John Tolley
School
University Of Memphis, DePaul University
Expertise
International Sandwiches, Southern Regional Cuisine, History Of Hot Dogs
- Having served and bartended in a slew of Chicago eateries, from gastropubs to trattorias, John can confidently tell you why a cask-conditioned, malty English lager would pair perfectly with wild boar ragu.
- John's food writing doesn't just cover the factual and historical, but can delve into the humorous and has been featured in McSweeney's Internet Tendency.
- Never one to back down from a challenge, John once found himself in a Ghost Pepper chicken wing eating contest with revered Chicago chef Dominique Tougne.
Experience
John Tolley has been a writer for the better part of two decades, contributing writing to sites as varied as McSweeney's Internet Tendency and the Big Ten Network. While he is happy to track down most any story, those that involve culinary history, the hospitality industry, and spirits particularly pique his interest. John is currently working on a book of Western Michigan cultural food exploration that chronicles curious regional oddities like the Wet Burrito and the Olive Burger. Prior to writing for Tasting Table, he ran the literary webzine "Girls with Insurance," where his popular series "Lunches" chronicled one man's quest to find the beauty in the mundane meals he ate while working in Chicago's Loop.
Education
A communications and creative writing major at DePaul University, John Tolley used the city as his classroom, exploring hidden nooks and crannies that spoke to its unique history, specifically as it relates to food and drink. He turned that into a series of columns for "The DePaulia" newspaper that shed light on the backstory of many famed near-campus eateries and how they came to be.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By John Tolley
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Find out which cut of chicken will give you an evenly thick schnitzel that's juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside, plus some tips on how to prep it.
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Ina Garten never competed against Bobby Flay on 'Beat Bobby Flay.' However, according to Flay himself, Garten has beaten him. Here's how.
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Canned clams offer a convenient way to make dishes like seafood linguine and chowder anywhere you live - but are you supposed to rinse them off first?
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If you're wondering what are the effects, what type or how much water to use, or just whether to do it in general, we've got answers from someone who knows.
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Though you might spring for a box of Barilla pasta, we generally advise you to avoid Barilla's marinara sauce for a number of different reasons.
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Laying drumsticks flat on a baking sheet means you'll be constantly opening the oven to turn them. We've got a better way that takes care of everything.
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For a sauce as robust and assertive as the classic Alfredo, maybe we need pasta with just as much backbone. That's where gnocchi steps in.
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While shopping for winter squash, you might find yourself wondering: What's the difference between those odd-shaped butternut squash and rounded acorn squash?
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At Bobby Flay's latest restaurant, one attention-grabbing new dish is named after his daughter, and the story behind it goes back to her childhood.
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McDonald's snack wraps haven't been around in almost a decade and while they were a fan favorite, they aren't likely to be a permanent menu item.
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Tri-tip is a cut of beef often used in a specific type of barbecue, but there's another cut you can use if you are having a hard time finding tri-tip.
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Schnitzel, the German delicacy adored by many, demands a flavorful and remarkably thin cut of meat. Here's how to choose the perfect cut.
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Chef Bobby Flay has a new cookbook coming out in 2024. While details are scant, he did divulge that it will be eye-catching and full of his favorite recipes.
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In French onion soup, the bread is just as essential as the broth, the cheese, and even the titular onions. Here's how to choose the best bread for the job.
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If you think you know what a cheesesteak is, prepare to have your mind blown. Because in this part of Pennsylvania, things look very different.
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Though bearing a striking resemblance and often featuring similar ingredients, stuffed pizzas are structurally distinct from deep dish pizza.
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For a romantic Valentine's Day breakfast, try making heart-shaped egg-in-a-hole toast! This easy dish can be dressed up with pink salt, cheese, and red peppers.
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You can elevate your game-day experience by creating a football-themed masterpiece that celebrates the competing teams, the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.
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When it comes to cooking with whiskey, dark meats serve as the perfect canvas for the rich and complex flavors inherent in this beloved spirit.
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It makes sense that Anthony Bourdain would hold dear mortadella. Studded with cubes of pork fat and often pistachios, this an an underrated star of sandwiches.
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Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole is one of our favorite show-stopping breakfast dishes, but it's crucial to make it the night before you plan on eating it.
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The small-orange section in the grocery store can be confusing. Here's a guide to the key differences between tangerines and clementines to start you off.
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With the 66th Grammy Awards coming up on February 4, 2024, you might be curious about just what exactly is in those gift bags handed out to Grammys attendees.
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If you've made chicken cordon bleu before, you've likely been frustrated when it falls apart. Here's how to roll chicken cordon bleu and keep it together.
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Creste di gallo is a bit reminiscent of elbow macaroni with its tubular body that arcs from end to end. The flair comes from a prominent ruffle.
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Bad schnitzel, on the other hand, can be a wan, greasy shame. So how can something with such potential go so wrong? The answer lies in the timing.
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Super Bowl commercial lovers, DoorDash has a contest designed just for you - one lucky winner will receive every item advertised during the game.