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
Short on cash, but craving fast food? Dining at this beloved burger chain means you can still enjoy the comforts of ordering out, without the hefty price tag.
By Matthew Spina
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Fast Food
By Matthew Spina
Like most fast food products, the McDonald's McRib has a pretty lengthy list of ingredients, but what exactly is hiding inside this delicious sandwich?
By Matthew Spina
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From "The Great British Baking Show" to "Ugly Delicious," there are a lot of food shows on Netflix — now, something new from Youtube is available to binge.
By Matthew Spina
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Interviews
By Matthew Spina
Grilling eggplant can be tricky, so we talked to an expert for simple tips to get the most tender, flavorful results every time.
By Matthew Spina
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Weber gas grills are a popular, reliable option, and one of their smaller offerings is super-budget friendly and got great reviews from Consumer Reports.
By Matthew Spina
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Fast Food
By Matthew Spina
In a world of seemingly endless fast food options, one chicken chain stands apart from the rest thanks to its endearing link to Wendy's.
By Matthew Spina
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Food Facts
By Matthew Spina
If you think you know which ingredient in a classic breakfast combo of eggs, bacon, and sausage will give you the most protein, you may be surprised.
By Matthew Spina
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Cooking Tips
By Matthew Spina
This is the only real secret you need to know when making homemade fries.
By Matthew Spina
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World Cuisines
By Matthew Spina
Sometimes, you have to go overseas to appreciate old-fashioned American cuisine. Or you could emulate German's Texas-themed pizza at your local Pizza Hut.
By Matthew Spina
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Fast Food
By Matthew Spina
In-N-Out is notorious for its extensive list of not so secret, secret menu items — including this one burger style that might just be it's most iconic.
By Matthew Spina
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Whether your snacking tastes skew toward salty or savory, these snacks have got you covered. It's a great time to stock up on many different flavors.
By Matthew Spina
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The 50% rule may sound like a solid idea. However, depending on the bar layout and the night of the week, it isn't always possible for bartenders to follow it.
By Matthew Spina
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If frozen pizza is a go-to in your household, but you're counting your macros, it's good to know which optional is the best choice for your health goals.
By Matthew Spina
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Fast Food
By Matthew Spina
Chicken sandwiches are all the rage these days, but which is the healthier option between McDonald's and Burger King? Here's what you need to know.
By Matthew Spina
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Exclusives
By Matthew Spina
You may have heard that scoring your meat will result in a more textured meal. One expert has some other thoughts about the technique.
By Matthew Spina
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Texas Roadhouse may be better known for its steaks, but it's newest addition to its lineup of grocery store products is another customer favorite.
By Matthew Spina
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Cooking Tips
By Matthew Spina
A deep fryer may seem ideal for cooking homemade fried chicken, but you should really consider this type of pan instead.
By Matthew Spina
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You can easily make a tasty, well-caramelized homemade ribeye on a flat-top, so long as you use this temperature and this type of oil.
By Matthew Spina
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Fast Food
By Matthew Spina
Roast beef sandwiches can pack plenty of protein, but the nutritional differences between two popular fast-food favorites might surprise you.
By Matthew Spina
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Here's how fans are reacting to a recent interview from the Wendy's CEO where he shared that the chain previously made decisions that lessened its quality.
By Matthew Spina
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Fall is, undoubtedly, the most highly-anticipated season for coffee-lovers of the year — and Dutch Bros just brought back some very missed flavors.
By Matthew Spina
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Ideally, good balsamic vinegar wouldn't cost you an arm and a leg. Fortunately, this Costco item offers a rich flavor while leaving your limbs intact.
By Matthew Spina
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For the sort of barbecue style that would make an Old West cowboy proud, West Texas is where you want to turn before summer comes to a close.
By Matthew Spina
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World Cuisines
By Matthew Spina
You know what to expect from an American cinnamon roll: big, sticky, and sweet, with plenty of frosting. In Norway, cinnamon buns look a little different.
By Matthew Spina
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Food History
By Matthew Spina
The American diner is an iconic institution that deserves to be celebrated, even if they have largely been replaced in our culture.
By Matthew Spina
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Some look forward to McDonald's seasonal flavors all year, but the chain's latest iced coffee offering may be a misfire.
By Matthew Spina
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A recall of frozen berries sold at Publix has been upgraded to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s highest level of warning: Class I.
By Matthew Spina
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