Griffs Under 40: Katie L. Schlientz '04

July 18, 2017

Buffalo, NY - Katie L. Schlientz lives life deliciously.

A self-described “foodie,” she turned a part-time job writing about Buffalo’s restaurant scene into a full-time (and flavorful) career.

Schlientz is the producer and host of “Fork This,” a weekly radio program that dishes on wine and culinary trends throughout New York City’s Tri-State area.  She’s also the founder, editor and publisher of “IntoxiKate,” an online food magazine focused on local cuisine.  Her blog by the same name serves up an innovative blend of food-related news and culinary innovations. 

Though she “always had a love of food,” Schlientz began her career as a journalist. 

The former editor-in-chief of The Griffin earned her master’s degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications and moved downstate to write for several magazines published by The Journal News. 

The course of Schlientz’ career took an unexpected turn when her editor at In Town magazine asked her to write restaurant reviews.  That job led to work as a features editor for Women’s World, where she covered food.  Schlientz later created content for Wine Enthusiast.  Eventually though, she broke out on her own. 

“There were so many interesting food-related stories that just couldn’t get covered because of traditional print deadlines.”

Schlientz recalls the chef who studied the art of noodle making with the world’s best ramen noodle maker; the entrepreneur who opened up New York’s first distillery since Prohibition; and the nutritionist whose holistic food recipes help people overcome digestive problems. 

“These are the farm-to-table stories unique to our area that I always wanted to tell and am now able to.” 

And with a following of 60,000-plus, it’s fair to say Schlientz’ audience has acquired a taste for her work.