Michael Palan

With Us Since
2021
Photo of Michael Palan
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Location
New York, New York
School
Indiana University
Expertise
Food History, Fountain Drinks, Anything Fried
  • Michael has visited the test kitchens of KFC, Chili's, Moe's, and McAllister's, broken bread and spoken with such chefs as Dominique Ansel, Kardea Brown, and Shaun Hergatt, as well as Larry Lavine, the founder of Chili's. He has also munched his way through every flavor of Utz potato chips, Pop Tarts, Cadbury chocolate bars, and Girl Scout cookies to rank their greatness for all to enjoy.
  • He once won a White Castle eating contest, and another time celebrated Valentine's Day at that fine dining establishment (that relationship didn't last). He also is never not hungry.
  • In August 2025, Michael was named Static Media writer of the month.

Experience

Michael was born weighing 10 pounds and thus has been a lover of eating since birth. His amazing cook of a mother always indulged him, making many traditional favorites like noodle kugel and squash soufflé, as well as insuring he won the school auction to have a McDonald's lunch with his teachers. He also enjoys dining out at greasy spoon and fine dining establishments with a bit of history. While he was a former Sandwich Artist at Subway, he chose to channel his talents into the arts of film, video, photography, and writing. For the past 25 years, he has worked on Academy Award winning films, Emmy Award winning television shows, had photographs published by New York Magazine, and has written for Tasting Table, Decider, The Takeout, Looper, Mashed, Explore, Chowhound, Food Republic, and The Daily Meal. He also is an unofficial brand ambassador for Popeyes Fried Chicken.

Education

Michael has a bachelor's degree in telecommunications from Indiana University Bloomington.

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 Michael Palan