Wendy Hector
School
CSU Northridge, Bath Spa University
Expertise
Home Cooking Techniques, Spirits & Craft Cocktails, Italian Wine
- Wendy is an avid home cook and an unabashed lover of garlic, so much so that she was once a finalist in the Gilroy Garlic Festival recipe competition
- She holds the Diploma in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a certified specialist in Italian wines and Sherry.
- An avid traveler, Wendy's goal is to eventually visit and experience the cuisine and wine of every region in Italy.
Experience
Wendy is a freelance writer focused on the world of food and beverage. Based in California, she has covered the Bay Area dining scene for platforms including Eater SF and the San Francisco Examiner. Wendy has worked on both sides of the restaurant industry, as a bar program director and sommelier, and as restaurant critic focusing on the San Francisco Bay Area. A lover of all things potable, she holds multiple wine certifications and spent years of her career creating custom cocktails.
Education
Wendy earned both a BA and MA in creative writing, focusing on literary fiction. After years of working in restaurants, she decided to blend these two interests and pursue a career in food writing.
The Daily Meal’s content comes from an authoritative editorial staff that is dedicated to current and comprehensive coverage. With an aim to provide only informative and engaging content, our writers, editors, and experts take care to craft clear and concise copy on all things food-related, from news in the food service industry to in-depth explainers about what’s found in readers’ refrigerators, original recipes from experienced chefs, and more.
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Stories By Wendy Hector
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Getting your chicken thighs perfectly crispy while also cooked through can be tricky. Try these tricks next time for the most satisfyingly crispy chicken ever.
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To dip or not to dip, that is the question when it comes to pizza. From garlic sauce to mayo, here are some of the best dips for your next slice of pie.
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When night falls and you suddenly find yourself with a case of the munchies, fear not, for there are many fast-food chains that offer bites late into the night.
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No fast-food chain's breakfast menu is complete without some form of hash browns. From small to large and plain to seasoned, we've ranked some of the best.
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With so many tantalizing options to choose from, Trader Joe's is a dip-lover's paradise. From spicy to savory, here's a breakdown of some of the best.
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When sipping expensive bubbly, you want to get it right. The next time you're blessed with a bottle of Champagne, set yourself up for success.
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Beyond spaghetti or the comforting and familiar ravioli, a whole other realm of pasta shapes exists - many of which won't show up on your average menu.
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The world of sparkling wines is expansive and complex. Here's a detailed guide on navigating the differences between Champagne, Prosecco, and all the rest.
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If you're just starting out in the kitchen and need to know what items to get or if you're just trying to improve your set-up, this guide is for you.
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Most St. Patrick's Day drinks are the usual fare dyed green, but there are plenty of delicious cocktails with naturally green ingredients to sip on.
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No one likes wasting food, but a surprising number of things in your kitchen can be frozen before they go bad, letting you safely use them months later instead.
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We've put together a helpful explainer of some of the most common bar ordering terms and how to use them, as well as many terms that often lead to mix-ups.