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Ali Francis head shot - Bon Appétit

Ali Francis

Editor

Ali is a writer and editor at Bon Appétit whose culture and lifestyle work includes reporting on the health claims behind fake meats, interviews with opinionated chefs about the evolution of restaurants, personal essays on the intersection of work and identity, and subtle attempts to propagate her favorite Australian foods. She developed the “Skeptic Tries” and “Cheap Tricks” columns, has contributed to various editorial packages on junk food and the future of dinner parties, and concocted a wild Thanksgiving personality quiz. Before joining Bon Appétit, Ali worked as a prep cook, agricultural reporter, creative director, and freelance writer, during which time her pieces were published in outlets like Narratively, Vogue, SELF, BBC, and Domino. She also sits on the Off Assignment advisory board where she offers solicited hot takes on editorial strategy. In five years from now, Ali hopes to become a surf instructor.

One of Boston's Most Powerful Chefs Suddenly Closes 5 Restaurants

Less than a year after more than 20 employees accused chef Barbara Lynch of workplace misconduct, a majority of her restaurants closed at the end of 2023.

Dilly Beet Noodles

This psychedelic purple sauce has all the earthiness and tang of sour-cream-topped borscht.

How the Internet Ate in 2023

Martha Stewart’s Sports IIllustrated swimsuit cover. The Grimace Shake. Girl dinner. In this timeline, we trace this year’s biggest Extremely Online food moments.

What Are Sausage Casings Made Of?

It depends on what kind of sausage you’re buying.

What Food Pantries Really Want You to Donate

Here’s what to donate—edible and nonedible items alike.

Ranch-Roasted Broccoli Is the Side to End All Sides

Three ingredients, countless compliments.

The Texas Cattle Ranchers Who Went Vegan

In the heart of Texan cattle country, Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen turned their ranch into an animal sanctuary. It changed everything for them.

What Do You Mean Parmesan Isn’t Vegetarian?

Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano hinges on animal rennet. But for other Parmesans, it’s more complicated.

Why Can Nobody Order the Right Number of Bananas on Instacart?

If you order four bananas, you just might get four bunches. In a very serious investigation, Bon Appétit asked banana buyers, an Instacart shopper, an app designer, and even a "banana weirdo" to peel back the popular mystery.

Is Organic Milk Worth the Extra Cost?

It can cost upwards of 50% more than the regular stuff.

Definitely Do Not Put Plastic in the Microwave

Experts say, even if it claims to be “microwave-safe.”

Maui Wildfires Leave Restaurant Workers Devastated—And Grappling With Tourism

Five local hospitality workers recount the harrowing days following the crisis and the eeriness of watching the visitors crucial to their economy sip mai tais at resorts.

Why Does Coffee Make You Poop?

And does decaf make a difference?

Impossible’s Indulgent Burger Is Its Beefiest, Juiciest Patty Yet. But Is It Good?

The thick, salami-pink puck is “juicier, meatier, and all-around more indulgent.” That might be its problem.

What Kitchen Appliances Will Look Like in 50 Years

We asked scientists, designers, and engineers to invent appliances based on today’s tech and design trends that could hit shelves in the future.

America's Biggest Kombucha Brand Is Completely Rotten, Workers Say

A new court ruling finds intimidation, unpaid overtime, and other allegations of abuse at GT's kombucha factories, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Chocolate Magic Shell

This sauce comes together in the microwave and instantly hardens when poured over ice cream.

I Sprinkle This Savory (and Vegan!) Spice Mix on Everything

All Day’s Crave seasoning perks up sad lunches and simple weeknight dinners.