Mike Higdon is a triple threat — writer, photographer, and designer — who co-owns storytelling agency Flanz Media with his wife, Annie. Mike has spent the last 15 years in Reno dedicated to telling important stories about the community, from University of Nevada, Reno news to city life and food culture. He particularly enjoys photographing high-touch portraits and capturing great moments in people’s lives while writing and learning about Reno’s ever-evolving culture.
Lou Manna contributed photos of Vanessa Vancour and Sean Fannan and Kele Song in this issue. Lou has been thrilled to be a photographer with edible Reno-Tahoe for more than six years, since moving to Reno from New York City, where he was a photojournalist for 15 years and had a studio in Manhattan specializing in food photography.
Claire McArthur is a freelance writer who wrote our cover story about local fish. She has trolled for steelhead on the Rogue River in Oregon and fought with chinook salmon around Haida Gwaii near British Columbia. When it comes to fly fishing, however, the only thing she has ever caught was the back of her jacket. Tell her your fish tales at Clairecudahy@gmail.com.
Gaby Moreno, who contributed three of our Cooks at Home profiles, is a professional writer and content specialist with a passion for sharing and being inspired by stories of pivotal members of our community. She spent seven years as a journalist in her hometown, Mexico City, and five years as a content marketer for diverse industries in Canada and the U.S. Since 2022, she has lived in Reno, where she enjoys providing content advice for brands and individuals who promote and celebrate diversity.
Christina Nellemann, who wrote our edible flowers and vermouth stories, is a Nevada native and world traveler. When not sampling food and beverages in places such as Tanzania and Tahiti, she is working in her high desert garden or hitting the ATV trails.
David Rodriguez, who wrote about squash blossoms and fish tacos in this issue, is a local freelance writer obsessed with food, Michelin stars, and Zalto stemware. A former corporate marketer, he now longs only for a plane ticket and a perfect glass of pinot noir. Roam along with him at Aspiretravelandfood.com.
Susan Winters, who wrote our senior nutrition story, believes in the sanctity of a shared meal as well as the restorative powers of a freshly baked blondie. In her writing career, she has interviewed a wide variety of personalities, from chefs to psychics. When she isn’t writing, you might find her exploring a local diner or farmers’ market. For more about Susan and her writing, visit Createontheside.com.
