Choose one dish and one detail.
A beautiful plate can catch an editor's eye. A clear caption helps them understand what they are looking at. Choose a dish you currently serve and identify one specific detail a reader might find interesting: an ingredient, a preparation, or a connection to the chef's own experience. Make sure the detail is accurate and relevant to the dish.
Write a two-sentence caption.
Name the dish and describe its main ingredients in the first sentence. Use the second to explain the detail you chose. A hypothetical example: “Our roasted carrots are served with a citrus dressing and toasted seeds. The kitchen chars the carrots to bring a smoky note to the dish.” Use your own words and only details that reflect your actual preparation.
Check the details with the kitchen.
Ask the chef or person responsible for the menu to review the name, ingredients, spelling, and description. If an ingredient or preparation changes regularly, note that the description reflects the current version. Avoid unsupported claims about origin or health benefits, and do not treat the caption as an allergen guarantee.
Pair it with an approved image.
Choose a clear, current photograph of the actual dish, with permission to share it and the correct photographer credit. If the presentation has changed, update the picture or explain the difference. Include the restaurant name and location, the dish's current availability, and a reliable press contact alongside the caption.
Offer it to a relevant editor.
Read a local food writer's recent work, then send a short note explaining why the dish or its story may fit their coverage. Offer the image and caption as supporting material, and make the chef available for questions if appropriate. A good caption makes the details easier to check; the editor still decides whether the dish fits a story.