Chowhound Hero!
Here’s a profile of Tyler and his wonderful ethnic dining guide. Even if you are not local take a look at the guide – aside from restaurant picks, Tyler also offers a theory of ethnic dining!
Cowen has become a sort of folk hero to an underground group of food adventurers, some of whom call themselves “chowhounds” who are loosely organized around an online message board. The chowhounds keep a close watch on Cowen’s list, said Marty Lederman, a chowhound from Montgomery County, Md. “We tend to discuss it whenever he comes out with a new [entry],” he said. “There’s usually a short discussion about it. … Some people don’t like the way he does things or disagree with his stuff, but almost everyone appreciates the amazing reference that he creates.”