It was the monotony of the food content I was consuming that made Reelin’ in the Beers stand out when they first were suggested to me by the YouTube algorithm. The Vancouver food channel is run by two brothers, Owen and Jeremy Zsillei. Their family resemblance is immediately obvious even though one has long curly hair and the other short. The Reelin’ in the Beers boys are originally from Cranbrook. “Cranbrook breeds the coolest people,” the brothers explain, “We all love food and travel.”
Travel Sparked a Love for Food
Right after high school, both Owen and Jeremy set out to explore. It was while travelling that they first got to try some of the food they now enjoy in Vancouver. Seven years ago they moved from Cranbrook to Vancouver, a move that was “life changing,” as Jeremy puts it. After really only experiencing what they described as “food court Chinese and some sushi”, Vancouver’s culinary offerings were impressive: “It was sensory overload, it blew my mind,” says Jeremy.
Spread the Word, Share the Love
Reelin’ in the Beers was initially started so that the brothers could share their favourite food and restaurants with friends and family back home, as well as with locals in Vancouver. Their videos cover hidden gems like Zac Zac Japanese Curry House, how Japanese and Vancouver ramen compare, as well as cheap eats.
Food reporting isn’t by any means new. Food vlogging, however, is. That said, in 2024, being a food influencer or vlogger is not uncommon. Social media is saturated with pretty food photos and smiling foodies. With open sponsorship or behind the scenes deals, authenticity can be lost. The content produced can start to feel like an advertisement versus art — be it photography, non-fiction writing, or film. Reelin’ in the Beers is offering a refreshing and artistic take. Their channel feels creative and candid which isn’t to say it feels amateur. Eating scenes and honest on-camera reflections are thoughtfully shot and the editing is imaginative.
Reelin’ in the Beers: Inspiration and Style
Owen has been creating YouTube content since he was a kid. He also works in restaurant kitchens, a job which was hindered by the Covid pandemic. The pandemic is what prompted the brothers to start their channel. For one, it gave them something creative to do with their spare time. Secondly, it offered them a chance to support some of their favourite spots in town when all restaurants were struggling.
The cinematography and editing of Reelin’ in the Beers videos is conscientious and deliberate, but the result isn’t overly produced. Their style is unvarnished, à la Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. For example, their Italian Day video opens with inter-spliced shots of the crowd and an overflowing can of garbage. The juxtapositioning of these shots allows viewers to draw their own conclusions about the positive and/or negative impact of this community event.
Reelin’ in the Cheap Eats
Affordability is another focus. One of Reelin’ in the Beers most popular videos yet is the BEST Cheap Food in Vancouver for UNDER $5 video which has received 81,582 views, although the guys note that every item has since been raised to above $5. The overall price point of most of the restaurants Reelin’ in the Beers recommend are low, reflecting not just their own budgetary restrictions but also the financial restraints that impact almost all of us when it comes to dining out. In terms of favourite Vancouver spots, Jeremy sites Le Petite Saigon, and Wang’s Shanghai Cuisine, and Owen goes with two Vietnamese picks, Anh and Chi and Lunch Lady.
While Owen, as Jeremy admits, “knows more about cameras” the brothers share shooting and editing duties equally. Since they live together, it is easy for them to review each other’s work. Collaboration breeds creativity. “Those are the exciting moments,” Owen shares, speaking of sharing the rough cut of a new episode with his brother. That they can work collaboratively as well as independently means there is potential for the channel’s output to be increased.
A Foodie Future of Tasty Travels
At the beginning of Reelin’ in the Beers, travel was not an option. While Owen and Jeremy predominantly film in their home of Vancouver, the Reelin’ in the Beers channel has always been intended to feature travel. This is why you’ll find videos covering trips to Mexico, Japan, and Vietnam. While Owen is getting a back-of-house perspective on the food industry, Jeremy is pursuing a pilot’s license. This will certainly open the door to even more travel opportunities. Reelin’ in the Beers puts out a new video monthly but you can check out their entire library on YouTube.
