Ilene V. Smith
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.
The Daily Meal’s content comes from an authoritative editorial staff that is dedicated to current and comprehensive coverage. With an aim to provide only informative and engaging content, our writers, editors, and experts take care to craft clear and concise copy on all things food-related, from news in the food service industry to in-depth explainers about what’s found in readers’ refrigerators, original recipes from experienced chefs, and more.
Our team also regularly reviews and updates articles as necessary to ensure they are accurate. For more information on our editorial process, view our full policies page.
Stories By Ilene V. Smith
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No, that decanter filled with wine at that fine dining restaurant or at your friend's fancy dinner party isn't a decorative centerpiece. It has a real purpose.
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Is there an actual difference when it comes to the conventional honey you buy at the supermarket and the raw honey at your local farmer's market?
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Barbra Streisand is a legend on stage. She might also be a genius in the kitchen. This iconic singer's iconic ice cream makes instant coffee the star.
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Even though it's packed full of veggies, this sub isn't as nutritious as one might think. Here's how to make it a bit healthier, plus other menu options to try.
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If you've been to your grocery store's cheese section, you've likely seen the tiny red wheels of Babybel Cheese. What kind of cheese is it anyway?
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Buying organic comes with benefits for our bodies and the planet, not so much so for our wallets. Learn why it's ok to not always buy organic, and save money.
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You can definitely make delicious Tandoori chicken at home, but the high heat can result in dry meat. Try this marinade tip for the juiciest results.