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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Seattle-style hot dogs have some defining characteristics that set them apart from other regional offerings. Here's a brief history of what makes them unique.
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Maybe you've heard the words used interchangeably, but does that mean corn and maize actually are the same crop? Here's a look into this mystery.
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We've all been there: We made too much pasta and don't want to toss it. So save it for an easy leftover meal. Here's the best way to reheat it.
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If you're ever in Chicago, you'll find yourself flanked on all sides by food (think deep dish pizza), but you're unlikely to find a hot dog with ketchup.
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Sandwiches have roots all over the U.S., like the Philly cheesesteak, or a po' boy from New Orleans. And it's New England we can thank for the fluffernutter.
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What exactly can you expect when you order your sandwich 'Mike's Way' at your local Jersey Mike's? Here's all that's included.
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If you're a fan of the cuisine, you know the French take their food very seriously. What exactly is a French entremet, and what goes into one?
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There's more to crafting the perfect sandwich than you may think. It's all about balancing all of the flavors inside to get that perfect mouthwatering bite.
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Breakfast just wouldn't be the same without that generous helping of maple syrup. But unfortunately, climate change is wreaking havoc on the world's
supply.
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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.