School
Collingwood College
Expertise
Craft Beer, Southeast Asian Cuisine, Sustainability In Hospitality
- Before becoming a food writer, James spent over 16 years in the hospitality industry, working in eight countries around the globe and gaining skills in almost every type of venue imaginable.
- While beverage manager at Charley Noble, a Chef's Hat-awarded restaurant in New Zealand, James' team won Cuisine's Best Drinks List in 2017 and made the national GoodFood list of Top 100 Restaurants in 2018.
- In 2023, he was also awarded "Best Newcomer" by BrewDog, Europe's largest independent craft brewery.
Experience
James is a feature writer at Tasting Table and has amassed a wealth of experience in both the writing and culinary worlds. His background features a blend of hospitality experience, freelance writing, and digital strategy, with notable contributions to food publications. His time working for a range of high-end independent businesses has resulted in extensive knowledge and interest in craft beer, spirits, cocktails, and fine wine. He has also been fortunate enough to work with industry powerhouses such as Heineken and BrewDog, where he indulged his love for teaching by running beer schools. Before becoming a food writer, James spent over 16 years in the hospitality industry, working in eight countries around the globe and picking up skills in almost every type of venue imaginable. When he's not writing about food and drink or experimenting with avant-garde cocktail recipes, James works as a Stop The Bleed instructor in Southeast Asia, providing emergency first aid training to local communities.
Education
James studied English and history in college.
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.
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You can easily upgrade your cocktails by learning simple infusing techniques. Learn some tips from a cocktail bartender before experimenting with infusions.
By James Hastings
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Many bourbon whiskeys are well-suited for more than just drinking. Here are 15 bourbons you should consider adding to your next pot of chili.
By James Hastings
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While tequila doesn't have to be top shelf to sip it neat or use it in cocktails, some brands should be avoided and swapped for better similarly priced bottles.
By James Hastings
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Restaurants
By James Hastings
Chuck your high expectations out the window when you step into a French restaurant because not all are what they seem. Watch out for these red flags.
By James Hastings
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Heading to a whiskey tasting? You're in for a ton of fun -- and you can save yourself from embarrassment by avoiding these 11 whiskey tasting faux pas.
By James Hastings
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Trying to perfect your bourbon-and-food pairing expertise? Turns out there are some food and flavor combinations you are better off avoiding.
By James Hastings
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Buying a new refrigerator is not an easy task, so we've found the best tips to keep in mind while shopping for one - sourced from an expert.
By James Hastings
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The availability of certain foreign beer can vary significantly in the U.S. for many reasons. Here is a list of beers you can only try overseas.
By James Hastings
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Exclusives
By James Hastings
Health codes are important regulations that ensure you're getting food that's safe to eat. If you see these red flags in a restaurant, consider walking away.
By James Hastings
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Serving a beer flight requires more than simply pouring beer into smaller glasses. Here are some tips to consider for building the perfect beer flight.
By James Hastings
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If you've never tried pairing steak with sake, you're missing out. Here are 13 expert tips for beginners to consider when pairing steak and sake.
By James Hastings
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How many spiced rum brands can you name (besides Captain Morgan's)? We've rounded up the best spiced rum brands from around the world.
By James Hastings
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Thai food has so many unique dishes that it can be hard to find a good wine to pair it with. Take a look at some wine pairings that work best with Thai cuisine.
By James Hastings
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Culture
By James Hastings
As one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world, Mexico has a fascinating history with coffee and produces some of the most flavorful varieties.
By James Hastings
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Japanese wine culture is relatively new compared to the French, but there are a few similarities as well. Here's how the two country's wine production relates.
By James Hastings
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Exclusives
By James Hastings
Getting your food delivered is convenient, but you should never order these 15 food items for delivery. That is unless you want mediocrity or an upset tummy.
By James Hastings
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If you're craving a sweet and umami-flavored bourbon sauce you had at a restaurant, then follow our expert's tips before you make your own homemade sauce.
By James Hastings
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Making a coffee cocktail is more than just adding some liquor to coffee. Find out how to avoid the common mistakes of crafting a coffee cocktail at home.
By James Hastings
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Adding egg whites to a cocktail is a classic technique for achieving a full, smooth mouthfeel, but there's an art to it, and some mistakes to avoid.
By James Hastings
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There are countless international beers available in the US. We've rounded up several of the best underrated and lesser-known imports that you should try.
By James Hastings
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Rich and creamy eggnog makes the perfect base for your holiday cocktails. We've compiled some helpful tips to ensure your drinks are delicious every time.
By James Hastings
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If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the dizzying array of cocktail bitters flavors available, we're here to help. Here are 15 cocktail bitters to avoid buying.
By James Hastings
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From the name "draft beer" to proper glassware and pouring technique, our expert covers everything you need to know about beer served on draft.
By James Hastings
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Bitters are a cocktail bar staple that can take a bourbon-based drink from good to great. Not sure which one to try? Here are some of our favorites.
By James Hastings
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There are a lot of preconceived notions about Scotch whisky, and those can keep folks from enjoying the spirit. An expert breaks down the most common myths.
By James Hastings
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A case of wine is handy when you're ordering for a party or buying multiple bottles of your favourite tipple, but what constitutes a standard-sized case?
By James Hastings
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If you think there is only one spritz beverage on the menu, think again. These add-ins can change your drink to something different and delicious.
By James Hastings
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