Megan Barnhard is a Sparks-based storyteller, writing coach, and home cook. She’s grateful for the abundance of delicious and nutritious food in the Reno-Tahoe area, and for the talented farmers and food producers who brave the high-desert climate to make it available.
Native Nevadan Natasha Bourlin is a two-time Nevada Press Association award winner for her work with edible Reno-Tahoe. A nationally published freelance writer raised in Callahan Ranch, she enjoys adventures with her rescue terrier when she’s not writing, while her infatuation with food, travel, and preserving our ecosystems compels her to pursue stories that both educate and entertain readers. Find her work at Passportandplume.com.
Jeff Freeman blends an engineer’s precision with his artistic eye when it comes to his photographic craft. It was his lifelong passion for photography that shifted his focus after working in tech for 17 years. Ironically, picking up the camera hasn’t freed him entirely from the computer, but he likes to get his shots as perfect as possible with his camera. Learn more at Jeffreyfreeman.com.
Gaby Moreno is a professional writer and content specialist with a passion for creating stories to engage cross-cultural audiences. She worked for seven years as a journalist in her hometown of Mexico City and four years as a content marketer in the global spirits and tech industry. Since 2022, she has lived in Reno, where she recently joined the marketing and communications team at the University of Nevada, Reno as a content strategist in the Advancement department.
David Rodriguez, who wrote about C&C Social Club and Prost Biergärten 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.
Jen Schmidt, who contributed photos of Yellow Submarine in this issue, is a margarita connoisseur and sushi enthusiast who lives at Lake Tahoe with two good dogs and her husband, James (also good!). A lifestyle, wedding, and travel photographer of 15 years, she has had the pleasure of taking pictures all over the world, then happily coming home to the mountains.
Donna Victor, who shot our cover photo, is a Reno-based commercial photographer originally from Miami. Since moving to Reno, she has photographed numerous subjects for edible Reno-Tahoe and loves meeting all of the local talent in the food and hospitality industry. When Donna is not photographing her commercial work, she is usually involved with her dog-portrait business, creating fine art, black-and-white portraits of your furry friends. For more about her work, visit Donnavictor.com.
Susan Winters, who wrote our story about Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes, often strays off the beaten path and talks to strangers. She has a soft spot for bakeries and vintage cookbooks. Find out more about Susan and her characters at Createontheside.com.
