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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.

Rao's (of Tomato Sauce Fame) Is Now Making Frozen Pizza. We Tried it

The new line of products is starting to roll out in supermarkets across the country.

Remember Salt Bae? He Now Has 22 Very (Very) Lucrative Restaurants

We checked in on the controversial meme king’s empire, which sells 24-karat gold–wrapped steaks for more than $1,000.

The 9 New Foods Words in Merriam-Webster and How to Cook Them

Pumpkin spice, birria, and omakase have been added to the dictionary.

The Americans Who Eat Dinner Very, Very Late at Night

In the US, the average dinner time is 6:22 p.m. These folks choose to eat well after 9 p.m.

What Do You Mean There Are Dead Wasps in My Figs?

We asked experts and got more than we bargained for.

10,000 People Swarmed a New Mall Restaurant. The Owner? YouTuber MrBeast

The YouTube megastar’s first real restaurant is a burger joint in New Jersey’s American Dream Mall.

Somehow Both Tomatoes and Alfredo Sauce Spilled Across Interstates This Week

Tomatoes toppled from a truck in California, and the next day, Alfredo sauce did the same in Tennessee.

Do Moldy Berries Ruin the Whole Batch?

Food scientists weigh in on how to protect your summer bounty.

Vegetarian Food Giant Amy’s Kitchen Accused of Mishandling Sexual Harassment

A new report is the latest in worker allegations about poor labor conditions at the organic supermarket stalwart.

The Best Restaurants in Rockaway Beach, Queens

Sandy beaches, fried fish tacos, and vibey outdoor bars—all easily accessible from Manhattan.

For Tab Superfans, Bringing the Soda Back Is Personal

The #SaveTabSoda committee will stop at nothing to see their favorite drinks back on shelf.

The Correct Number of Drinks Is 1.5

A plea for bars and restaurants to pioneer the half cocktail.

Everything to Know About Martha Stewart’s New Las Vegas Restaurant

The lifestyle queen just opened The Bedford, a French-ish restaurant in the Paris hotel.

Yelp’s New Restaurant Awards Would Be Great If They Weren’t Coming From Yelp

Restaurant workers are skeptical of the Servies, from the same company that gives a platform to difficult customers.

Whole Foods Wants Your Handprints. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Grocery shoppers in select stores can now scan their palms at checkout.

My Mum's Little Berry Pies Are the Laziest Summer Dessert

Let puff pastry and jam do all the hard work.

Why McDonald's McPlant Became a McFlop

The chain's plant-based burger reveals how fake meat at fast food restaurants is, as a whole, a grift.