This Is TASTE 717: From Finance to the “Fantastical Promise Land of Food Media” to Hollywood Writers' Room with Ella Quittner
Jan 19, 2026
Ella Quittner, a journalist and cookbook author known for her work with Food52, dives into the world of food testing and recipe perfection. She shares her unique journey from Wall Street to food media, detailing how she discovered the 'absolute best' recipes through methodical bench tests. Ella discusses creative techniques for fluffy pancakes and flaky biscuits, influenced by global traditions. Plus, her hilarious insights on buffets and experiences in Hollywood writers' rooms add a twist of humor and depth to her culinary adventures.
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Defining 'Best' Requires Clear Goals
- The idea of a single "best" way to cook is false because taste is subjective and context-dependent.
- Ella defined clear goals for each test to make conclusive comparisons rather than chasing an impossible universal best.
Kitchen Roots Shaped Her Voice
- Ella grew up in a family where cooking was the calming center and learned to cook from her parents.
- That upbringing fueled both her culinary curiosity and desire to write about food.
From Writing Ambitions To Wall Street
- Ella took a sharp left from writing into finance after college and worked on Wall Street for five and a half years.
- She learned the industry's rhythms and politics, which later mirrored newsroom and writer's-room dynamics.
