Ilene V. Smith - The Daily Meal

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.

The Daily Meal Editorial Policies

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

Culture

Culture By Ilene V. Smith

Does The Idaho Spud Bar Actually Contain Potatoes?

The Idaho Candy Company launched its best-selling potato-shaped Spud Bar in 1918. And it's not the brand's only candy that pays homage to the state.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Grocery

Grocery By Ilene V. Smith

The Meat Department Red Flag To Look Out For At The Grocery Store

The next time you're picking up meat at the grocery store, check for this major red flag before you take home sub-par meat and ruin your dinner.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Facts

Facts By Ilene V. Smith

The Beloved Mac And Cheese Brand That's Also One Of The Unhealthiest

Boxed mac and cheese is a comfort-food favorite. Before you pick one up, though, make sure you know about one of the unhealthiest brands out there.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Culture

Culture By Ilene V. Smith

How Leftover Breadcrumbs Resulted In The Netherlands' Favorite Breakfast Treat

Today, the Netherlands is known for some worldwide favorite delicacies. But how did leftover breadcrumbs result in the country's favorite breakfast treat?
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

The Absolute Best Fish To Use For Traditional Homemade Gefilte Fish

If you want to stick to tradition when making homemade gefilte fish, it pays to know where your ancestors come from - it could affect your fish selection.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

Before You Pack Up Your Grill For The Season, Throw On One Fall Vegetable

To get the most out of this hearty vegetable, head to the grill to toast up your last charred dishes of the season.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Facts

Facts By Ilene V. Smith

The Chinese Seasoning That's So Spicy Its Name Literally Means 'Numbing'

If you love spice and are feeling brave, you might consider giving this potent Chinese seasoning a try - but consider its descriptive name a warning.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

Yes, You Can Cook That Frozen Turkey You Forgot To Thaw

If you wake up on Thanksgiving morning and realize that you forgot to thaw your turkey, all hope is not lost - you can still deliver a delicious bird.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

Chocolate Bacon Bark Is The Easy, Elevated Snack You Deserve

Chocolate and bacon are a wonderful match, and pairing them up in a crunchy chocolate bark couldn't be easier. This recipe can be as simple as two ingredients.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

The Best Type Of Wine To Pair With Chimichurri Steak, Hands Down

A flavorful grilled steak, sliced and topped with garlicky, spicy and herby chimichurri sauce needs just the right wine pairing to enhance the profile.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Culture

Culture By Ilene V. Smith

Thanksgiving Lasagna: The Italian-American Tradition You Need To Try

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, but the bird doesn't always have to be the star - you may want to consider serving up some lasagna.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

Paul Hollywood's Easy Hack For The Gooiest Chocolate Chip Cookies

British baker extraordinaire Paul Hollywood is full of kitchen knowledge, and he has an effective hack for baking up the gooiest chocolate chip cookies.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By Ilene V. Smith

The Beloved Delaware Sandwich That's Basically An Entire Thanksgiving Dinner

If you're a Delaware native, you're probably already familiar with this fan-favorite sandwich from Capriotti's. If not, here's the low-down on this tasty 'wich.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

For Chocolate Mousse With Perfect Texture, Whip Your Cream And Egg Whites Just Right

Mousse isn't the easiest dessert to make, and there are several components that require skill and patience. Like how you whip the cream and egg whites.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Grocery

Grocery By Ilene V. Smith

Is It Possible To Get A Day Pass To Shop At Costco?

Increasingly, Costco keeps their bulk packaging and peerless deals behind the membership paywall. But, can you get a day pass to shop there as a non-member?
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

What Is Pressing Tofu (And Why Should You Do It)?

If you often cook with tofu, then you might be wondering whether or not you need to press it. We consulted an expert, who gave us some helpful insight.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

Everything You Need To Know About Sweetening Brewed Iced Tea

Brewed iced tea is packed full of flavor and can be personalized to taste. We asked an expert which kinds of teas pair with which sweeteners.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By Ilene V. Smith

The Arby's Menu Item We Didn't Expect To Be One Of The Unhealthiest

Even if you're not looking for a super nutritious meal when you walk through the doors of a fast food joint, you'd expect this item to be better.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
News

News By Ilene V. Smith

Good News, Your Thanksgiving Turkey Will Cost Way Less This Year

Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner to stuff your guests can add up to a big grocery bill. But this year, at least your turkey will cost much less.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By Ilene V. Smith

The Oldest Steakhouse In The US Is A New York Landmark

Known for its oversized cuts of meat, its classic ambiance and its staple exterior-mounted cow, the oldest steakhouse in the U.S. is a New York landmark.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

Completely Transform Iced Coffee With A Trip To The Blender

Iced coffee doesn't need much more than a spin around the blender to become more of a frappe. But what other ingredients can be used to make it even better?
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Entertainment

Entertainment By Ilene V. Smith

'I Had To Climb Out Of A Hole': Martha Stewart Lets Her Guard Down In Upcoming Netflix Documentary

The upcoming, new Netflix documentary, "Martha", is expected to cover things we didn't know about Martha Stewart, including the affairs with her ex-husband.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

If You're Not Using Pesto As A Pizza Sauce, You're Missing Out Big Time

Pesto is just screaming to be used as pizza sauce, it's spreadable, garlicky, and helps turn the crust crispy because of extra virgin olive oil.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Exclusives

Exclusives By Ilene V. Smith

The Underrated Steakhouse Cut You Need To Stop Overlooking

A steakhouse menu offers a variety of cuts, and according to steakhouse chef Daniel Ontiveros, one of the best choices is also one of the most overlooked.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Culture

Culture By Ilene V. Smith

Here's Why You'll See So Many Stuffed Foods At Sukkot Celebrations

Many Jewish holidays have food-related traditions, and Sukkot is no different. Traditionally, Jews eat stuffed foods to celebrate the occasion. But why?
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Culture

Culture By Ilene V. Smith

The Ancient Yom Kippur Tradition Of Chicken Twirling

For Jews, Yom Kippur is one of the most important days of the year. But one relatively obscure practice for the holy day is still the subject of controversy.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More
Kitchen

Kitchen By Ilene V. Smith

Canned Pumpkin Is The Fall Upgrade Your Banana Bread Needs

Canned pumpkin will turn your go-to banana bread recipe into a perfect loaf, since the addition imparts a delicious taste of fall and brings extra moistness.
By Ilene V. Smith Read More

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