School
University of Texas – Austin, New Mexico State University
Expertise
Mexican Cuisine, South American Cuisines, Gastronomy & Travel
- Julia lived in a 100-person housing cooperative for four years while attending college, during which she cooked dinner for the entire co-op once a week and planned breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus for two years.
- Her mother was a pastry and dessert chef and caterer, instilling in her a love for cooking, recipe developing, and adventurous eating from a young age.
- One of Julia's favorite books and movies is "Like Water for Chocolate," which she has read in Spanish and English, and seen countless times. She used passages from the book and scenes from the movie in a grad school research paper and oral presentation as part of a deep dive into the subject of aphrodisiac foods.
Experience
Julia has been a travel and food writer since 2019. She began writing a travel blog for a European travel site about her experiences living and traveling around Mexico. Most articles were dedicated to the vast and elaborate subject of Mexican food, delving into detail about regional dishes, snacks, spirits, and street food culture. She then began writing SEO articles and blogs for numerous clients through a writing agency, specializing in niches like food and drink, recipes, restaurants, and bar scenes. She joined Tasting Table in 2023, where she continues using her travels and cross-cultural experiences as inspiration for her research and writing on gastronomy.
Education
Julia has a bachelor's degree in anthropology and Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in anthropology from New Mexico State University.
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.
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Casual Dining
By Julia Holland
Restaurants often have some culinary device that sets them apart, including LongHorn Steakhouse. This is how they get their signature steak taste.
By Julia Holland
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Food Facts
By Julia Holland
We know that a selection of vegetables should be part of our daily diet, but out of broccoli and cabbage, one has more protein and nutrients in general.
By Julia Holland
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Healthy Eating
By Julia Holland
As new culinary trends emerge, citrus flavors are seeing a boost, but not in the way you may think. This is the lesser-known variety set to take over 2026.
By Julia Holland
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Coffee and Tea
By Julia Holland
The Great Value line is the gift that keeps on giving, and now coffee-lovers are feeling the love. This creamer hits the spot every time with balanced notes.
By Julia Holland
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Fast Food
By Julia Holland
People typically go to burger chains for burgers, but one popular fast food restaurant offers chicken that's not just delicious but ethically obtained too.
By Julia Holland
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Cooking Tips
By Julia Holland
Bolognese is a classic pasta sauce, but with a few tweaks to the type of meat you use, you can make it all the more indulgent.
By Julia Holland
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Stores And Chains
By Julia Holland
When it comes to a choosing a crunchy kettle chip that's bursting with flavor, all we have to say is long live this Aldi dupe!
By Julia Holland
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Cooking Tips
By Julia Holland
A perfect Philly cheesesteak is the sandwich of dreams, but if your homemade version is turning out with overly chewy meat, we have a chef-approved solution.
By Julia Holland
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Cooking Tips
By Julia Holland
We spoke with Scott Thomas, owner of Grillin' Fools, about the best types of steak to use for a delicious breakfast burrito.
By Julia Holland
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Cooking Tips
By Julia Holland
Chicago-style giardiniera came to the U.S. courtesy of Italian immigrants, but it's since found a foothold in the Windy City thanks to some tasty tweaks.
By Julia Holland
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Think you know which Costco bakery item is best? Think again. There's one fruity and cheesy pastry that many customers just can't get enough of.
By Julia Holland
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Casual Dining
By Julia Holland
While waffles and hash browns are some of the best things to order at Waffle House, the chain's best-selling menu item is this.
By Julia Holland
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Shopping Tips
By Julia Holland
Not all brands have mastered the art of meatloaf. We found this meatloaf to be the absolute worst option in the freezer aisle.
By Julia Holland
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Local Food Guides
By Julia Holland
Guy Fieri has traveled the country for years, so when he's impressed, we take note. This small chain packs a lot of Southern love into their menu.
By Julia Holland
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Cooking Tips
By Julia Holland
Beyond your BBQ sauce, there's a range of easy-to-make glazes that are worth slathering on your next rack of ribs — that included this two-ingredient wonder.
By Julia Holland
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Baking Tips
By Julia Holland
This is the secret ingredient that'll enhance both the texture and chocolatey flavor of your next chocolate cake recipe.
By Julia Holland
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Entertain
By Julia Holland
While these morsels are the perfect standalone snack, these three ingredients will transform pizza rolls into gourmet hors d'oeuvres .
By Julia Holland
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Trader Joe's
By Julia Holland
High-protein snacks sometimes compromise on taste, but not this one. It's chewy, filling, and just the right balance of sweetness, all while under $5.
By Julia Holland
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Baking Tips
By Julia Holland
You'd think that Funfetti and strawberry would be the best of both worlds, but Funfetti's strawberry cake mix is the worst strawberry cake mix by far.
By Julia Holland
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Fast Food
By Julia Holland
Chances are you go to Firehouse Subs when you're looking for a sandwich piled high with cold cuts. You'd be surprised to learn what they first sold.
By Julia Holland
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Lobster rolls are undeniably delicious, but choosing the best sides to pair with them can be tricky to avoid overpowering. Try these ideas next time.
By Julia Holland
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Shopping Tips
By Julia Holland
Aldi happens to be the best grocery store for these quality seafood filets. And Aldi shoppers agree, based on many Reddit reviews.
By Julia Holland
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Fine Dining
By Julia Holland
Delmonico's Steakhouse paved the way for fine dining and "farm-to-table" restaurants in America. Now its signature farm-fresh salad has become en vogue again.
By Julia Holland
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Shopping Tips
By Julia Holland
Canned spinach may not compare to cooking it fresh, but it makes for effortless meals on a budget — and this brand stands out among the rest.
By Julia Holland
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Shopping Tips
By Julia Holland
If you are upset about only eating a turkey once a year on Thanksgiving, then the frozen dinner industry is here to satisfy your turkey cravings all year long.
By Julia Holland
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Is there anything better than a relaxing after dinner cocktail? Mix things up by seeking out this liqueur that brings the flavor of Vermont to you.
By Julia Holland
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Fast Food
By Julia Holland
Del Taco has gradually gained ground back from its closest competitor thanks to an extensive, affordable menu. This is easily the best popular item on it.
By Julia Holland
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