Ilene V. Smith - Chowhound

Location

New York, NY

School

New York University, Columbia University

Expertise

Nutrition, Food production, Culinary arts

Ilene has helped the food industry craft stories about the foods they grow, produce, serve, and put on store shelves for 25 years.
She has won two Silver Anvil awards from the Public Relations Society of America for campaigns highlighting the health benefits of specific foods.
She is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Experience

Ilene has been a writer and storyteller since she got her first typewriter at age ten. She worked as a full-time editor and writer for various publishing companies until her personal passion for food, nutrition, and fitness led her to seek a degree in nutrition and exercise physiology. After graduation, she found a way to combine her writing skills and nutrition expertise working in public relations for the food industry. Working with everyone from small start-ups to large multinational consumer packaged goods manufacturers to ingredient suppliers and restaurants, Ilene developed a deep knowledge of the food industry and culinary arts, from seed to spoon and farm to fork. In addition to nutrition, she now writes about food ingredients, cooking techniques, growing methods, and more. In her spare time, Ilene is a personal essayist and is at work on a book of essays entitled "The Accidental Career Girl."

Education

Ilene has a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from New York University and a master's in nutrition and applied physiology from Columbia University.

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Stories By Ilene V. Smith

Food History

Food History By Ilene V. Smith

Heinz Ketchup Hasn't Changed Much Since It Was Introduced Almost 150 Years Ago

It may seem surprising given all of the variations and flavors now available, but since Heinz ketchup originated in 1876, the recipe hasn't changed much.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Food History

Food History By Ilene V. Smith

It's Been Around For 140 Years But This Condiment Still Doesn't Get The Recognition It Deserves In The US

Seasoning is just as important as the food itself, and this underrated condiment may be just what you need to add flavor to your salads, keti rolls, or salsa.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Shopping

Shopping By Ilene V. Smith

7 Foods We Didn't Expect To Get The Dubai Chocolate Treatment But Aren't Complaining About

Dubai chocolate is everywhere and everyone wants in on the nutty combination. Here are seven of the most curiously delicious treats that take on the trend.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By Ilene V. Smith

The Rise And Fall Of The Old School Carnegie Deli In NYC

The Carnegie Deli was revered by pastrami aficionados for decades. Here's how the restaurant became so beloved and how it all came apart.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Food History

Food History By Ilene V. Smith

The Oldest Chocolate Company In The World Still Uses Its Original Equipment

The oldest chocolate company across the globe uses ancient preparation methods to create a unique and decadent treat that's steeped in history.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Fast Food

Fast Food By Ilene V. Smith

There's A Reason You Can Sing What's On A Big Mac, Even If You Weren't Born In The '70s

The Big Mac jingle from the '70s that lists the ingredients was so catchy you can probably still sing it five decades later, even if you weren't born then.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Cooking

Cooking By Ilene V. Smith

The Secret To Thai Peanut Sauce That Rivals Your Favorite Restaurant

Thai peanut sauce at restaurants is a rich, flavorful treat. When making it at home, here's the secret to giving it that restaurant-quality taste.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By Ilene V. Smith

This Eclectic Restaurant Takes Food Presentation To A Whole New Level

When it comes to extravagant dining and Instagrammable food, this unique Los Angeles and Miami restaurant is miles ahead of the crowd with its innovative meals.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Facts

Facts By Ilene V. Smith

How The Bear Makes Hamburger Helper Taste Great

Hamburger Helper is one of the cheapest ways to build a meal, but the food experts on "The Bear" have managed to make it into a gourmet option.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Baking

Baking By Ilene V. Smith

7 Unique Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas You Just Have To See

Whether you're an aspiring baker or looking for inspiration for your own birthday cake, these must-see decorating ideas give the dessert an extra special look.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Design & Decor

Design & Decor By Ilene V. Smith

Why Ree Drummond Swapped Her Kitchen Island's Stainless Steel Countertops For A Bougier Alternative

In her latest remodel, Ree Drummond, aka the Pioneer Woman, swapped out her classic stainless steel kitchen island for one made of marble.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Mixology And Techniques

Mixology And Techniques By Ilene V. Smith

Add This Surprising Ingredient To Your Next Cocktail For A Unique Twist

Next time you want a cocktail, look to this surprising ingredient that will add fresh, forest-floor notes to your old-fashioned, Sazerac, or martini.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By Ilene V. Smith

Yes, Restaurants Are Allowed To Refuse Service. Here's Why

You know the signs that say "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone." But what exactly does that mean, and what are the limitations to this rule?
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Design & Decor

Design & Decor By Ilene V. Smith

How Leftover Paper Bags Can Help Your Kitchen Drawers Stay Super Organized

Keeping your kitchen drawers organized can be a daily hassle. Instead of struggling, try making kitchen drawer organizers with your leftover paper bags.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Baking

Baking By Ilene V. Smith

This Fall-Inspired Twist Brings Warm Flavor To Your Baklava

Baklava is one of the world's great desserts. You can give yours a clever autumnal twist by following a baking expert's advice. Here's what to know.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Design & Decor

Design & Decor By Ilene V. Smith

Why We Hope Colorful Kitchen Appliances Make A Huge Comeback

A little color goes a long way in making a space more fun and inviting. Fortunately, both big and small colorful kitchen appliances may be trending again soon.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Coffee Shops

Coffee Shops By Ilene V. Smith

The LA Bakery Taking Mexican Pastries To Another Level

This new bakery in Los Angeles, California is serving up churros, conchas, and other delicious Mexican pastries. Here's why you should give it a try.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Tips

Tips By Ilene V. Smith

The Controversial Kitchen Appliance Chef David Chang Thinks You Should Be Using More

Outspoken celebrity chef and entrepreneur David Chang has an affinity for one commonly maligned kitchen appliance. Here's how he's trying to combat the stigma.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Shopping Tips

Shopping Tips By Ilene V. Smith

Why Mail-Order Steaks Might Be A Better Option Than Store-Bought

If you're still buying steaks at the grocery store, you might want to reconsider. Mail-order steaks can be a good deal, as long as you know where to look.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Cleaning

Cleaning By Ilene V. Smith

Club Soda Is The Secret To Tackling Bad Odors In The Fridge

Nobody wants bad odors coming from the fridge; fortunately, there is an easy cleaning hack that you can do with one item you likely already have in your pantry.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
How-To

How-To By Ilene V. Smith

How To Calculate Drinks-Per-Person To Avoid A Major Party Foul

The next time you're throwing a party, you'll inevitably have to figure out drinks-per-person to make sure everyone is happen. And there's ane asy way to do it.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Baking

Baking By Ilene V. Smith

5 Genius Uses For Frozen Pie Crust That Aren't Pie

Sure, you could bake a pie with frozen pie crust, but you could be doing so much more with this convenient and versatile dough. Here's what to know.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Mixology And Techniques

Mixology And Techniques By Ilene V. Smith

What Happens At A Cocktail Masterclass?

If you've ever heard of a cocktail masterclass and maybe even considered going to one, you might have wondered what exactly they teach you.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen Tools

Kitchen Tools By Ilene V. Smith

The Bougie Kitchen Appliance Michelin-Rated Chef Daniel Boulud Uses For Wine

Wine is an expansive category. For every $5 bottle is a $500 bottle, and those expensive bottles need bougie appliances. Daniel Boulud agrees.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Design & Decor

Design & Decor By Ilene V. Smith

The Chic Way To Repurpose Clase Azul Tequila Bottles For A New Use

Clase Azul tequila bottles are so beautifully handcrafted, it would feel wrong to throw them away. But if you don't just want to display them, here's an idea.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Food History

Food History By Ilene V. Smith

The Ancient Mistake That Accidentally Created Yogurt

Although yogurt has been around for centuries, the dairy product keeps growing in popularity. Here's how the probiotic powerhouse was created.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By Ilene V. Smith

This Hidden BBQ Gem In North Carolina Is Run Out Of An Old Gas Station

Somewhere deep in North Carolina hides a genuine hidden BBQ gem that's been operated out of a frighteningly old gas station since its inception.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More

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