Rae Ann Varona

May 10, 2016

Açaí-uh Dude! How We Came To Love the Açaí Bowl

By Rae Ann Varona

"...its image exists on Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards and other social media sites. But how exactly did it come to be so popular?"

February 29, 2016

UCSB Foodchella Finds

By Rae Ann Varona

"With fun food, great weather and some live music, Foodchella was a great way for UCSB students and the community to spend their Sunday."

February 24, 2016

A Diner’s Guide to Dining Guides

By Rae Ann Varona

"Below are two restaurant rating systems that stemmed from and were inspired by the culture and enjoyment of going out to eat."

February 11, 2016

Sweet Smarts About Sweethearts

By Rae Ann Varona

"For 150 years, what was first a novelty of tiny, motto-printed colored hearts has become a sentimental tradition with their image recognized by almost anyone."

January 22, 2016

A Guide to Asian Soups: China, Japan, Vietnam

By Rae Ann Varona

Keep yourself warm this El Nino with these authentic Asian soups

February 19, 2015

Hanging Out with the Soup Guy

By Rae Ann Varona, Solène Rouvier

Believe it or not, UCen Dining's soups are indeed made by a real human. Get to know the Soup Guy through this exclusive interview, or stop by and chat at noon in the arbor today, Feb. 19.

February 18, 2015

Symbolically Celebrating the Lunar New Year

By Rae Ann Varona

Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, fireworks, gift giving, celebration and of course, feasting. If joining the culinary celebration isn't an option, feast your eyes on seven holiday staples.

February 5, 2015

Weekly Food Photography Tip: Know Your Angles

By Rae Ann Varona

No matter what angle you choose, it'll be acute, right or obtuse.

January 29, 2015

Weekly Food Photo Tip: Color!

By Rae Ann Varona

Get your AWB on point!

January 22, 2015

Weekly Food Photography Tip: Lighting

By Rae Ann Varona

Food photography is probably one of the most popular kinds of photography right now. If you aren’t a fan of food photography, keep reading and see if you change your mind. If you are a fan of capturing your culinary fi...

November 24, 2014

To Shoot or Not to Shoot

By Rae Ann Varona

So you get a South Coast Three-Way. You're famished but your dozens of followers NEED to see those luscious layers of meat. Do you snap a pic?

October 23, 2014

Photo Finds from the Gaucho Farmers Market

By Rae Ann Varona

The UCSB Gaucho Certified Farmers Market is a great place to get some fresh organic produce and artisan goods, get familiar with your food and meet local farmers and artisans. Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., vend...