Hello, food enthusiasts of North Jersey! Kara VanDooijeweert here, also known as @karanicolev, your latest food scribe for The Record. I’ve seen the love you’ve shown for my pieces, from uncovering hidden bakeries to decoding the Grimace Shake, and I’ve relished every moment of it.

But what you might not know is that I’m also the genius behind @northjerseyeats on Instagram – our newspaper’s social media sanctuary dedicated to guiding you to the finest eats in Jersey. As a member of Gen Z, let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey.

And you know what? You folks seem to be loving it, too. Some of my posts have more views than the population of Bergen County – and that’s saying something because that’s New Jersey’s most populous county!

In the mere 7 months since I joined the team, millions of eyes have clicked, watched, and double-tapped my content. As we approach the year’s end, I thought it would be a hoot to look back at the most popular posts and take you on a scrumptious trip down memory lane. And who knows, I might just entice the non-followers to join us next season, perhaps with the alluring sight of a foot-long taco.

From comfort food to colossal meals, here are the top ten most-viewed Instagram videos from @northjerseyeats in 2023.

Starting off at number 10, we’ve got a luscious video showcasing classic Italian fare at Franco’s Metro. Nestled in Fort Lee, this family-owned gem has been dishing out sumptuous pastas, homemade pizzas, and incredibly buttery garlic knots for over fifty years.

And if supersized foods are your fancy, feast your eyes on the Fat Tacos at Tito’s Burritos in South Orange. Yes, you read that right, a foot-long taco! Because let’s be real, Jersey dwellers adore their outsized meals.

Switching it up, we have Miracle on Valley, one of the most festive cocktail bars in Jersey, with Christmas-themed drinks that lit up our Instagram feed.

Then there’s Walnut Street Bagels & Co. in Montclair, where chef-crafted bagels loaded with truffles and kimchi cream cheese are causing a stir. You’ve never seen bagels like this before.

Without a doubt, the colossal rolls at Kenko Sushi in Lincoln Park had mouths watering across North Jersey, and when it comes to fried chicken, few can resist the fancy bento boxes featuring upscale boneless fried chicken bites from Bloom Chicken in Hackensack.

But if colossal portions are up your street, the 32-inch pizza at Grumpy’s Pizza Co. in Saddle Brook might just be your next food conquest. I mean, it’s so huge, it takes up the entire oven!

For a fusion experience, Social Hub in Parsippany brings together classic global bar snacks with South Asian twists, and it’s a hit with Instagram foodies.

Lastly, if you’re after an internet sensation, look no further than the one-pound mozzarella stick at The Brookdale in Bloomfield. With over 2.5 million views, it’s fair to say that this outrageously large deep-fried snack has captured the state’s attention.

So there you have it, North Jersey. 2023 has been a whirlwind, and I couldn’t have done it without all of you. Make sure to connect with me on Instagram, and sign up for the North Jersey Eats newsletter to stay in the loop. And remember, life is short – eat the pizza, and perhaps film it while you’re at it!