Isabella Cook
School
University Of California - Santa Cruz
Expertise
Cast Iron Cooking, Farm-to-table, Mediterranean Cuisine
- Isabella once auditioned for MasterChef and got as far as the third interview, but ultimately chose to forgo the experience to focus on her writing career.
- During a scholarship competition, Isabella was able to identify cardamom while blindfolded onstage.
- Isabella is on the board of a nonprofit organization for edible mushroom foraging.
Experience
Isabella has worked in the professional writing industry since the age of 19 and has hundreds of professionally published articles to her name. After graduating from university with a degree in classical literature, she pursued writing in all its forms, from newspapers to blogs, magazines, and social media (to name only a few). Notable publications include the nation's longest-running alternative weekly newspaper, the Pacific Sun, the North Bay Bohemian, Boheme Magazine, 50-Up Magazine, Locale Magazine, and many more. Apart from writing, Isabella also spent half a decade working in the fine dining sector of the wedding catering industry where she honed her love for fine foods into an art form.
Education
Isabella earned a B.A. in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Isabella Cook
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Hopefully, this list of some pros and cons on splurging on a professional bartender can help make your event planning to-do list that much clearer.
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San Francisco boasts a ton of spots for delicious Indian cuisine. Whether you're craving a sit-down meal or carry-out, check out some of these top spots.
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If you're a football fan in San Francisco wondering where to watch the 49ers in the big game, here are the best bars in the city to watch the Super Bowl.
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Are you dipping your toe into the sake world for the first time? Instead of taste-testing random bottles, why not select some top-rated sake brands?
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There are simpler dishes to prepare than beef bourguignon but few taste better. Using good wine and skimming fat are among the tips to make it less complicated.
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We all know that pineapple pizza is polarizing, but these fruit options for your 'za can be loved by all. There's a pairing for every tastebud and flavor.
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It's exciting to make a Philly cheesesteak at home but we all seem to commit the same mistakes in whipping them up. Here are the mistakes and how to avoid them.
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Soup dumplings are easier than you think to make from scratch. However, practice makes perfect. Here are 12 of the best ways to upgrade homemade soup dumplings.
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San Francisco is well-known for its food and love of sushi in particular. These restaurants stand out from the pack as the city's absolute best.
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There's a lot that goes into setting a table. We've got some expert advice on making your table setting shine, from floral decor to mood lighting and much more.
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Homemade chicken wings can take you on a world-spanning tour of incredible flavors with every crispy bite. Spread your wings with these hacks.
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Paella seems like a straightforward and delicious dish but a lot can go wrong putting it together. Here's what you need to know for perfect paella.
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Korean BBQ is always a treat, and knowing the best cuts on the menu makes the experience even better - and we've got expert advice on which meats are best.
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You might think you know oysters, but do you know the different species and brands within each? This guide will provide you with some important oyster info.
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Grocery bills are more expensive nowadays, but there are several special ingredients that are always worth the splurge, from Parmesan to prime beef.
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When cooking plenty of steaks, you often wind up throwing out trimmings and scraps. Instead of tossing them, here's what you can do instead to use ingredients.
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Hosting a dinner party can be stressful, but knowing what kind of meat to serve is a good place to start. These cuts will always make for a stellar meal.
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Sous-vide? A la mode? Wagyu grades? Ordering at a steakhouse can seem intimidating, but following these tips will make you feel like a seasoned regular.
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Steak Tartare is a simple, yet adventurous dish. It can feel really challenging making it at home, but we've got all the tips you need for great steak tartare.
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From how you select your salmon to the ways in which you store, prep, and cook it, this particularly popular seafood needs just a little extra know-how.
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When it comes to cooking over a campfire in the great outdoors, there are many, many more options available to you than hot dogs and s'mores.
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In a city so large, it can be hard to pinpoint perfection on a plate. To make it easy, here's a list of the 40 best restaurants in San Francisco, ranked.
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California's food scene is as rich as any state in America, so it's no wonder the Golden State is home to so many iconic, unique foods worth trying yourself.
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Everyone loves eating out, but there are plenty of common dishes that you're paying too much for and would be better off making in the comfort of your own home.
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There aren't many dishes more comforting than chicken pot pie, and these tips will ensure your homemade version will come out crispy, flavorful, and wholesome.
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From king cakes to buckeyes, the United States is home to countless unique and delicious baked goods, and these are some of the absolute best you can find.
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We all think we know how to grill, but before donning that apron and picking up the tongs, there are several tips and tricks that really come in handy.
