Ari Bendersky

Chicago, IL USA
Contact

Professional Experience

Ari Bendersky is a Chicago-based lifestyle journalist, content strategist and content marketer specializing in food, wine, music, travel and wellness and the author of "1000 Food & Art Styling Ideas," published in Dec. 2013. Ari, the former founding editor of Eater Chicago, has been writing for 20 year. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Associated Press, Wine Enthusiast, Men's Journal, Saveur, RollingStone.com, Chicago magazine, Health, Huffington Post, Crain's Chicago Business and many more publications. Most recently, Ari was the director of content/editor in chief for AbesMarket.com, where he helped develop and launch a magazine-like format for the natural and organic goods online marketplace. As a copywriter/content marketer, he has worked on campaigns for Milk, United, Orbitz, Hyatt Hotels, U.S. Army, Clif Bar, Gatorade and more. CONTACT ME: ari@ariwrites.com 773.791.9107

Expertise

Copywriter
10 Years
Editor
20 Years
Writer
20 Years

Specialty

Food
10 Years
Other, Specify
8 Years
Music
15 Years

Industries


Magazine - Large Consumer/National magazines
18 Years
Online/new media
18 Years
Marketing (in-house) - Small to mid-sized corp. cl
9 Years

Total Media Industry Experience

21 Years

Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

Out magazine (10+), Michigan Avenue Magazine (10+), Marriott Traveler (10+), NBCChicago.com (6-10), New York Times (6-10), Wine Enthusiast (10+), The Men's Book (Modern Luxury imprint) (10+), CS Magazine (Chicago Social) (6-10), Urban Daddy (3-5), Out Traveler (1-2), Chicago Sun-Times (1-2), Liquor.com (10+), Daily Candy (10+), Chicago Tribune (10+), HuffingtonPost.com (Chicago) (10+), Concierge Preferred magazine (10+), CoolHunting.com (10+), Crain's Chicago Business (10+), Associated Press (10+), TrustedChoice.com (10+), Restaurant, Inc. (10+), Rolling Stone (10+), SomethingGlorious.com (10+), The Daily Beast (3-5), Departures.com (1-2), Men's Journal (10+)

Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

Orbitz (10+), Shutterfly (10+), Weber Shandwick (6-10), AbesMarket.com (10+), Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (10+), Hyatt Hotels (10+), United Airlines (3-5), Sotheby's International Realty (3-5), Time Warner Digital Cable (1-2), U.S. Army (GoArmy.com) (1-2), Butterfinger (1-2), Artisan (1-2), Classic Residence by Hyatt (1-2), Clif Bar (1-2), Comcast (1-2), IDEO (1-2), Gatorade (1-2)

Other Work History

Director of content, AbesMarket.com Editor, Eater Chicago Editor in Chief of UR Chicago magazine Editor/Staff Writer RollingStone.com Editor of Eater Chicago Blogger at Huffington Post Wine Shopping Columnist at Examiner.com Editor of WingmanDaily.com (now Thrillist.com)

Foreign Language Skills

conversant in Spanish

Computer Skills

Word, Excel, OS X, Windows XP, Adobe Photoshop

Equipment

MacBook Pro; Nikon Coolpix (16mp) digital camera; digital audio recorder

References

references available upon request

Associations

MediaBistro Avant Guild member

Showcase

Journalism

This Chef Could Live Anywhere. Here's Why He Chose Chicago's Toughest Neighborhood
(Crain's Chicago Business 3/18/2016)
Profile of chef Erick Williams of Chicago's MK who grew up in one of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods and why he chose to move back, once he became successful, and how he impacts his community.
10 Great Bourbons Distilled Outside of Kentucky
(Men's Journal 1/6/2016)
Article with slideshow featuring 10 bourbons from outside Kentucky.
Anthony Bourdain on Whiskey, Wine and Artisan Craftspeople
(Wine Enthusiast 12/18/2015)
Q&A with TV personality and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain
Louisville: The Four-day Weekend
(Men's Journal 5/5/2016)
What to eat, drink and do in Louisville for a long weekend.
White Pinot Noir Exists and You Should Try It
(Plate Magazine 12/2/2015)
The lesser-known version of Pinot Noir, white Pinot Noir, is being made by producers in California, Germany and Italy. Here's what you need to know about it and why you should be drinking it.
Feasting on Maine's Bounty With a Chicago Chef
(Chicago Tribune 9/30/2016)
A culinary travel piece to Maine with Michelin-starred chef Ryan McCaskey
Surfacing: Where to Eat and Drink in Evanston
(New York Times 8/31/2015)
Overview of newer restaurants, bars, shops, brewpubs and distilleries in Evanston, Ill., in the New York Times travel section
The Business of Wine Pairings
(Wine Enthusiast 7/15/2015)
Q&A with master sommelier and restaurateur Alpana Singh on picking budget-friendly wines for business-focused dinners.
4 Towns, 4 Tasty New Reasons to Visit
(New York Times 11/17/2010)
A review in the New York Times's travel column Bites on Chicago's Girl & The Goat restaurant, owned by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard
First Look: Virgin Hotel Chicago's Restaurants and Bars
(Crain's Chicago Business 10/8/2014)
Virgin Hotels is opening its first North American property in Chicago. I got the first look at the restaurants/bars for Crain's.
Where the Fashion Set Lunch (Hint: Saks Fifth Avenue)
(Michigan Avenue 9/8/2014)
Profile of Sophie's, the restaurant at Chicago's Saks Fifth Avenue.
Brewers Feast
(Restaurant Inc. 10/5/2015)
Adding beer to a recipe can add complexity to a variety of dishes, but not every beer works with every recipe. This is for trade publication Restaurant, Inc.
Chicago Chef John Manion on Where He Drinks When Not Working
(Liquor.com 12/27/2015)
A new column for Liquor.com about where chefs drink when not at work. Up first: chef John Manion from Chicago's La Sirena Clandestina.
Restaurant Report: Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed in Chicago
(New York Times 8/20/2013)
Restaurant review of Chicago's kosher barbecue spot Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed.
Trends: Time For a Spot of Tea
(Out 4/24/2014)
Article about the rising tea trend among bartenders and mixologists.
A Feast of Yeast: Beer and Wine Make Their Way Into Drink-Friendly Breads
(Plate 11/17/2010)
An article talking with chefs and bakers around the U.S. who incorporate wine or beer into bread recipes.
Tanta Brings a Taste of Peru to Chicago
(Michigan Avenue 2/20/2014)
Profile of Peruvian celebrity chef Gaston Acurio's first Chicago restaurant, Tanta.
Senza: Gluten-free Dining Gone Glam
(Michigan Avenue 12/6/2014)
Profile of Chicago's first upscale and Michelin-starred gluten-free restaurant, Senza
Surfacing: In Chicago, Village Life in a Big City
(New York Times 10/17/2010)
A round-up of great restaurants and shops in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood.
By the Glass
(Plate 3/10/2010)
Interview and profile with Chicago-based mixologist Charles Joly discussing drink trends, popular ingredients and his secrets to great cocktails.
The Best Rum & Tiki Bars in Chicago
(Liquor.com 6/25/2015)
Roundup of the best rum and tiki bars in Chicago including Lost Lake, Three Dots and a Dash and the Violet Hour.
(Self) Serve It Up
(Restaurant, Inc. 9/28/2015)
Article for this restaurant industry trade publication about the rising trend of restaurants and quick-service restaurants using self-service ordering kiosks
Is Restaurant Week Worth It
(Plate Magazine (log in required) 2/25/2015)
Q&A with chefs and restaurateurs around the US about whether Restaurant Week makes sense for their business.
Big California Red Wines
(UR Chicago 11/1/2007)
A round-up of big, cozy California red wines
This Brew's for You: 3 Chicago Microbreweries to Suit Your Style
(Marriott Traveler 6/12/2015)
Overview of 3 Chicago breweries based on flavor profile and brewing style.
Becoming a Master Rum Blender
(Wine Enthusiast 10/21/2015)
Q&A with Jassil Villanueva, the youngest master rum blender in the world about her family's rum company, Brugal, and their latest blue-chip release.
Beyond Napa
(Orbitz 1/26/2010)
This is the first in a series of three articles about California Wine Country that goes beyond Napa. In this first article, I write about Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties and recommend wineries, hotels, restaurants and other travel attractions.
Chef to Watch: Lee Wolen, Boka
(Plate 9/14/2015)
Profile with a Q&A of executive chef Lee Wolen, from Michelin-starred Boka Chicago, for Plate magazine's 2015 Chefs to Watch issue.
How the Promontory Became a Hyde Park Hot Spot
(Michigan Avenue 11/11/2014)
Profile of Chicago restaurant The Promontory in the South Side Hyde Park neighborhood from Michelin-starred chef Jared Wentworth.
Interview: Brandi Carlile
(Associated Press 5/8/2007)
Interview with alt country singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile
Interview: Dave Matthews
(Associated Press 5/26/2006)
Interview with Dave Matthews
A Local's Guide to the Real Chicago
(Men's Journal 10/7/2015)
A tour through a few of Chicago's neighborhoods - Uptown, Logan Square and Fulton Market - via public transportation.
Interview: Keane
(Chicago Tribune Metromix 2/16/2005)
Interview with British pop band Keane
Travel: Telluride
(Out magazine 2/24/2007)
Travel round-up previewing Telluride gay ski week
Degus-EL-Station
(NBCChicago.com 9/24/2009)
A new column for NBCChicago.com highlights great restaurants just off the city's EL train lines throughout Chicago.
Summer Concert Tours Hit Early Slump
(Associated Press 7/16/2004)
News story about slagging ticket sales for summer concerts in 2004.
Bad-boy Chef Baltzley is Back
(Crain's Chicago Business 12/23/2015)
Chef Brandon Baltzley returns to Chicago for a 3-day pop-up restaurant.
The Mix's Kathy Hart, Husband Opening Highwood Restaurant, Music Venue
(Crain's Chicago Business 7/22/2014)
Chicago radio personality Kathy Hart details plans for a new restaurant and music venue she's opening in suburban Chicago with her husband. Crain's got the scoop.
Lifestyle: Green household cleaning products
(UR Chicago 7/1/2007)
Round-up of green/environmentally friendly household cleaning products
A Chicago Market and Food & Fashion
(New York Times 9/9/2011)
A profile of Dose Market, a market for food, fashion and design, in Chicago.
A Perfect Day: Chicago
(Out Traveler 6/3/2015)
Go beyond the Bean with this ultimate Chicago guide to restaurants, bars, museums, parks and more.
How to Enjoy Wine & Cocktails in One Evening
(Wine Enthusiast 8/5/2015)
Q&A with award-winning mixologist and sommelier Benjamin Schiller
Stephanie Izard's Right-hand Woman Opening Restaurant
(Crain's Chicago Business 3/25/2014)
Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard's former right-hand woman, Jen Eisen, gave Crain's the exclusive details of her own restaurant.
Chicago's Hidden Patios
(Time Out Chicago 5/6/2009)
Highlighting some of Chicago's best hidden patios for outdoor dining. Was part of the Al Fresco issue to help kick off summer.
Restaurant Designer Karen Herold Strikes Out on Her Own
(Crain's Chicago Business 3/12/2014)
Renowned interior designer Karen Herold, who is responsible for the look of many hot Chicago restaurants while at 555 International, opened her own design firm, Studio K.
Wonuts Coming to Water Tower Place
(Crain's Chicago Business 11/10/2014)
An exclusive story that worldwide pastry sensation Wonuts -- a waffle donut hybrid -- would launch a standalone kiosk at Chicago's Water Tower Place shopping center.
The Best Tequila Bars in Chicago
(Liquor.com 5/5/2015)
A round up of the best tequila and mezcal bars in Chicago, posted for Cinco de Mayo
The Chicago Riverwalk: Experience Chicago in a Whole New Way
(The Daily Beast 9/1/2015)
A day on Chicago's Riverwalk with kayaking, dining, concerts and more
Chicago's Magical Full Moon Jam Brings Fire Spinners, Drum Circles, and Curious Families to Uptown
(The Daily Beast 6/30/2015)
A lifestyle piece for the Daily Beast (as sponsored content with Land Rover) about a monthly summertime happening in Chicago called the Full Moon Jam.
Spotlight Unnerves Montreal Music Scene
(Associated Press 7/28/2005)
News story on the Montreal music scene
Historical and Breathtaking Architecture From the Master
(The Daily Beast 9/1/2015)
A look at Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings in the Chicago area and his impact on architecture and design. With interviews with the head of Chicago Architecture Foundation and Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
How to Set Up a Killer Home Bar
(TrustedChoice.com 4/28/2015)
How to Set Up a Killer Home Bar with the right spirits, tools and more.
Stephanie Izard's Little Goat Goes Big
(Michigan Avenue 6/17/2013)
Profile of celebrity chef and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's second restaurant, the upscale diner Little Goat.
How to Drink Those Barrel-aged Gins Popping Up Everywhere
(Chicago Tribune 12/29/2015)
What is barrel-aged gin and what are you supposed to do with it? This article breaks down how this spirit is produced, who is making it and how you can add it to cocktails.
Rioja Wines
(UR Chicago 8/1/2007)
Round-up on Rioja wines after visiting the Spanish wine region in summer of 2007
Interview: Jon Bon Jovi
(Associated Press 5/26/2006)
Interview with Bon Jovi lead singer Jon Bon Jovi just after the band returned from an Asian tour
Interview with Top Sommelier-Chef Dream Teams: Spiaggia
(Wine Enthusiast 7/1/2015)
Cover story: Q&A with chef Tony Mantuano and sommelier Rachael Lowe from Chicago's Spiaggia
Drink Here Now: Bar Deville
(Liquor.com 11/10/2015)
Part of Liquor.com's Drink Here Now feature listing the 173 most important bars in America today
Q&A: Melissa Etheridge
(Chicago Tribune Metromix 3/17/2003)
Interview with Melissa Etheridge
Wellness: Japanese Foot Reflexology
(UR Chicago 6/1/2007)
Review of Japanese Foot Reflexology wellness treatment
Interview: Arctic Monkeys
(Associated Press 1/25/2007)
Interview with Arctic Monkeys lead singer Alex Turner before their debut album was released in the US
Interview: My Morning Jacket
(Associated Press 5/26/2006)
Interview with My Morning Jacket
Lifestyle Products: Men's Shaving
(UR Chicago 9/15/2007)
round-up of men's shaving products
Great Thanksgiving Wines
(UR Chicago 11/1/2007)
Round-up and review of good wines to pair with Thanksgiving dinner
How to Set Up a Budget-friendly Home Wine Cellar
(Wine Enthusiast 11/4/2015)
Learn how to set up a home wine cellar on a budget with advice from a wine expert.
Drink Here Now: 27
(Liquor.com 11/10/2015)
Part of Liquor.com's Drink Here Now feature of the 173 essential bars in America today.
Making the List with Belinda Chang
(Wine Enthusiast 11/5/2015)
How a wine expert and award-winning sommelier creates an 800-bottle wine list for a new steakhouse.
Chicago's New Wave of Microbrews
(New York Times 6/28/2009)
Recently Chicago has seen a rise in the number of microbreweries and brewpubs enter the city. I did this piece for the New York Times travel section to highlight the emergence of this new scene.
Product Placement
(Restaurant Inc 10/5/2015)
When should chefs consider packaging their products for a consumer marketplace? Interviews with chefs for this restaurant trade publication
The Strokes Don't Buy Into the Noise
(Associated Press 3/29/2006)
Interview with Julian Casablancas and Fabrizio Moretti of the Strokes during their winter/spring 2006 North American tour
Interview: Mandy Moore
(UR Chicago 8/1/2007)
Interview with actress and singer Mandy Moore
Wellness: Ashiatsu
(UR Chicago 1/10/2008)
Review of wellness treatment ashiatsu oriental bar therapy at Chicago's Sir Spa

Content Marketing

Natural Pet Food: Why Your Dog Deserves Better
(AbesMarket.com 11/14/2014)
Article about the benefits of a natural pet food diet for dogs.
Can't Sleep? Try Yoga to Get a Good Night's Rest
(AbesMarket.com 11/14/2014)
Wellness article explaining how people can try different yoga poses to get a better night's sleep.
8 Yoga Poses to Help Detox Your Body Naturally
(AbesMarket.com 1/7/2013)
using yoga to help the body detox naturally
6 Reasons to Use Green Cleaning Products For Your Home
(AbesMarket.com 10/20/2014)
Trend story about the benefits of using green and eco-friendly cleaning products in your home.
Chile Travel Overview
(Orbitz 8/17/2009)
Promotional travel page overview on Chile, includes top-level tourist information on various locations in Chile including Santiago, Easter Island, Patagonia and Chile's wine country
Should You Make This the Summer of Smoothies?
(TrustedChoice.com 6/4/2015)
Using fresh, locally sourced produce can make delicious healthy smoothies and boost your daily nutrient intake.
Local List: Exploring the Best of Chicago
(Airbnb Blog 7/10/2015)
I worked with Airbnb to curate a "best of" neighborhood guide for Chicago to showcase hidden gems, restaurants, cafes, outdoor spaces and more.
Why Timing of Protein Matters
(MilkLife.com 1/25/2015)
A health-related article highlighting the need for people to get ample protein at certain points throughout the day.
Reasons Why Protein is Your Best Bet
(MilkLife.com 3/2/2015)
Article about why protein-filled foods -- over sugar- and fat-filled foods -- are better snacks when you get hungry
Peru Travel Overview
(Orbitz 8/20/2009)
Promotional travel page overview on Peru, includes top-level tourist information on various locations in Peru including Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Lima and Cuzco.
The One Item You Need to Add to Breakfast Today
(MilkLife.com 1/4/2015)
Adding milk to breakfast adds additional protein to the recommended 25-30 grams per meal.
How to Plan a Quick, Budget-friendly Vacation
(TrustedChoice.com 5/11/2015)
Tips to plan and go on a budget-friendly vacation
Q&A: Documentarian Laurie David is Fed Up With Sugar
(AbesMarket.com 5/19/2014)
Q&A with Oscar-winning documentarian Laurie David on her latest movie, Fed Up.
Beach Bums: Getting the Best Meal Right Along the Shoreline
(TrustedChoice.com 7/15/2015)
A guide to some of the best beachfront restaurants in the world.
5 Ideal, Fast-and-Easy, Morning Protein Smoothies
(MilkLife.com 1/18/2015)
Article talking about adding more protein to your breakfast with 5 easy-to-make smoothies that contain milk.
Looking to Get a Dog? Here's How to Choose Your New Best Friend
(TrustedChoice.com 4/28/2015)
How to choose the right dog for you and your lifestyle.
Hunting For a Home? 8 Tips to Find the Right Apartment
(TrustedChoice.com 4/28/2015)
Tips to find a new rental apartment
Pick a Perfect Wine For Your Backyard BBQ
(TrustedChoice.com 6/1/2015)
Whether you're grilling meat, fish or vegetables, the perfect wine to pair is out there for your summer barbecue.
How Much Protein is in Your Cup of Milk
(MilkLife.com 1/11/2015)
Comparing the protein count in milk vs other popular morning breakfast items.
Argentina Travel Overview
(Orbitz 8/17/2009)
Promotional travel page overview on Argentina, includes top-level tourist information on various locations in Argentina including Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Mendoza
Like Music to Your Ears: These Streaming Services Will Leave You Singing
(TrustedChoice.com 8/4/2015)
The best way to stream music with services like Spotify, Songza, Apple Music and Sonos.
Olympian Lindsey Vonn Talks Fitness, Nutrition & Her Comback
(AbesMarket.com 10/29/2014)
Q&A with Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn
14 Restaurant Apps to Help Fill Your Belly
(TrustedChoice.com 12/15/2015)
Hungry? Here are 14 useful restaurant apps to help fill your belly

Copywriting

U.S. Army Special Forces
(GoArmy.com 7/20/2004)
Example of original copywriting work for the U.S. Army website: GoArmy.com
Butterfinger Crisp Banner Ad
(Butterfinger Crisp 12/15/2004)
I created a series of banner ads for a Butterfinger Crisp online campaign. When this is animated, the banner shows the candy bar being constructed and eaten simultaneously, hence the tagline: Don't Worry, We Have More.
Tix4Cause website copy
(Manifest Digital 2/1/2010)
I worked with the design and strategy team at Manifest Digital in Chicago to create and refine copy on the homepage and throughout the Tix4Cause.com website leading up to the site's launch in late January 2010. Tix4Cause is an online marketplace to buy donated tickets for concerts, sporting events, theater and more with proceeds going to participating charities.
United Cruises Ad
(Hempisheres Magazine 12/16/2005)
Ad in Hemispheres magazine promoting United Cruises
Gatorade Coaches Site
(Gatorade 6/15/2005)
Gatorade developed a microsite within their main website to assist high school coaches in better developing coaching programs for their athletes
United Airlines Billboard
(United Airlines 8/20/2005)
Billboard announcing new service for Ted, United's shuttle, between San Francisco and Ontario, Calif.
Artisan Talent Ad
(Creativity Magazine 10/17/2008)
Created headline and body copy highlighting a contest targeting the design community
Gatorade Athletic Trainers Site
(Gatorade 6/15/2005)
Gatorade developed a microsite for athletic trainers

Video Production

The Local: Mixology Video
(@Properties 7/13/2015)
The first in a six-part lifestyle video series for leading Chicago real estate company @Properties. This video focused on the theme of mixology to highlight neighborhoods to help realtors sell properties to potential clients.