Matthew Spina
School
University Of Pittsburgh, Loyola University Chicago
Expertise
Home Cooking, Baking, Food Culture
- An experienced digital media writer, when he's not behind a keyboard Matt can be found obsessively hunting down the best street food or at the farmer's market grabbing the freshest fruit for his latest baking challenge.
- A passionate home cook and baker for over 15 years, Matt believes strongly in the power of good food to bring people together and support a healthy and happy life.
- In addition to his experience in the kitchen, Matt has studied and written about the larger-scale impacts of food on culture, the environment, sustainability, and history.
Experience
A longtime writer and editor Matt's work has spent nearly a decade working in digital media. He spent seven years writing comedy and satire for The Onion and has done food writing for Thrillist. His work has often centered on the politics and culture of food in the United States, with a focus on the impact of fast food, the historical origins of different dishes, and the importance of home cooking. Prior to his work in digital media, he worked as a kitchen assistant in a bakery.
Education
Matt has a master's degree in history from Loyola University Chicago and attended University of Pittsburgh as an undergraduate. He studied the social and cultural development of the early United States, including the impacts of immigration, cultural exchange, and geography on the nation's cuisine.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Matthew Spina
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Juicing a lemon might not seem like a task that requires a hack, but we just had to give this viral toothpick juicing trick a try to see if it worked.
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If you've come across summer squash at the store and not known what to do with it, these 20 recipes that range from sweet baked goods to savory salads can help.
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If ponzu sauce tastes delicious but completely unfamiliar to you, it's likely because the recipe incorporates citrus fruits that aren't common in the U.S.
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Beyond Meat's new IV product line promises a better taste and ingredient list than previous recipe iterations. We tasted it to see if it was worth buying.
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There are different ways to cook lamb. Here's how to cook the meat for the best results, accoding to Wissam Baki, the executive chef of AMAL in Miami.
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Buffalo sauce may reign supreme in the world of chicken wings, but one regional specialty gives it a run for its money: Atlanta's lemon pepper.
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If you've ever made a grilled cheese at home and thought, "Wow, this is not as good as my favorite restaurant's," you're not alone. An expert tells us why.
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While they come in nearly identical packaging and even look similar, chili powder and cayenne are not the same. Here's the difference between these two spices.
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You're not going to be reattaching that slice of parmesan to the rest, or returning six olives to the grocery store, so it likely ends up going to waste.
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When a collection of beef trimmings is labeled as "stew meat" in your local grocery store, it can seem a bit like mystery meat. Here's what it most likely is.
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It can be a real challenge to make fried chicken at home (and for it to stay warm but not soggy). Thankfully there is an easy way to keep it fresh and crispy.
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The Singapore Sling is a punch-like cocktail that packs a punch. But while the classic gin-based drink has endured for decades, its exact origins are not clear.
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Tacos don't need much beyond protein and a tortilla, but they do require a delicious sauce. If you've only been using salsa, we've got an upgrade you'll love.
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CEO Laxman Narasimhan confirmed the impending arrival of the new products, which have been an ongoing rumor around Starbucks, during an earnings call this week.
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Passion for the Stanley x Starbucks tumblers might be dying down. Some have already deemed the latest cup offering, allegedly hitting stores on May 7, a miss.
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Canned goods and salad may not seem like two things that go together. But if you want a healthy and easy dinner, they are perfect partners.
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Erewhon is no stranger to ridiculously expensive products that don't justify the sky-high price tags. In fact, it's basically what the brand is known for.
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Given the cow's sacred status in India, you won't find much beef served up in Indian restaurants, but that doesn't mean the spices aren't perfect for steak.
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Quiche should no longer be relegated to brunch-only duty, especially considering how many inspired iterations you can make. Here are our favorites.
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You've probably experienced the frustration of spending time on a pasta dish, only to watch your lovingly cooked tomato sauce slide right off the noodles.
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Champagne is beloved on its own, but don't overlook how well it fits into a cocktail. Here are the dos and don'ts of making champagne cocktails from an expert.
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Your classic chicken salad is fatty, crunchy, and cool, but isn't the most robust option out there, being heavily dependent on mayo for its taste.
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If you’re a burger lover, you already know Shake Shack is worth the visit. Yet of all the options on their lengthy menu, this sandwich is one of their best.
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In the crowded food and beverage markets, gimmicks are often needed to get eyes on new products. For Pegasus Distillerie, a space rock is the latest gimmick.
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Beef broth and au jus seem like they come from different scales of dining but are otherwise quite similar. What is it that really distinguishes them?
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Is one more nutritious than the other? Do they affect the texture of the final result? There are lots of questions, and we've got your answers.
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Plenty of cooking experts will tell you canned tomatoes make the best sauce, but that doesn't mean you can grab just any brand off the shelf and get to cooking.