Why Diverse Voices Matter: Danielle Dorsey on Food, Culture & Storytelling

In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with powerhouse journalist and storyteller Danielle Dorsey, senior editor at the Los Angeles Times food section and a James Beard Award–nominated writer, for an inspiring conversation about food, culture, identity, and the stories that shape us.

Danielle opens up about her journey from the Inland Empire and San Diego to becoming a trusted voice in LA’s dynamic food scene, with past roles at Thrillist and features in Travel + Leisure, Culture Trip, Essence, Travel Noire, and more. Known for her sharp perspective and deep curiosity, Danielle shares how her love of travel writing led her to food journalism, and why ingredients like tapioca and hibiscus hold such powerful stories across the African diaspora, Latin America, Asia, and beyond.

Together, Chef Emme and Danielle dive into:

• The importance of diverse voices in food media and why representation matters.
• How Black culinary traditions in California often go unseen, and the need to spotlight stories beyond the South.
• Danielle’s experience covering communities during moments of crisis, like the LA wildfires, and how she balances storytelling with self-care.
• The story behind her James Beard–nominated feature “Warmth and Black Tradition at the Thanksgiving Table,” which celebrated the creativity and heritage of Black chefs through a Thanksgiving spread.
• Practical advice for aspiring food writers and editors on finding your voice, building confidence, and leaning into your unique perspective.
• What Danielle hopes her legacy will be as a cultural storyteller — creating more lanes for voices that deserve to be heard.

This episode is more than a conversation about food; it’s about how recipes, ingredients, and culinary traditions connect us to history, migration, resilience, and belonging. Whether you’re a writer, chef, or simply someone who loves food and culture, Danielle’s insights will leave you inspired to honor your own story and the stories around you.