OUR STORY
A CULINARY EXPERIENCE COMPANY
Sidewalk Food Tours was inspired by a deep love of food, history, and the unique stories of different neighborhoods in different cities. The first Sidewalk Food Tour was launched in New York City, and since then, the Sidewalks family has grown to include tours in Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville and of course San Diego!
Our goal is to provide exceptional walking food tours of San Diego so you can revisit these neighborhoods with confidence and enjoy the array of culinary options they have to offer. We want you to feel as if you’re exploring the city with a close friend who’s showing you all their favorite local hideaways.
We’re self-proclaimed foodies. We’ve made it our mission to eat our way through San Diego, doing a lot of delicious research (and some not so appetizing) to bring you the best food options the city has to offer. There is no better way to learn about the history and culture of a neighborhood than to eat its food. The food and the people who prepare it tell the story of a neighborhood. Join us on a real foodie adventure as we eat our way through our favorite neighborhoods and uncover the best off-the-beaten-path joints in San Diego.
We look forward to having you join us on a Sidewalk Food Tour of San Diego and can’t wait to show you the sights.
Bon appetit!
SIDEWALK FOOD TOURS OF SAN DIEGO
OUR TOURS
EXPLORE NEIGHBORHOOD DELIGHTS
Savor the sights, sounds, and flavors on a Food Tour of San Diego! Your expert tour guide leads you on a walking adventure through this extraordinary city, sharing stories of early peoples, colonial and cultural history, and recent developments in San Diego’s culture and food scene.
On your food tour, you get to enjoy tastes from unique San Diego eateries, including the best bakeries, authentic ethnic eateries, and renowned establishments creating a buzz in the food scene. Along the way, your tour guide introduces you to the city’s unique history, evolving food culture, and fascinating architecture. At the end of your tour, with your newfound knowledge of the neighborhood’s best hidden gems, you’ll feel like a true San Diegan!
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.
ROBBIE BRUENS
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Robbie Bruens designs, develops and manages food experiences for Sidewalk. In addition to food (the highest art form, as we can all agree) he is also passionate about movies, books, paintings, and architecture. With that in mind, he recommends you watch Big Night (1996) directed by and starring Stanley Tucci and read Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, as these combine the culinary arts with cinema and literature.
NOAH MORRIS MILLER
GUIDE
Noah Morris Miller enjoys connecting with new people and creating positive and memorable experiences. He is passionate about food and loves talking about history, theater, movies, and travel. Noah is an explorer and has traveled to over 30 countries. He speaks Spanish fluently. Noah also works as a photographer, teacher, and writer. He grew up in San Diego and has lived in San Francisco, LA, and Portland.
LYDIA LIVINGOOD
GUIDE
Meet Lydia, an eclectic artist, actor, and barkeep with a passion for travel and uncovering hidden gems. Born and raised in the heartland of Kansas City, Lydia moved to California in 2017 and found her home on the sunny shores of San Diego in 2020, drawn to its vibrant culture and endless culinary delights. Eager to share the wonders of this beautiful city with fellow adventurers, she’s ready to lead you on a tasty journey through San Diego’s vibrant streets!
AJA AGUIRRE
GUIDE
Aja is an English teacher, lover of history and culinary adventures. She is from central California and has resided in San Diego since 1998. Aja has four children who she loves to cook for. Living in California, one has access to extraordinary farmer’s markets with the freshest ingredients, perfect for cooking. She enjoys meeting new people and sharing what America’s Finest City has to offer.
STEFAN CALVARUSO
GUIDE
Stefan has lived in downtown San Diego for over 10 years and has a love for good food, craft beer, having a good time and showing off the beautiful city of San Diego.