Emily Heil

Washington, D.C.

Food Reporter

Education: University of Virginia, B.A. in English

Emily Heil is a reporter covering national food news and trends. Previously, she co-authored the Reliable Source column for The Post.
Latest from Emily Heil

Actor Simu Liu calls out boba company over cultural appropriation

On Canada’s “Dragons’ Den” investor-pitching show, Simu Liu criticized the founders of a Quebec boba company, then gently defended them after outrage ensued.

October 14, 2024
Simu Liu at the 96th Annual Academy Awards.

‘It’s devastating’: Asheville braces for a peak season without visitors

Tourism brought nearly $3 billion to Buncombe County last year. Now, Asheville’s hotels and restaurants are facing a peak season with little to no revenue.

October 12, 2024

Crumbl cookies are overhyped and underbaked

An unofficial Crumbl cookies pop-up in Australia kicked up drama this week. We tried the viral sweets to see if they live up to the buzz.

October 2, 2024
Crumbl cookies, clockwise from top left: semi-sweet chocolate chunk, oatmeal chocolate chip, ultimate peanut butter, brownie sundae, cookies and cream milkshake with mini Oreos, pumpkin cake cookie.

The delicate art of the campaign-trail restaurant visit

Presidential candidates use campaign-trail food stops to create relatable moments, but if they’re not planned well, they can become a liability.

September 26, 2024

Penzeys Spices draws backlash — and support — after Kamala Harris visit

The Wisconsin-based spice shop’s owner is an outspoken supporter of liberal policies and no stranger to conservatives’ ire.

September 9, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris visits Penzeys Spices in Pittsburgh during a Saturday campaign stop.

Which fast-food value meal is the best deal? We tried 6 popular options.

Fast-food chains have scrambled to offer value meals for customers angered by rising costs. We sampled six of them.

September 5, 2024

These are the Boar’s Head deli meats recalled amid the listeria outbreak

Dozens of deli meats purchased before July 31 were recalled amid a listeria outbreak that has killed nine people.

August 30, 2024
A number of Boar's Head deli meat products were recalled in July and August after a listeria outbreak linked to a Virginia production facility.

TikTok dining influencer Keith Lee (politely) dunks on D.C.’s food scene

Lee says he won’t post most of the videos he shot in the Washington area because it was “not constructive.”

August 27, 2024
Food influencer and critic Keith Lee recently visited Washington. Turns out, D.C. might not be his target audience.

He posted a grilled cheese for 365 days straight — and built a community

During his “Cheese Year,” a North Carolina deli worker shared his melty joy between two slices of bread.

August 27, 2024

Kamala Harris is among many Americans who have worked at McDonald’s

In a new campaign ad, the Democratic presidential nominee is making her stint at McDonald’s a relatable part of her story.

August 27, 2024