Jacob Smith - The Takeout

Location

Edinburgh, Scotland

School

The University of Exeter, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Expertise

Coffee Production and Brewing, Home Cooking Advice, European Food Culture

Jacob is the author of Marra, a weekly food-related newsletter that spotlights Northern people, produce, and regions.
While working with food influencer Lakes Eats, he reviewed several of the Lake District's most prominent restaurants, including Simon Rogan's Henrock and was fortunate enough to have dined at the three Michelin-starred L'Enclume.
An article by Jacob won a silver award at the North American Guild of Beer Writers' 2023 awards.

Experience

Jacob began writing about food while living in Bristol, where he wrote for EATE Collective, a global collective of chefs, suppliers, and restaurants. Since moving to Scotland, Jacob has worked with a variety of media outlets and businesses, including Delicious, Pellicle, Mashed, Daily Meal, Leafe, and H&N Magazine. He is also a committee member for The Guild of Food Writers, the UK's association for professional food writers and broadcasters.

Education

Jacob has both a B.Sc. and an M.A. from the University of Exeter, a Russell Group university known for its academic excellence. He also holds a teaching certificate from Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.

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 Jacob Smith

Why Reddit Is In Love With This Popular Japanese BBQ Sauce

It's no secret that Reddit is in love with this particular brand of Japanese BBQ sauce, but why is everyone so crazy about something so simple as a condiment?
By Jacob Smith Read More
Salt Baking Is One Of The Most Unique Ways To Prepare Cuts Of Meat

Salt baking involves encasing cuts of meat in a salt crust before cooking. It’s a unique method, but produces great results according to this pro chef.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Classic Brand Of Butter Jacques Pépin Swears By When Baking

Jacques Pépin is known for bringing his signature French flare to countless recipes. Like many chefs, he always uses his favorite butter brand when baking.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Sorry, But Your Kitchen Towel Is Probably Disgusting

Grabbing your kitchen towel to wipe your hands, clean up spills, or dry dishes is second nature. Sorry to tell you, but that towel is probably disgusting.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Best Way To Incorporate Cream Cheese Into Your Banana Bread

Baking is every bit as much science as it is art. So, when it comes to adding cream cheese to banana bread, it's a good idea to ask the advice of an expert.
By Jacob Smith Read More
For The Juiciest Chicken, Do This Before Grilling

Grilled chicken is easy and delicious, but can turn tough in seconds. Is boiling the secret to succulent grilled chicken? An expert provides some answers.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Staggering Number Of Margaritas Chili's Shakes Up Every Year

Chili’s is famous for its margaritas, and offers numerous different varieties as well as a margarita of the month. But how many does it actually sell?
By Jacob Smith Read More
For More Even Grilling, Stop Making This Critical Mistake With Your Charcoal

If you have a charcoal grill you're enjoying using but you're struggling to get your food to cook evenly, make sure you aren't making this critical mistake.
By Jacob Smith Read More
No, That Black Liquid In Your Sourdough Starter Isn't Actually A Bad Thing

Keeping a sourdough starter on hand is the only way to make homemade sourdough bread, but if your starter has formed a black liquid on top, don't worry.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Here's What Trader Joe's Does With All Its Unsold Food

At Trader Joe's, not every piece of fruit, wedge of cheese, or loaf of bread is able to be sold to a customer, so what happens to all that surplus?
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Classic Liquor That Benefits From Fresh Vanilla Bean

Flavoring foods with vanilla is one of the most commonly used taste hacks. One classic liquor takes on a whole new delicious flavor profile when infused.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Donald Trump Will Only Eat Part Of This Beloved Italian Food

The public are fascinated by Donald Trump's eating habits. This revelation, involving a classic Italian dish, was particularly controversial.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Harlem Pizza Joint Ryan Reynolds Calls The Best 'On The Whole Planet'

Ryan Reynolds is a well-known foodie, so when he announced his favorite pizza restaurant in the world we were all ears. Turns out, it's everyone's favorite.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Chocolate Ice Cream Brand That's Not Worth Your Money

There are a lot of ice cream brands out there vying for your hard-earned dollars, but this chocolate ice cream brand is just not worth the trouble.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Discontinued Gatorade Flavor We Desperately Wish Would Make A Comeback

Every discontinued Gatorade flavor is missed by someone. But there is one flavor in particular that lots of people wish would return.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Type Of Flour You Should Avoid In Sourdough Starters

A sourdough starter is the key to baking delicious bread at home. We got some expert advice on the type of flour you should avoiding feeding your starter.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Arby's Doesn't Cook Its Burgers Like All The Other Fast Food Chains

Arby's is known for having the meats and even includes burgers on its beefy menu. However, the chain doesn't cook its patties like other fast-food franchises.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Give Your Cinco De Mayo Margaritas A Fizzy Upgrade With This Mexican Staple

Lots of people choose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a margarita. Upgrade yours with a fizzy twist courtesy of one popular Mexican ingredient.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Anne Burrell's Go-To Fast Food Restaurant Was Also A Favorite Of Julia Child

Even celebrity chefs admit to the odd fast food craving. When Anne Burrell wants to grab-and-go her favorite restaurant is one that Julia Child loved.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Before Grilling This Season, Check Your Propane Levels With A Cup Of Water

You don't want your grilling session to be cut short due to a lack of fuel. Luckily, it’s easy to check propane levels with a cup of water.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Skin-Crawling Reason Anthony Bourdain Would Never Order Swordfish

Celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain knew all about the restaurant industry. The reason he would never order swordfish may put you off the fish for life.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Glen Powell's Savory BLT Uses An Unconventional Bacon Method

Glen Powell isn't just a movie star, he makes a killer BLT too. His unconventional sandwich method takes a unique approach when preparing the bacon.
By Jacob Smith Read More
Why They Call Chuck Roast The 'Poor Man's Brisket'

Smoked chuck can be a tasty and tender cut, and is sometimes known as the 'poor man's brisket'. We asked an expert to explain why it has this name.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Worst Chocolate Bars Come From A Surprisingly Popular Brand

Whenever we do a ranking at The Takeout, there's going to be a winner on loser. This time, the chocolate bar that came in last place was definitely a shock.
By Jacob Smith Read More
What's The Deal With The Marbles In Ramune Bottles?

Ramune is packaged in a distinctly shaped bottle with two compartments and a glass marble. It’s part of the drink’s identity, but what’s the marble for?
By Jacob Smith Read More
Keg Vs Cask Beer: What's The Actual Difference?

Deciding between beer that's been stored in a keg or a cask is a huge choice, because they are very different. Here's what makes them so distinct.
By Jacob Smith Read More
The Difference Between Blended And Single-Origin Chocolate

The chocolate aisle at the grocery store can be a confusing place. Among all the labels, what is the difference between blended and single-origin cocoa?
By Jacob Smith Read More

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