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.
- 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.
Stories By Matthew Spina
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If you're trying to decide on a cut of steak, who better to turn to for advice than Anthony Bourdain? He definitely had an opinion on the matter.
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Quesadilla recipes can be as simple or as extravagant as you want. We keep things easy but flavorful in this roundup of quesadilla creations.
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If you're a fan of boba and Starbucks' new raspberry popping pearls, we have a great new hack. You can now add them to just about any iced Starbucks drink.
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The CDC and USDA are working to find the source of the listeria outbreak that has hospitalized at least 28 people, but a recall has yet to be issued.
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You could argue that just about any old cold beer will taste good alongside smoky pulled pork. But for something you've worked hard on, you want the best.
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Cookies themselves have been around since at least the 7th century, but it wasn't until sugar was commonly found in the home that sugar cookies came about.
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American author Ernest Hemingway was known for his love of stiff drinks of all kinds, but Hemingway's favorite cocktail might come as a surprise to you.
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The Starbucks Rewards app went down at some stores because of the global IT outage, leading to crowded scenes and backed-up orders across the world.
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In honor of National Tequila Day on July 24, Sazerac is giving 724 people enough money to buy a bottle of its newest tequila-based creation. Here's how to win.
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Tested last year alongside Taco Bell's chicken nuggets, the dish combine cheesy chalupa shells with street taco ingredients and the chain's premium proteins.
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High-end steakhouses dry age beef, but is it worth the effort at home? Chef K.C. Gulbro of FoxFire Restaurant says it improves not only flavor but texture too.
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Homemade corn tortillas blow the store-bought variety out of the water. But when you're making them from scratch, it really pays to be patient.
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According to a social media leak, a peanut butter bar with a chocolate buttercream topping is being tested at Crumbl in anticipation of a nationwide release.
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The warehouse club is renowned for its everyday deals on gadgets for the home, but sometimes Costco comes through on grocery staples as well.
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Since the beginning of tiki cocktail culture, spices have played a vital role in setting this drink category apart from other cocktails and libations.
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We sure do love our convenience foods here in the U.S., and our loyalty to breakfast cereal makes that apparent. Of course, one brand tops them all.
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Fry Bread has been a staple of Navajo cuisine for over a century, but its roots are troublesome, and its place in modern times is the subject of debate.
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If you thought pesto could only be made from basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, then it's time to be delightfully surprised.
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When it comes to fast food, we want it to taste good, but more than anything we want it to be served quickly. And that's doubly true at the drive-thru.
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The most satisfying seafood dinners are not necessarily the most complicated. Here's how to create a delicious and filling dish with bay scallops and pasta.
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The list of celebrities with tequila brands runs the gamut from LeBron James and Mark Wahlberg to Kendall Jenner, which made us wonder why it's so popular.
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Talenti has created new 'Case of the Mondaes' kits, 500 of which it will be giving away in honor of National Ice Cream Day (July 21).
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Spice lovers may want to check out what's soon to be happening at Burger King. Can you say Fiery Chicken Fries and a spicy strawberry Sprite to boot?
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Starbucks is facing a $6 million lawsuit after a Muslim family in Utah claims they were forcibly ejected over a dispute regarding handicapped seating.
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While crushed fruit or juice is nice, there is an extra step you can take to pack the most flavor possible into your mojito, and that's grilling your fruit.
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At a deli, shaved steak can be made however thick or thin you desire with a professional meat slicer. Shaving your own steak at home requires more creativity.
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The dairy alternative has been an option at Starbucks for years, and you might not have to go very far if you want to make your own copycat drink at home.