Dana McMahan

Title: Contributor

Location: Louisville, KY

Education: BS in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University

Expertise: Reporting on dining and drinks scenes, all things bourbon, and kitchen and home design; travel features; and creating culinary experiences for travelers

Website Links:

https://www.elleferafera.com/

Experience:

A freelance writer for a dozen-plus years, Dana is an award-winning journalist who's contributed to outlets including Food Network, Rachael Ray, Local Palate, and Real Simple magazines; Kitchn and Apartment Therapy, MarthaStewart.com, Esquire.com, CNTraveler.com, NBC News Today, the Washington Post, London Telegraph, and lots more. Dana's a sworn-in Kansas City Barbecue Society judge, a Kentucky Colonel, a Certified Bourbon Steward, and a retired competitive powerlifter. In between trying all the restaurants everywhere she leads culinary tours of Paris and designs and renovates homes (especially kitchens). She's currently cooking in the kitchen of a 140 year old shotgun home dubbed CherryPop she designed in Louisville's historic Portland neighborhood.

Articles by Dana McMahan

A pair of chopsticks holding a slice of Wagyu beef over a hot grate

Restaurants

I Tried My First Wagyu Steak & Now I Get the Hype

The famed Japanese beef is highly coveted and highly expensive—here's why.

A trio of smoked salmon packages set against a colorful background.

Groceries

10 Smoked Salmon Brands, Tasted & Ranked

We tried multiple varieties of the classic breakfast item from various grocery stores to find the very best.

costco storefront set against a yellow designed background

Groceries

17 Grocery Items That Are Cheaper at Costco

Costco's prices consistently beat out those at Kroger—and we've rounded up the best deals.

The iconic yellow sign f a Waffle House restaurant set against a vibrant blue background

Restaurants

#1 Secret Waffle House Ordering Trick

Easily elevate your next meal at the popular diner chain with just two simple words.

seasoning dishes

Groceries

The #1 Seasoning to Add Flavor to Every Meal

Just a few dashes will intensify the flavors of all kinds of dishes from salads and soups to pastas and meats.

An array of Cheetos snacks in several flavors set against a colorful background

Groceries

I Tried Every Cheetos Flavor & the Best Was Tangy and Spicy

The nostaglic childhood snack now has numerous spin-offs, but can any of them top the original?

An array of various Doritos tortilla chip flavors against a colorful background

Groceries

I Tried 9 Doritos Flavors & This Is #1

Cool, spicy, flamin' hot—these tortilla chips come in creative flavors, but only one can reign supreme.

A trio of Taco Bell tacos against a colorful background

Restaurants

Every Taco Bell Taco, Tested & Ranked

There's no shortage of tacos at the longtime chain, but only one can be crowned the best (of the worst).

An array of dark chocolate bars on a purple background

Groceries

I Tried 10 Popular Dark Chocolate Bars & This Was #1

If you’re going to spend the money and the calories on a treat, why not pick a good one?

Trader Joe's frozen pizzas

Groceries

The #1 Best Trader Joe's Frozen Pizza in 2024

Cheese, sauce, crust, toppings—see which combination wowed in its journey from freezer to oven.