Maria Desiderata Montana
Food Editor
Ranch and Coast Magazine

Maria Desiderata Montana is a food editor based in San Diego who gained an appreciation of European cuisine from her parents who were born and raised in Calabria, Italy.   Maria credits her mother who taught her how to cook at an early age using fresh, organic ingredients including fava beans, tomatoes, and an assortment of fruits and vegetables from her father’s garden.  She loves to be in the kitchen creating new recipes for her family and friends. 

Maria received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from the University of Washington in Public Relations/Communications with a minor in English.  Currently, Maria is Food & Wine Editor of Ranch and Coast Magazine, a luxury lifestyle San Diego publication in which she reviews restaurants and provides readers with a glimpse of gourmet fare from all over Southern California.  Maria is a regular contributor to Dining Out Magazine San Diego and has contributed to their Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, and New York City issues with both restaurant articles and art stories published in the luxury/living section.  Maria still enjoys frequently writing for the Night & Day Section of the San Diego Union-Tribune and has been published in the dining section of Sign On San Diego and 944 Magazine, San Diego. 

Maria strongly believes that “food is the tie that binds a family together".  She is constantly asked where her favorite place is to dine in which she likes to jokingly reply “my kitchen”.  In between her many daily activities, Maria is also working towards publishing a cookbook highlighting the traditional Italian recipes she uses today.  Her favorite California destination is Napa Valley where she is reminded of the Tuscany hillsides.  She has studied the art and techniques of pairing wine with food, and thinks outside the box when experimenting with unusual combinations.  Other hobbies include tennis, singing, and reading.