You are edible MAINE

As the state’s only media brand dedicated to the subject, edible MAINE celebrates our state’s vibrant food culture, season by season. Through multifaceted and compelling storytelling, our quarterly print publication, and digital platforms connect readers with those around the state who feed them—growers, producers, chefs, beverage and food artisans, and other food professionals. We believe understanding where our food comes from empowers all of us to make informed decisions about what we eat, what we stand for, and how to better support our communities.

Management Team

It takes a lot of moving parts to bring edible MAINE to life. Aside from the many talented contributors who submit their beautiful images and wise words, We are the management Team tasked with bringing it all together.

Christopher Ellis-Jacobs

Christopher Ellis-Jacobs

Owner, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Christopher, a passionate food enthusiast and devoted locavore, is the owner and publisher of edible MAINE. With many years of experience in the restaurant industry, he brings a wealth of culinary knowledge and an unwavering commitment to the local food movement. Spending much of the year as a resident of Greenwood, ME, Christopher’s family delights in cultivating their home garden and enjoying the fruits of their labor throughout the long Maine winters.

As the driving force behind edible MAINE, Christopher has led the magazine through its first five years of publication, overcoming challenges and embracing the messy moments that come with building a successful venture. Inspired by the sense of purpose and community that edible MAINE has fostered, he continues to steer the magazine toward new heights while celebrating the talented team members, dedicated readers, and local artisans who contribute to its growth.

Christopher invites readers to join the journey, exploring the vibrant local food scene and the inspiring stories that connect us all. As a true believer in the power of food to bring joy and foster connections, he is dedicated to supporting a thriving local economy, a diverse environment, and a well-informed public. With an open seat at edible MAINE’s table, Christopher encourages everyone to read, reach out, and support the magazine’s mission.

Kirsten Lie Nielsen

Kirsten Lie Nielsen

Assistant Editor

Kirsten Lie-Nielsen joins edible MAINE as Assistant Editor, bringing a deep passion for sustainability, agriculture, and storytelling to the team. Based on a restored 100-acre farm in Liberty, Maine, Kirsten has spent over a decade transforming the once-abandoned property into a thriving homestead with her husband. This hands-on experience informs her work as a writer, where she explores topics ranging from climate change and sustainable farming practices to the resilience of Maine’s growers.

Her work has appeared in prestigious publications including Civil Eats, the Boston Globe, and Modern Farmer, and she has authored two books on homesteading. Kirsten’s writing showcases her commitment to connecting communities with the land, providing practical insights for farmers, and inspiring innovative solutions for sustainable living.

In addition to her journalistic achievements, Kirsten is an advocate for Maine’s agricultural community. She leverages her experiences with food, farming, and restoration to share stories that resonate with edible MAINE’s mission of promoting local food culture. When not writing or editing, Kirsten enjoys traveling, antiquing, and contributing to her ever-expanding list of bylines, which highlight her dedication to both her craft and the environment.

To explore more of Kirsten’s work and her life at Hostile Valley Farm, visit hostilevalleyliving.com.

Lauren Lear

Lead Recipe Photographer and Food Stylist

Lauren brings a dynamic blend of creativity, expertise, and passion to her role as Lead Recipe Photographer and Food Stylist at edible MAINE. A Virginia native who has called Maine home for over 11 years, Lauren’s journey into the world of food photography began with a camera in high school and blossomed into a full-fledged career in 2014 when she photographed for The Holy Donut. Since then, she has honed her skills and built an impressive portfolio that includes work with Subway, Twisted Tea, and Maine Spirits, as well as an ambitious project baking and styling 80 recipes for Cakes & Pies magazine.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and her knack for storytelling through images, Lauren collaborates with businesses of all sizes—from local restaurants to national food brands and ad agencies. Her extensive collection of props, surfaces, and backdrops (fueled by a love for antiquing) helps her craft unique, visually stunning compositions that elevate the presentation of food and drink.

When she’s not behind the camera, Lauren enjoys life in Maine with her husband, spirited daughter, and two beloved fur babies. Adapted to Maine winters but forever enamored by its summers, Lauren continues to draw inspiration from the local culinary landscape. With over 15 years of photography experience and a passion for bringing brands to life, she’s an integral part of edible MAINE’s creative team.

Interested in Joining the Team?