Contributing Writers

Tastebud magazine is proud of the team of local professionals writing articles each month. The helpful information they will pass along is a resource we hope our readers appreciate and learn from. Our goal is for readers to dog-ear the pages, clip the recipes, and tear out articles about places you want to visit. Here are the contributing writers that make tastebud possible:

Jenny Vergara is a full time Foodie and a woman on a quest to develop her palate and herself through cooking, eating, drinking, traveling and writing. She has spent the last 5 years documenting all the restaurants she found along the way in a series of personal restaurant journals she keeps for her own enjoyment. Email her at tablehopping@gmail.com or keep up with her Foodie adventures at www.makingafoodie.com.

Nichole Burnett, MS, RD, LD is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent at the KSU Research & Extension, Johnson County Office. You can contact her at Nichole.Burnett@jocogov.org.

Diana Endicott, Farm to Market Coordinator, started Good Natured Family Farms with her husband, Gary, in 1995. She began selling tomatoes and discovered how difficult it was for small family farms to find markets. As a result, she set out to organize small family farmers and market their products under the Good Natured Family Farms brand. GNFF products can be found at area Hen House Markets.

Maureen Fitzsimmons is an avid cookbook collector with a keen interest for food and cooking. A pharmacist by trade, Maureen utilizes the science and alchemy of ingredients in her cooking as well as the enjoyment of seasonal foods. You can contact her at reenfitz@gmail.com.

Kelly Gibbens has been in the gourmet food world since 2001. She’s had her own catering company and lived in Spain, where she soaked up delicious regional recipes and worked with wonderful chefs. Kelly’s first and most influential teacher is her mother who expanded her appreciation of food and taught by example how food nourishes the body and soul.

In 2009, Jason Burton founded LAB5702, a marketing company entirely focused on the beverage industry. Based in Kansas City, its client list includes specialty coffee, artisan sodas, distilleries, breweries, industry events, and anything that tastes good to drink. The LAB team stays on top of trends, news, and the next  "big thing." Follow The LAB at twitter.com/LAB5702 or at Facebook.com/LAB5702.

Nancy O' Connor M.S. Ed. is an author, nutrition educator, and cooking instructor. She is the Director of Education and Outreach for Community Mercantile Cooperative Grocery in Lawrence, Kansas. She lives in the country outside Lawrence with her husband and two sons. You can reach Nancy at cmef@themerc.coop.

The American Culinary Federation Greater Kansas City Chefs' Association has a combined membership of over 500 professional chefs, apprentices, and purveyor members, and is one of the largest ACF chapters in the country. Its goal is to make a positive difference for culinarians through education, apprenticeship, and certification, while creating a fraternal bond of respect and integrity among culinarians everywhere.

Chris Stenger is a an avid homebrewer and a member of both the Kansas City Bier Meisters and The Lawrence Brewers Guild. In addition to craft beer, Chris loves to cook, travel, and hang out with his wife and two dogs. hoptalk@gmail.com

Barbara Fetchenhier walked into her dream job at Powell Gardens 14 years ago and is currently the Fruits and Nuts Gardener for the Heartland Harvest Garden. Barbara’s true passion is growing edibles. Several years ago she was selected as the first Heartland Harvest gardener; her responsibilities include overseeing the fruit and nut crops. She spends her 'down time' at Fetchen’ Honey Farm, a 20-acre paradise where Barb and her husband raise free-range meat and egg-producing chickens. Barbara is also an avid beekeeper.

Alan Hagedorn works at Royal Liquors 103rd Street location, where you can join his loyal following. He has certification from both Court of Master Sommelier and the Society of Wine Educators. He can be reached at 816-942-8888. Ger even more great wine advice from Alan from his blog winetheblog.blogspot.com.

Jennifer Matascik is the Marketing Specialist for Whole Foods Market on 91st Street and Metcalf in Overland Park, KS. Whole Foods Market is the first national certified organic grocer, specializing in natural and organic foods free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. For recipe ideas visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com or reach Jennifer at Jennifer.Matascik@wholefoods.com.

Lincoln Broadbooks has been a cheese geek ever since his travels through Europe. As the manager of The Better Cheddar in Prairie Village he is around the food he loves every day. Lincoln has held demonstrations and lectured in the Kansas City area and teaches cheese classes at the Kansas City Culinary Center. Lincoln is also an avid home cheese maker.

Chef Virginia Lopez has a long career in food development and teaching.

You can find contributing writer and mixologist Paige Unger behind the bar at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood on the Country Club Plaza.

Brooke Salvaggio is an urban farmer and food activist. She owns and operates BADSEED, an urban organic farm and market, cleberating local food, culture, and community. Come and taste the fruits of her labor every Friday at the BADSEED Farmers Market in downtown K.C. www.badseedfarm.com

Linh Trieu and Tina Magee-Jenks produce the blog, The Employee Lounge. Linh is a freelance graphic designer and idea person. In addition to her design work, Linh is involved in community service, primarily as an event coordinator and fundraiser for non-profits.  Tina is a photographer and lover of people-watching. She enjoys observing the diversity in human nature and capturing the interactions between friends, families, and even strangers.