Location
Brooklyn, New York
School
Muhlenberg College
Expertise
Spirits, Home Cooking, International Cuisine
- Brandon has judged regional and continental chef competitions.
- He's flown around the country for lunches on multiple occasions, and across the ocean just for dinner once.
- Despite taking cooking lessons on six continents, he still can't make a good grilled cheese sandwich.
Experience
Brandon has been writing extensively about the food and beverage industry since he moved to New York City over a decade ago. He covers everything from restaurants and festivals to culinary history and entertainment for dozens of outlets including Forbes, Thrillist, Fodor's, and more, and he never tires of sampling in the name of research. An untrained home cook, himself, he's the author of three cookbooks, two travel books that include plenty of gastronomy, and one additional book that has nothing to do with food. If you ever need a favor, bring him bourbon or ice cream and he'll probably oblige.
Education
Brandon studied biological psychology and anthropology at Muhlenberg College, which means he's well-versed in how food and the rituals surrounding it have shaped cultures and continue to impact individuals today.
Mashed’s industry-leading coverage is created by qualified and experienced writers, and is reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure everything is accurate and timely. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.
Our mission is to inform and engage our readers, telling them things they need to know, things they want to know, and things they didn't know they wanted to know about food. We strive to always provide a well-rounded reading experience, whether that’s the news of the day or a new original recipe you can try making at home. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our editorial team constantly reviews and updates articles as necessary. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
-
Exclusives
By Brandon Schultz
We took an early taste of all three limited-time-only sandwich-inspired chip flavors from Lay's, and here's what you need to know before a summer of snacking.
Read More
-
Exclusives
By Brandon Schultz
We're always keen to taste a Smartfood and Doritos collab product. We got our hands on the latest Cool Ranch flavor and share the review of the experience here.
Read More
-
Grocery
By Brandon Schultz
There are plenty of edible goodies using the Skittles name to bring you an array of rainbow delights, from powdered and liquid to frozen and freeze-fried.
Read More
-
Rao's Homemade is a true staple of the sauce aisle. Discover all of the brand's pasta sauces ranked from worst to best. Your pasta dinners are about to improve.
Read More
-
Exclusives
By Brandon Schultz
Fritos has come out with a new flavor and you'll want to get your hands on this limited-time product. Add Flamin' Hot Bar-B-Q Fritos to your snack list now.
Read More
-
Exclusives
By Brandon Schultz
Smartfood popcorn offers a range of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. Discover which bags are worth bringing home and what to leave on the store shelf.
Read More
-
Grocery
By Brandon Schultz
Chicken pot pies are comfort food, and when they come in the frozen food aisle, they are also convenient. We ranked frozen chicken pot pies from worst to best.
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Brandon Schultz
Irish pubs usually offer several different dishes. While some of these foods are the best Irish cuisine has to offer, others are simply average of inauthentic.
Read More
-
Whether you're planning to stock up for a party or find the perfect gift, coupe glasses are worth a look. Let us help with our list of the best coupe glasses.
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Brandon Schultz
Vegas and all-you-can-eat casino buffets go together in many people's minds, but they vary in quality and price. Learn about the best Las Vegas casino buffets.
Read More
-
Exclusives
By Brandon Schultz
If your chili con carne doesn't wow your taste buds, it's possible you're doing something wrong. Here are some common mistakes when preparing chili con carne.
Read More
-
Grocery
By Brandon Schultz
From what you shouldn't say to them to knowing when to call it quits on all the repeat gorging, here's what Costco free sample employees wish you'd stop doing.
Read More
-
Beyond just having a unique name, bangers and mash is a delicious dish. Here's everything you need to know about it, along with expert tips on how to make it.
Read More
-
Exclusives
By Brandon Schultz
How can you mix drinks while avoided the dreaded hangover? These are the best cocktails that won't leave you with a hangover, ranked from good to best.
Read More
-
Anyone who's ever done any baking knows about vanilla extract. But what about the powdered form of this popular spice? Read on for more about vanilla powder.
Read More
-
When it comes to enjoying steak without busting your budget, a blade steak comes to mind. We'll help you understand what is blade steak and what it tastes like.
Read More
-
Pizza Recipes
By Brandon Schultz
For the culinarily curious, we've ranked the best cheeses for pizza to spice up your homemade pie nights, and here they are from good to amazing.
Read More
-
Grocery
By Brandon Schultz
Costco's tiramisu cake is a fan favorite for easy access to this beloved Italian treat. Here's what makes this bakery item so good (and a must-try for so many).
Read More
-
Kitchen
By Brandon Schultz
We've sorted through the scads of the many recipes and tips available today to bring you the best Mediterranean cookbooks in 2023.
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Brandon Schultz
There are things you may be used to at Italian restaurants that aren't necessarily Italian. To eat like an authentic Italian, be sure to avoid these mistakes.
Read More
-
Kitchen
By Brandon Schultz
There's more to tacos than just ground beef. Change up your Taco Tuesday offerings. Learn about delicious taco meats to try, including a vegetarian option.
Read More
-
Colorful macarons are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get them shipped to your door with one of the best macaron delivery services of 2023.
Read More
-
Kitchen
By Brandon Schultz
Discover this year's top vegan cookbooks to expand your repertoire. Whether you're cooking for one or searching for international fare, we've got you covered.
Read More
-
Grocery
By Brandon Schultz
Ina Garten or the "Barefoot Contessa" offers several delectable cocktail recipes. Some of Ina Garten's cocktails are incredible and definitely worth trying.
Read More
-
If you're looking for some new kitchen tools, these are critical OXO products you should have. You'll want to add them to your cabinets and drawers asap.
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Brandon Schultz
There's a lot that happens behind the scenes at any given Boston Market location. Discover what it's really like for the employees who work there.
Read More
-
Several dozen handwritten cookbooks have survived from the Middle Ages. So, what did people really eat in the Middle Ages? You're about to find out.
Read More