Ellery Weil - The Takeout

Location

London, United Kingdom

School

University of Michigan, University College London

Expertise

Food History, Home Cooking, Viral Food Trends

Ellery earned her PhD in History in 2023. As a specialist in the Victorian Era, she has attempted to recreate some of Queen Victoria's favorite meals.
Her 2023 article on the Government Cheese Caves of Missouri was highlighted by author Jack El-Hai and director Julian Simpson in both of their newsletters.
She joined Static Media as a contributing writer for The Takeout in 2025.

Experience

Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and historian who has been writing professionally for over six years. She began writing out of pure interest while studying at the University of Michigan, with a feminist issues column for the Michigan Daily, Weil Can Do It, and has kept up with it through her undergraduate and postgraduate studies, eventually turning to writing as a profession. She has written for academic and popular publications, including Atlas Obscura, Messy Nessy Chic, Lilith, Haloscope, Byline, and many more.

Education

Ellery has a bachelor's in political science from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, and a master's and PhD in history from University College London.

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 Ellery Weil

The Once-Popular '70s Steakhouse That Met Its End In 2017

This unique steak restaurant had a moment in the 1970s and 1980s and had locations across the U.S. and Canada. Those nostalgic for it can never visit it again.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Old-School Sandwich That's Considered Beyond Gross Today

People can be so creative with their sandwich combos, which is likely the driving force of this old-school sandwich that might sound questionable to you.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Expensive Seafood Elizabeth Taylor Splurged On Was Once Banned In The US

Discover the surprising history behind the luxury, pricey seafood delicacy that Elizabeth Taylor enjoyed that was once banned in the United States.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The President Who Served The Worst Food In White House History

Every president has brought their unique eating habits to the White House, but this commander in chief served food that was notoriously terrible.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Gone-Too-Soon Filet-O-Fish McDonald's Mascot Almost No One Remembers

The popular Filet-O-Fish once had its own McDonald's mascot, but the unusual character disappeared so quickly that few people remember it today.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Old-School Ice Cream Flavor That's Still Super Popular In Jamaica

You might not have heard of this ice cream flavor, but it's widely popular in Jamaica, where the old-school dessert is more readily available than in the U.S.
By Ellery Weil Read More
This Brilliant Dollar Tree Hack WIll Finally Free Up Your Precious Counter Space

This clever Dollar Tree hack helps you reclaim precious counter space in your kitchen with a simple, budget-friendly storage solution that anyone can try.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Expensive Bulk Buying Mistake That Could Cost You Hundreds

This costly bulk buying mistake can wipe out any savings from your grocery trip, and end up costing you hundreds in wasted money and spoiled goods.
By Ellery Weil Read More
It's Probably Time To Toss Your Old Vanilla Extract — Especially If It Looks And Smells Like This

If your vanilla extract smells off or looks like this, it’s probably time to toss it in the trash. Here’s how to tell when vanilla is past its prime.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Unfortunate Way Drug Cartels Profit From Mexican Avocados

That ripe green avocado you're enjoying? It may have helped to fund organized crime in Mexico. Learn how the global avocado trade is caught up in cartels.
By Ellery Weil Read More
Yes, You Can Put Aluminum Foil In The Microwave — But Always Check This First

There's a saying about microwaves that you should never put metal inside them. If that's true, why and when is it okay to put aluminum foil inside?
By Ellery Weil Read More
How The First Presidential Chef Escaped George Washington

The very first chef to the President of the United States ended his career by fleeing from George Washington's home. This is why the man tried to escape.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Old-School Cheesy Pasta Dish Only Ohioans Will Recognize

This old-school cheesy pasta dish is a nostalgic Ohio favorite and was served in cafeterias. Here’s why locals still crave this regional comfort classic.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Seafood That Stephen King Called Horrible

What food haunts the mind of the man who wrote "Carrie" and "Cujo"? Stephen King has a deep-seated distaste for this one famous nautical nosh.
By Ellery Weil Read More
There's A Secret Meaning Coded Into Waffle House's Tile Flooring. Here's What It Is

Waffle House’s iconic tile flooring isn’t just for looks. It carries a hidden meaning that's important for line cooks and wait staff when ordering your food.
By Ellery Weil Read More
You Shouldn't Use Costco's Kirkland Olive Oil For Drizzling — Here's Why

You may want to skip Costco’s Kirkland Signature olive oil for drizzling — here’s why it’s better suited for cooking than for finishing dishes.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Old-School Cookies That Katharine Hepburn Always Had To Have On Deck

Katharine Hepburn's favorite crisp and delicate cookies are exactly what you need for afternoon tea or a sweet morning treat with a cup of coffee.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Philadelphia Hoagie Joint That Has Been Around For Over 100 Years

Surviving even a few years as a restaurant is impressive, but this Philadelphia hoagie joint has been serving up sandwiches for over a century.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Best Time To Buy Peaches Starts Earlier Than You Think

The best time to buy peaches starts earlier than you think. Here’s when to shop for the juiciest, most flavorful fruit of the season no matter where you live.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Old-School 'Luxury' Lunch Meat '70s Kids Packed For School

This retro processed deli meat from Oscar Mayer had a splendid name. You can't get your hands on this specific product anymore, but you can still sample it.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Fitting Korean Meaning Behind The 'H' In H Mart

You might frequent H Mart, the Korean grocery chain, but you probably don't know the meaning behind the "H" in its name. Here's the origin story.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Divisive Soul Food Aretha Franklin Adored

Aretha Franklin loved a popular Southern soul food classic that still sparks debate today, dividing diners with its bold flavor and deep roots.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Most Popular Cheese In The US (It Isn't American Or Cheddar)

The most popular cheese in the United States isn’t American or cheddar. Here’s which cheese takes the top spot — and why it wins fans nationwide.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The Prototype Of The Rainforest Cafe Was A Major Fire Hazard

It's rare to find people as passionate as the founder of the Rainforest Cafe, who created a prototype for the restaurant despite the fire risk.
By Ellery Weil Read More
Check For This Before Buying Secondhand Stainless Steel Cookware

Finding used stainless steel cookware for a good price is a win, but not every piece is worth buying. Here's what you should check for before purchasing it.
By Ellery Weil Read More
The World's Oldest Cheese Was Found Smeared In An Unexpected Place

The world’s oldest cheese was discovered smeared in a surprising place, revealing new clues about ancient diets and ties to today's dairy traditions.
By Ellery Weil Read More
McDonald's Egg McMuffins Used To Come With Some Sweet Additions

The McDonald's Egg McMuffin is a pretty straightforward and classic breakfast sandwich, but the original version of the menu item was a whole lot sweeter.
By Ellery Weil Read More

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