Kristen Pizzo - The Takeout

Location

Portland, Oregon

School

University of Central Florida

Expertise

Vegan/Vegetarian Eats, Iced Coffee Drinks, Must-Try Dessert Shops

Kristen's lived experience with eating disorders has shaped her style of food writing with an anti-diet lens and her commitment to honoring her sweet tooth.
She is relentless in her pursuit of the best coffee, with a goal of trying every coffee shop in Portland.
In 2024, Kristen produced her first screenplay, a feature film that is set to debut at film festivals in late 2025/early 2026.

Experience

Kristen got her start in food writing in the summer of 2016 as an editorial intern with the college food publication Spoon University. In school, she had the opportunity to study food rhetoric in pop culture through her coursework. After graduation, she landed her first paid food writing gig as a freelance contributor for the Hyperflyer restaurant rewards app blog. Her most recent writing position was as a copywriter for GoAirmart, an e-commerce platform for home-based chefs, bakers, and other food entrepreneurs.

Education

Kristen earned a Bachelor of Arts in writing and rhetoric from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

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 Kristen Pizzo

Yes, You Can Brown Butter In The Microwave. Here's How To Do It

It's an easy way to upgrade a number of recipes, from baked goods to flavorful pasta, but browning butter on the stove can be touchy — here's an easier way.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Why You Should Let Your Dishes Soak Before Washing Them

Did you know that letting your dishes soak before washing them is actually a good dishwashing technique? We'll discuss the benefits as well as when to soak.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The Baked 1950s Sandwich That Makes Grilled Cheese Look Weak

Are you looking to serve small bites at your next gathering that'll wow your guests? This 1950s sandwich is simple to make and better than grilled cheese.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The Best Shaken Espresso Uses This Bold Sweetener

If you love a delicious shaken espresso and want to start making your own at home, there's a sweet secret coffee shops have that you'll want to know about.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Is Canadian Maple Syrup Really That Different From The American Kind?

Canada has certainly made a name for itself in the world of maple syrup, but is what comes out of Canada really all that different from what America produces?
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake That Is Almost Too Easy Not To Make

For those who are craving a quick sweet treat, this three-ingredient apple cake is one of the easiest recipes you'll ever use.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
This Old-School Candy Shop In NYC Has Been A Local Mainstay For Nearly 90 Years

While this old school candy shop in New York City doesn't have the aesthetic appeal of certain other stores, it's got strategy and a great story to tell.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The Luscious No-Bake Chocolate Cake You Can Make With Just 2 Ingredients

It's easy to get bogged down in complicated recipes with multiple ingredients when you're making dessert, but this just mixes two things together. Easy peasy.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Whatever Happened To Coconut Girl From Shark Tank?

The Sharks took Frankie Yamsuan's sweet bait, but did her frozen dessert company get put on ice? Here's what happened to Coconut Girl after Shark Tank.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The 3-Ingredient Combo That Turns Corn Into A Refreshing Dessert

Looking to finish that corn before summer is finally over and fall blows in? Don't miss out on this delicious dessert combo that only uses a few ingredients.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The Bygone New York Restaurant Marilyn Monroe Loved To Visit

The homely decor, welcoming atmosphere, and classic dishes made this NY Italian restaurant a favorite among stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Why A Metal Baking Pan Is Ideal For Making Granita At Home

Granita is a perfect summertime treat, and it's so easy to make using a metal baking pan. Here's the science behind it. Granita is easy to make in a pinch,
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Is Whole Grain Really Healthier Than Other Breads? Here's What To Know

You have probably heard that whole grain bread is “better” that other options at the grocery store, but what does that term really mean in everyday terms?
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The 2-Ingredient Maple Dirty Soda That You'll Want To Make All Fall Long

If you're growing bored of pumpkin spice lattes, or you want a simpler alternative, try this autumnal dirty soda recipe using only soda and two ingredients.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The 3 Ingredients You Need To Make Simple Beer Bread

Bread doesn't need to be complicated and this simple beer bread recipe proves it. With only three ingredients in the mix, you'll have a fresh loaf in no time.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Transform King's Hawaiian Rolls Into This Sweet Breakfast Pastry In Just A Few Steps

If your emotional support bread is King's Hawaiian, cozy up to the world's most comforting breakfast pastry with a 12-pack of rolls and a few easy steps.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Why Bananas Are Everywhere In Tokyo (And How They Became Such An Iconic Symbol Of The City)

Bananas may seem ordinary, but in Tokyo they’ve taken on a surprising role. The story behind this city's sweet symbol is richer than you’d expect.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
This Iconic Candy Store Is 'The Most Impressive Nepo Baby Passion Project', According To TikTok

You love the merch, the candy, and maybe you decorated your bedroom just like the store. Here's how this iconic candy shop gained its cult-like following.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The Unconventional Fruit You Should Be Adding To Scrambled Eggs

If you're tired of eating your scramble eggs plain, you should include this sweet ingredient to add some excitement. Here's how to cook eggs with the fruit.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The Tangy Dairy Addition That Makes Milkshakes Extra Creamy

For a milkshake with the best possible flavor and texture, you need to add this ingredient. Swap out the regular milk if you want the creamiest treat.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Dum Dums' Mystery Flavor Is Always Changing, Here's The Clever Reason

There are so many possibilities for what flavor you'll find under the purple wrapper of a mystery Dum Dum. Here's the interesting reason why.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Is Fiji Water Worth The Money Or Overpriced? It's Complicated.

Fiji Water seems to hold a certain level of status, but why is that? Is there something about this brand of bottled water that justifies the high price tag?
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
This Is Why Dried Fruit Is So Much More Expensive Than Fresh

It seems silly to pay so much money for a bag of dried apple, mango, or pineapple pieces, but there is actually a very good reason for the hefty price tag.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
They're Cute, But Most Lemonade Stands Are Completely Illegal

A child setting up a lemonade stand on their front lawn seems harmless enough, but in most states, this is actually against the law. Here's why.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
The Once-Popular Old School Type Of Vending Machine That's Still Going Strong In Japan

When it comes to grabbing a drink on the go in Japan, vending machines certainly come to mind. One beverage in particular remains notably popular.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Why The Baltic Sea Is A Graveyard For Champagne Bottles

You might not think that Champagne and the Baltic Sea are related, but you can actually find a bunch of this sparkling wine at the bottom of the ocean there.
By Kristen Pizzo Read More
Why Some People Call Sprinkles 'Jimmies'

Sprinkles are known as jimmies in some regions of the United States, especially on the East Coast and in New England, but why is this the case?
By Kristen Pizzo Read More

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