Creshonda A. Smith - The Takeout

Location

Cleveland, Ohio

Expertise

Viral Food Trends, Budget-Friendly Meal Prep, Culinary Science & Food Myths

Creshonda lived in Italy for over a decade, gaining a deep understanding of the country's food culture and how it contrasts with American cuisine.
She has written over 400 restaurant reviews for various food news outlets, establishing herself as an expert in dining experiences and food trends.
With a background as a former clinical social worker, Creshonda brings a unique perspective to food writing, applying her understanding of human behavior to her culinary insights.

Experience

Creshonda has been a professional writer for a little over a decade. She started out doing freelance work, specializing in lifestyle topics, and was particularly interested in food and travel. She has earned over $20K as a Top-Rated freelancer through Upwork, and she has dabbled in various forms of writing, including, but not limited to: Copywriting, Features, Ghostwriting, Blogging, Creative Writing, SEO Writing, and Food and Culture Feature Journalism. Creshonda continues to take online courses to improve her skills as a writer, and she has many bylines across diverse topics such as fashion, travel, technology, business, personal finance, entertainment, and more. She joined Static Media full-time in 2024, and she hopes her passion for food and trending topics will propel her to create news articles that will resonate with readers.

Education

Creshonda has bachelor's and master's degrees in Clinical Social Work from Ohio State 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 Creshonda A. Smith

Whatever Happened To Kanga From Shark Tank?

Kanga Coolers hit upon the idea of a lightweight method to keep drinks cold without ice. Its innovative design was funded on "Shark Tank" — where is it now?
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Tangy Addition That Makes Salads Extra Flavorful

A plain salad can be a recipe for blandness, but you also don't want to drown it in dressing. Fortunately, adding this ingredient can give it a pleasant tang.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
What's The Difference Between Quinoa And Rice?

Quinoa and rice are usually found in the same aisle in stores and can be used similarly in recipes. But there are some key differences between nutritious foods.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
When You Should (And Shouldn't) Bring Food To A Cookout

Bringing food to a cookout might seem like a kind gesture that can also impress fellow guests. However, there are times when it's not the right move.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Secret To Amazing Potato Salad Is This Classic Seafood Seasoning

Give us potato salad and tell us you love us. But add this seafood seasoning, and have everyone scrambling for the potato salad at your next backyard barbecue.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
How Jewish BBQ Keeps Things Kosher

Though BBQ and kosher seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, Jewish pitmasters have figured out how to make delicious, kosher BBQ with care and tradition.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Is Zebra Striping The Trick To Fighting Nasty Hangovers?

Zebra striping is a new trend making waves in the never-ending quest to find the cure to hangovers after a night of drinking, but commitment is key.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Why Freezing Sour Cream For Later Isn't Such A Great Idea

The freezer is obviously a great way to preserve perishable food for the long haul, but foods like sour cream aren't able to withstand the freezing process.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Difference Between Lump Charcoal And Charcoal Briquettes

If you're planning on breaking out the grill soon but struggling to remember which type of charcoal you like, here's the difference between lump and briquette.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Martha Stewart's Favorite Place To Travel For Fish Is Outside The States

Martha Stewart is no newcomer to food. That time in the sun has allowed her to taste a wide variety of foods. This country is her favorite place for fish.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Foolproof Method Chef Ming Tsai Uses To Cook Perfect Noodles

If your noodles are regularly turning out gummy and overcooked, Ming Tsai has a trick he uses that literally anyone can bring into their home kitchen.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Whatever Happened To Nutr From Shark Tank?

Shark Tank features all sorts of cool gizmos and gadgets -- this one allowed you to make homemade nut milk right at home. But is Nutr still on the market?
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Whatever Happened To Ghia From Shark Tank?

Not that long ago, a non-alcoholic beverage brand appeared on Shark Tank hoping to entice an investor. What happened to Ghia after the episode aired?
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Discontinued Philadelphia Snacks '90s Kids Would Do Anything To Get Back

If you know, you know. Kids (and adults) loved snacking on these iconic Philadelphia cream cheese treats that were available for a brief and beautiful time.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Why Is Caviar So Expensive?

They're the most luxurious eggs on the planet. Top your blini with the real reason behind the high price tag attached to that ounce-sized-tin of caviar.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Here's Why McDonald's Filet-O-Fish Has That Golden Color

Have you ever wondered how the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish gets its beautiful golden color? It’s all thanks to two unexpected ingredients.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Major Cheese Recall That Led To Deaths And The Company Closing

In the 1980s, the state of California became the epicenter of a cheese recall. The affected products would have devastating effects on people who consumed them.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
How To Make Taco Bell-Inspired Refried Beans Right At Home

The refried beans at Taco Bell have a different consistency than what you might get from canned products. Here's how to mimic the chain's version.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Iconic Fast Food Chicken Chain That Fries Up Its Chicken In Beef Tallow

Although it's been getting some attention in the news lately, it's pretty uncommon to see fast food chains using beef tallow. This chicken chain still uses it.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
McFlurry Vs Frosty: How Do The Iconic Fast Food Desserts Differ?

When it comes to fast food dessert, no products are more iconic than the Wendy's Frosty and the McDonald's McFlurry. But how do they differ from each other?
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Why Is Vietnamese Coffee So Strong?

Vietnamese coffee shares similarities with how people drink it in the West, but it's definitely doing it's own thing. But why is it so strong by comparison?
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Shrimp Salad Is The Refreshing Summer Side Every BBQ Needs

Shrimp salad isn't the most common side dish at a backyard barbecue, but maybe it should be. Here's how to prepare this refreshing dish with big flavor.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Why Are Oysters So Expensive?

Oysters used to be cheap and plentiful, but if you've looked at a menu recently, they're not only pricey now, but also rare. What caused this sea change?
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Is Wine Typically Gluten-Free?

Gluten intolerance is a bit of a chore since you have to keep track of what you're consuming. When it comes to wine, is gluten something to worry about?
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Absolute Worst Times To Shop At Walmart

If you're a regular at Walmart but you're tired of long lines and unstocked shelves, you may just be going at the wrong time. These are the worst times to shop.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
Why Rinsing Your Noodles With Tap Water Can Ruin Mac And Cheese

It may seem like it's what you're supposed to do but rinsing pasta in the sink after draining is a mistake that could be ruining your dish.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More
The Asian Bread Swap For A Better Bacon, Egg, And Cheese Sandwich

Make your go-to breakfast even better with this Asian bread swap for a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. This handy hack is fast and simple to prepare.
By Creshonda A. Smith Read More

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