OUR STORY
A CULINARY EXPERIENCE COMPANY
The story behind Sidewalks of NY Tours began a decade ago when its founder, Joshua Hirsch, started taking friends and family on walking tours of the city he loves. His biggest motivation was to make sure his guests experienced the true New York. Through years of exploration, he had discovered the secret hideaways and hidden gems that make New York unlike any other city in the world. He combed the streets, tasting authentic ethnic cuisines and culinary delights not found in any guide books. His lengthy walking adventures took him to dinky mom-and-pop specialty food shops and ethnic eateries that have stood the test of time. He began compiling a “best of” list in search of the best delicatessens, bagel and knish shops, coffee houses, bakeries, candy stores, hamburger joints, pizzerias, and so much more.
A friend who was visiting from out of town noticed Joshua’s passion and enthusiasm for showing people his discoveries and suggested he start a walking tour business. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Our mission at Sidewalks of NY Tours is to give exceptional walking tours of New York so our customers will revisit these neighborhoods with confidence and enjoy the various cultural options they provide. Our creative and fun itineraries and friendly and knowledgeable tour guides are committed to making your tour the highlight of your stay in the Big Apple. Let us guide you on a journey to discover the true New York!
Bon voyage!
SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK
OUR TOURS
EXPLORE NEIGHBORHOOD DELIGHTS
Discover the history, architecture, food, culture of the greatest city in the world on an unforgettable New York walking tour with Sidewalks of NY Tours. Our enthusiastic guides lead private and group tours along the streets of Manhattan that cover a variety of themes and experiences, from savory food tours of New York’s Financial District to our New York food truck walking tour.
It’s amazing where your feet can take you. New York walking tours give you close-up views of the treasures and hidden gems in this city of secret hideaways. Be it that little mom-and-pop restaurant, hard-to-find delectable food truck, or an off-the-beaten-path spot for a photograph with your friends and family, Sidewalks of NY guides you to the places the locals want to keep for themselves.
MEET THE TEAM
JOSHUA HIRSCH
OWNER
On a six-hour historical tour of Lower Manhattan, Joshua’s stomach began to grumble as the guide pointed out some delicious food spots. It was then that he had an “aha moment.” He decided to include his favorite food places on a history and culture walking tour, so folks wouldn’t be hungry while discovering the city!
He wanted his tours to tell the story of the neighborhood through its food and the people who prepare it. The rest, as they say, is history. Sidewalk Food Tours, a culinary experience company, was born. He has since expanded into six delectable cities. His goal is to expand to every major U.S. city you travel to, so you can experience its food and culture on a Sidewalk Food Tour.
CHIEU HIRSCH
PARTNER
We are honored to have Chieu Hirsch on our team. She plays an integral part in the company’s overall success. Her family bravely refuged to the U.S. from Vietnam in the 1980s. She brings years of business experience, previously working for Sprint, Principal Financial, Morgan Stanley, and Hartford. In addition to her business acumen, she is extremely passionate about feng shui, astrology, food, and culture. She loves meditation, traveling, and hiking to beautiful mountaintops. Spending quality time with her eight nieces and nephews is what brings her the most joy.
DIANA YAU
GUIDE
Dianna is a native New Yorker who is passionate about sharing the culture and history of her home city. She’s traveled to over 96 countries and have been on hundreds of walking tours and loves learning the history and culture of different places.
ROSS WASSERMAN
GUIDE
Ross is a native New Yorker who studied history in college and trained as a chef. He has had careers in the professional theatre, the restaurant business and marketing for the wine industry. Leading food tours is an opportunity to share his passion for all those things with others.
ANDREA PAPAGEORGIOU
GUIDE
Andrea is a native New Yorker originally from Long Island, New York (just 20 minutes outside of Queens). She had been a tax accountant and CPA for nine years before leaving the office life to work as a full time tour guide in NYC, sharing her love of the city’s history, culture, and food with visitors from all of the country and all over the world. Favorite Drink: Gin and Tonic Favorite Restaurant: White Horse Tavern (Financial District)
BRENDAN ROTHMAN-HICKS
GUIDE
Brendan is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan. He has been an NYC Tour Guide for 9 years. He loves showing off his hometown to visitors and locals. In addition to being a tour guide he’s also an actor.
LYDIA FUNKE
GUIDE
Lydia is a theatre teacher, actor, and lover of food. In addition to her many jobs, she is also a part-time graduate student at NYU studying Educational Theatre. She has always wanted to be a tour guide and is so excited to be a part of the team. Favorite restaurant: Bubby’s or The Golden Steamer