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
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An especially handy technique is reheating the steak in beef broth. Only a couple tablespoons of the liquid compensate for any lost moisture.
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Sữa chua's distinct quality is all in its incorporation of condensed milk, oftentimes in addition to normal milk. Like other yogurts, the mixture is fermented.
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If chili is on your Super Bowl menu, it's worth it to follow acclaimed French chef Eric Ripert's inspiration for a dish that will be loved by the whole crowd.
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There are more similarities between your morning coffee and your evening vino than you might realise. Your brew might even show what type of wine to try.
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Gin is a unique spirit, tasting of juniper and other aromatics. This makes it an interesting choice to cook with, but be careful, too much can be overpowering.
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Popularized in frat houses and campus dive bars around the country, the possible origins of the sake bomb lie in an unexpected place.
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The source of Costco's Kirkland Signature French vodka has long been a mystery and some people think it's a rebottling of another famous brand.
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Hairy tofu is unlike any other bean curd you've tasted. Learn all about the delicacy hailing from one of China's eastern provinces and what makes it special.
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A coffee bean's roast can completely change its flavor profile. What is the French roast, and how does it differ from other types of coffee?
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A great cucumber salad is refreshing, crunchy, and, above all, not watery. The best cucumber to pick is the Persian variety. Find out what makes it so good.
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If you love trying new types of alcohol, you may have to hunt a little bit harder and spend a little more money to give Palo Cortado sherry a try.
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There are many different liquor types out there made from varying ingredients and techniques. Let's dive in to the specifics of alpine liquor.
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When you're on the hunt for thick, beef-forward cuts of steak, the terms cowboy and Delmonico are likely to come up. But, what exactly are they?
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Pot cheese and cottage cheese both come from the same basic process of separating curds and whey, but read on to discover what their differences are.
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Basting grilled cauliflower lends similar benefits to applying the process to meats, interacting the seasoning's sugar and protein with the grills' heat.
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There are a few key things to look for when buying chicken to get the best results when cooking, particularly signs of if raw meat has been frozen at all.
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Filet mignon is considered the best of the best when it comes to a tender steak. But there's a similar cut boasting bags of flavor that's a lot less well known.
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A pastry-encrusted beef patty is a treat no matter how it's prepared, and there are some specific differences between those dishes in Jamaica and Haiti.
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Steak is revered amongst many cultures around the world. In Japan, minimalist perfection is sought after, as evidenced by their choice of garnishment.
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While you're likely familiar with the Greek version of moussaka, the dish has dozens of different (and delicious) variations throughout the world.
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Palm sugar is used to enhance sweet and savory dishes all over Asia. The ingredient, derived from palm tree flowers, was first used two millennia ago.
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Both American goulash and chili mac are comforting and economical meals made with pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce, batched to feed a family or gathering.
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Roll over maraschino cherries, and make way for brandied cherries, the new(ish) fruity garnish on the block. They're also straightforward to make at home.
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Many regions around the world have refined their cooking techniques - including Thailand. With their bamboo method, you'll find sticky rice and protein abound.
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Making cafe-quality espresso at home is no easy feat, but temperature surfing could be the key to mastering the perfect coffee pull.
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Miyeokguk is a delicious and flavor soup made with seaweed and soy sauce and it has a very interesting birthday connection in its history.
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Fish steaks are an excellent way to shake up your average dinner routine. Here's the best types of fish and cuts you should look for at the market.