Social media watchers in New York have taken note of a Los Angeles firefighter whose kitchen videos are circulating widely this week. Scott Luft, a member of the LAFD, has drawn attention for his at-home recipes and on-camera cooking skills, with clips showing him preparing dishes after his firefighting shifts.
His Instagram following has grown quickly since Sunday, with several New York-based food accounts sharing his posts. Luft’s videos often show him plating pasta or grilling meats in a small home kitchen, sometimes still wearing his firehouse uniform.
While the city has no shortage of chef influencers, the firefighter angle appears to have resonated with summer viewers looking for new content during the midweek heat. Conversations at cafes in Midtown on Monday included mention of Luft’s viral reach, particularly among hospitality workers between lunch rushes.
Some local restaurant owners have commented on the trend. "There’s always new talent online, but this one feels different," said Jorge Ramirez, manager at a West Village bar. "It’s a mix of the job and the cooking that people are talking about."
Luft’s sudden popularity follows a broader surge in food-related social content this season. For now, New York kitchens are watching from a distance as the West Coast firefighter continues to post daily recipes.