Julian Vance
Senior Restaurant Critic & Columnist
Julian Vance began his career as a food historian before transitioning to journalism, where he quickly became one of the most respected voices in restaurant criticism. Prior to joining Munchies Magazine, he was the lead critic for the San Francisco Chronicle for fifteen years. His column, 'The Critic's Table,' is known for its unflinching honesty and deep respect for culinary tradition. He is the author of 'The Fourth Star,' a book exploring the pressures and triumphs of the world's greatest restaurants.
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Latest Articles
Two Oldest Italian Restaurants in the US: Legacies Over a Century
A candle in John's of 12th Street, established in 1908, has accumulated approximately 250 pounds of wax.
Jun 22, 2026 · 5 min read
Bowen Yang's Mom Uses Firm Tofu in Her Mapo Tofu Recipe
Unlike the ubiquitous silken variety, Bowen Yang's mother opts for firm tofu in her mapo tofu, resulting in a dish notably less stewy than what most expect, as detailed by bowen yang's mapo tofu recip
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read
New Blueberry Almond Lemon Cake Recipe Yields 8 Servings
A Blueberry Almond Lemon Cake recipe, demanding a precise 1 cup of almond flour, signals a profound shift in home baking priorities.
Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Whip up creamy lemon zucchini pasta tonight
Just one large zucchini, a pound of spaghetti, and four ounces of pecorino: these are the core components of the Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta, a dish now commanding significant attention.
Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Author of Definitive Hot Dog Guide Dies at 102
Eleanor "Ellie" Mae Jenkins, the reclusive author who meticulously documented every regional hot dog style in her seminal 1952 book, passed away last Tuesday at 102, leaving behind a legacy that redef
Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Systemic challenges are leading to restaurant closures in 2026, study finds.
In New Zealand alone, 414 hospitality businesses entered liquidation in the past year, a stark 49% increase year-on-year, according to a Centrix Credit Bureau report cited by The Spinoff .
Jun 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Lost Lantern blends bourbon from every state for America's 250th birthday
To mark America's 250th birthday, Lost Lantern has released a special 'United States of Bourbon' whiskey, blending spirits from 50 different distilleries across every single state, according to The Ne
Jun 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Whip Up Easy 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse, Minimal Effort
A rich, velvety chocolate mousse, often associated with elaborate French patisseries, can now be whipped up with just two core ingredients: silken tofu and bittersweet chocolate.
Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Easy Nectarine Summer Dessert Recipe
The quest for the perfect summer dessert led one chef to discard an entire batch of apricots, deeming them 'pale, hard, and lacking flavor,' before discovering the consistent brilliance of nectarines.
Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read
Bon Appetit Editors' Go-To Dishes for Your Next Gathering
While meticulously pitting cherries for a skillet cake, Bon Appetit's Sam Stone found a moment of zen, only to later realize the batter was missing its sugar, as reported by Bonappetit .
Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read
New Summer 2026 Cookbooks Focus on Hyper-Niche Culinary Skills
This summer, home bakers can craft a Shortbread Cookie Canvas from Carla Hall or explore corn-based desserts like Sweet Corn Shortbread from Martin Sorge.
Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Nothing Bundt Cakes Debuts Peach Cobbler Cake for Summer 2026
Nothing Bundt Cakes is introducing a new Peach Cobbler Cake flavor for summer 2026, exclusively available in personal-sized Bundtlets.
Jun 10, 2026 · 3 min read
North Carolina's Ready-to-Drink Cocktail Laws Are Getting a Major Overhaul
North Carolina, long known for its stringent alcohol regulations, is now poised to allow grocery stores to sell premixed cocktails.
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
James Beard Awards 2026 Nominees Announced for Top Honors
Chef Meherwan and Molly Irani, founders of Chai Pani, are among the national Outstanding Restaurateur nominees for the 2026 James Beard Awards.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Ninja Creami Rivals Tested Against Cuisinart, Nutribullet
In an era where homemade ice cream typically demands twenty minutes or more of dedicated churning, the Nutribullet Chill shatters expectations, delivering a remarkably smooth vanilla treat in under fo
Jun 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Dijon chicken recipe with tomatoes and scallions takes over kitchens
In kitchens across social media, a Dijon chicken dish takes just 25 minutes from pantry to plate, yet tastes like it came from a Michelin-starred bistro.
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Explore the simple techniques behind tiny tomato galettes
A single TikTok video, showcasing a 15-minute prep for tiny tomato galettes, amassed 50 million views in 48 hours, igniting a global baking phenomenon, reports Social Media Trends Report.
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
New Moms Learn Flexible Meal Planning for Better Health
For new mothers, doubling a recipe on a weekend and freezing portions reclaims precious time, transforming mealtime from a chore into a convenience.
Jun 1, 2026 · 2 min read
2026 Michelin Guide Spotlights Florida's Sustainable Stars
The 2026 Michelin Guide added nine new Tampa Bay recommendations, signaling a growing focus on Florida's culinary scene and its emerging sustainable stars.
May 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Inventors Create Unique Hybrid Dessert Recipes for 2026
Forget the false dichotomy of banana bread or Bananas Foster.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read