Khelil Bouarrouj - The Takeout

Location

Washington, D.C.

School

George Mason University, New York University

Expertise

Gastronomy, Mediterranean Food History, Cultural Representation in Cuisine

In 2015, Khelil launched the online magazine Palestine Square, covering news, food, culture, and history.
He studies the evolution and cross-cultural sharing of cuisine across the Mediterranean and is deeply moved by what it says about human connectivity.
For the past decade, he has worked full-time or as a consultant for several nonprofit organizations, including Greenpeace, the Center for Food Safety, and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

Experience

Khelil's first foray into writing was blogging. One blog focused on human rights caught the attention of an editor of an online news site, who recruited Khelil to write full-time for the publication. In 2015, while working at the think tank Institute for Palestine Studies, he launched the online magazine, Palestine Square, which quickly became one of the top sources for news and commentary on the subject. As a freelance writer, he has contributed numerous pieces on everything from the Moorish influence on Portuguese cuisine to reviews of LGBTQ+ films and documentaries for the New Arab and the Washington Blade. His work has also appeared in the Washington Post, Common Dreams, Truthout, and +972 Magazine. His commitment to Arab American representation was highlighted in a New York Times article on the debate about adding a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) category in the Census.

Education

Khelil has a bachelor's in global affairs from George Mason University in Virginia and a master's in Near Eastern studies from New York University.

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 Khelil Bouarrouj

The Best Hole-In-The-Wall Italian Restaurants You'll Find In Every State

We whittled down the nation's long list of hole-in-the-wall Italian eateries to find the standout spot serving pasta, pizza, and more in each state.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
The Best Seafood Restaurant In Every State

The U.S. is home to more than its fair share of stellar seafood. From coast to coast, we've tracked down the absolute best seafood restaurant in each state.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
The Best French Restaurant In Every State

Before you take your next trip to another state, you'll want to check out this list of must-try French restaurants, based on their reputations and reviews.
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13 Best Protein Yogurts On The Market, According To Customers

When you're shopping for the best high-protein yogurts, these Greek, skyr, and plant-based options hit your nutrition goals and offer great flavor and texture.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
The Best Pastrami Sandwiches You Can Find In The US

Although New York City is known for its traditional Jewish delis, it's far from the only place in the country to order one of the best pastrami sandwiches.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
The Best Donut Shop In Every State

The U.S. is home to an abundance of donut shops, ranging from delicious to disappointing. Rely on these picks to find the best of the best in your state.
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The Best Craft Beers From Every State

Whether you're looking for a hoppy, easygoing, citrus-forward, or barrel-aged brew, these celebrated craft beers in the U.S. offer something for everyone.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
Where To Find The Best Pizza In Every State

There are lots of great pizzerias beyond traditional centers like New York, Chicago, and New Haven, Connecticut. Here’s where to find the best.
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The Takeoff And Descent Of Airline Dining

Much like aviation itself, the history of in-flight dining has its share of ups and downs. Here's how we ended up with the meals we love (or loathe) today.
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The Most Affordable Michelin-Starred Restaurants In The US

Michelin-starred restaurants have a reputation for being pricey, and it's often deserved. However, plenty of them offer affordable bites you'll want to taste.
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Where To Find The Best BBQ In Every State

Barbecue is an iconic category of meat perfected across the country. We scoured reviews to track down the best BBQ in every state to guide you on a smoky ride.
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The Absolute Best Bakery In Each State

Bakeries are a dime a dozen in the U.S., but some are better at crafting tasty bread and perfect pastries than others. These are the standouts in each state.
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Old-School Ice Cream Parlors That Are Straight Out Of The Past

Whether they've been family owned for decades or display vintage decorations, visiting these old-school ice cream parlors is a tasty blast from the past.
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The 12 Best Middle Eastern Restaurants In NYC

Whether you're craving hummus or kebab, these Middle Eastern spots in NYC combine authentic flavors with unique twists you'll only find in the metropolis.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
The 12 Best Pizzerias In San Francisco

Enjoy Neapolitan, Detroit, and house-special pizzas in San Francisco, made with fresh ingredients and celebrated among the best on the West Coast and nationwide.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
From Memphis To Vegas: 14 Restaurants Elvis Loved

Elvis Presley was a true star, leaving fans swooning in his wake. He also had a hearty appetite and loved to eat at restaurants around the country.
By Khelil Bouarrouj Read More
The 14 Best BBQ Spots In Austin

With countless BBQ joints in Austin, knowing the right ones matters. These stalwarts serve top brisket, ribs, and authentic Texas flavor.
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15 Exceptional Beers That Are Extremely Hard To Find

The best beers aren't always easy to find. If you're committed to a high-quality brew, it's worth going the extra mile to track down these pints.
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Costco Grocery Finds That Are Made In The USA

Tariffs are expected to take a toll on several grocery store staples, but these American-made items sold at Costco should theoretically be safe.
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15 Diners Along The Pacific Coast Highway To Visit On Your Next Road Trip

Burgers, fries, and milkshakes galore await at classic diners dotted down the Pacific Coast Highway, all perfect for a mid-road trip energy boost.
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The Best Southern Restaurants In New York City

Southern food might seem out of place in NYC, but there are actually a number of joints doing Southern cooking justice in the heart of the Big Apple.
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12 Of The Unhealthiest Yogurts On Grocery Store Shelves

From a plain Greek yogurt to exciting novelty flavors, there's no shortage of yogurt options available today. These are some of the least healthy of the bunch.
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12 Of The Unhealthiest Instant Oatmeals You'll Find At The Grocery Store

Oatmeal is inarguably a healthy breakfast option, but some "instant" offerings are less than good for you -- especially considering the sugar they pack.
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The Best Pizza Places In New York City

It's not difficult to find a good slice of pizza in NYC. From subway station shops to high-end hotels, you won't find a bad pie at these Big Apple pizzerias.
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Beloved Fast Food Chains That Somehow Haven't Gone National

You never know when you're eating at the next McDonald's, which launched in California. These regional fast food favorites have yet to expand nationally.
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How Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Capitalized On A '90s Movie To Become An International Seafood Chain

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. obviously has connections to a very popular '90s movie, but how the restaurant came about, and its continuing legacy might surprise you.
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