Shaun Melady - The Takeout

Location

New York, NY

School

Harding University

Expertise

Bar culture abroad, Restaurants & Lounges, Coffee

Shaun covers luxury travel stories, including recent experiences at Michelin Star restaurants in Scottish castles.
He is an expert in the cocktails, spirits, travel, and lifestyle industries globally, and he makes it a point to try local cocktail options in each destination he visits.
A New York City local, he enjoys trying new and trendy bars, restaurants, and lounges throughout the city.

Experience

Shaun is a lifestyle journalist and content creator. His contributions can be found in Food Republic, Upscale Living Magazine, USA Today, Chilled Magazine, Robb Report, Millennium Magazine, Dolce Magazine, Bartender Magazine, and various other publications. In addition to his journalism career, Shaun is a social media content creator and an international actor and model. Prior to his transition into journalism and entertainment, he had a successful career in marketing communications, managing public relations, marketing, and communications for a variety of global companies.

Education

Shaun has a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations from Harding 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 Shaun Melady

Turn Dill Pickles Into The World's Best Appetizer With This Trick

Dill pickles on their own are tasty enough, but they don't have quite the pizzazz you want in an appetizer. Not to worry, this simple trick works great.
By Shaun Melady Read More
The Affordable Meat Swap That Instantly Makes Bolognese More Flavorful

This budget-friendly exchange for your ground beef will not only make a tastier Bolognese sauce, but will give your pasta dish a little kick of spice.
By Shaun Melady Read More
For Elevated Sandwiches, Treat Your Toppings Like A Salad

There’s an easy way to make every homemade sandwich taste extra-delicious. All you need to do is treat the toppings like they’re a salad.
By Shaun Melady Read More
How To Make Vanilla Mug Cake With Ingredients Already In Your Kitchen

If you're in the mood for a sweet treat that doesn't require a trip to the grocery store, here's how to make vanilla mug cake with ingredients in your pantry.
By Shaun Melady Read More
The Retro Ingredient That Makes The Crispiest Fried Food

Never suffer through another soggy piece of fried chicken again. Swap in this retro ingredient for a crispy crunch that lasts longer than leftovers.
By Shaun Melady Read More
The Crispy Birthday Treat Alternative Made For Cake Haters

If you’re not a fan of traditional birthday cake, there’s a crispy, chewy alternative that makes a great swap and is so easy to make.
By Shaun Melady Read More
Ancient Sake Was Made In An Unsanitary Way

Modern sake is often crisp and clear, but the first versions we find in history were decidedly less so. The production method was surprisingly unsanitary.
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The Common Mistake That's Likely Ruining Your Homemade Pretzels

Got street cart soft pretzel dreams, with snack-bag pretzel sticks skills? Step up your game with the world's easiest hack for perfect homemade soft pretzels.
By Shaun Melady Read More
The Tangy Juice You Need To Add To Sparkling Water For Flavor Like No Other

Sparkling water on its own is pretty tasty, but if you're ready to ramp up the flavor profile of these bubbly drinks it's time to add this tangy juice.
By Shaun Melady Read More
The Powerhouse Street Food You Should Turn Into Pasta Salad

Street food and pasta salad are not things you often consider combining, but when it comes to one street food in particular, combining them makes perfect sense.
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If You're Lazy And You Know It, Make This Easy 'Bread'

Baking bread from scratch is a lot of effort. If you're low-key in the kitchen and you're okay with that, try baking this easy and delicious loaf.
By Shaun Melady Read More
Infuse More Onion Flavor Into Any Dish With This Prep Step

Onions are one of the most popular vegetables to cook with, but if you really want to make the flavor pop you should be using this underrated prep step.
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When Making Cocktails, There's A Good Reason To Pour The Most Expensive Liquor Last

Whether you're a home bartender or a professional, there's a really good reason to start adding the ingredients in from cheapest to most expensive.
By Shaun Melady Read More
Chili's Got Its Name For An Unbelievably Simple Reason

The inspiration for Chili's name may seem obvious, but it probably isn't what you're thinking. Here's the simple explanation behind this restaurant's namesake.
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Easily Turn Milk Into A Heavy Cream Substitute With One Addition

Heavy cream is a fairly niche ingredient, making it difficult to keep on hand without letting it go to waste. In a pinch, you can turn milk into a substitute.
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Make Homemade Hot Pockets With This Classic Canned Ingredient

Hot pockets are convenient but they aren't exactly known for their health benefits. Take back control of your snacks by making a copycat with this ingredient.
By Shaun Melady Read More
The Only Knife You Need For Top Notch Homemade Fries

Making fries from scratch is easy and delicious. If it sounds like a lot of work, just know that all you really need is one good knife. This is the kind to use.
By Shaun Melady Read More
The 3-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding That You Have To Try Frozen

There's nothing like chocolate to liven up an afternoon or finish out the evening. Even better, this easy chocolate pudding can be turned into a frozen treat.
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For A Quick And Easy Quiche Crust, Use One Canned Shortcut

Quiche is a great way to start your morning off, but not everyone has time to make the dough from scratch. Use this canned shortcut for a quick and easy crust.
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This Sweet Canned Ingredient Will Transform Dry And Bland Chicken

There is no reason to eat flavorless chicken when you have this ingredient on hand. Reach into your pantry for a canned good that brings sweet-tart vibrancy.
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The Zesty Salad Dressing You Need To Start Putting On Your Tacos

There is no reason for your tacos to be the same every time you make them. For your next taco Tuesday, switch it up with this zingy salad dressing.
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The Protein-Rich Upgrade Your Spaghetti Has Been Waiting For

With protein all the rage at the moment, you may wonder if there's a way to up your protein game in pasta. There is, and it's from an unexpected ingredient.
By Shaun Melady Read More
You've Been Cooking Bacon Wrong — Here's How It's Done

Everyone has their own opinion on how best to cook bacon, but we're pretty sure everyone's been doing it wrong. This is the actual best way to cook bacon.
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What Is A Spritzer, And How Is It Different From Seltzer?

When warmer weather comes out, many of us reach for lighter drinks like a spritzer. But what is a spritzer, and is it really any different from a seltzer?
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One Sweet Ingredient Makes Homemade Fried Chicken Beyond Flavorful

Turn fried chicken into fried freakin' chicken by adding one sweet ingredient you probably already have in your pantry. Here's how to make that flavor pop.
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The Genius Canned Upgrade For Your Next Batch Of Frozen Fries

Frozen fries are fine, but they can be way better. With one simple pantry addition, you'll be eating a plate of flavorful loaded french fries in no time.
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The Quick And Easy Dipping Sauce That Will Transform Your French Fries

If your homemade french fries are feeling a little bland, you may just need to find the right dipping sauce. This one is easy and highly customizable.
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