Alexander Billet
School
Syracuse University
Expertise
Food In Film And Television, Ecology Of Food, Food And The Jewish Diaspora
- Originally from the East Coast of the United States, Alexander was raised in Europe, with a keen appreciation for the continent's diverse cuisines.
- A longtime resident of Southern California, he enthusiastically appreciates the region's cultural, ecological, and culinary diversity.
- He has spent a surprising amount of time wondering if it is actually possible to recreate the menu from "The Menu."
Experience
Alexander has been writing about culture and history for more than 20 years, and is the author of "Shake the City: Experiments In Space and Time, Music and Crisis," published in 2022 by 1968 Press. He thinks a hotdog is a sandwich, that people can put whatever they like on pizza, and that anchovies are the food world's most underappreciated resource.
Education
Alexander attended Syracuse University's Visual and Performing Arts program, with a major in Drama.
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Stories By Alexander Billet
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On the Costco subreddit, one Costco member shared a picture of their food court with the sit-down tables replaced with four-foot-high, standing-only tables.
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Hear us out: Cranberry sauce makes for an unexpected -- but incredibly delicious -- hot dog topping. Here's how to make the most of this Thanksgiving staple.
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The ideal burger topping emphasizes a hamburger's best attributes. And we think this meaty topping is the best one you can use for a decadent burger.
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If you're looking to get your home in autumn mode, consider that the best fall products from Trader Joe's go big on pumpkin spice and other fall flavors.
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For a new twist on the hot dog or the loaded baked potato, try combining the two. Though very different, hot dogs and baked potatoes share a lot in common.
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While these ingredients may not seem to go together at first instinct, we think you're missing out if you don't top your pumpkin pie with cranberry sauce.
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Beef knuckle comes from a specific portion of the cow's hindquarters. It also goes by other names, including sirloin tip, round tip, and tip center.
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The word "milk" is pointedly missing from "shake" on the McDonald's menu. McDonald's shakes cannot technically be categorized as milkshakes. Here's why.
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If you like your burgers with a hit of heat, then you've got to try adding prik nam pla. Here's why this Thai condiment pairs perfectly with a hamburger.
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This unusual combination might work better than you think. Open your mind to the crunch, buttery, salty goodness of popcorn as a burger topping.
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Officially, McDonald's does not serve an Apple Pie McFlurry. However, you can definitely create one using its components, which McDonald's absolutely serves.
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The boozy ingredient that gives Olive Garden's fan-favorite spiked strawberry lemonade its signature kick isn't one generally associated with Italy.
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If you're craving an Oreo shake and you're at McDonald's, you can still make one even though it's not on the official menu using this clever hack.
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If you miss the McDonald’s salads discontinued during the pandemic, a simple hack may get you back to when you could order a chicken salad from the chain.
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The BottleKeeper wasn't just designed to keep bottled beer cold; it was also intended to keep it safe, preventing it from shattering if dropped.
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If you love meatballs and haven't had a chance to try berenklauw, you're missing out by not trying this beloved street food. You can also make them at home.
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Using rechargeable ultraviolet lights, Larq promised to eliminate 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and mold, both cleaning the water bottle and purifying the water.
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As everyone shifts into the chilly season, Aldi has released word of its September seasonals, including what fans can expect on the caffeinated beverage front.
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Cacio e pepe traditionally involves just three ingredients of pasta, cheese, and pepper. However, The Cheesecake Factory version is a bit more complicated.
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Get ready to ride the taste tides! Hawaii's puka hot dog stands out in a sea of snacks with its ingenious fusion of tropical flair and savory delight.
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Maple syrup is a classic breakfast condiment, and it's often paired with bacon. But have you ever considered using maple bacon on a burger for your breakfast?
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Cinnamon rolls are a favorite treat of many, but you can make them even more gourmet by brûléeing the top. Here's how to achieve this effect.
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There's bad news for fans of McDonald's snack wraps. According to a video on TikTok from a former chef for the fast-food giant, they are unlikely to return.
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Everyone loves a good hot dog, but are you crosshatching your dogs before putting them on the grill? You should be for a crispy char. Here's why.
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Hoping to hit Aldi for some shopping before your Labor Day party? You might want to read up on their hours of operation beforehand.
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It's no secret that Americans love hot dogs, but which state comes out on top as the biggest consumer of hot dogs in the country? Let's find out.
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Blowing out candles on a birthday cake spreads germs. This was something Mark Lareau and Mark Apelt aimed to tackle when they showed up on "Shark Tank."