Nick Johnson
School
University Of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Expertise
American Food History, Regional Dishes, Contemporary Culinary Innovations
- Having spent several years working in different kitchens, Nick has a firsthand understanding of the restaurant industry.
- While in college, Nick studied the politics of food, and the ways in which agriculture has come to shape global governance.
- Nick is engaged in a quest to find the best restaurant in St. Paul. Recently, Chloe by Vincent took that unofficial crown, but Gus Gus has been consistently spectacular.
Experience
Nick began his writing career in college. He spent several years working as a section editor for a political magazine. There, he learned how to write in a variety of different styles, and also the ins and outs of crafting the perfect piece. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nick discovered his love for cooking, which he felt fostered a sense of normalcy in uncertain times. Ultimately, this brought him to Daily Meal. At around the same time, Nick wrote for MovieWeb, where he published over 200 articles.
Education
Nick has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. His minor was in Journalism, which allowed him to hone his writing skills.
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 Nick Johnson
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You might be familiar with Szechuan peppercorns, which make your mouth and lips tingle. But there's a lesser-known plant that similarly alters your taste.
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Millions of people worldwide tuned in to Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 royal wedding. Were you aware of the lavish desserts they offered guests?
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You may have seen light beers when shopping our out at a bar, you may have even drank some, but do you know what makes them different from regular brews?
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If you know much about European history, you may know about a fascinating superstition surrounding upside-down baguettes served and sold in France.
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Seedless lemons can save you time in the kitchen, but how, besides the obvious, are they different from regular lemons? There are a few differences to consider.
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Finding the right wine to pair with your me can be perplexing to a novice. But there is a system used in the industry that rates a wine's quality.
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There are many mix-ins that go well with a chicken salad. But to really enhance the flavor there's one herb in particular you should try combining.
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Whether you've picked up a pretty box from your local patisserie or whipped up a batch yourself at home, there's a right way to store fresh macarons.
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If you decide to create some homemade caramel, you'll want to make sure and pay attention to your choice of spoon for stirring that melting sugar.
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Chicken is a popular dish on many restaurant menus, but chefs don't typically order it when dining out themselves. Here's why.
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Sometimes, celebrities use their platform and popularity for good. This is how Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan saved a struggling candy shop.
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The pretzel existed as a food long before someone decided to dunk it in chocolate. So who had the idea in the first place and why wasn't it thought of sooner?
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You're probably familiar with vinegar as the ingredient that lends its sharpness to your dish, but it can also be a useful tool for cleaning your kitchen.
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Despite the modern-day ubiquity of the dishwasher, its aristocratic origins had less to do with the cleanliness of flatware than something else.
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There's an argument that all good things in life are worth waiting for. French cuisine is no exception. That's why their omelets are cooked low and slow.
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When we thought food couldn't get much better than pizza, someone decided to stuff its crust. So who do we thank for inventing this culinary marvel?
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If you're a fan of Chick-fil-A, most states in the U.S. will be able to satisfy your appetite. But if you can't go without, then avoid these two states.
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Using smell to enhance an immersive experience is not a new concept. But in the VR world, the application of food smells starting to change the game.
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A current trend in food fashion is the sparkly topping known as edible glitter. While there are standards about what constitutes edible, how is it made?
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Bologna is a cheap and cheerful way to fill a sandwich, whether it's with a garden salad or grilled with cheese. And this is why it's so wallet-friendly.
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Some dishes perceived as Mexican have origins firmly on U.S. soil. Fajitas are among them. So how did this dish come to be a staple of Tex-Mex eateries?
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Have you been skipping adding salt to your homemade milkshakes? This seasoning tip will enhance the flavors of your cool drink, making it even more delicious.
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Kellogg's Corn Flakes might be a relatively bland cereal, but its origin story certainly isn't. Here's the surprising history of the breakfast food.
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Some glass cookware shouldn't be used on stoves. Here's what you should know before letting the glass items in your kitchen come into contact with your stove.
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Cutting boards and butcher blocks have some similarities, but there are certain cases where one should absolutely be used instead of the other.
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Gas stove's exhaust fan isn't just for removing smells. They serve an important safety function and protect you from dangerous gasses. Here's what to know.
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For a confection that has so few ingredients, fudge is notoriously tricky to get right. If you find yours has come out too oily here's what you should do.