Wendy Leigh - Tasting Table

With Us Since

2022

Location

Seattle, WA

School

University of Washington

Expertise

Food News and Events, Culinary Adventures, Cultural Food Connections

Wendy has been a professional journalist and storyteller for more than two decades, specializing in cultural connections to food, travel, and "sense of place."
As an experienced travel journalist, Wendy has covered regional food cultures, restaurants, farming, culinary trends, and the wine industry for magazines, newspapers, and major online publications.
She served as editor, features writer, and photojournalist for the Storied Journeys segment of the Storied Hospitality Group, taking readers on road trips through the history, mystery, food, and culture of America.

Experience

Wendy's work appears in dozens of online and print publications ranging from USA Today to NBCUniversal, Seattle Magazine, King5 News, San Francisco Chronicle, Storied Hotels, and major hospitality brands. While living "on the road" full-time for three years, she churned out features for diverse news outlets while breaking bread with families across the globe. She's gone hands-on with Slow Food cooking lessons on an Umbrian olive farm, harvesting cherries with day laborers in Washington orchards, and cockling/shrimping at dawn in a timeless fishing village outside London. Though making her home in the Pacific Northwest, Wendy identifies strongly with the food, music, and farmlands of her childhood in the Mississippi Delta. She currently lives on a tiny, boat-access-only private island off the coast of Seattle, surrounded by bald eagles, whales, and a whole lot of fresh seafood.

Education

Wendy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Washington, accompanied by a Professional Certification in Photography and Digital Imaging from the UW Extension. She employs this expertise in photojournalism, storytelling, and exploring cultural connections at home or abroad.

Tasting Table Editorial Policies

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 Wendy Leigh

Shopping Tips

Shopping Tips By Wendy Leigh

This Aldi Product Literally Takes The Pain Out Of Cooking (And Looks Great Doing It)

Want to make meal prepping feel even easier? Pick up this aesthetic Aldi product and make cooking a pain-free process.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
$Tex Mex food at Chuy's$
Casual Dining

Casual Dining By Wendy Leigh

The Olive Garden Sister Chain That's Prime For Fans Of Tex-Mex

This chain prides itself on authentic food served in venues full of personality and individual touches. Customers have already taken note of its success.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Stores And Chains

Stores And Chains By Wendy Leigh

Dollar Tree's Frozen Food Section Stocks This Popular Appetizer Brand

Dollar Tree's frozen section actually has some unique offerings, including classic appetizers from this iconic casual dining restaurant brand.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Local Food Guides

Local Food Guides By Wendy Leigh

This Historic Alabama Home Doubles As A Southern Comfort Food Restaurant

This restaurant encapsulates everything there is to love about traditional Southern charm, from fried comfort foods to elegant afternoon teas.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Shopping Tips

Shopping Tips By Wendy Leigh

This Budget-Friendly Chain Is A Sugar-Free Snack Goldmine

The age of flavorless low-sugar and sugar-free snacks is over. And this chain will go easy on your wallet while you fill your cart with a huge variety.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Food Facts

Food Facts By Wendy Leigh

Why Grade B Eggs Are Rarely Sold At Grocery Stores

Just because you'll rarely find boxes of low-quality B-grade eggs sold fresh in the aisles of your local grocery store, it doesn't mean you're not eating them.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Fine Dining

Fine Dining By Wendy Leigh

This Olive Garden Sister Restaurant Offers A Luxury Seafood Experience

This seafood restaurant offers diners deluxe dishes from around the world, flown-in and prepared daily. It'll cost a pretty penny, but worth it.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada By Wendy Leigh

On The Las Vegas Strip, This Midwest-Inspired Gem Won't Wreck Your Wallet For Good Eats

Affordable spots on the Las Vegas Strip are dwindling, but this family-friendly restaurant is intent on bringing good food to all who seek it.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Beer and Wine

Beer and Wine By Wendy Leigh

The Midwest Grocery Store Chain Where Customers Can Drink A Local Craft Brew On Tap While They Shop

This small chain is rethinking the grocery experience, offering shoppers a taste of local talent. A changing menu keeps things fresh and exciting.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Local Food Guides

Local Food Guides By Wendy Leigh

The Tiny Florida Island That Foodies Go Out Of Their Way To Find

Have you ever dreamed of tiny, remote islands teeming with fresh seafood, breezy sea air, and the singsong rhythm of days gone by? If so, Florida is for you.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Cooking Tips

Cooking Tips By Wendy Leigh

Skip The Cayenne — This Is The Best Spice To Pair With Honey In A Rub

Developing a spice blend takes a lot of trial and error, so we saved you the work and spoke with chef Jeff Mauro about building a rub with honey.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Grocery

Grocery By Wendy Leigh

Pick Up This Freeze-Dried Fruit For A Sweet Snack That's Loaded With Fiber

Fiber keeps you full, maintains digestive health, and helps to stabilize blood sugar, and there's one convenient freeze-dried snack that's full of the stuff.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Cooking Tips

Cooking Tips By Wendy Leigh

How Jeff Mauro Gets Lamb Cooked Just Right Every Time

Cooking lamb can be challenging for many American cooks, if only due to lack of practice, but a growing number of chefs are helping to change that dynamic.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Cooking Tips

Cooking Tips By Wendy Leigh

Jeff Mauro Skips Mint Jelly And Serves This Herby Condiment With Lamb

When celebrity chef Jeff Mauro was asked whether he personally pairs mint jelly with cooked lamb, the answer was a definitive, unhesitating "no."
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington By Wendy Leigh

These Are The Most Authentic Irish Pubs In Seattle, According To A Local

Enjoy fine food, spirited conversation, and live music at the best Irish pubs found around Seattle, all recommended by a longtime local.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Stores And Chains

Stores And Chains By Wendy Leigh

Here's What Sam's Club Seafood Boil Kit Gets You For Just Under $100

A classic seafood boil takes time and effort to gather all the ingredient and set up, but with Sam's Club's kit, you'll be one step closer to a delicious meal.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Local Food Guides

Local Food Guides By Wendy Leigh

Louisiana's Best-Kept Secret: A Fishing Town Full Of Mouthwatering Seafood Events

The South is brimming with regional delicacies that feel like home no matter where you're from. This small town runs special events all year to showcase that.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Non-Alcoholic

Non-Alcoholic By Wendy Leigh

For Sweeter Lemonade, Add A Splash Of This Unexpected Juice

There are endless ways to upgrade lemonade, and this tip alters both its color and flavor profile. The best part is that it is totally natural.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Non-Alcoholic

Non-Alcoholic By Wendy Leigh

This Hidden Gem Along California's Highway 395 Still Serves Phosphate Sodas

The old-fashioned general store, close to Death Valley and the Sierra Nevada range, is still serving the same phosphates it offered decades ago.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
City Guides

City Guides By Wendy Leigh

12 Restaurant Chains Serving Up Lent Seafood Specials

Seafood offerings are all the rage over lent and these chains are bringing premium options. Most of these are limited-time offers, so grab them while you can.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's By Wendy Leigh

15 Trader Joe's Frozen Meals You Can Prepare In 5 Minutes

TJ's is the place to be if you need hearty, delicious meals and have no time or energy to prepare them. This list has something (or more) for everyone.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Casual Dining

Casual Dining By Wendy Leigh

This Alabama Bakery Has The Best Pies And Cheesecake In The State

In two very important classifications, pies and cheesecakes, one divine bakery topped both lists for Alabama.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Tips By Wendy Leigh

This Dollar Tree Find Instantly Fixes An Annoying Kitchen Sink Problem (And It Costs Under $2)

For something as mundane as the kitchen sink, there are recurring problems that we as a society seem to ignore. The Dollar Tree, however, has the solution.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Entertain

Entertain By Wendy Leigh

Massachusetts' Most Famous Roast Beef Sandwich Comes From A Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Favorite

Each state has a wealth of delicious dishes, and Massachusetts has a roast beef sandwich like no other. It even caught the attention of a beloved celeb chef.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Cook

Cook By Wendy Leigh

The Cozy Make-Ahead Breakfast Bake That Simplifies Any Morning

Preparing a delicious breakfast doesn't have to be a painstaking or time-intensive process. Instead, you can whip up this simple and satisfying dish.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Cooking Tips

Cooking Tips By Wendy Leigh

A Personal Chef Explains The Problem With Eggs And Cast Iron

Cooking eggs is a more delicate operation than you might think, which is why a personal chef weighs in on using cast iron for them.
By Wendy Leigh Read More
Culture

Culture By Wendy Leigh

The Iconic Bay Area Bread That Locals Swear By For Sandwiches

Chewy, mildly sweet, and visually striking, this classic Bay Area bread might remind you of a striped or spotted animal. Best of all, it's great for sandwiches.
By Wendy Leigh Read More

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