Media Moment – Aly Walansky

January 10, 2025

A few months ago, our team sat down with Aly Walansky, an accomplished freelancer, to gain her insider insights on all things journalism and public relations. Given Aly’s years of industry experience, we knew we had to learn more about her and her career.  

Continue reading to get to know Aly! 

Thank you for being our guest! Can you tell us a bit more about your current role? 

Sure! I’m a freelance food and beverage writer, and also dabble in travel and other lifestyle topics. 

How long have you been writing/reporting and what led you to this field?  

I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years (God, I’m so old!), and started out as a copy editor, segueing into women’s lifestyles blogging when that first came on the scene. I had one of the first major women’s interests blogs way back in the early aughts. I originally transitioned to more of a freelance writing role, and that’s where I’ve been since. 

What topics or stories are you most excited to report on for your audiences? 

Experiential, more than aspirational. I hate stories that are like, hey, I’m doing this thing you can never do. That’s not fun. That’s why I stopped writing about high fashion! I want to help guide people into discovering new opportunities for themselves and their families. 

What is one of the most memorable stories you’ve written so far, or what is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a journalist?  

I went on a media trip to the UK shortly before the royal wedding and actually got to break the news about what sparkling wine would be poured at the wedding. That was a big deal for me! 

Tell us – we promise not to hold it against you – what is your biggest PR pet peeve? 

People who ask me to add them to stories that have already been written and published. It’s just not possible and not a thing people do! 

What is one thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I’m INCREDIBLY shy. Like painfully shy. It’s really hard for me to open up in a room full of new people (which, because I go to so many events and trips, happens a lot!). 

We know you’re a foodie, so we must ask, what’s your favorite restaurant in NYC? 

I’m obsessed with Strip House, a steakhouse in downtown Manhattan. It’s where I eat on my birthday every year – and I always get their signature truffle blue cheese olive vodka martini, a ribeye with au poivre sauce, and the truffle creamed spinach. 

What are other NYC gems that locals and visitors alike should check out? 

I LOVE File Gumbo Bar – they have live jazz on Friday nights and GREAT creole classics. I’malso really into Rang in Long Island City for Indian food, and Lil Frankies for rustic Italian. I also love to go to Odd Sister in SoHo for drinks – the back room is very intimate and sexy. 

If someone wants to follow you, where can they connect with you and/or connect on social media? 

I’d love if they subscribe to my Substack at alywalansky.substack.com and I’m @alywalansky on X (Twitter) and also Instagram.