Tom Maxwell
School
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Expertise
Southern American Cuisine, Food History, Home Cooking
- Tom has worked for three James Beard Award-winning restaurants across the country.
- He won Al Jazeera America's vaguely prestigious "World Cup of Food" competition in 2014, refereed by renowned food and drink writer Rosie Schaap.
- Tom's "A Really Strange and Wonderful Time: The Chapel Hill Music Scene 1989-1999" will be published by Hachette in 2024.
Experience
Tom began writing professionally at the tail end of a successful music career. He has contributed to The Oxford American, The Bitter Southerner, Longreads, and AARP. While writing a piece for North Carolina's Indy Week, Tom coined the term "historic locovorism" when encouraging a local chef to resurrect the classic Chatham Rabbit dish. Tom is also the co-creator of Shelved, an upcoming Audible music podcast produced by Gunpowder & Sky.
Education
Tom has a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Stories By Tom Maxwell
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You might've wondered what the difference is between black beans and pinto beans. The truth is, there are several characteristics that distinguish the two.
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Perfectly roasted chicken breasts make for a satisfying main course. But if you want yours to bake up better than ever, then grab some toothpicks.
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Baking at high altitude isn't the same as whipping up desserts at sea level. So when you're craving brownies in the Rockies, follow this crucial tip.
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Believe it or not, there are actually two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck garlic. Here's how to spot the subtle differences between the two.
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If you're baking at home and want to cut a step out of the process, all you need is to whip out a roll of parchment paper. Here's why.
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If you've been having trouble figuring out how to get the most flavor out of your steaks, you'll want to hear what an expert has to say on the subject.
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Getting a bite at a fast food chain shouldn't mean heat-lamp burgers. If you want to guarantee your order is consistently fresh, know these ordering hacks.
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If you're haunted by childhood memories of restaurant staff grudgingly belting out kitsch birthday songs at you, blame an arbitrary licensing law.
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Brigadeiros are a national dish of Brazil. But is a one-time presidential candidate, who happened to be single and attractive, really to thank for them?
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Delicate greens like spinach are prized for their taste and nutrition, but unless you store fresh spinach properly, it can quickly turn into slimy compost.
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When you're at the grocery store or farmers market and on the lookout for the best bunch of asparagus, simply remember these three simple tips.
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If you've ever been foiled and frustrated by a jar of Talenti gelato that stubbornly refuses to release its lid, rest assured, you're not alone.
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Gochujang is a Korean condiment that has grown in popularity in recent years. Among its many uses, it can be used to easily upgrade a weeknight chili.
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When hosting a weekend brunch or Sunday evening dinner, chances are you'll be making a big pot of coffee. Here's the bitter mistake you need to avoid.
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If you're a novice tequila drinker, the differences between the varieties of the distilled, agave-based drink may have you confused. We're here to help.
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If you love crawfish, there's a good chance you've been to a crawfish boil and for the absolute best experience, here's the time of year to plan one.
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There are a lot of things to consider when buying seafood, such as freshness and sustainability. But what about color? Are those pink female scallops any good?
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If you want your steaks to look as good as they taste, impressing anyone who sees them (including yourself), there is one trick you must add to your arsenal.
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The least desirable part of meal times is probably the cleanup afterward, even when it comes to grilling. But here's a tip that could make the job easier.
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It can be awkward to find a spot to brine large cuts of meat while observing food safety protocols. Luckily, your fridge crisper drawer is just the right size.
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Many can't get enough of horseradish, the pungent substance that gives your dishes a little kick. But there's a difference between the fresh and dried variety.
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It's actually a doddle to get hardened sugar off your thermometer: Here's how to do it. And the good news is that you can clean your pan at the same time.
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Beyond the usual applications for aluminum foil, it makes for a surprisingly effective sink cleaner. And there's a science behind why it works so well.
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Brining meat is a game-changing technique that can yield juicy, tender meat, but make sure you're striking the perfect balance in brine time for smaller cuts.
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If you're making Kansas City's famous burnt ends at home, you can have all of the flavor for less of the cost by switching brisket with chuck roast.
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A cast iron skillet is almost indestructible. Almost. But, a certain reaction could reduce the life of this otherwise sturdy cookware (and it's not rust).
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This "berry" looks a lot like a strawberry, except that it's white. So how are they alike and how are they different? Let's find out.