Erica Martinez - The Takeout

With Us Since

2022

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

School

University of California, Irvine, The Arts Institute Culinary Arts School, San Diego

Expertise

Bold Red Wines, Home-Cooked Mexican Food, Food History

In 1998, Erica got her first taste of Europe on a three-week exploration of five countries, igniting a passion for travel and food.
She launched the blog for Southern California's Ponte Winery which highlighted food and wine pairings.
Her first professional writing job came in 2008 when she was hired as the copywriter for the GNC website division.

Experience

When Erica was pursuing her bachelor's degree in film studies, she had no idea it would lead to a passion for writing. The hours spent analyzing films and writing essays revealed a knack for research and expression through written words, with her favorite topic being food. She has now been writing for various companies for 12 years in the form of website copy, newsletters, press releases, blogs, and emails. Some of the companies she has worked for include Ponte Family Estate Winery, General Nutrition Corporation, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, and Brickhouse Security in New York.

Education

Erica has a bachelor's degree in Film Studies from the University of California at Irvine. She studied abroad in Siena, Italy in college where she studied Film and Tuscan cuisine. She also spent a semester studying Culinary Arts in San Diego, CA.

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 Erica Martinez

The Sheetz Food Item You Should Order Every Time

Whether you're a local, or a cross-country road tripper, save your biggest appetite for the fan-favorite menu item you should always order at Sheetz.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Vintage Fast Food Memorabilia That Are Now Considered Fiery Collectibles

For decades, fast food chains gave out this free promotional item that has gained surprising new popularity among memorabilia collectors today.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Gordon Ramsay's Massive Hangover Cure Sandwich Is Big Enough To Feed 2 People

If you're a little hungover and in need of some energy, Gordon Ramsay's hangover cure sandwich is big enough for two and loaded with hearty ingredients.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Custardy American Fruit That You Won't Find At The Grocery Store

Although U.S. grocery stores offer many types of fruit from all over the world, one delicious homegrown variety is conspicuously absent from store shelves.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Comforting Recipe That Betty White Shared In 1955 Is As Iconic As She Is

In real life, Betty White wasn't one to spend much time cooking. However, in 1955, White shared a recipe that still remains popular all these years later.
By Erica Martinez Read More
NASA Wasn't Happy When Astronaut John Young Smuggled This Food Into Space

Astronauts seem like the buttoned-up type since their very lives depend on getting every detail right. That didn't stop John Young from smuggling this food.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Marilyn Monroe's Favorite Dessert Was A Classic

Screen legend Marilyn Monroe ate protein-rich breakfasts and dinners. But the actress always saved room for a rich, chocolatey dessert at her favorite parlor.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Gluten-Free Folks Should Think Twice Before Grabbing A Box Of This Classic Movie Candy

Planning your diet around gluten intolerance takes some work, but it's important you know what you can and can't eat even at the movie theater.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Company Behind Walmart's Great Value Ice Cream Is Bigger Than You Might Expect

You might be surprised about the company that makes Great Value's ice cream. And you also may be shocked to learn it's pretty famous in the ice cream world.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Over 100-Year Old Coffee Brand Ina Garten Depends On

Ina Garten is a lover of high-quality foods and coffee is no different. This is the 100-year old brand of coffee she's been enjoying for years now.
By Erica Martinez Read More
William H. Macy's Favorite Breakfast Is A Granola Paradise

Multi-hyphenate William H. Macy fuels his days with a granola breakfast made by his wife, actress Felicity Huffman. How does the Oscar nominee take his granola?
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Sparkling Water Brand That Deserves A Spot In Your Fridge

If you're a bubbly water drinker, you know not all those cans and bottles have great quality minerality and fizz. But our favorite brand definitely does.
By Erica Martinez Read More
One Italian-Inspired Vintage Wendy's Menu Item Barely Saw The Light Of Day

There's a reason you have feelings about Italian food at a burger joint. Reminisce about the Italian-inspired fail that never made it to Wendy's regular menu.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Hilarious '60s Commercial That Gave Us One Of The Most Iconic Culinary Catchphrases Of All Time

This iconic 1960s culinary catchphrase stuck so hard to pop culture that you might even know it without having seen the hilarious TV spot. Watch the original.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Think Twice Before Bringing This Store-Bought Dessert To A Potluck Again

Sometimes you have to bring an item to a potluck, and you don't have time to make something from scratch. No problem — but don't bring storebought cupcakes.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Old-School Fruity Campbell's Soups We Wish Would Return

Right now, tomatoes don't count as a fruit. Discover Campbell's discontinued fruity soup line, and which flavors we could totally see making a comeback.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Traditional Meal New Englanders Eat On The 4th Of July

You might think of hot dogs when you imagine a Fourth of July spread, but a New England Independence Day table might feature this vibrant dish instead.
By Erica Martinez Read More
This Nutty Lindt Lindor Truffle Flavor Is Our Favorite By A Mile

When it comes to Lindt Lindor truffle flavors, one variant clearly stands out from the rest. It's a simple combination of tastes, yet it's undeniably the best.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Forgotten Celebrity Chef Who Hosts The Longest Running Cooking Show In America

This cooking show might have debuted before you were born. But it's still going strong thanks to its beloved host, and the most comforting food on the planet.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Best Auntie Anne's Pretzels Are Bite-Sized Delights

If we had to choose our favorite among all of Auntie Anne's Pretzel offerings, one kind of delightfully bite-sized treat beats the rest of the menu.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Do You Know The Difference Between Tartar Sauce And Remoulade?

Order a plate of seafood, and it'll often come with a serving of tartar sauce or remoulade. But the two sauces aren't identical — learn what sets them apart.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Classic Italian Pasta That Sophia Loren Loves To Make

One of Sophia Loren's favorite Italian pastas is simple to make but still big on flavor. It's a dish rich with history that's great to have in your repertoire.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Charlie Chaplin's Go-To Breakfast Hot Cakes Featured A Unique Addition

Even though silent films are now a thing of the past, iconic actor Charlie Chaplin's legacy still lives on with this amazing pancake recipe.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Martha Stewart's Go-To Hot Dog Joint Was Also A Favorite Of Anthony Bourdain

Martha loves a loaded hot dog, but when she's not firing up the grill, she's stopping by the same spot frequented by the iconically irreverent Anthony Bourdain.
By Erica Martinez Read More
Ina Garten's Husband Gave A Hard Pass To Just One Of Her Dishes

Wait, there was something Jeffrey didn't like? Find out which one of Ina Garten's recipes got a thumbs down, according to her easy-going hubby.
By Erica Martinez Read More
The Famous Farmers Market Ava Gardner Loved To Shop At Is Still Around

Big-time stars like Ava Gardner and many more frequented a long-standing, popular farmer's market that you can still shop at in Los Angeles, California today.
By Erica Martinez Read More
This Classic Italian Dish Was One Of Frank Sinatra's Go-To Orders

Frank Sinatra traveled a lot as he toured, but he was particularly fond of a New York Italian restaurant where he would always order this classic dish.
By Erica Martinez Read More

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