School
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Expertise
Food and Product Reviews, Cooking and Recipe Development, Restaurant Cooking
- Dennis has written for Bon Appétit (print cover story), Serious Eats, Thrillist, and more.
- He is a former professional pizzamaker.
- He broke the news that the Choco Taco was being discontinued.
Experience
Dennis is a Chicago-based food writer with over 15 years of experience covering everything from local, independently-owned restaurants to reviewing items released by massive fast-food chains. His writing appears in publications such as Bon Appétit, Serious Eats and publications local to Chicago. He's also a former pizzamaker at Paulie Gee's Logan Square, and he now cooks to raise money for various local charities. And if there's one thing he truly believes in, it's that food and cooking should be fun and accessible to all — seriously, play with your food, and laugh at your mistakes, it's okay!
Education
Dennis has a creative writing degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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.
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This queso promised melty comfort but seriously underdelivered. The good news? With a few smart add-ins, this bland dip can be rescued from its wobbly fate.
By Dennis Lee
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This Midwestern state has more Arby's locations than any other in the United States -- perfect for roast beef lovers and fans of the fast food chain.
By Dennis Lee
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Sprite is starting off the new year by releasing a new fruity flavor, but you'll only be able to find it if you look on this popular retail store's shelves.
By Dennis Lee
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The Trump administration's update of the dietary guidelines is causing some controversy after it abandoned the longstanding alcohol limit recommendation.
By Dennis Lee
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This simple extra step makes poached chicken noticeably juicier, more tender, and foolproof -- no extra ingredients or effort is required when cooking.
By Dennis Lee
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A new lawsuit claims McDonald's McRib misleads customers, raising questions about marketing claims and what the sandwich really contains.
By Dennis Lee
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Chicago is home to deep dish pizza (among many other iconic foods), but there's a little-known pizzeria there that serves up top-notch thin crust pies.
By Dennis Lee
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If you've ever wondered who founded Sam's Club, you might be surprised to learn the powerhouse that actually controls the well-known warehouse chain.
By Dennis Lee
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Reese's Candy is most known for its peanut butter cup shape, but the iconic peanut butter and chocolate candy used to come in a smaller form.
By Dennis Lee
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Some might be surprised to learn that the brand name labeled sauces from Subway now available in grocery stores isn't actually made by the sandwich chain.
By Dennis Lee
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Julia Child, who introduced America to fine French cuisine, also favored simple fare. Case in point: She loved tuna fish served on this left-field bread choice.
By Dennis Lee
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There’s one simple swap that transforms ordinary potato salad into a rich, restaurant-level side and it’s sitting right next to the sour cream aisle.
By Dennis Lee
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Just because you've hit the rind, doesn't mean your cheese is toast. Save cheese rinds from the trash, and use them to amp up the flavor in all sorts of dishes.
By Dennis Lee
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All it takes is one additional step to take a run-of-the-mill potato salad to delicious new heights. It adds both flavor and texture to the creamy side dish.
By Dennis Lee
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Chicago is a paradise for foodies, but these five sandwiches are ones I never stop thinking about. Whether you're a local or visiting, you've got to try these.
By Dennis Lee
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Making a cheese and charcuterie board seems as easy and placing various meats and cheeses out for guests to enjoy, but there are a few rules for better flavor.
By Dennis Lee
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We did a review of over a dozen boxed mac and cheese brands and this particular one ranked at the bottom of the list for some unforgivable reasons.
By Dennis Lee
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You can visit a Chili's in just about any state and spot on the globe. But you go to Texas if you want the original Chili's — though you won't find it there.
By Dennis Lee
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There's a new way to order hot cocoa at Starbucks, and it's based on an ice cream parlor classic. It's perfect for the holidays, but you can get it all year.
By Dennis Lee
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When you want some tweaks made to your dish at a steakhouse, it can be intimidating to make the requests. This expert shared their two cents on the matter.
By Dennis Lee
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Meat lovers are spoiled for choice at any Brazilian steakhouse, but make sure you don't overlook this popular cut of beef. Here's why it's so good.
By Dennis Lee
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When you think about vegetables in chicken soup, you think celery and carrots. Martha Stewart made the recipe her own by adding this unloved root vegetable.
By Dennis Lee
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The huge daily meal count at Texas Roadhouse shows how much diners love its affordable steaks, popular appetizers, and family-friendly atmosphere.
By Dennis Lee
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In-N-Out has been a West Coast staple for years now, but Tennessee just opened its first three locations. They're so busy there's a special app for wait times.
By Dennis Lee
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The hit cooking show Worst Cooks in America will surely miss the presence of Anne Burrell, but the show will go on with two returning hosts for kitchen mayhem.
By Dennis Lee
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Pickles are enjoying a surge in popularity of late, but this pickle brand reigns supreme. It may surprise you to discover the brand despite its long history.
By Dennis Lee
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If you're conscious about carbs and protein intake, Chipotle has a new menu with you in mind. Higher protein counts and lower carbs are the key components.
By Dennis Lee
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