Nikita Ephanov
School
Southern Methodist University
Expertise
Cultural Exploration Of Regional Foods, Specialty Coffee, Spirits And Mixology
- Empowered by travels to over 40 countries, Nikita loves exploring the cooking techniques and ingredients particular to a place.
- Nikita is passionate about finding the best cup of coffee nearby, which has led him to interview some of the world's most recognized baristas.
- He also loves to collect rare regional spirits, both for sipping straight and crafting into unique cocktails for his friends.
Experience
Nikita has written on food, coffee, technology, and travel for publications like Eater, Intrepid Times, and Sliced, as well as served as a staff writer for Cyberpunks and CoffeeGeek. His work focuses on inclusivity and cultural diversity, emphasizing food as a vehicle for the shared human experience. He believes eating someone's offerings is sensing their story through flavor: whether told by a remarkable chef or sung by the noteworthy voices of ordinary people. As a cook, traveler, and dedicated researcher, he strives to bridge the gap between the unfamiliar, trending, and accessible.
Education
Nikita graduated with an applied mathematics degree from Southern Methodist University. While unrelated to food writing, he loves pursuing interdisciplinary perspectives and applying analytical thinking to food reportage.
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 Nikita Ephanov
-
We all know how James Bond feels on the general subject of shaking versus stirring, but when it comes to coffee cocktails should they be shaken or stirred?
-
Ever heard of the Combinación? A simple concoction, the drink holds a special place in Spain's cocktail culture - though it once fell victim to time immemorial.
-
You might not have heard of it, but Chinese baijiu is one of the most widespread drinks in the world. Here's what you need to know about the four main types.
-
Most of us wouldn't be able to identify a glaze from a reduction, but the subtle differences between the two is where amazing flavor is found.
-
Joan Crawford, star of stage and screen, was also known to have an enviable foodie streak in her. Her elevated taste preferences included the rare ugli fruit.
-
Though one of the simplest types of fish to cook or enjoy raw, Tuna can be prepared in a surprisingly diverse number of ways to maximize flavor and texture.
-
When you're on the hunt for the very best options in organic products there's a reason that Whole Foods is probably going to be your first choice.
-
When making a cup of coffee there's nothing worse than discovering that your beans have gone stale, so try this bag trick to check their freshness.
-
This top-selling spirit, that's number one on global consumption charts, is relatively unknown outside Asia, but it makes a great lower-alcohol swap for vodka.
-
If you collect whiskey while traveling or plan to bring a favorite bottle to a distant family gathering, there are some steps to make sure it arrives safely.
-
Although what we think of as sweet and sour sauce isn't traditionally Chinese food, the beloved gooey dip is a staple of Chinese American cuisine.
-
Lovers of fine bourbons know that Old Carter produces some of the best (and most expensive) varieties around. Here are the reasons for the steep price point.
-
Nespresso's Vertuo line of coffeemakers offer a ton of different models, each with strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at the Creatista and Lattissima.
-
"The Big Lebowski" gave pop-cultural staying power to the white Russian cocktail, but do you know what sets it apart from the black Russian?
-
Both lardons and pancetta offer up delicious salty pork flavor to dishes, but what separates the two different meats from each other?
-
Vodka might be the standard liquor for a martini, but it isn't the only option. Gin works wonders, especially in a sweeter martini with a flavor like lychee.
-
The German Flammkuchen, or French tarte flambée, is a flatbread originating from the Alsace region traditionally topped with lardons, fresh cheese, and onions.
-
If you're looking to grill the perfect, delicious beef tenderloin, here's a mistake you should try to avoid during the cooking process.
-
Extra añejo tequila is a relatively new designation of tequila, priced higher than other types. Here's what makes it worthy of special occasions.
-
There are many different kinds of sushi made in different ways, and for aburi salmon it's a specific technique that makes it different from regular nigiri.
-
Both bourbon and brandy are sweet and barrel-aged, so if you need a replacement in your bourbon baking recipe, consider reaching for the brandy.
-
While being adventurous and trying new things is the only way to discover new favorites, there's one Nespresso flavor you're better off avoiding.
-
You might be familiar with the fruit cocktails that come in cans or snack cups in American grocery stores, but Mexican fruit cocktails are their own thing.
-
While many associate tea with western European cultures, it's actually the Turkish people who are the world's biggest fans of the flavorful beverage.
-
With so many different brands of coffee available, it can be difficult to choose which one to buy. If you're looking for a bold cup, Folger's isn't for you.
-
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong may not have been a prolific drinker, but the New Orleans native still has a tasty cocktail named after him - the orange Satchmo.
-
Among the array of beer brands and types, it can seem daunting to deduce what temperature to serve your favorite brew at. However, it's not that complicated.