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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We all know the differences between light and dark meat in poultry, but there are differences between white and dark meat in crab you should get familiar with.
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Unlike other canned varieties, sardines in tomato sauce are typically packaged without oil, and they taste absolutely delicious on top of bruschetta.
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Edgar Rice Burroughs, the writer who created Tarzan, understood that bourbon should be the star in his cocktail of choice.
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Even the most untrained in coffee culture could point out the differences between an affogato and a cappuccino. But what about German coffee drinks?
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When it comes to Chinese takeout, beef and broccoli is a perennial favorite - so much so that it's become its own cultural institution in the past century.
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There's always some newfangled way to produce a cup of coffee, but this one's worth a try, particularly if you're planning on making an iced brew.
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Made with only three ingredients - yogurt, water, and a sprinkle of salt - ariani is a wondrously refreshing and creamy drink typically served cold.
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If you appreciate an ice-cold Moscow mule but prefer a different flavor, the Foghorn is a 1930s drink reminiscent of the well-known ginger beer drink.
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Beef rendang is one of Indonesia's most beloved dishes. Its origins span back centuries with flavor blends influenced by early Asian travelers.
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The next time you want to spruce up your highball why not reach for a flavored seltzer? And if you want to get really adventurous, how about a hard seltzer?
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Though we share a language, there are many differences between American and English culture, including our traditional breakfasts. Here's the difference.
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Beef stew may be one of the oldest cooking traditions, with beef bourguignon being the most revered. How does the French version differ from other beef stews?
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When it comes to making espresso, the quality of the final cup rests on many small decisions - from not grinding the coffee too finely or properly tamping.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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?