Discover Our Story, People, and Passion
Ahoy New York Tours & Tasting was founded in 2008 by Alana Hoye Barnaba, a passionate foodie originally from upstate New York. After relocating to New York City, Alana fell in love with its food, history, and culture.
Before launching her company, she spent years exploring all of the food the city had to offer, with a special focus on the authentic flavors of ethnic neighborhoods. Early culinary experiences, like savoring hand-folded dumplings and tasting fresh, homemade mozzarella, became the foundation for Ahoy New York’s now-famous signature food tour.
With a love for New York’s culture and history, Alana created Ahoy New York Tours & Tasting to share meaningful, delicious experiences with locals and visitors alike. Each guided food tour is a flavorful journey through the stories, people, and traditions that define New York’s beloved neighborhoods. Our mission is to make sure every guest walks away with a full belly, a deeper appreciation for the city, and stories worth sharing long after the tour ends.
Meet the Founder
Alana Hoye Barnaba
Founder & Creator of the Signature Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour
Alana brings years of firsthand experience and passion to the table. Her love for New York’s diverse neighborhoods led her to build lasting relationships with the local shops and restaurants featured on the tour. These communities have become a second home to her. Alana loves to travel and is always seeking inspiration abroad, especially in France, where she enjoys practicing her second language and discovering new culinary delights.
Meet Our Team & Guides!
Elizabeth Evertsz
Director of Training, Social Media Manager, Lead Tour Guide
A proud Queens native, Liz brings enthusiasm and an insider’s knowledge to every tour. Growing up in one of the most diverse places in the world, she’s developed an incredible palate and knows just where to find global flavors across the city.
Maryana Dudkina
Tour Guide
Born in Brooklyn and a former resident of Chinatown, Maryana knows the city’s food scene like the back of her hand. The only thing she enjoys more than eating her way around NYC is leading guests through her favorite NYC neighborhoods—sharing bites, stories, and insider tips along the way.
Patrick Toon
Tour Guide
After moving to New York in 2002, Patrick explored every corner of the city while training for the NYC Marathon. Mile by mile, he discovered the city and his tours reflect a love for storytelling with a deep appreciation for the history, culture, and cuisines that make New York so unique.
Hannah Spiegelman
Tour Guide
With a Master’s in Food Studies and a sweet tooth for ice cream, Hannah moved to NYC to pursue her culinary dreams. Hannah is passionate about making history come alive, especially through the lens of food.
Lily deButts
Tour Guide
Lily is a lifelong New Yorker who has been visiting Chinatown and Little Italy since childhood. She’s always curious to try new dishes and delights and loves introducing guests to the flavors that make these neighborhoods special.
Solange Luftman
Tour Guide
Solange was raised in a New Jersey suburb an hour outside of NYC. Because of the proximity, in addition to family ties in Brooklyn, she spent ample time in New York and naturally developed a deep love for the city. Now a Brooklynite, one of her favorite parts about living in NYC is getting to enjoy its immense global cuisine. She believes that food is a powerful force that connects all human beings, and delights in introducing others to new dishes and flavors.
Ray Chin
Expert Ahoy Blogger
Ray is a native New Yorker, foodie, and avid blogger. When he’s not discovering new eats or updating the Ahoy New York blog, he’s probably playing board games or Dungeons & Dragons.