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.
- For over 15 years, he has been a passionate home cook and baker. He strongly believes 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.
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Fast Food
By Matthew Spina
Americans were satisfied and excited to grab their Grinch meals at McDonald's -- until social media users posted photos of the menu they got in the UK.
By Matthew Spina
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Cooking Tips
By Matthew Spina
Anne Burrell provided fans with countless essential cooking tips over the years. We're honoring her memory by looking back at some of our favorites.
By Matthew Spina
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From oysters to roasted nuts, New York City has a long history of curbside dining -- and starting December 6, this exhibit in Dumbo is celebrating all of it.
By Matthew Spina
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Cooking Tips
By Matthew Spina
You shouldn't just toss any piece of meat into pot roast. For the most flavorful and tender result, follow Alex Guarnaschelli's advice and use these lean cuts.
By Matthew Spina
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With so many options, it can be hard to choose a cut of steak. This Brazilian favorite balances juiciness, tenderness, and fat for a buttery cut.
By Matthew Spina
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Pizzerias
By Matthew Spina
Fast casual pizza was all the rage for a while, competing even with the most established chains. But the industry is struggling and one pioneer is disappearing.
By Matthew Spina
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The prices of food keep going up, but the Costco hot dog combo stays stands firmly at $1.50. Here's the philosophy behind the inexpensive franks.
By Matthew Spina
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Fine Dining
By Matthew Spina
At home, using copious amounts of steak sauce is encouraged. But when dining on a prime cut at a steakhouse, expectations for the meal are different.
By Matthew Spina
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Cooking Tips
By Matthew Spina
While you might think you've perfected pot roast, adding a few dashes of this retro ingredient to your recipe can transform flavors and aesthetics tenfold.
By Matthew Spina
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Gardening
By Matthew Spina
Basil plant not growing as you hoped it would? Select pots and planters carefully for a healthier and more abundant yield.
By Matthew Spina
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Baking Tips
By Matthew Spina
Baking a cobbler can be a pretty straightforward process, but there are still pitfalls to avoid. An expert gives us some tips to prep the fruit.
By Matthew Spina
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Juicy slow-cooked ribs are one of the great joys of barbecued food, but if you're looking for the meatiest type, take the tips of an expert pitmaster.
By Matthew Spina
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Make sure to check UPCs and best-buy dates on these Boar's Head items that have been recalled due to potential listeria contamination.
By Matthew Spina
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Healthy Eating
By Matthew Spina
Healthy foods don't always taste great, nor are they always great for your wallet -- but this powerhouse ingredient for is cheap, delicious, and nutritious.
By Matthew Spina
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There's a tiny bar with big appeal on the legendary Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Find out what sets it apart.
By Matthew Spina
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One specific kind of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is being recalled, so check your freezer before indulging.
By Matthew Spina
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King's Hawaiian is breathing new life into a classic holiday tradition. Learn where you can find these unusual gingerbread houses.
By Matthew Spina
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Crafting the ultimate Italian sub is no easy feat. Once you've discovered the perfect combination of toppings, assembly is everything to prevent a soggy mess.
By Matthew Spina
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Cooking Tips
By Matthew Spina
Beef stew is a fairly hands-off dish, but there's one simple prep step you shouldn't miss that could make or break it — and it has to do with the meat.
By Matthew Spina
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Cooking Tips
By Matthew Spina
The easiest way to avoid overcooking prime rib doesn't take much. In fact, with this straightforward cooking tip, you'll never make a dry roast again.
By Matthew Spina
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Exclusives
By Matthew Spina
Before you place your order while dining out, be aware of how you might be accidentally harming your favorite restaurant.
By Matthew Spina
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The craft beer industry has taken another hit recently with the complete closure of Rogue Ales, which included everything from pubs to its brewery.
By Matthew Spina
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If steak is what you want, barbecue and grilling expert Steven Raichlen recommends trying this steak before moving on to other cuts.
By Matthew Spina
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Food History
By Matthew Spina
Nostalgia is a powerful motivator, and that's certainly true when it comes to certain retro dinners like this one that's making a comeback.
By Matthew Spina
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Food Facts
By Matthew Spina
Although any and all types of honey will eventually crystallize, raw renditions form granules more quickly for one key reason.
By Matthew Spina
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Fine Dining
By Matthew Spina
Gordon Ramsay is known for his sharp tongue and easy critique of restaurants, but some leave him speechless. This NYC steakhouse is among his favorites.
By Matthew Spina
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Coffee and Tea
By Matthew Spina
Treating yourself to a seasonal drink at Starbucks is one of the best parts of the holidays, but you still want to watch the sugar. Which one has the least?
By Matthew Spina
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