School
University of Western Ontario
Expertise
Comfort food, Budget meals, Creative recipe ideas
- Ian has has worked as a cook in several restaurants, ranging from fine dining to roadhouse to an old-fashioned diner.
- He has developed many of his own recipes with unique twists, including a number of horror-themed recipes for an intended movie-inspired cookbook.
- He has been cooking since he was a child when he learned the value of being frugal, stretching a budget and ingredients to make a lot from a little, while never having to skimp on taste.
Experience
Ian is a professional writer with over 17 years experience. He also went to culinary school and has spent time developing and testing new recipe ideas. Some of his work has also delved into trying new, rare, and even intimidating foods like ghost peppers in pursuit of an interesting story and a fresh perspective. As a writer, Ian has covered food from several perspectives ranging from simple reviews of new products to the more in-depth science of things like GMOs, how chemicals create certain flavors, and more. He doesn't just enjoy the food -- it's also understanding what makes it interesting and unique in the first place, whether that be history, chemistry, or something else.
Education
Ian earned a degree in English and Philosophy before moving on to a post-graduate Communications and Public Relations program
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.
-
Food History
By Ian Fortey 7 hours ago
Betty Crocker has been an iconic brand for decades with flavors to match. This old-school 1960s cake mix was actually inspired by flavors from the 1940s.
By Ian Fortey 7 hours ago
Read More
-
Pizzerias
By Ian Fortey 7 hours ago
Before your next order at Pizza Hut, you need to know about Hut Dust and how it can elevate any kind of pizza from the chain. All you need to do is ask.
By Ian Fortey 7 hours ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 8 hours ago
If you're counting your macros and looking for a big protein boost during a fast food run, here's your top choice at McDonald's for a burger.
By Ian Fortey 8 hours ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 1 day ago
Burger King's Whopper can be especially costly depending on the location. A few custom ordering choices can let you substitute it a double cheeseburger.
By Ian Fortey 1 day ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 2 days ago
McDonald's prepares its eggs differently depending on what variety you order, but this one item is stuffed with a flash frozen and microwaved mix.
By Ian Fortey 2 days ago
Read More
-
Appliances and Gadgets
By Ian Fortey 2 days ago
The Ninja CREAMi is a viral kitchen gadget that has taken over social media, but it's not without a few frustrating quirks worth knowing before you buy one.
By Ian Fortey 2 days ago
Read More
-
Interviews
By Ian Fortey 3 days ago
Flat-top grilling has become increasingly popular, but there are several health benefits and drawbacks to consider before making the switch.
By Ian Fortey 3 days ago
Read More
-
News
By Ian Fortey 3 days ago
After Costco teased the return of a mystery food court item, fans understandably got their hopes up — but most were disappointed in the end.
By Ian Fortey 3 days ago
Read More
-
Food History
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
Before households even had access to a freezer, a bored World War II pilot had found a way to make delicious ice cream with a fighter plane and some DIY action.
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
There are no locations of this fast food joint outside of Mississippi, and customers who leave the state often wax poetic about this burger.
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
For cheese fanatics out there, a few tweaks (read: the right cheesy add-ons) can take your Culver's chicken sandwich to the next level in terms of cheesiness.
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
Read More
-
World Cuisines
By Ian Fortey 7 days ago
Give your pizza a Norwegian twist with this sour cream-based garlic sauce, which can enhance pies featuring a wide variety of toppings.
By Ian Fortey 7 days ago
Read More
-
Interviews
By Ian Fortey 7 days ago
Finding a good bottle of wine at a good price isn't always easy. Tasting Table spoke to a wine expert about what separates value vino from cheap wine.
By Ian Fortey 7 days ago
Read More
-
Shopping Tips
By Ian Fortey 8 days ago
San Marzano tomatoes have a reputation for a reason, but they aren't the only option for rich, flavorful sauce. One affordable alternative stands out.
By Ian Fortey 8 days ago
Read More
-
Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 8 days ago
Meatloaf is a standby savory dish that can be reinterpreted many ways, and one of the easiest reinventions comes courtesy of a classic soup mix.
By Ian Fortey 8 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 8 days ago
If you'd like to sample the international flavors of McDonald's without needing a passport, tweak a Big Mac to experience a German standby burger.
By Ian Fortey 8 days ago
Read More
-
Pizzerias
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
If you need some inspiration when customizing your Pizza Hut pie, add a Canadian flair for hearty slices. No, we're not talking pineapple here.
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
Read More
-
Pizzerias
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
If Pizza Hut is your go-to for pepperoni pizza, there are a few ordering tips that can take your pie to the next level.
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
Onions are a divisive choice that can become a contentious topic when ordering a burger, and that's before we even get into what type of onion is being used.
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 13 days ago
The feature transformed the experience of dining at Wendy's, and many fans remember it with nostalgia to this day. Today, it's a relic of the past.
By Ian Fortey 13 days ago
Read More
-
Grilling and Smoking Tips
By Ian Fortey 14 days ago
Adjusting your charcoal grill's vents can help you control the heat without killing the flame. Here's how to get the temperature right.
By Ian Fortey 14 days ago
Read More
-
Traditions
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
Simple ingredients create maximum comfort in this affordable regional classic that deserves a spot on modern menus and family tables.
By Ian Fortey 12 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
Some people love Reuben sandwiches, and some people love Jersey Mike's secret menu. But do the two converge in the real world, or is this just a rumor?
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
Read More
-
Shopping Tips
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
Grape jelly is a classic American condiment, but the best option you can find on store shelves surprisingly comes from France. Here's why it's so good.
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
This McDonald's sandwich was a total fail, from the mixed reviews to its confusing movie tie-in, so it's no surprise the item was nixed before the year was out.
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
Was a 1970s lobster dinner cheaper than today, or is that just an illusion of inflation? Compare vintage menu prices and see how purchasing power compares.
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
It's one of America's most popular food brands you probably have at home, and it sells more than a dozen varieties of its own frozen nuggets in stores, too.
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
Read More