee and Dave Portnoy have even been able to significantly impact restaurants with their opinions.

TikTok creator ElizabethEatsNYC explores New York City’s food scene, much like other reviewers. However, she stands out because she doesn’t film herself – instead, she uses special glasses to record her experiences, showing everything except when she’s actually eating the food.

Viewers and critics have criticized the use of the glasses, with some saying they allow the wearer to secretly record people, like unsuspecting waiters. One person expressed their frustration, stating, “She records people without them knowing, and it feels like an ambush.”

ElizabethEatsNYC responds to backlash over Meta glasses

Following a lot of criticism, the TikTok creator explained to the New York Post that she always asks servers for their permission before filming them.

I prefer using glasses to record things because I’m always on the move and interacting with people directly. A traditional camera would just get in the way,” she explained, also telling critics to be less judgmental.

These tools allow me to have natural and unscripted conversations while still making good videos. I feel like I’m facing criticism that no other creator has dealt with before. It’s strange that my videos are causing controversy, considering filming in public has always been common since the beginning of photography.

My glasses have a light that blinks when I’m recording video. Because of this, I always let people know if they’re being filmed, especially if they’re a main part of the video. I respect their wishes, and I’ve never shared a video of someone who asked me not to include them.

The TikTok creator, who has chosen to remain anonymous, says she still hopes to live a normal life, even with over 1.3 million followers.

She explained to the Post that she values a normal life and doesn’t want the intense public attention that comes with extreme fame. She simply wants to be able to live peacefully and have privacy, without constantly being followed by cameras.

ElizabethEatsNYC is still active on TikTok, sharing food adventures beyond New York City – she’s recently visited Vietnam and other US locations. She’s also collaborated with Twitch streamer Sketch to create a joint review.

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2025-09-17 16:18