Do you have friends that take photos of their food at restaurants? You know, the friends that pull out their iPhones, Androids, or digital cameras when the food arrives at the table and say, “Wait, wait, wait! Let me get a shot of that French toast before you touch it.” Sometimes these photos are posted to Twitter or Facebook, and sometimes they just disappear into the abyss. Today, I am happy to announce, there just may be something these compulsive photo snapping friends can do with their photos: Foodspotting.

Foodspotting is a San Francisco based startup founded in 2009 and backed by Dan Martell, Dave McClure’s 500 Startups, and Felicis Ventures.

Foodspotting has a variety of features to keep users interested and involved, but at it’s most basic, it’s a way for users to share information about good food, and where it can be found. Foodspotting allows users to take a picture of their food, say what it is, and pin it with geolocation to the restaurant where they got it.

It’s a great way to find foods you want to try and look for new and exciting eateries in your city. After all, a picture is worth 1000 words, right?

Here’s an example of how I could use Foodspotter:

In San Francisco, Humphry Slocombe makes an ice cream called “Secret Breakfast” that is out of this world delicious. It’s Bourbon, Corn Flakes, and Sweet Cream yumminess. So, when I get to Humphry Slocombe, I snap a photo of my scoop, load it onto Foodspotter using my free App, and post a little something about the dessert. I see that there are already a dozen other photos, 70 sightings, 81 people who have “Nom-ed” it (meaning they really love it), and 82-people who “Want-It.” Guess the secret’s out on this place! I can also see nearby eateries in the neighborhood and flip through options of potential feasts.

This is an amazing tool for tourists traveling in new cities because it allows them to “see” what food is around them in a whole new way. Foodspotter has created a system of points and incentives for users that post consistently and accurately.

To become a Foodspotter you first have to sign-up for the free service. Then, according to the website, here are a few of your options:

1. Find a food and “Want it!” by zooming in to see your neighborhood or out to see sightings around the world.

2. Spot something you’ve eaten lately by adding a sighting or emailing a photo to food@foodspotting.com.

3. “Nom” a food you’ve tried and loved by finding it or adding it.

4. Earn tips whenever someone Compliments (+10), Wants (+20), or Noms (+25) a food you’ve spotted.

5. Check back often because more ways to spot foods are coming soon!

They are also partnering with Anthony Bourdain which is bound to be a hoot!

We’re loving this service… Are you?

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