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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Shopping
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Restaurants
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Food History
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Fast Food
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Cooking
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Restaurants
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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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
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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
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Design & Decor
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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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
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Restaurants
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Design & Decor
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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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
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Design & Decor
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Coffee Shops
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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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
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Shopping Tips
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Cleaning
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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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
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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
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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
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Kitchen Tools
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Design & Decor
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Food History
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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Restaurants
By Ilene V. Smith
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
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If you're planning on baking pizzas in an outdoor oven, you might be surprised to learn that you should always keep your oven at this specific temperature.
By Ilene V. Smith
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Celebrity chef Bobby Flay's favorite comfort food is an American classic. He even has a restaurant chain exclusively devoted to the dish.
By Ilene V. Smith
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