Michael Palan

With Us Since

2021

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.

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