Hayli Zuccola has served as managing editor at Tampa Magazines since 2023 and has written for a range of publications since 2015. A vegetarian for more than a decade, she’s constantly on the hunt for creative, satisfying meatless dishes while traveling—and credits her vegetarian lifestyle with expanding both her palate and her culinary skills. From walnut cauliflower tacos and pulled bbq king oyster mushroom sammies, she’s convinced vegetarian food never has to be boring.
She’s unapologetically team savory over sweet, choosing bold, salty flavors whenever possible. When it comes to cuisine, she’s adamant that the top spot is a close tie between Italian and Mexican, though Italian often edges ahead. Few things offer more comfort than a bowl of pasta or a slice of pizza—though she’s a purist when it comes to the latter, preferring to leave ranch, barbecue sauce and other over-the-top additions off her pie.
She skips coffee as an energy boost, reaching instead for tea. Fruity boba drinks—sans boba—along with green teas are staples, though her gold standard remains a small, unforgettable spot in Victoria, British Columbia’s Chinatown.
