IDAHO FALLS — Looking for tasty food in East Idaho? Many are turning to the East Idaho Foodies, a vibrant online community created by Heber and Angela Sadovich of Shelley.
With a growing number of followers, the Sadovichs have become the go-to voices for local dining. Angela recalls their journey fondly. “My husband and I have always loved food—eating it, cooking it, and traveling for it. Friends often asked us for restaurant suggestions. It got to a point where we were repeating ourselves,” she explains.
In 2019, they launched their Instagram page East Idaho Foodies to share their recommendations in one place. Quickly, their community expanded. “Facebook really took off for us,” Heber shares. “We aim to spotlight local gems, helping people discover places they might not know about.”
Heber’s journey into food hasn’t been easy. Overcoming personal struggles, including addiction during his teenage years, he found hope in cooking. “I didn’t finish school, and I had to learn everything from scratch,” he admits. After attending culinary school, he met Angela, who helped him improve his writing skills. Now, Heber mostly writes their posts about food.
When the Sadovichs arrived in eastern Idaho nearly 17 years ago, they were disappointed with the food options. Angela says, “It’s amazing to see how the food scene has evolved here. More people are getting creative and trying new flavors.”
Their mission goes beyond just sharing reviews. “We want locals to explore beyond chain restaurants,” Angela explains. “On busy Friday nights, people often wait two hours to get into chains. But there are many unique places where you can just walk in and enjoy a meal prepared with care.”
Some of their favorites include local spots like Sully’s Gastropub, Thai Food Plus, and D’railed. They recently loved the seafood tower at Los Gavilanes Mexican Grill and the mango cheesecake at Tandoori Oven. Angela describes the cheesecake as “rich and fruity,” a dessert that stays on her mind long after she’s tasted it.
Balancing full-time jobs, raising five children, and managing their foodie community is no easy task. Yet, Angela shares, “We enjoy the chaos. We make time to interact with our followers, answering their questions about food and recommendations.”
The couple believes in the quality of the eateries they highlight. “If it’s on our page, it’s worth checking out,” Heber says. “Everyone has different tastes, but we’re confident that our suggestions will lead you to something special.”
This grassroots movement reflects a broader trend of supporting local businesses. According to a recent survey, 76% of consumers prefer to shop local when possible. The Sadovichs are not just sharing their love for food; they’re also encouraging a thriving community.
If you’re in the area, think about stepping out of the familiar chain restaurants. Join the Sadovichs on their culinary journey and discover what East Idaho has to offer. The local food scene is waiting for you!
