Celebrating the New Year with a Social Media Sensation from the Estates
SDCE homeowner and food writer Dan Edwards, known as @foodobservations, was recognized for his passion for spotlighting local dining after earning the San Diego North County Social Media Sensation Award at Yelp’s annual Yelpies celebration.
As the new year begins in a town where locally owned restaurants are woven into the fabric of the community, food observer Dan Edwards has become a familiar name behind the lens. Known for capturing thoughtfully composed images of dishes and dining spaces, Edwards documents the food scene in Ramona and across San Diego County, highlighting the flavors, presentation, and atmosphere that make each spot unique. Through his food observations, he offers residents and visitors alike a closer look at the culinary experiences found right in their own backyard.
Edwards has been a San Diego Country Estates homeowner for 24 years and is known online as @foodobservations on Facebook and Instagram. He is a prominent San Diego–based food writer, photographer, and blogger who shares his culinary adventures and restaurant finds on social media, showcasing the local food scene as a passionate eater—not a foodie.
He focuses on local experiences, sharing reviews and visuals of San Diego’s diverse eateries. While much of his content centers on Ramona, San Diego, and surrounding Southern California areas, he also expands his reviews when traveling for work. Professionally, Edwards works in the aerospace and defense industry and has recently extended his food coverage to Arizona, with posts spanning locations across the United States. “I have posts in my feed from establishments in Virginia and Ohio,” Edwards said.
Edwards moved to San Diego Country Estates in 2002 and is a regular customer at The Oaks Grille and Par Lounge. He says they offer the best brunch in Ramona, featuring a chef-driven menu that changes with the seasons. Located just a three-minute drive from his home, the restaurant’s convenience is an added bonus. “We live so close, and everyone knows my wife and me when we dine at SDCE,” he said.
He started his food blog as a hobby 15 years ago, inspired by his father. In the 1980s, his father photographed food using a 35-millimeter camera—long before food photography became popular. Edwards recalls his father taking photos of pancakes he made, sparking an early interest in photography that has stayed with him ever since.
Edwards has been reviewing food for nearly 15 years and photographs exclusively with his iPhone. He and his wife always keep up with the latest model, and he currently uses an iPhone 17 Pro Max. “I always have the latest and greatest,” Edwards said. He elevates his images through careful attention to composition and lighting and uses editing software to further enhance the photos.
He enjoys photographing all types of food and notes that some dishes photograph better than others. Chef-inspired gourmet hamburgers are among his favorites, along with Asian cuisine such as dumplings and wontons, which he says create appealing shadows. Sushi also photographs beautifully under the right conditions. Edwards prides himself on making any food look incredible—whether it’s Taco Bell or fine dining. One day he might dine at Ruth’s Chris, and the next at McDonald’s. “I can make a Big Mac look amazing,” he said.
Recently, Edwards won the Social Media Sensation Award for San Diego North County, part of Yelp’s annual Yelpies event for the San Diego and North County Yelp Elite community. The award recognizes individuals for outstanding content contributions. Held at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the event featured great food and a festive atmosphere. “It was a nice, unexpected award,” Edwards said. “I was given a trophy, gift bag, and flowers. They went all out.”
As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s fitting to spotlight a reviewer who has helped so many navigate the county’s ever-evolving food landscape. His enthusiastic coverage, shared through Yelp, Facebook, and Instagram, makes every meal feel like a local adventure.
Here’s to a year filled with delicious bites, new discoveries, and trusted recommendations. Whether seeking comfort food classics or must-try destinations, local voices like Edwards help guide the way—one review at a time.
Photos courtesy of Dan Edwards.
