Sweet and Salty News

Raffi Hovsepian

Staff Writer, Features

Raffi holds a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and cut his teeth as a local reporter covering city food policy. Before joining Sweet and Salty News, he was a contributing writer for 'Civil Eats,' where his series on labor in the American restaurant industry was a finalist for an Online Journalism Award. He believes that the most compelling food stories are often found far from the professional kitchen, in the fields, factories, and communities that sustain our tables.

Expertise

Food Systems and Supply ChainsCulinary AnthropologyAgricultural EconomicsCoffee and Tea SourcingGlobal FoodwaysInvestigative Reporting

Coverage Areas

Kitchen Culture
Travel & Taste
The Daily Grind
Food Policy

Latest Articles

A beautifully arranged kitchen showcasing discounted appliances and cookware, with subtle sale tags indicating ongoing savings.
Kitchen Culture

Prime Day kitchen deals still active, offering shoppers continued savings

Days after Amazon's 2026 Prime Day officially concluded on June 27, a Vitamix Ascent X3 remained 42% off, according to bonappetit .

Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read

A variety of easy and delicious appetizers artfully arranged on a table, perfect for effortless entertaining and hosting.
The Test Kitchen

Redefining Easy Appetizers for Truly Effortless Hosting

On June 26, 2026, a local news segment touted 'easy' egg appetizers for summer.

Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

A visually appealing spread of Castelvetrano, Kalamata, and Manzanilla olives on a rustic table, showcasing their distinct colors and textures.
The Test Kitchen

Learn About Castelvetrano, Kalamata, and Manzanilla Olive Types

Castelvetrano olives, once a niche Italian delicacy, have surged 30% in U.

Jun 26, 2026 · 3 min read

A colorful assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables displayed attractively, representing healthy snack trends for 2026.
Travel & Taste

Healthy Snack Trends and Insights for 2026

Fresh produce and fresh-forward products dominated the 2026 Good Housekeeping Snack Awards.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of a hand opening a box containing three small bags of rare Yemen Al-Khanshali Estate coffee from Presta Coffee Roasters.
The Daily Grind

Presta Coffee Roasters Releases Rare Yemen Al-Khanshali Estate Coffees

For $95, coffee enthusiasts can purchase a box set of three 4oz bags of Presta Coffee Roasters' new Yemen roast, part of a total allocation of only 50 pounds, according to Tucson Foodie .

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

A refreshing summer meal featuring a chilled shrimp and mango noodle soup with peanut dipping sauce, surrounded by other light dishes on an outdoor table.
The Test Kitchen

Easy Chilled Dinners & Cold Soups for Summer

This summer, a "soup" might arrive at your table packed with shrimp, rice noodles, and mango, served with peanut dipping sauce.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Baristas compete intensely on stage at the 2026 US Barista Championship semi-finalist selection event in Denver.
The Daily Grind

2026 US Barista Championship Semi-Finalists Emerge from Denver Competition

After two intense days in Denver, 12 of the nation's top baristas have already been eliminated from the 2026 US Barista Championship.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Golden-brown, crispy tuna patties sizzling in a cast-iron skillet, showcasing their delicious texture and appealing color.
The Test Kitchen

Make Crispy Tuna Patties in Just 15 Minutes

Imagine a homemade dinner, complete with golden-brown, crispy patties, hitting your table just 15 minutes after you start cooking.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

A delicious bowl of creamy lemon zucchini pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon zest, ready to be served.
The Test Kitchen

Whip Up Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta With This Easy Recipe

In a culinary revelation, two pounds of humble zucchini transform into a 'jammy and thick' base for creamy pasta in just 15-20 minutes.

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Split image contrasting a luxurious Punta Cana beach with a less grand beach, representing the Weigel Broadcasting giveaway prize difference.
The Test Kitchen

Weigel Broadcasting Giveaway: Punta Cana, Not Anguilla

While promoted as a "dream trip to Anguilla," a new giveaway from Weigel Broadcasting will award its grand prize winner an all-inclusive trip to Punta Cana, not Anguilla.

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

Dolly Parton's 'Cup of Ambition' coffee bags displayed on a shelf inside a bright, modern travel stop convenience store.
The Daily Grind

Dolly Parton Launches 'Cup of Ambition' Coffee Line

On June 24, Dolly Parton's 'Cup of Ambition' coffee debuts at her Tennessean Travel Stop.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A perfectly baked, golden-brown galette crust with a crisp texture, fresh from the oven.
The Test Kitchen

How to Avoid Soggy Galette Bottoms with Pre-Baking

A single cup of excess liquid from fruit can transform a perfectly crafted galette crust into a mushy disappointment, according to the science of perfect pie: 16 tips for flaky crusts & firm...

Jun 15, 2026 · 3 min read

A decadent, velvety smooth chocolate mousse in a glass bowl, topped with a single raspberry, ready to be served.
The Test Kitchen

Easy 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse: Quick Prep

Forget hours in the kitchen and a dozen ingredients: a decadent chocolate mousse, typically a multi-step culinary feat, can now be actively prepared in just ten minutes using only silken tofu and bittersweet chocolate.

Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Assortment of red, white, and blue patriotic desserts displayed at Walt Disney World for America's 250th anniversary celebration.
The Test Kitchen

Walt Disney World Unveils Patriotic Desserts for 250th Anniversary

For America's 250th anniversary in 2026, Walt Disney World is rolling out 16 distinct patriotic desserts and several beverages, transforming the Fourth of July into a culinary spectacle.

Jun 14, 2026 · 3 min read

A minimalist coffee setup with a single pour-over device, grinder, and mug, bathed in natural light, promoting a decluttered brewing experience.
The Daily Grind

Declutter Your Coffee Setup: A Guide to Less Gear

The average specialty coffee enthusiast owns 7-10 distinct brewing devices, yet 60% of these sit unused for most of the month, according to the Coffee Enthusiast Survey 2023 and the Home Barista Forum

Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Interior of a new Hypnos Coffee location under construction, showcasing a stainless steel espresso machine, custom oak cabinets, and elegant pendant lighting.
The Daily Grind

Hypnos Coffee Plans Portland Expansion With New Build Outs

Despite 'breaking news' of its expansion, Portland's Hypnos Coffee won't open its new 21st Avenue location until Mid-August 2026.

Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

A high-tech coffee machine using ultrasonic waves and room-temperature water to brew espresso, showcasing energy-efficient coffee technology.
The Daily Grind

UNSW Sydney Uses Ultrasonic Waves for Energy Efficient Espresso

In blind taste tests, 100 regular coffee drinkers could not differentiate between a traditional espresso and a version brewed with room-temperature water.

Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

Interior view of the newly opened Kopikina Heulang cafe in Bogor, showcasing its modern design with Indonesian touches and happy customers.
The Daily Grind

Kopikina Heulang Opens First Store Outside Jakarta in Bogor

On February 9, 2026, Kopikina, a name synonymous with Jakarta's vibrant coffee culture, officially opened its first outpost beyond the capital, bringing its curated experience to Bogor.

Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read

A family enjoying a quick and easy weeknight meal cooked on a smart grill on their patio at dusk.
The Test Kitchen

Smart Grills Simplify Easy Weeknight Grilling Recipes

Google searches for '15-minute grill recipes' surged by 60% in the last quarter, according to Google Trends Data .

Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read

A close-up, cinematic view of a decadent bowl of coffee ice cream, showcasing its rich texture and dark, inviting color, with a scattering of coffee beans.
The Test Kitchen

Taste Test: Top Coffee Ice Cream Brands for Different Tastes

In a recent Bon Appétit taste test of 10 popular supermarket coffee ice cream brands, Trader Joe's Coffee Bean Blast was crowned the definitive choice for espresso enthusiasts.

Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read