A James Beard Award-nominated food writer, editor, producer, and consultant, Nicole A. Taylor is the author of Watermelon & Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations, the very first cookbook to celebrate Juneteenth. In addition to her other cookbooks, The Up South Cookbook and The Last O.G. Cookbook, Nicole has written for RESY, Bon Appétit, Better Homes & Gardens, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.
When Taylor became the executive food editor at Thrillist in 2019, she was one of the few Black women to lead a mainstream food publication and the first in digital media. Nicole has been featured on NPR, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Oxford American, BET, TODAY, and NBC News.
In 2014, she made a short film, If We So Choose, introducing audiences to unsung heroes who led civil rights protests at a hot dog joint in Athens, Georgia. From 2009 to 2014, Nicole was a fresh voice documenting Brooklyn’s food scene with her podcast, Hot Grease on Heritage Radio Network. Also, she published an indie zine about her travels to Philadelphia and another about New York City's fried chicken culture.
Nicole is among the most respected and sought-after voices in food media. She is a restaurant and storytelling consultant, and her client list includes Chef JJ Johnson, Chef BJ Dennis, and Brownsville Community Culinary Center (Chef Claus Meyer). She has given talks for Apple, City Harvest, Atlanta History Center, APTIM (BET network), Google (Black&), AmeriHealth Caritas, Ohio State University, and U.S. Embassy Ottawa.
Taylor has given her time to Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund, The Edna Lewis Foundation, and the Museum of Food & Drink. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Clark Atlanta University.
Nicole is working on a new cookbook about the joy of making a “home” wherever and whoever you are (Abrams, 2027). She lives with her husband and son in New York City and Athens, GA.
After season 2 of ‘High on the Hog,’ there is more to be told
The Up South Cookbook
The Up South Cookbook is a bridge to the past and a door to the future. The recipes in this deeply personal cookbook offer classic Southern favorites informed and updated by newly-discovered ingredients and different cultures.
The Last O.G Cookbook
With The Last O.G. Cookbook features recipes inspired by the hit TBS comedy. Enjoy soulful, addictive dishes like Dessert Loaf, Wild-Style Lasagna, Prison Pad Thai, and Brooklyn-inspired classics.
The Modern Travelers’ Green Zine
The Modern Travelers’ Green Zine is a self-published food and travel publication inspired by Victor Green’s The Negro Travelers’ Green Book. Taylor’s volumes shone a light on Philadelphia’s Black food scene and the best fried chicken in New York City
Hot Grease
Hot Grease was a food culture podcast where the American South and local food systems intersected. As host, Nicole reminded people what’s great about food: reclaiming culinary traditions & celebrations, cooking at home, and eating as a political act.