Erica Martinez - The Takeout

With Us Since

2022

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

School

University of California, Irvine, The Arts Institute Culinary Arts School, San Diego

Expertise

Bold Red Wines, Home-Cooked Mexican Food, Food History

In 1998, Erica got her first taste of Europe on a three-week exploration of five countries, igniting a passion for travel and food.
She launched the blog for Southern California's Ponte Winery which highlighted food and wine pairings.
Her first professional writing job came in 2008 when she was hired as the copywriter for the GNC website division.

Experience

When Erica was pursuing her bachelor's degree in film studies, she had no idea it would lead to a passion for writing. The hours spent analyzing films and writing essays revealed a knack for research and expression through written words, with her favorite topic being food. She has now been writing for various companies for 12 years in the form of website copy, newsletters, press releases, blogs, and emails. Some of the companies she has worked for include Ponte Family Estate Winery, General Nutrition Corporation, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, and Brickhouse Security in New York.

Education

Erica has a bachelor's degree in Film Studies from the University of California at Irvine. She studied abroad in Siena, Italy in college where she studied Film and Tuscan cuisine. She also spent a semester studying Culinary Arts in San Diego, CA.

The Takeout Editorial Policies

The Takeout’s industry-leading editorial coverage is the result of collaboration between writers and editors with a wide array of experience and expertise in the world of food and drink. Every article is fact-checked by our team of editors to ensure accuracy. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.

Our mission is to both inform and entertain our readers, telling them everything they want to know (and more) about food. We strive to always provide a well-rounded reading experience, bringing both the biggest food news of the day and a break from the news. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Erica Martinez

Is Canned Bacon Already Cooked?

Canned bacon is popular thanks to its long shelf life and great taste, but the product isn't as popular as some other canned goods. Does it come already cooked?
By Erica Martinez Read More
Do You Know The Difference Between Pintxos And Tapas?

If you're a fan of Spanish cuisine, you've probably heard of tapas. But there's a similar genre of food known as pintxos, so what exactly is the difference?
By Erica Martinez Read More
Venture Into Fairy Land With One California Eatery's Enchanted Forest-Inspired Atmosphere

Themed restaurants can be hit or miss, but this Enchanted Forest eatery in California has us dreaming of faraway lands and fantastic feasts.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Why Planet Hollywood Is Down To Just 2 Surviving Restaurants

Planet Hollywood was once a big name in the restaurant industry, but these days the franchise is down to just two locations. What happened to the brand?
By Erica Martinez Read More
The US State That Chows Down On The Most Hot Dogs Isn't What You'd Think

Think you love a snappy frank on a steamed bun? You don't as much as this state does. With each person eating almost 500 hot dogs, it ran away with the prize.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Bathroom Product That Acts As Whipped Cream's Stand-In For Commercials Might Make You Gag

Food photography doesn't always use the exact food being depicted. When it comes to whipped cream, more often than not you're looking at this bathroom staple.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Totally Normal Breakfast Food That Spooked Alfred Hitchcock

For a filmmaker who specialized in suspense, Alfred Hitchcock had a lot of fears. His list included police officers, Sundays, and this common breakfast item.
By Erica Martinez Read More
This Old School Candy Hasn't Been The Same Since 1999

This old school candy made big waves when it first debuted thanks to its popularity in movie theaters. It hasn't been the same since 1999, here's how.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Creamy Condiment Rachael Ray Won't Eat Unless She Makes It Herself

Rachel Ray has no qualms with reaching for a store-bought product to speed up a recipe, but this popular condiment is where she draws the line.
By Erica Martinez Read More
What Should You Be Paying For Corkage Fees At A Restaurant, And Why Do They Have Them Anyway?

Most restaurants that offer a wine menu will charge you a corkage fee if you want to bring your own. How much should you expect to pay and why?
By Erica Martinez Read More
What Are The Stations In A Traditional Kitchen Brigade?

A kitchen brigade is a French culinary innovation which seeks to establish order in a chaotic kitchen. What exactly are the different stations involved?
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Iconic Italian-American Food Melania Trump Loves To Eat

As First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump has every kind of food at her fingertips. This Italian-American classic is one she's said is a favorite.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The State That Produces The Most Peaches Isn't Georgia

When you think of American peaches, the Southern state of Georgia probably comes to mind (and for good reason), but it's another state that produces the most.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Sunday Breakfast Spread Martha Stewart Makes For Her Employees

Martha Stewart has an enormous property thanks to the millions she's made throughout her career. This is the breakfast spread she serves her team on Sundays.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Kyra Sedgwick's Go-To Pasta Dish Is Super Simple To Make

Kyra Sedgwick isn't exactly famous for her cooking, but that makes this go-to pasta dish of hers all the more relatable. Anyone can throw it together.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Popular Vintage Candy That Was Originally Made Using WWII Ammunition Presses

Candy makers have an almost fantastical air about them, but this vintage candy got its start by using old ammunition presses from World War II.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Retro Pudding Treats That '90s Kids Want Back

Food products come and go even when they have fans, and this retro pudding treat's no different. Popular in the '90s, we hope it comes back.
By Erica Martinez Read More
According To Anthony Bourdain, This Is The 'Greatest Soup In The World'

Earning the title of 'greatest soup in the world' from the likes of Anthony Bourdain is no easy feat, but he made no qualms about declaring his pick.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Julia Child's Final Homecooked Meal Couldn't Have Been More Perfect

Julia Child was a global treasure when her cooking show was on air. Just before she passed away, she chose this iconic dish to be her final, homecooked meal.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Wendy's Best Lemonade Flavor Is The Perfect Summer Sip In Our Eyes

Refreshing, fruity, sweet-tart, and thirst-quenching, one of Wendy's fruity lemonade flavors was better than the rest -- and it's fun to jazz up.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Sheetz Food Item You Should Order Every Time

Whether you're a local, or a cross-country road tripper, save your biggest appetite for the fan-favorite menu item you should always order at Sheetz.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Vintage Fast Food Memorabilia That Are Now Considered Fiery Collectibles

For decades, fast food chains gave out this free promotional item that has gained surprising new popularity among memorabilia collectors today.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Gordon Ramsay's Massive Hangover Cure Sandwich Is Big Enough To Feed 2 People

If you're a little hungover and in need of some energy, Gordon Ramsay's hangover cure sandwich is big enough for two and loaded with hearty ingredients.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Custardy American Fruit That You Won't Find At The Grocery Store

Although U.S. grocery stores offer many types of fruit from all over the world, one delicious homegrown variety is conspicuously absent from store shelves.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Comforting Recipe That Betty White Shared In 1955 Is As Iconic As She Is

In real life, Betty White wasn't one to spend much time cooking. However, in 1955, White shared a recipe that still remains popular all these years later.
By Erica Martinez Read More
NASA Wasn't Happy When Astronaut John Young Smuggled This Food Into Space

Astronauts seem like the buttoned-up type since their very lives depend on getting every detail right. That didn't stop John Young from smuggling this food.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Marilyn Monroe's Favorite Dessert Was A Classic

Screen legend Marilyn Monroe ate protein-rich breakfasts and dinners. But the actress always saved room for a rich, chocolatey dessert at her favorite parlor.
By Erica Martinez Read More

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