"Fine" Dining on Steno.fm

"Fine" Dining

Comedian Michael Ornelas dives deep into the stories behind your favorite chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel, McDonald's, and Chili's before reviewing them with a new guest each week in search of the perfect 5-out-of-10 "fine" dining experience.

S3 E12 · Wed, April 23, 2025
Is Joe's Crab Shack the Best Chain Seafood Restaurant?
🦞 Joe’s Crab Shack (Part 2): Heavenly Shrimp, Sloppy Lob, & Dessert Scores 11 out of 10 🦞 After diving into the shady past of Joe’s Crab Shack, it was finally time to eat. In this episode, I head to the Disney-adjacent location with friend and podcast voiceover contributor Sandy Rose to see if the crab still holds up. From shockingly great coconut shrimp to a fish filet that straight-up betrayed us, we cover every bite, every bathroom handle, and every s’more-stained moment in our quest to determine if Joe’s is truly the perfectly mediocre restaurant. Is Joe’s Crab Shack a crustacean celebration? Or just chaos in a cowboy hat? 🍤 Jumbo Coconut Shrimp That Changed Sandy’s Life 🐟 Fried Fish So Bad It Made Us Question Reality 🍰 Campfire S'mores Dessert – Sugar, Fire, and Too Much Cake 🧼 Bathroom Handles & Sauce-Covered Soap Dispensers 🧂 Captain’s Sauce: A Flavor Bomb or Suicide Mission? 🥔 The Cajun Platter That Made One of Us Cry (Almost) 🧃 Coleslaw, Cucumber Salad & My First-Ever Hard-Boiled Egg 👯‍♀️ Where Were the Dancing Servers?! 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Is Joe's the best seafood in chain restaurant dining? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic deep dives into fast-casual dining! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van <p class="" data-st
S3 E12 · Wed, April 16, 2025
Joe's Crab Shack: Drunk Toddlers, Racist Decor, & WHO THE HELL IS JOE
Joe’s Crab Shack has been serving seafood and sass since 1991 — but who is Joe? In this week’s episode, I dig deep into the murky origins of this kitschy crustacean-themed chain, uncovering mystery, missteps, and marketing that somehow works. From accidentally boozed-up babies to scandalous decorations and trans fat deception, Joe’s has made some serious waves. Plus, I’m joined by longtime friend and podcast voice Sandy Rose to question whether you can truly trust a restaurant that sells shirts saying “I’ve Got Crabs.” Is Joe’s just a goofy seafood joint? Or a case study in chaotic chain dining gone rogue? 🦐 Who is Joe? And why can’t we find him? 🕺 Dancing Servers & Shark Mocktails Gone Horribly Wrong 🚫 The No-Tipping Policy That Sunk Morale 💀 The Lynching Photo That Sparked Outrage 🧈 Trans Fat Lies (and Why They Were So Tasty) 👕 Merch Madness: Peace, Love & Crabs 📉 From 130+ Locations to Just 20 Today 🏝️ Sandy Rose’s Holiday-Themed Restaurant Pitch 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you eaten at Joe’s Crab Shack? Did your waiter dance or just bring you trauma? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love deep dives into crabby chaos! 👉 NEXT WEEK: We ate at Joe’s. Was it all kitsch and crabs — or something much weirder? Stay tuned. 🪝
S3 E11 · Wed, April 09, 2025
Panera Bread Is a Pastry Paradise
We finally ate at Panera Bread — and while the bakery items impressed, the rest of the experience was a chaotic medley of kiosk confusion, bathroom code injustice, and raw onion overload. I’m joined once again by Lyss Johnson (comedian, friend, and former Panera employee) as we break down every detail of our in-person visit to the iconic soup-slinging, salad-stacking chain. Can the cinnamon crunch bagel save this spot from mediocrity? Or is Panera coasting on vibes and vending machine tech? 🥯 The Cinnamon Crunch Bagel That Nearly Ruined Our Lives (In a Good Way) 🍲 Fireside Chili in a Bread Bowl That Got Weirdly Placental 📟 Ordering Kiosk Nightmares and the Case of the Disappearing French Dip 🚽 Bathroom Codes Are Inhumane – Let the People Pee 🍪 The Cookie That Made Us Chipper (and Maybe Changed Our Lives) 🎨 Lettuce Art, Cucky Murals, and Farmer-Flattering Decor 🎶 Off-Brand Pop Anthems That Broke Our Brains 🐔 Lyss Johnson's Score, a Chicken Bag Horror Story, and the Panera Perverts 💬 JOIN THE DISCUSSION: What’s your Panera go-to? Is the soup worth the struggle? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you believe every restaurant deserves a fair trial! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We set sail for Joe’s Crab Shack — nautical nonsense or seafood salvation? 🦀
S3 E11 · Wed, April 02, 2025
Panera Bread: Infinite Refills, Caffeinated Chaos, and Chicken Controversies
🚨 Panera Bread: Infinite Refills, Chicken Fights & Lemonade Lawsuits 🚨 From a humble Missouri bakery to one of the most recognizable fast-casual chains in the country, Panera Bread has been on a wild ride. This week, I dive deep into the breadbasket of chaos that is Panera’s history — including aggressive ad campaigns, billion-dollar innovations, and a beverage scandal that stirred national headlines. Plus, I’m joined by Lyss Johnson — comedian and former Panera employee — to break down what it’s really like behind the counter at America’s favorite soup & salad spot. Was Panera ever really the cozy bread haven we remember? Or has it always been a little bit soup, a little bit shady? 🥖 The $150,000 Loan That Became a $7 Billion Bread Empire 🐔 How Panera's "EZ Chicken" Campaign Offended Farmers Nationwide 📲 The Rise of Panera 2.0 and the iPad-ification of Soup 🍋 Charged Lemonade Controversy – What Actually Happened? 🥤 Unlimited Sip Club: The Most Underrated Beverage Subscription Ever? 🥗 Why Panera’s Vibe Has Changed (and Who It’s Really For Now) 💰 Rising Prices, Declining Quality – Can Panera Still Deliver? 🧓 Lyss Johnson’s Shocking (and Bird-Filled) Walks Home from Panera 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you still love Panera? Or is it just overpriced soup in a bread bowl? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FineDiningPodcast 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love deep dives into fast-casual chaos! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re reviewing Panera Bread in real time — and it’s not the Panera you remember. Stay tuned. 🥣
S3 E10 · Wed, March 26, 2025
Is Dairy Queen Worth a 2 Hour Drive?
🍦 We Drove 2 Hours for Dairy Queen – Was It Worth It? 🍦 We hit the road and drove nearly two hours to the nearest Dairy Queen Grill & Chill to finally see if there’s more to DQ than just frozen nostalgia. We tried three burgers (including a surprisingly delicious Flamethrower), fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, and two iconic desserts—the Blizzard and the Banana Split. The building looked half-abandoned, the service felt five-star, and the bathroom was designed by David Lynch, apparently. Is Dairy Queen just a dessert destination with a food menu on the side—or is it a true contender for America’s most mediocre chain? Indie filmmaker Tyler Eaton joins me to evaluate! 🎙 IN THIS EPISODE: 🔥 The Flamethrower Burger Actually Brought the Heat (and Flavor) 🍨 The Blizzard: A 10/10 Dessert Worth the Hype 🥶 The Banana Split That Summoned My Grandpa’s Spirit 😬 The Fries and Onion Rings Were… Not It 🚽 A Bathroom So Weird It Deserves Its Own Movie 🥄 Why the Chicken Strips Were the Definition of “Just There” 🏰 DQ Needs to Embrace Its Royal Branding Already! 💬 JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOW: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus Yelp Reviews & Exclusive Episodes!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Talk chain restaurants & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎬 Check out guest Tyler Eaton’s indie horror-comedy Mysterious Ways – coming soon to YouTube, Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV+, and Tubi! 👉 NEXT WEEK: Panera Bread gets the "Fine" Dining treatment. Let's learn all about that lemonade with a body count...
S3 E10 · Wed, March 19, 2025
Dairy Queen’s Rise to Power – The Blizzard Effect
Dairy Queen is more than just ice cream—it was one of the first fast-food chains to take over America. In this episode, we dive into how a self-proclaimed chemist helped perfect soft serve, why DQ dominated the 1950s, and the moment that changed everything: the invention of the Blizzard. Joining me is writer & director Tyler Eaton of the new horror-comedy film Mysterious Ways , as we explore Dairy Queen’s rise, its questionable hot food menu, and whether it still lives up to its legendary status today. 🎙 IN THIS EPISODE: 🍦 How Dairy Queen exploded to 1,400+ locations in just 10 years ❄️ The Blizzard: Can Dairy Queen even take credit for it? 🏁 Did Dairy Queen help spark the fast-food boom in America? 🤔 How did a 14-year-old inspire the most famous upside-down dessert? 🍔 Hear all of DQ's slogans throughout the years! 🎤 Gwen Stefani worked at Dairy Queen?! 📢 JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOW: 🔥 Patreon (Exclusive bonus content!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Fast food talk & horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@FineDiningPodcast 🔗 All links : www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We visit Dairy Queen <strong data-start="1543" data-end=
S3 E9 · Wed, March 12, 2025
Taco Bell Proved Me Wrong (But Not About Everything)
After avoiding it for over a decade, I finally stepped back inside a Taco Bell —and I was not ready for what I found. The Baja Blast ? Genuinely delicious. The Crunchwrap Supreme ? A smart design, poorly executed. The guacamole ? It's giving Home Depot. In this episode, comedian & actress Priya Pappu joins me to break down the good, the not good, and everything in between about eating inside a Taco Bell. From its strangely sterile atmosphere to its impressively bad beef portions , we’re analyzing it all to find out if it truly represents fast-food mediocrity . 🎙 IN THIS EPISODE: Does Taco Bell’s food go bad faster than any other fast food? Why the Chalupa was my biggest disappointment Should you trust Taco Bell’s guacamole? (Spoiler: No.) How Taco Bell’s weirdest marketing collabs have kept it relevant Why their kiosks make the dining experience feel less personal 📢 JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOW: 🔥 Patreon (Exclusive bonus content!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Fast food talk & horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch on YouTube: htt
S3 E9 · Wed, March 05, 2025
How Taco Bell Became Fast Food’s Most Creative Brand
Taco Bell Is the Most Creative Fast Food Restaurant—But At What Cost? Taco Bell is the fast-food chain that isn’t afraid to get weird. Over the years, they’ve served up bold (and sometimes questionable ) menu items like the Naked Chicken Chalupa, the Firecracker Burrito, and even a Kit Kat Quesadilla . But alongside its reputation for creativity, Taco Bell has a messy history—food recalls, bizarre marketing stunts, and legal battles that only Taco Bell could pull off. In this episode, comedian Priya Pappu joins me to unpack the history of America’s most inventive fast-food chain . We dive into how Taco Bell was founded, its strangest discontinued items, its failed upscale spin-off, and the time it got sued for serving horse meat in Europe (yikes). We also check Yelp reviews for the Taco Bell we visited—because people have some thoughts . Also, VyVy Nguyen is back and here to read a fan-submitted What's Going On Over There from the show's Discord server! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode! IN THIS EPISODE: ✔️ Taco Bell’s Origins – Started by a guy named Bell, but not a taco in sight ✔️ The Strangest Menu Items – From Cheetos burritos to Pop Rocks-style tacos ✔️ Marketing Stunts & PR Disasters – They tried to “buy” the Liberty Bell?? ✔️ Healthier Than You Think? – The surprising facts about Taco Bell’s menu ✔️ Lawsuits & Recalls – E. coli outbreaks, metal shavings, & food safety scares ✔️ <strong data-start="34
S3 E8 · Wed, February 26, 2025
Subway Is Even Worse Than You Remember
Subway ’s reputation has been circling the drain for years—but is it really as bad as people say? We tried a bunch of footlongs and we've got thoughts. This week, Terral Wells joins me to put the country’s most common fast-food chain to the test. From a pretzel drier than the Mojave Desert to an interior design aesthetic that actively made Terral upset, we break down every moment of our subpar experience. "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode! WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: 🥖 Is there anything redeemable about Subway? 🫠 The footlong pretzel was a mistake. 🚨 “Is that smell coming from Subway? Damn, that’s crazy.” – A real quote from a real woman outside Subway. 🖼️ Bizarre wall art that we still don’t understand. 🥪 The assembly line: efficient or soul-crushing? 💀 Subway’s decor is so lifeless it might be worse than the food. 🍪 The cookie: the best thing we ate but still just fine. 📉 Where does Subway rank in our search for the most mediocre restaurant in America? 💬 LET ME KNOW: What's the worst thing you've ever eaten at a Subway? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus episodes & extended Yelp reviews!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Talk chain restaurants & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🔗 All links in one place: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love deep dives into chain restaurants! 👉 NEXT WEEK: Taco Bell. Can it score better than Subway? Stay tuned. Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
S3 E8 · Wed, February 19, 2025
Subway’s Disturbing History: Jared, The Infinite Destroyer, & Azodicarbonamide
Subway ’s history is WAY messier than you think. Sure, it’s the biggest fast-food chain in America, but behind the Eat Fresh™ branding lies a disastrous past filled with lawsuits, bizarre marketing stunts, and yes… Jared Fogle. In this episode, Terral Wells joins me to uncover Subway’s wildest moments, from its humble beginnings as a way to fund med school to the time they got sued because their footlongs weren’t actually a foot long. Oh, and did you know there’s a Subway fashion show? Or that you can order something called the Infinite Destroyer sandwich in Tokyo? We’re going deep. "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode! WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: 🥖 Subway’s origins – A sandwich shop meant to pay for med school? 👖 The pants should’ve been the spokesperson – Jared Fogle & the brand’s biggest scandal 🛑 The Subway that almost made me throw my soiled shorts at an employee 🥪 Project Subway Fashion Show – Who asked for this?? 💀 The Infinite Destroyer sandwich (only in Japan!) ⚖️ A lawsuit over 11-inch ‘footlongs’ – The most ridiculous scandal ever 🤡 Marketing gimmicks & chaotic Subway history 🏆 Terral’s dream restaurant – A chain designed for gamblers (yes, really) ⭐ Unhinged Yelp reviews – Subway employees doing too much for minimum wage 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the worst experience you’ve ever had at a Subway? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus episodes & extended Yelp reviews!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Talk chain restaurants & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🔗 All links in one place: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you enjoy deep dives into fast-food disasters! 👉 NEXT WEEK: We eat at Subway. Pray for us. 🚊🥪 Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
S3 E7 · Wed, February 12, 2025
The Only Hooters with Breakfast feat. Alexander Poncio
Hooters Casino Hotel—now rebranded as OYO Hotel & Casino—has been called the worst hotel on the Vegas Strip. But is it really that bad? We put it to the ultimate test by spending 19 hours trapped inside, eating Hooters for dinner AND breakfast (because yes, this is the only Hooters in the country that serves breakfast). And if that wasn’t enough? We also hit up Aussie Heat (a male strip show), sang Dear Theodosia at karaoke (to everyone’s disappointment), and dealt with clogged toilets, broken elevators, and staff who couldn’t care less. "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode! 💀 Spoiler: It was a nightmare. 💀 WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: 🍗 The final Hooter Bowl – Our third (and last) review of Hooters 🏨 The hotel experience – Broken elevators, clueless staff, and the weakest toilets on Earth 🍔 What we ate – Some of the worst food we’ve had… except for the beef sliders, which slapped 🎤 Karaoke chaos – From The Little Mermaid to Rap God to Little Shop of Horrors 🕺 Aussie Heat adventures – Featuring the return of JUB, our ex-sponsor! 💩 Alex’s worst restaurant experience EVER – A little girl took a dump on the floor next to his table 👀 WATCH UNTIL THE END: We give OYO/Hooters its official score in our search for the most mediocre restaurant in America. 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would YOU stay here? Or better yet, what’s the WORST hotel you’ve ever stayed at? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Get exclusive episodes & extended Yelp reviews!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Talk chain restaurants & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🔗 All links in one place: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you enjoy deep dives into chain restaurant chaos! 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re heading to SUBWAY. 🚊🥪 Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Follow Alex on Instagram @ponciosa
S3 E7 · Wed, February 05, 2025
Hooter Bowl 3: The History of the Worst Hotel in Las Vegas feat. Alexander Poncio
Hooters Casino Hotel was meant to be a game-changer—bringing its busty brand of mediocrity to the Las Vegas Strip. Instead, it became one of the biggest disasters in Vegas history. A casino so bad, it made Circus Circus look classy. So... what went wrong? For my third annual Hooter Bowl Spectacular, I had to go big. So I spent 19 hours trapped inside the Hooters Casino Hotel (now OYO), enduring its busted elevators, depressing ambiance, and suspiciously sticky carpets—all for the sake of history. Along the way, my guest Alexander Poncio and I uncover the shocking history of this cursed Las Vegas casino—including its mob ties, multiple bankruptcy scandals, and an abandoned attempt in the 1980s to become Vegas' first LGBTQ-friendly resort. "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode! 💬 What’s the WORST hotel you’ve ever stayed at? Drop it in the Discord! 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🚨 Support the show & unlock exclusive content! 🚨 🍔 Bonus episodes – including deep dives into underrated chains like the most recent monthly exclusive: Dan's Hamburgers (Austin, TX) 📢 Extended Yelp from Strangers segments – with even wilder reviews 🎶 Download exclusive music – including all 7 tracks from our Olive Garden musical! 👉 Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 👉 Hop into the Discord! https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 👉 All links in one place: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎵 Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) 🎶 Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) 🎙 Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Follow Alex on Instagram @ponciosa ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you enjoy deep dives into the weirdest chain restaurant history!
S3 E6 · Wed, January 29, 2025
McDonald's PlayPlace & the McGriddle feat. Chad Damiani [Part Two]
They thought I was sent from corporate! McDonald's Breakfast is arguably the most desirable form of McDonald's, and my Ronald McDonald-looking-ass got to chow down on it with the king of the clowns, Clown Boss Chad Damiani ! The Good: I got treated like a king for coming in dressed as Ronald (and I don't think they knew I wasn't sent from the higher-ups), the McGriddle hits (for me), the hash browns hit (for Chad), and they made no stink about me playing in the PlayPlace The Not Good: The Chicken Biscuit is the drier than heck, and the ordering kiosk gave Chad a difficult time The Just There: The Egg McMuffin What We Ate: Sausage McGriddle, Egg McMuffin, Hash Browns, Deluxe Pancake Breakfast with Bacon, & the Chicken Biscuit Chad made the mistake of romanticizing a diner that did NOT live up to any expectations of decency in this week's Calibration Station "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (In just a couple days, my January Patreon exclusive episode drops, and I get to cover my all-time favorite burger chain, Dan's Hamburgers out of Austin, TX with my friend Gabe Alvarez ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Join the show's Discord server: https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 Send in your McDonald's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chad on Instagram @thechadda
S3 E6 · Wed, January 22, 2025
McDonald's Breakfast Isn't Clowning Around feat. Chad Damiani
A magic belt that produced burgers? It's before 10:30am, which means it's time for McDonald's Breakfast ! Learn the history of this iconic (and, in my opinion: better) half of McDonald's menu before diving into the clown lore of Ronald McDonald himself with the Clown Boss Chad Damiani Chad tells the story of a McDonald's fiasco his brother experienced all to try and save a few bucks McDonald's breakfast started as something offered by one location just "trying it out" -- something that would never be tolerated in today's corporate landscape The creator of the McGriddle is a fast food maverick also response for the SmashBurger chain, the stuffed crust pizza at Pizza Hut, JIF peanut butter, and more! Ronald McDonald isn't very visible these days, and that's no accident New segment! Hear the restaurant of Chad's dreams: The Tiny Diner A Yelper reviews the drink he got at McDonald's on his way to dinner somewhere else "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I closed the year with my Patreon exclusive episode covering rude-service-on-purpose restaurant chain Dick's Last Resort after driving to Las Vegas with friend and season 1 cheese correspondent Steven Zurita ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your McDonald's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast <span style="font-we
S3 E5 · Wed, January 15, 2025
America's Largest IKEA feat. Chris Grace [Part Two]
"I don't have a lot of respect for a meatball!" IKEA Swedish Bistro has a tough battle if it wants to be taken seriously on its culinary merits. Does it stake its claim as a contender in the pantheon of viable restaurants? Dropout's Chris Grace joins me to evaluate! The Good: The cafeteria set up (for Chris), the garlic bread, many of the desserts, the scenic vista of Griffith Park, and the place is clean The Not Good: The grimy hallway of tray return, the fries, the "fake" feeling made me dissociate, lack of variety, and the cinnamon roll The Just There: Chicken Fingers, the service, the vibes, and sadly: the meatballs What We Ate: Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Lingonberry Jam, Garlic Bread, Lemon Cod, Chicken Fingers, French Fries, Cinnamon Roll, Santa Fe Chicken Eggroll, Caramel Almond Cake, Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Swedish Apple Cake, Chocolate Coconut Bites, New York Cheesecake Chris talks about a tense interaction with a server in Edinburgh while detailing the worst meal he's ever had "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I closed the year with my Patreon exclusive episode covering rude-service-on-purpose restaurant chain Dick's Last Resort after driving to Las Vegas with friend and season 1 cheese correspondent Steven Zurita ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your IKEA stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chris Grace on Ins
S3 E5 · Wed, January 08, 2025
IKEA's Meatballs Aren't Actually Even Swedish feat. Chris Grace
Food from a furniture store? I'm joined by Chris Grace from NBC's Superstore to tackle the largest furniture retailer in the world IKEA and their fabled Swedish Bistro which happens to be the 6th-largest food chain internationally! "Coffee and a biscuit" was where it all began in Sweden Despite being what they're known for, the Swedish Meatball (which isn't even actually Swedish) didn't hit the menu until the 80s, almost 30 years after open There were plans for a viking themed restaurant originally! A nightmare green hot dog and food made of mealworms?? A Yelper writes with whimsy and then drops it before the end and Chris thinks it's hacky "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I closed the year with my Patreon exclusive episode covering rude-service-on-purpose restaurant chain Dick's Last Resort after driving to Las Vegas with friend and season 1 cheese correspondent Steven Zurita ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your IKEA stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chris on Instagram @chrisgracecomedy Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! <span style="font-weight: 400;
S3 E4 · Wed, December 25, 2024
Snitching on Santa at Arctic Circle feat. Santa Claus [Part Two]
We come bearing gifts! Arctic Circle seemed like the best place to review with Santa Claus in tow, so we took a road trip out to southern Utah to try it! The Good: the mini corn dogs were genuinely great, and Santa brightened a few patrons' days by having gifts for the children! The Not Good: Someone complained to management about aforementioned gift-giving, and we had to cease, also not all the food was great The Just There: To be honest, this whole chain was pretty mediocre What We Ate: Three burgers (standard, bacon, and pastrami), pumpkin pie milkshake, fries, Spanish onion rings, mini corn dogs, cheese curds, root beer ice cream (with a butterscotch topper), fry sauce Santa talks about eating "rabbit on a swing" during the fanciest meal he's ever had "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode about Pacific Northwest Seafood institution Ivar's Acres of Clams came out just a few weeks ago! From bomb threats to no working water, my guest, author Temple West and I went through a LOT just to eat here), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Arctic Circle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Mark Gray on Instagram @markwgray Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you g
S3 E4 · Wed, December 18, 2024
Who Invented Fry Sauce? feat. Santa Claus
Road trip to Utah! What a get! This week, I had the honor of taking Santa Claus himself to the restaurant that makes the absolute most sense to review with Kris Kringle: Arctic Circle . If you don't know it, think Dairy Queen Grill & Chill. They do the dipped cone thing but more importantly, they claim to have invented fry sauce Not only do we get the history of this chain and fry sauce itself, but there's a lot of genuinely fascinating Santa Claus lore that I didn't know! Is Santa Claus technically a cryptid? A Yelper does not appreciate the attitude of the employees after her bun falls apart "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode just dropped on Ivar's Acres of Clams in Seattle, WA and the founder was a MAV-ER-ICK. Author Temple West joins me to chat all about it and how literal bombs on the freeway derailed our plans), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Arctic Circle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Santa by being Good this year For no particular reason, you can also follow Mark Gray on Instagram @markwgray Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! <span style="font-w
S3 E3 · Wed, December 11, 2024
Best Chain Salad? California Pizza Kitchen Review feat. Holly Brown [Part Two]
I love CPK, but not for the pizza! California Pizza Kitchen is such a favorite of mine, I'm surprised it took 70 episodes to get to it! My guest, comedian Holly Brown is just as passionate about this chain as I am, so this was a great time The Good includes my favorite salad ever, Holly & my pasta dishes, & the vibes The Not Good: The BBQ Chicken Pizza, the pasta plate real estate, the complimentary bread portions The Just There: This location didn't smell like a septic tank for once! What we ate: White Corn Guac & Chips, Bread & Oil, Thai Crunch Salad, Fettucine Alfredo, Spaghetti Bolognese, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Butter Cake, Mango Strawberry Lemonade Holly's least favorite restaurant experience ever is every Californian's trauma "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode about Pacific Northwest Seafood institution Ivar's Acres of Clams came out just a few weeks ago! From bomb threats to no working water, my guest, author Temple West and I went through a LOT just to eat here), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your California Pizza Kitchen stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Holly on Instagram @hollybrowncomedy Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! </sp
S3 E3 · Wed, December 04, 2024
California Pizza Kitchen Was Pasta First? feat. Holly Brown
Viola Davis' favorite chain? California Pizza Kitchen has some truly fascinating claims - from pizzas innovated in their kitchen to being the first chain to outlaw smoking in their restaurants - I dive into all of it with comedian Holly Brown Holly used to work at CPK, which makes her the first former employee of the restaurant-of-the-week I've had as a guest on the show The Eat Deets will teach you about how CPK was originally a pasta concept A baffling viral mishap regarding mac & cheese The Secret Menu: Legal Eats Not only is CPK Viola Davis' favorite chain restaurant, but Holly served her! A Yelper writes an absolute epic about crossing the highest reward tier threshold at California Pizza Kitchen "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode just dropped on Ivar's Acres of Clams in Seattle, WA and the founder was a MAV-ER-ICK. Author Temple West joins me to chat all about it and how literal bombs on the freeway derailed our plans), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your California Pizza Kitchen stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Holly on Instagram @hollybrowncomedy Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! <sp
S3 E2 · Wed, November 27, 2024
No Nips for Us! Strip Club Review feat. Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough [Episode 69 Special Part Two]
No Nut November + the 69th Restaurant! Nice! Note: One of the mics wasn't working properly. It should sound fine, but Dana is a little quieter than I would've liked. Apologies in advance. Note #2: This was also recorded before the decision was made to shake up the show's format this season, so it's the final episode to contain "This Is Way Too Much," "What's Going On Over There?" and no super awesome cold opens. Sam's Hofbrau is technically a strip club, but not based on what we experienced! I brought adult film star Ryan Keely and Dana Scarborough of the I Seduce the Dragon podcast to the strip club for the food which is like reading Playboy for the articles! A metal detector that everyone's setting off, and no one's doing anything about it Ryan details why we legally weren't able to see any nips "It's my first day" What's Going On Over There with Herbert asking an actively-dancing stripper to do a pull-up?? What we ate: Street tacos, hamburger, breakfast sandwich, wings, fries, & coffee Ryan trashes J.W. Marriott while Dana lauds Korean BBQ in the Calibration Station Ryan tries to cause chaos by unrigging and rerigging the You-Must Bowl drawing to force me to go somewhere of her choosing next week "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode about Pacific Northwest Seafood institution Ivar's Acres of Clams comes out in just a few days on the 30th! From bomb threats to no working water, my guest, author Temple West and I went through a LOT just to eat here), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! <
S3 E2 · Wed, November 20, 2024
Strip Club Eats feat. Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough [Episode 69 Special Part One]
My 69th Restaurant! Nice! Note: One of the mics wasn't working properly. It should sound fine, but Dana is a little quieter than I would've liked. Apologies in advance. Sam's Hofbrau is a strip club in Los Angeles that serves food, and I went with adult film star Ryan Keely and Dana Scarborough of the I Seduce the Dragon podcast to celebrate the 69th restaurant review on the main feed of the podcast! The history of serving food at strip clubs How to run your strip club kitchen Tales from the road as Ryan has been a featured dancer all over the country The pole dancer's high heeled pump is considered an athletic shoe? Dana & I passionately disagree with Ryan on the merits of fruit as "dessert" A Yelper gets chased out of the club! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your strip club food stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow I Seduce the Dragon on Instagram @istdpod Follow Ryan Keely @ryankeelytm Follow Dana Scarborough @xoxodanajean Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music,
S3 E1 · Wed, November 13, 2024
Casa Bonita Is My New Favorite Restaurant feat. Ify Nwadiwe [Part Two]
10 months on the waitlist, and well worth it! Casa Bonita is the definition of a dining "experience" with its hodgepodge collection of oddball acts and entertainment, but is it worth flying out of state to grab dinner? I break down this kitschy paradise with my guest, the hilarious Ify Nwadiwe (Dropout TV, Um Actually, Maximum Film) in this week's review episode! The Good: Cliff divers are tremendous fun, the puppet show is expertly entertaining, the magician is a pro, the merch is unrivaled, the food is way better than its reputation would have you believe, a Love Tester machine tells me I'm "burning" with passion, and much more! The Not Good: Manbearpigrilla's handler snubbed us out of a photo op, there's too much to do in one visit, the service pace is overwhelmingly fast, a food assembly line, and there's a lack of clarity on the best way to experience the show The Just There: Rice & beans were whatever What We Ate: Horchata, the Wooly Bully, Chips & Salsa, Mole, Carnitas, Rice, Beans, Enchiladas, & Sopaipillas Ify details his worst & best restaurant experiences in The Calibration Station The second highest score in the history of the podcast! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Casa Bonita stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. <
S3 E1 · Wed, November 06, 2024
The Story of Casa Bonita feat. Ify Nwadiwe
As seen on South Park! Casa Bonita , an institution near Denver, Colorado blends the kitsch of a sprawling indoor theme park with Mexican food, and Ify Nwadiwe (Dropout TV, Um Actually, Maximum Film) is here to learn all about it with me The location that everyone knows and loves isn't the original Casa Bonita, which used to have locations in four different states The Secret Menu: Edible TV Shows I name the winner of the Septemburger $500 giveaway The South Park creators buy Casa Bonita and find themselves hemorrhaging money to the tune of $42 million to restore it A Yelper desperately tries to convince us that post-renovation Casa Bonita is clean now, and we don't know how good we have it "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Casa Bonita stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ify on Instagram @ifynwadiwe Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: <span style="font-weight:
Trailer · Wed, October 30, 2024
Season 3 Trailer!
Season 3 is coming next week! Follow along for season 3 as I'm headed to a lot of fun restaurants! 11/6-11/13 Casa Bonita with Ify Nwadiwe 11/20-11/27 Strip Club Food with Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough 12/4-12/11 California Pizza Kitchen with Holly Brown 12/18-12/25 Arctic Circle with Santa Claus On top of that, I've got some new music to freshen things up, including a brand new opening theme song! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Tomorrow, I'm dropping the October Patreon episode covering the iconic Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next time on "Fine" Dining: Casa Bonita [Part One] ! I'm off to Denver for the season 3 premiere, dropping November 6th, and I brought Dropout's Ify Nwadiwe with me! Ever work at Casa Bonita? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S2 E27 · Wed, October 23, 2024
Season Finale: A Nightmare on WingStreet Review feat. Rachel Bryant (Actor) [Part Two]
The End of Season 2! WingStreet is Pizza Hut's wing brand, and I hit one with my guest this week, actor Rachel Bryant while we both dressed head-to-toe as horror icon Freddy Krueger What's Going On Over There with the pizza boxes replacing the glass on the broken door? Some kids at the Popeyes next door come out to threaten us (some might say it's Way Too Much) The employee had fun putting our order in for "Freddies" The Secret Menu Category: Delicious Hassles What we ate: Wings (4 flavors), Chocolate Donut Bites Rachel talks about dining on top of the Eiffel Tower Two segments get murdered ahead of the new season "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Next week, I'm dropping the October Patreon episode covering the iconic Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your WingStreet stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelamandabryant Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your pod
S2 E27 · Wed, October 16, 2024
A Nightmare on WingStreet: History feat. Rachel Bryant (Actor, "A Hard Place") [Part One]
Part 1 of the season 2 finale! It's A Nightmare on WingStreet as I cover the history of when Pizza Hut & YUM brands incorporated wings into their menu, and I'm joined by prolific horror actor Rachel Bryant We spend the entire finale fully cosplayed as horror icon Freddy Krueger Rachel's primary experience with wings is watching other people eat them at Super Bowl parties Hear the history of Buffalo Wings as a dish in general A Yelper needs relationship counseling, but regardless, likes his wife's suggestion of WingStreet despite his opposition to Pizza Hut as a whole "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I just put out the Septemburger 2024 Semi-Finals & Finals episode and it's available for FREE! Go hear who won this year's tournament), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Cook Out stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelamandabryant Freddy Krueger Make-Up Artists: Brady Allio & Alexa Althen Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: <str
S2 E26 · Wed, October 09, 2024
Cook Out Review feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part Two]
Maybe the best milkshakes in the game! Cook Out is a staple of North Carolina, and I got to sit with host of the Astonishing Legends podcast, Scott Philbrook and try the burgers, hush puppies, and milkshakes that make them famous The Secret Menu Category: Spooky Restaurants A liminal space with Cheerwine decor What's Going On Over There with the handwashing station on the customer side of the ordering station? There's back of house and front of house, and never the two shall meet What we ate: Onion Rings, Hush Puppies, Cajun Fries, Cook Out Style Burger, Out West Style Burger, Steak Style Burger Scott details a restaurant experience so bad, his whole party left with dire stomach issues in this week's Calibration Station "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I just put out the Septemburger 2024 Semi-Finals & Finals episode and it's available for FREE! Go hear who won this year's tournament), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Cook Out stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Astonishing Legends on Instagram @astonishinglegends Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
S2 E26 · Wed, October 02, 2024
Cook Out History feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part One]
Coming to you from Greensboro, North Carolina this week! I'm cross-country again as this week I'm covering the beloved Southern burger chain Cook Out with host of the Astonishing Legends podcast, Scott Philbrook Scott talks his history with Cook Out from back when he was in college, as most locations are open until 3 in the morning Learn the history of Cook Out and their expansive menu that sells at a fraction of the cost of most fast food brands' offerings A couple incidents at Cook Out got managers and employees fired for either refusing or giving poor service to the police A Yelper complains of a "chemically" hot dog that's unfit for dogs "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I just put out the Septemburger 2024 Semi-Finals & Finals episode and it's available for FREE! Go hear who won this year's tournament), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Cook Out stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Astonishing Legends on Instagram @astonishinglegends Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: <stro
S2 E25 · Wed, September 25, 2024
Shake Shack feat. Jen Kober (Stand-Up Comedian)
Septemburger 2024's final stop! I cap off a jetsetting Septemburger with the spot I barely had to go a mile to get to, Shake Shack . One of my go-tos in this this bracket, and I was graced with the presence of hilarious comedian Jen Kober The origins of the place were unclear at the time of filming, but I ultimately learned that the original Shake Shack was called I The Secret Menu Mini-Game: Disastrous Restaurants A very sterile atmosphere corrals customers towards a row of iPads What's Going On Over There with a peculiar conversion overheard between an employee and a customer? Septemburger : It's time to give the White Castle slider the mercy flush it deserves as it goes head to head with the Shackburger What we ate: Crinkle Fries The Shackburger Cookies 'n Cream Shake Chocolate Shake Chicken Bites Hot Dog Smoke Shack Burger (not reviewed until the Septemburger Finals episode on 9/30 on Patreon) Carolina BBQ Burger w/Fried Pickles (will be reviewed if Shake Shack advances to the finals of the tournament) Jen talks about eating a pig's face as she details the worst and best restaurant experiences she's ever had at the Calibration Station "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (August's release covers the other New York restaurant I reviewed: Ess-a-Bagel with my girlfriend <str
S2 E24 · Wed, September 18, 2024
White Castle feat. Coyal Harrison (Visit Vegas Places Podcast)
Septemburger 2024's most upsetting stop! I'm in Las Vegas this week to hit the nearest White Castle to me with Vegas native (and host of the Visit Vegas Places podcast) Coyal Harrison and is not a good meal Apparently the White Castle slider was literally created in a moment of frustration when the founder couldn't quite figure out how to do meatballs, so he squashed it, put it on a bun, and called it edible The Secret Menu Mini-Game: Comedy Restaurants This White Castle is attached to a casino, so the vibes are nightmarish and should never be experienced sober or in the daylight What's Going On Over There with the signage that insists people refuse to live without White Castle? Septemburger : The White Castle slider gets scored ahead of its match next week with the no. 1 seed Shake Shack What we ate: French Fries Onion Chips Chicken Rings Mozzarella Sticks Chicken Slider Beef Slider Chocolate Shake Coyal details his worst and best restaurant experiences ever at the Calibration Station "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I recently released the episode for the other New York restaurant I reviewed: Ess-a-Bagel with my girlfriend Joyce as she reeeeally wanted to try NYC bagels), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Produce
S2 E23 · Wed, September 11, 2024
In-N-Out Burger (vs. Whataburger for Septemburger) feat. Raj Rawal (Tastemade)
Septemburger rolls on! Formerly of Tastemade, producer Raj Rawal joins me to talk about a restaurant he's very passionate about: In-N-Out Burger The Eat Deets tackle everything from the founder's untimely passing in a plane crash and the struggles with substance abuse of the sons, to In-N-Out's brand loyalty with 7-Up surviving a rift with Pepsi The Secret Menu Mini-Game: Vehicular Goodies An injured employee is helped out of the restaurant by a manager mid-lunch rush in a noteworthy show of human decency What's Going On Over There with the overly competitive drivers in the parking lot? They gave us paper hats! Septemburger : In-N-Out faces off with Whataburger in the first round of the tournament What we ate: French Fries (Well Done) In-N-Out Hamburger Mustard Fried Hamburger with Toasted Bun Animal Style Hamburger with Grilled Onions Black & White Shake Raj details his worst and best restaurant experiences ever at the Calibration Station "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I just released the episode for the other New York restaurant I reviewed: Ess-a-Bagel with my girlfriend Joyce as she reeeeally wanted to try NYC bagels), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dini
Bonus · Wed, September 04, 2024
Septemburger 2024 Kick-Off Spectacular: Steak 'n Shake vs. Rally's, Freddy's vs. Culver's, Whataburger Review
Your chance at $500 is here! Septemburger is once again upon us, and this time I've scoured the nation for 8 fast food burger chains to compete in the annual contest I'm joined by a slew of guests: my own Dad , I Think You Should Leave 's Steve Moulton , and my friends Kellie Baldwin , Herbert Amaya , and Ashley Robinson Click here for a direct link to the Septemburger 2024 Bracket Google Form (due by end of day September 10th, 2024)! Septemburger Rules explained: 24 burgers across 8 fast food/fast casual restaurants are sampled First round matches pit basic burgers against basic burgers (the #1 on their menus) to see who has the fundamentals Burgers are given a score by Michael & guest, which are averaged and compared to their opponent each round Winning chain advances to the next round, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament (therefore, their other two burgers don't factor in) Semi-Finals & Finals conducted on a FREE episode on September 30th on the "Fine" Dining Patreon First Round Match-Up: Steak 'n Shake (#2 seed) - The Original Steakburger vs. Rally's Drive-In (#7 seed) - The Big Buford First Round Match-Up: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (#3 seed) - The Freddy's Original Double vs. Culver's (#6 seed) - The Butterburger Scoring the Whataburger at the #4 seed, Whataburger "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon !<
S2 E22 · Wed, August 28, 2024
Perkins Review feat. Andrew Canada (Two in the Cooler Podcast) [Part Two]
Even the name sounds mediocre! I'm joined once again by Two in the Cooler podcast host Andrew Canada to hit up a chain that was a staple of his childhood: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Perkins has a dingy atmosphere that acknowledges you'd rather be elsewhere What's Going on Over There with advertising the arrival of Dr. Pepper to your menu, and then only serving Mr. Pibb? (This one really upset Michael) Our server was emotionally affected by me not loving my burger Andrew eats his pancakes in a real crazy way What we ate: Orange Juice Mr. Pibb Chicken Fingers Short Stack of Pancakes Turkey Sausage Tater Tots Blueberry Pancakes Sausage Patty Avocado Crunch Burger French Fries Apple Pie Banana Cream Pie "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (on the last day of August, I'll be releasing the episode for the other New York restaurant I reviewed: Ess-a-Bagel with my girlfriend Joyce as she reeeeally wanted to try NYC bagels), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! <
S2 E22 · Wed, August 21, 2024
Perkins History feat. Andrew Canada (Two in the Cooler Podcast) [Part One]
I traveled to New York, New York for this one! From the Two in the Cooler podcast, host Andrew Canada joins me this week to check out Perkins Restaurant & Bakery , a chain that I flew across the country to New York City to try, and he flew down from Buffalo to meet me there Originally "Smithy's Pancake House" before changing their name and expanding across the region, Perkins' backstory is one of ups and downs The Secret Menu: Sci-Fi Foods Andrew's friends sound 100% made up A Yelper gives Perkins 5 stars while continually dunking on Staten Island in pretty glorious fashion "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I recently released my July exclusive episode on Sarku Japan , a delicious mall food court teriyaki chicken joint, and introduced my friend Michael Slater to their "yummy yummy sauce!"), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Perkins stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Two in the Cooler on Instagram @twointhecooler Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: <span style="fon
S2 E21 · Wed, August 14, 2024
Houston's Restaurant Review feat. Adam Macias (That Was Wild Podcast) [Part Two]
The sushi at Houston's is an unexpected masterpiece! Houston's Restaurant aka Hillstone is one of the higher-end experiences I've had for the podcast, and That Was Wild podcast's Adam Macias joined me on his own birthday to dine there with me The art choices in here were bold (arguably Way Too Much) and their light fixtures straight up looked like a certain Pokémon I straight up misinterpreted the meaning of the phrase "I'm Going to Hit the Head" What's Going On Over There with falsely advertising their artichokes on the menu? Manager gaslighting What we ate: Deviled Eggs, Bread Plate, Spinach Dip, Thai Tuna Roll, Cole Slaw, French Fries, French Dip au Jus, Hawaiian Prime Rib, Brownie with Kahlua Sauce A passionate discussion about our rating scales "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (July's exclusive episode is on Sarku Japan , a delicious mall food court teriyaki chicken joint, and I introduced my friend Michael Slater to their "yummy yummy sauce!"), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Houston's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Adam on Instagram @adamrmac Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever yo
S2 E21 · Wed, August 07, 2024
Houston's Restaurant History feat. Adam Macias (That Was Wild Podcast) [Part One]
A chain with 15 different names! Houston's Restaurant aka Hillstone aka 13 other things is one of the more upscale chains, and Adam Macias from the That Was Wild podcast joins me to learn interesting facts about this restaurant Houston's will let you BYOB without charging a corkage fee, and they are very proud of this The Secret Menu: Bougier Restaurants Houston's is currently embroiled in a lawsuit over price-gouging during the pandemic My new favorite review of all-time: an unfashionable Yelper dressed terribly, and then complained that staff let him know he was breaking the dress code in this week's Yelp from Strangers "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (I recently released my July exclusive episode on Sarku Japan , a delicious mall food court teriyaki chicken joint, and introduced my friend Michael Slater to their "yummy yummy sauce!"), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Houston's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Adam on Instagram @adamrmac Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining:</
S2 E20 · Wed, July 31, 2024
Popeyes Review feat. Sierra Katow (Stand-Up Comedian, TV Chef Fantasy League) [Part Two]
We eat the chicken sandwich that caused chaos upon launch! Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen makes it clear that you're not supposed eat it there . But I powered through with my guest, stand-up comedian Sierra Katow Popeyes goes overboard on the signage in the store, outside the restaurant, and on the door What's Going On Over There with the complete silence inside the establishment? The chicken sandwich: is it really that good? Sierra opens up about a stressful Denny's experience What we ate: Strawberry Lemonade Sweet Tea Biscuits Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Cole Slaw Signature Fried Chicken Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Spicy Chicken Sandwich Apple Pie "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Out later today, my July exclusive episode covers one of my absolute favorite food court spots: Sarku Japan . Joined by my friend Michael Slater , hear me dive into a pool of "Yummy Yummy Sauce!"), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.fin
S2 E20 · Wed, July 24, 2024
Popeyes History feat. Sierra Katow (Stand-Up Comedian, TV Chef Fantasy League) [Part One]
The stories from the sandwich launch are wild! I went to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen with stand-up comedian Sierra Katow , but before reviewing the place we have to go over the franchise history The Eat Deets unveil founder Al Copeland's master plan to charge the company a "spice royalty" after he was ousted from leadership The Secret Menu: Villainous Treats Beyoncé has a "free Popeyes for life" situation going, but she's too embarrassed to use it A chronicling of the abject chaos that erupted upon the release of Popeyes chicken sandwich A Yelper expresses grave concern over a manager in front of the restaurant working on their black Mercedes in their work-issued gloves and apron in this week's Yelp from Strangers "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Now's a great chance to catch the Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers episode with my friend Herbert before using that information to fill out your Septemburger 2024 bracket in a little over a month), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Popeyes stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Sierra on Instagram and TikTok @sierrakatow Let
S2 E19 · Wed, July 17, 2024
Shoney's Review feat. Dad [Part Two]
A new Worst Restaurant in America is crowned! A restaurant so bad, I don't think my Dad (my guest this week) will ever let me live it down: Shoney's Buffet soups shouldn't have such a thick skin over them that the ladle rests on top...right?? What's Going On Over There with Shoney's thinking they deserve their own food truck? The service team surprises me with a little extra cook time on my steak, despite my wishes to the contrary Fan of the show Travis recounts the story of when Scott Steiner threw him out of a Shoney's! Seriously, a steak cooked this long can only be described as Way Too Much! The previous worst restaurant, GattiTown scored a 2.70 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity. How much worse can Shoney's be? What we ate: Fries Breakfast Potatoes Eggs Pancakes Slim Jim Sandwich Steak Shoney's World Famous Hot FudgeCake Heinz 57 "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (The Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers episode with my friend Herbert is going strong, and I just released my tentative show line-up through the end of 2024!), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Shoney's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Ama
S2 E19 · Wed, July 10, 2024
Shoney's History feat. Dad [Part One]
Traveled across the country for this! Coming to you from the mountains of North Carolina, I bring you the Eat Deets for Shoney's with my very own Dad Shoney's has undergone a few name changes, including being a part of the Big Boy franchise A brand that once grew to over 1,800 restaurants is dwindling in the post-pandemic restaurant landscape, now down to 81 (as of 2024) Racist hiring practices landed Shoney's on the receiving end of the largest discrimination settlement ever (at the time) A Yelper literally dumps all over the whole town in this week's Yelp from Strangers "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (The Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers episode is available now, and covers the no. 3 seed in this year's Septemburger tournament! I'm joined by my friend Herbert , who's gone to a lot of these places with me), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Shoney's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Shoney's Review [Part Two] ! Shoney's makes the worst steak I've ever had in my life and my Dad, who's back, hates everything about it. Ever work at Shoney's? Send your stories to <a href= "mailto:finedining
S2 E18 · Wed, July 03, 2024
American Girl Cafe Review feat. Katie Molinaro (Eat It Katie, Comedian, & Foodie) [Part Two]
Edible straws? Actress, foodie, and comedian Katie Molinaro joined me for maybe the weirdest meal yet, as we were total fish out of water at the American Girl Cafe I made an impulse buy and got a doll chihuahua named Barker Posey The stalls in the bathrooms have hooks so you can take your doll with you, and that's Way Too Much... The service team had a noteworthy amount of men on it, and one of them's name tag didn't match his employee badge which makes us wonder What's Going On Over There? What we ate this week: Cinnamon Buns Glitter Bomb for my Sprite + an Edible Straw Ch**se-Topped Cucumber Fruit Skewer Meatballs, Marinara, & Ravioli French Fries Turkey Club The AG Burger with Tomato Bacon Jam & Fried Egg on a Pretzel Bun Chocolate Mousse in a Flower Pot Katie details the best and worst restaurants she's ever been to in the Calibration Station "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (The June exclusive is out now as I head to Septemburger 2024's no. 3 seed ahead of the tournament this year: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers with my good friend Herbert Amaya ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your American Girl stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Katie on TikTok and Instagram @eatitkatie L
S2 E18 · Wed, June 26, 2024
American Girl Cafe History feat. Katie Molinaro (Eat It Katie, Comedian, & Foodie) [Part One]
Lunch at a restaurant for dolls!! Comedian and food influencer Katie Molinaro doesn't hesitate to join for a silly dining experience, so we hit up the American Girl Doll Store Boutique & Bistro Katie grew up with a doll she didn't vibe with This week's Secret Menu mini-game: Unfun Children's Toys American Girl was founded by a cancer-surviving textbook writer who used her royalties to make this brand explode "The first experiential dining experience" The brand forayed into movies while inspiring aspiring filmmakers to make American Girl stop-motion animations A guy fails to realize that this place just simply isn't for him in this week's Yelp from Strangers "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (New Patreon episode drops 6/30: the No. 3 seed in this year's Septemburger tournament, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers with my buddy and perennial dining-mate, Herbert Amaya ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your American Girl stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Katie on Instagram & TikTok @eatitkatie Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: The American Girl Cafe Review</str
S2 E17 · Wed, June 19, 2024
Cracker Barrel Review feat. Jen Liv (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part Two]
I debut a music video about the new frontrunner in Mediocrity! Coming closer to mediocrity than Applebee's (who scored 5.02/10), Cracker Barrel is the life-blood of this week's guest, stand-up comedian Jen Liv The rocking chairs aren't the only thing that swings in this Cracker Barrel Country Store... This week's Secret Menu mini-game: Kinky Restaurants The hostess was desperately trying to earn her fourth star Their biscuits are GOATed What we ate this week: Hand-Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits with Apple Butter Cornbread Biscuit Beignets Fried Pickles Chicken Fried Chicken Country Fried Shrimp Sirloin Steak Macaroni n' Ch**se Fried Apples Baked Potato Corn Peach Cobbler Rap music video premiere: "Cracker Barrel is Mid" "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (May's exclusive episode: the No. 7 seed for this year's upcoming Septemburger tournament: Rally's Drive-In with special guest Steve Moulton ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Cracker Barrel stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Jen on Instagram @itsjenliv Let m
S2 E17 · Wed, June 12, 2024
Cracker Barrel History feat. Jen Liv (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part One]
I went to Cracker Barrel with a CB Superfan! Stand-up comedian Jen Liv LOVES Cracker Barrel so much (she's been to over 40 different ones!) that she hopped my car and road tripped with me to go there In this Eat Deets episode, the history of Cracker Barrel includes the franchise's humble beginnings as a gas station restaurant before growing into what it is today Learn what a "cracker barrel" actually is Jen laments her allergy to eggs (or as Cracker Barrel calls them, "aigs") Cracker Barrel has its own Indiana Jonesesque warehouse filled with decor A woman gushes about her Cracker Barrel experience so hard she rambles in poetic stanzas in this week's Yelp from Strangers "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (May's exclusive episode: the No. 7 seed for this year's upcoming Septemburger tournament: Rally's Drive-In with special guest Steve Moulton ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Cracker Barrel stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Jen on Instagram @itsjenliv Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Cracker Barrel Review [Part Two] ! NEW RAP SINGLE INCOMING! But why? W
S2 E16 · Wed, June 05, 2024
Shrekfast! The Original Pancake House Review feat. Chad Opitz (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part Two]
"I've got the celebrity!" Comedian and world-class cuddler Chad Opitz is here once again to talk about dining with Shrek (me, having lost a bet) at The Original Pancake House Michael gets a looooot of attention as Shrek and makes some kids' day What's Going On Over There with OPH cooking a baby? The service staff embraced me with open arms Chad orders an entree that isn't in the name of the restaurant Their bacon was incredible The Apple Pancake may be WAY TOO MUCH, but the food offerings here are delicious What we ate: Biscuits & Gravy Joe's Special Hot Chocolate Eggs & Bacon Corn Pancake Apple Pancake Hash Browns "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (May's exclusive Patreon episode just dropped and cover's Septemburger 2024's No. 7 seed, Rally's Drive-In ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Original Pancake House stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chad on Instagram & X @chadopitz Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining
S2 E16 · Wed, May 29, 2024
Shrekfast! The Original Pancake House History feat. Chad Opitz (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part One]
Get in mah swamp! Stand-up comedian Chad Opitz (recurring guest on Doug Benson's podcast "Doug Loves Movies") not only tolerates, but embraces me this week (literally) as I go to The Original Pancake House in full Shrek make-up with him to make good on the bet I lost last week We cover the history of not just this week's restaurant, but the concept of pancakes in general, going wayyyy back The Secret Menu minigame category of the week: Breakfast Cinema Chad sells Michael on injera bread from Ethiopia Michael opens up about his first kiss in 6th grade while seeing Shrek in theaters A woman poverty-shames anyone who doesn't give the Original Pancake House 5 stars in this week's Yelp from Strangers "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Make-up by: Mattea Ghaffary Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (In just two days, I'll be dropping May's exclusive episode, the #7 seed for this year's upcoming Septemburger tournament: Rally's Drive-In with special guest Steve Moulton ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Original Pancake House stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chad on Instagram @chadopitz Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fi
S2 E15 · Wed, May 22, 2024
P.F. Chang's Review feat. Andres Simonian (Spanish Wendy's Guy, Y-List Actor) [Part Two]
Scale the Great Wall of Chocolate! Andres Simonian (not from Home Economics or Mythic Quest) is back to plunge into our review of P.F. Chang's Michael thinks the atmosphere in a P.F. Chang's is "sexy" Michael tells the tale of the Cumbre Tunnel Massacre shootout that almost claimed his great-grandfather's life Andres makes a high-stakes Shrek-themed wager with Michael What's Going On Over There with the unnamed noodle crisps in the dishes? This week's Secret Menu theme: Tasty Tourist Traps What we ate: Dynamite Shrimp Chili-Garlic Green Beans Hand-made Dumplings Kung-Pao Dragon Roll Fire-Braised Short Ribs Crispy Honey Chicken Signature Pork & Shrimp Lo Mein The Great Wall of Chocolate Chang's Apple Crunch "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (catch April's episode on Shari's Restaurant & Pies with my cousin Emma Danger ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your P.F. Chang's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Andres on Instagram @andressimonian Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I
S2 E15 · Wed, May 15, 2024
P.F. Chang's History feat. Andres Simonian (Spanish Wendy's Guy, Y-List Actor) [Part One]
It took 55 episodes to do Chinese food! Actor Andres Simonian (one of the Wendy's guys in the Spanish-speaking markets) joins me this week, covering the history and the Yelp reviews for P.F. Chang's The whitewashing of "P.F. Chang's" is uncovered in this week's Eat Deets Andres is called on his lie about getting stuck in "unexpected" traffic Michael & Andres try the Lettuce Wraps since they didn't order them during their meal What are Michael & Andres' fortunes? Discussion about P.F. Chang's restaurants in Asia A guy on Yelp thought a self-acknowledged Chauvinistic review would play well "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (April's episode dropped at the end of the month, and I visited Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your P.F. Chang's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Andres on Instagram @andressimonian Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: P.F. Chang's Review [Part Two] ! Andres is back, and if you picked up on his not-so-subtle hints in this fi
S2 E14 · Wed, May 08, 2024
Chipotle Review feat. Zara Mizrahi (Stand-Up, American Dad, Family Guy) [Part Two]
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, let's review a restaurant as Mexican as our host is: Chipotle!! It's time to chat the Chipotle Mexican Grill dining experience, joined once again by stand-up comedian and Chipotle-lover, Zara Mizrahi What's the actual best restaurant Zara's ever experienced? The "art" on the wall is not art, no matter how badly it wants to be What's Going On Over There with the restaurant turning down the music as soon as we start talking? The number of government employees in uniform is Way Too Much We wanted to adopt our burrito-smith despite him warning me of a guac explosion The drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to Applebee's! What we ate: Agua Fresca (Michael) Sofritas Burrito (Zara) Carnitas Burrito (Michael) Chips & Guac (Both) "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (last week, I released April's episode where I hit Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Chipotle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Zara on TikTok and Instagram @zaramizrahi Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or
S2 E14 · Wed, May 01, 2024
Chipotle History feat. Zara Mizrahi (Stand-Up, American Dad, Family Guy) [Part One]
The debut of a brand new game: The Secret Menu!! Michael hits a place about as Mexican as he is for Cinco de Mayo, Chipotle Mexican Grill with long-time friend and burrito enthusiast, stand-up comedian Zara Mizrahi Chipotle can't shake the stigma of having been owned by McDonald's Learn about the legendary Chipotle burrito coins in Eat Deets Zara wants to tithe her income to Chipotle Chipotle forayed into soul food, pizza, and burgers in other failed restaurant experiments The debut of The Secret Menu : this week's category is Chipotle-Borne Illnesses Corporate greed and tip culture have turned employees into panhandlers A Yelper finds it "off" when the Chipotle employee seems happy to be alive The full review comes next week! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (just yesterday, I released April's episode where I hit Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Chipotle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Zara on TikTok and Instagram @zaramizrahi Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! </s
S2 E13 · Wed, April 24, 2024
IHOP Review feat. Jasper Lewis (Internet Menace) & Katie Molinaro (Renowned Foodie) [Part Two]
Enter for an all expenses paid trip to your local Applebee's*! Jasper Lewis , biscuit enthusiast, is back to take on IHOP , the International House of Pancakes with Michael A hyper kid listening to metal in the booth next to us is WAY TOO MUCH Michael & Jasper discuss the viral list of places that "women don't want to be taken on a first date" Jasper is all about our server's lack of vocal fry Katie Molinaro (@eatitkatie) joins us to try Lay's exclusive Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity potato chip flavor The pancakes are good! The biscuits are the worst Jasper has had in Los Angeles Michael busts out the You-Must Bowl for a totally legitimate and not-at-all rigged drawing to set up next week's restaurant "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Coming soon: Shari's Cafe & Pies with the return of my cousin Emma !), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your IHOP stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Jasper on TikTok and Instagram @heyjasperlewis Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Chipotle [Part One] ! Stand-up comic Z
S2 E13 · Wed, April 17, 2024
IHOP History feat. Jasper Lewis (Internet Menace) [Part One]
Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity is BACK! Michael is joined by friend and "woman-of-God" Jasper Lewis to talk all things IHOP , the International House of Pancakes and chain restaurant juggernaut Poor signage/menu descriptions leave Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity a mystery What's Going On Over There with the barren Wikipedia page for IHOP? Learn the history of the franchise, from its founder's interest in coffee to its acquisition of Applebee's (which it paid for in cash ) That whole "IHOB" thing A Yelper recounts the restaurant's denial that there could be hair in his food because "no one who works here is hairy" The full review comes next week! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (March saw me go to Dallas to eat Steak 'n Shake with my Dad ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your IHOP stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Jasper on TikTok and Instagram @heyjasperlewis Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: IHOP Review [Part Two] ! Jasper Lewis is back to talk about our experience in the restaurant, and we're joined by <s
S2 E12 · Wed, April 10, 2024
Costco Food Court Review feat. Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover (On Brand with Jon & Marisa) [Part Two]
Is the new Costco cookie as good as the churro? Michael is once again joined by Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover from On Brand with Jon & Marisa, and they're back at the Costco Food Court "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Marisa and Jon confess the ways they've gamed Costco's notoriously indiscriminate return policy What Going On Over There with people who come out of Costco with only 1-2 things in their carts? Jon details the upsetting ways he eats his food What we ate: Cold Brew Latte Freeze Cold Brew Mocha Freeze Hot Dog + Soda Combo Ch**se & Pepperoni Pizza Chicken Bake Vanilla Ice Cream & Chocolate Sundae Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie A farewell, as we play the Headline Game for the final time Michael digs up the You-Must Bowl Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (March's exclusive episode released last week, as Michael went to Dallas to review Septemburger 2024's #2 seed Steak 'n Shake with his Dad ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Costco stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow On Brand with Jon & Marisa on Instagram @onbrandthepod Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts
S2 E12 · Wed, April 03, 2024
Costco Food Court History feat. Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover (On Brand with Jon & Marisa) [Part One]
Learn the history of America's most iconic concession stand! Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover from On Brand with Jon & Marisa join Michael at the Costco Food Court this week and talk all things, from how many hot dogs we could fit in our mouths to the churro that was just replaced by a cookie "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! How to survive the Costco parking lot Hear the humble beginnings of Costco's Food Court as a hot dog cart in San Diego International Costcos have different regional menu items All the discontinued offerings from the food court! A Yelper is left out to dry when someone who arrived after her gets the last of the item she ordered in this week's Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (March's exclusive episode just released, as Michael went to Dallas to review Septemburger 2024's #2 seed Steak 'n Shake with his Dad ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Costco stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow On Brand with Jon & Marisa on Instagram @onbrandthepod Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Costco Food Court Review [Part Two] <
S2 E11 · Wed, March 27, 2024
Culver's Review feat. Kellie Baldwin [Part Two]
Where do Butterburgers rank in the pantheon of fast food burgers? Kellie Baldwin is back to eat Culver's with Michael! And it's official: Culver's will be the #6 seed in the 2024 Septemburger tournament! March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Find out more at the National MS Society website , and if you want to go the extra mile, donate here to Kellie's Walk for MS team ! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! The interior of the restaurant is verifiably covered with to-go bags, leading Kellie to suspect they're plotting a major April Fools event in this week's What's Going On Over There? A plain-clothes undercover employee is behind the counter The Atlantic Cod and the Boom Boom Sauce do not bring the goods The frozen custard absolutely does bring the goods Michael can't stop saying "Wisconstin" Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Culver's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Appl
S2 E11 · Wed, March 20, 2024
Culver's History feat. Kellie Baldwin [Part One]
Hear how this iconic Midwestern treasure came to be! Michael is joined by friend-from-college Kellie Baldwin to try Culver's , the Wisconsin burger chain that popularized the "Butterburger" and frozen custard March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Find out more at the National MS Society website , and if you want to go the extra mile, donate here to Kellie's Walk for MS team ! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! The First Impressions of the restaurant involves way too many pictures of babies and young children Learn how Culver's origins come from Midwestern Supper Clubs Kellie is drunk with power as she labels Michael a Fussy Little Boy A Yelper whose diet allows fries but not burgers, and then proceeds to review the water tab on the soda machine makes his presence felt in this week's Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Culver's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by le
S2 E10 · Wed, March 13, 2024
Whataburger (Part Two: Review) feat. Ashley Robinson (Fear the Walking Dead)
Dive into Septemburger 2024's #4 Seed! TV Producer/all-around queen Ashley Robinson returns for part 2, covering the atmosphere/service/food of Texas' pride and joy: Whataburger "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Whataburger's selling snuggies Ashley is modding her own snuggies, and it's Way Too Much The staff brings trays full of the nationally-famous Whataburger ketchup (and spicy ketchup) Michael goes early to review the legendary Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Ashley uses her words to transform Michael's taste buds Michael absolutely loves the Patty Melt without the ch**se (affectionately dubbed "Patty") Ashley dishes on her Jesus-themed 33rd birthday party Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Whataburger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @ashapaloooza Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Culver's (Part One: Eat Deets) ! I joi
S2 E10 · Wed, March 06, 2024
Whataburger (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Ashley Robinson (Fear the Walking Dead)
The ban on fast food has been lifted! Michael is joined by long-time friend, TV producer Ashley Robinson , a native Texan who is all aboard the train as it takes its first stop at a fast food joint: Texas' own Whataburger "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! What's Going On Over There with the lady staring down the cashier? The Eat Deets of Whataburger's plane-flying, coupon-dropping founder is almost as interesting as the franchise itself Many couples have gotten married in front of Whataburger Famous for its specialty ketchup, Whataburger condiments are available in stores nationwide A Yelper apologizes for her drunk behavior the morning after a rough night in this week's Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Whataburger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @ashapaloooza Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Whataburger (Part Two: Review)</stron
S2 E9 · Wed, February 28, 2024
Ch**seburger in Paradise (Part Two: Review) feat. Mom
A review Jimmy Buffett would be proud of! Mom joins one more time to dish on our experience eating at Ch**seburger in Paradise in Honolulu, Hawaii! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Vintage decor meets views of the ocean, the beach, and garbage trucks Hawaii is the deepest South A discussion on the word "y'all" A server flat out refuses to bus a plate off our table: What's Going on With That? But also, it's Way Too Much The burgers aren't bad, but they're nothing to write home about No desserts?? The floodgates on fast food and fast casual restaurants have been opened! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Dropping tomorrow: part 2 of the countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, this time covering everything "mediocre" in the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Ch**seburger in Paradise stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Whataburger (Part One: Eat Deets) ! I'm joined by friend, producer, and fan of food Ashley Robinson as we take on the first fast food restaurant in the show's main s
S2 E9 · Wed, February 21, 2024
Ch**seburger in Paradise (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Mom
Lots of censored words in this one... Michael's Mom is back and joins him this week to eat at the historic Ch**seburger in Paradise restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode! Mom brought leis because being festive is important Hawaiian Santa Claus! These Eat Deets get spicy as Jimmy Buffett wasn't necessarily fond of the founders stealing the name from one of his most famous songs Some people have had their ashes spread at this restaurant with an ocean view A Yelper falls in love with their server in Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode was a countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity that are outside the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity, starting with the least mediocre and working towards center), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Ch**seburger in Paradise stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Ch**seburger in Paradise (Part Two: Review) ! Mom and I have a really wild occurrence from one of the bussers at the restaurant, and the food isn't great... Ever work at Ch**seburger in Paradise? Send
S2 E8 · Wed, February 14, 2024
Hoots Wings (Part Two: Review) feat. VyVy Nguyen (Shaky Shivers, The Sympathizer)
Time to review the PG Hooters! VyVy Nguyen returns to review fast-casual Hooters affiliate Hoots Wings Michael is finally able to give VyVy her gift, now that Harrison has been brought into custody for stealing it last week This Hoots Wings rents a counter off to the side in a Blaze Pizza, the atmosphere is dubious at best Ghost children singing Old MacDonald The restaurant quits paying its cable bill mid-meal What's Going on Over There in the women's restroom when VyVy witnesses something while going to take a number zero Everyone's pining for entrees they didn't order VyVy LOVES funnel cake Next week's restaurant pick can never be spoken aloud on this podcast Watch the show on YouTube! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode gave an updated standings rundown of the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, hitting all the spots that weren't "mediocre enough" to score in the Zone of Mediocrity), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Hoots Wings/Hooters stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Ch**seburger in Paradise (Eat Deets) ! I went to Hawaii to run a marathon and stopped by the other Jimmy Buffett rest
S2 E8 · Wed, February 07, 2024
Hooter Bowl 2: "Hootdunnit?" Hoots Wings (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. VyVy Nguyen (Shaky Shivers)
The second annual Hooter Bowl! Friend of the show VyVy Nguyen is back to celebrate Hooter Bowl 2 by joining Michael at fast casual Hooters spin-off restaurant, Hoots Wings (basically Hooters without the Hooters Girls) "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this very special film noir parody episode! Michael dares the NFL to bring on their legal team A gift for VyVy mysteriously disappears, shutting down the entire Hooter Bowl and instead launching a Hootdunnit! Dick d'Ocre tries to help Melody narrow down who could've stolen her gift This Hoots Wings location was located inside of a different restaurant Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV is all about high fashion The most-asked Google questions about Hooters from the predictions in the search bar VyVy will not actually give you money for recreating her noises JUB & Petunia are questioned and confess to an totally-not-related crime A guy bases his star rating on what other people think of Hoots in this week's Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode was a countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity that are outside the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity, starting with the least mediocre and working towards center), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Hoots Wings stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow VyVy on Instagram @cest_la_vyvy Check out VyVy in her horror feature
S2 E7 · Wed, January 31, 2024
Friendly's (Part Two: Review) feat. JUB
OH HI THERE! It's your favorite sponsor JUB and I am back to help Michael review Friendly's! Step back in time to this place that feels old, classic, and filled with Depression-era clientele Octogenarians plus technology is a dangerous combination, and we like to avoid it when possible, even it if it makes us ask What's Going On Over There? An unforgivable mistake by the back-of-house workers Fribbles are thicc and delicious A separate menu just for ice cream is WAY TOO MUCH JUB knows a lot about magicians A very important announcement: starting next week, "Fine" Dining will be on video if you'd like to watch on YouTube! [Post-credits] Petunia's going to turn this car around! Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (dropping today: A recap of all of the outliers outside the Zone of Mediocrity on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity. Hear me cover 29 restaurants and stroll down memory lane as I touch on each establishment that scored outside the 4-6 score range), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Friendly's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: HooterBowl II ! I'm back off to a Hooters joint, Hoots Wings . Hear me and actress VyVy Nguyen talk shop about the history and Yelp r
S2 E7 · Wed, January 24, 2024
Friendly's (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. JUB...?
Fine Dining: Party of...One? Michael gets stood up by his intended guest host JUB and goes this one alone, traveling to the New England area to take on one of their most historic chains, Friendly's Jonas Brother specialty ice creams! Eat Deets will teach you that Friendly's is one of the older restaurant chains in American history, with two brothers who founded an ice cream shop with nothing but a dream and $547 Hear about how Hershey's bought them out and took them to the next level Friendly's has been a part of a few ice-cream-related world records A feud between the Friendly brothers! Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV brags about his vehicle collection JUB & Petunia crash Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (coming next week: Tchothke Recap 2024 Pt. 1 . Hear a rundown of all the outliers outside the Zone of Mediocrity, walk down memory lane, and get caught up on where all the restaurants sit on the Tchotchke), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Friendly's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Friendly's (Part Two: Review) ! With JUB finally here, we get to hear what he and Michael thought of the restaurant. Plus, JUB's sad that his childish de
S2 E6 · Wed, January 17, 2024
Hot Dog on a Stick (Part Two: Review) feat. Monis Rose (Restaurant Fiction Podcast)
Getting in touch with our inner degenerates! Restaurant Fiction podcast host Monis Rose is here to wax romantic over the "character" of the original Hot Dog on a Stick kiosk by the Santa Monica Pier There's nowhere to sit, so the boys pick a dragon/pirate ship playground as their venue Public beachside seating has empty beer bottles and even a used Magnum love glove nearby... Military helicopters are circling us overhead and it makes us ask What's Going On Over There? Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV talks about the recreational drug habits of the ultra-wealthy Monis has a thing for hot Hot Dog on a Stick chicks Overhyped "hand-stomped" lemonade, decent corn dogs, and polarizing dessert in the form of funnel cake sticks Juicy, Jr. defends himself against Monis Monis's score spectrum deals in extremes JUB & Petunia re-unite! Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (most recently, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Hot Dog on a Stick stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Restaurant Fiction on Instagram @restaurantfiction Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Friendly's (Eat Deets) ! I've invited season 1's to
S2 E6 · Wed, January 10, 2024
Hot Dog on a Stick (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Monis Rose (Restaurant Fiction Podcast) & Alex Borstein (Family Guy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
Heinz-enberg runs these streets! Restaurant Fiction's Monis Rose joins Michael to pretend to learn the Eat Deets about Hot Dog on a Stick because he already knows everything Michael does a Keyser Söze walk to hide his limp from Monis [Audiodrama segment] Turf wars over who can sell Dodger dogs on which corners Alex Borstein berates Michael's preferences in hot dog condiment Hot Dog on a Stick is also known for its lemonade, which started as a Muscle Beach health drink with honey The history of the famous employee uniform Monis raps the whitest version of an Ice Cube song that references Hot Dog on a Stick A customer is perfectly content finding actual trash in her dessert in this week's Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (on New Years Eve, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode dropped faster than the ball in Times Square), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Hot Dog on a Stick stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Hot Dog on a Stick (Part Two: Review) ! Monis Rose returns to embrace his inner degenerate in appreciation of this anything-goes atmosphere. Plus, we order the entire menu . Ever work at Hot Dog on a Stick? Send your stories to fin
S2 E5 · Wed, January 03, 2024
Buca di Beppo (Part Two: Review) feat. Mike Perkins
We're diving back into Joe's Hole! Comedian Mike Perkins is back once again to represent Italy in the case against the food at Buca di Beppo Michael & Mike are just a couple of Midfellas The breadiest love-making session ever is What's Going On Over There Buca di Beppo's decor is funny how? The portions at Buca are insane, as two men individually order a family style entree each The dessert is "diabetes in a glass" according to the boys' server Chip psychoanalyzes the characters on the Buca di Beppo kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings! Mike's Instagram handle is taken to task JUB's about to get pinched! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Midfellas Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@austinaudiolab) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (just out this New Years Eve, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Buca di Beppo stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Hot Dog on a Stick (Eat Deets) ! I'll be joined by the Restaurant Fiction podcast's host Monis Rose . He knows more than I do, so can I manage to surprise him with some new info? We also dive into Yelp reviews, and get ready to bear Santa Monica traffic to review the original Hot Dog on a Stick stand. Ever work at H
S2 E5 · Wed, December 27, 2023
Buca di Beppo (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Mike Perkins
I took a real Italian to Buca di Beppo! We're joined by comedian Mike Perkins to dive into inauthentic Italian slophouse, Buca di Beppo Hear all about the Pope's room, the "vulgar" decor, and the fact that Buca's founder literally intended to "poke gentle fun" at Italians in this week's Eat Deets Learn the rather interesting translation of Buca di Beppo Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV is anti-work You could have bought the entire franchise for a few million dollars... The Mother's Day debacle is detailed in this week's Yelp from Strangers The full review comes next week Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (dropping New Years Eve: the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Buca di Beppo stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Buca di Beppo (Part Two: Review) ! Comedian Mike Perkins joins once again as he and Michael talk about Italian food that's...fine. Also, they're just a couple of Midfellas. Ever work at Buca di Beppo? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV
S2 E4 · Wed, December 20, 2023
Texas Roadhouse (Part Two: Review) feat. Michael Moore
The Roadhouse Devil feeds at dusk! We're back with friend and magician Michael Moore to talk about the atmosphere, service, and food at Texas Roadhouse Willie's Corner, the suspicious absence of floor peanuts, hoedowns, and taxidermy galore Some concerning verbiage from the service team has the Michaels speculating the presence of an otherworldly, Lovecraftian being skulking about the area in this week's What's Going On Over There? A three-part audiodrama addressing said monster Maxwell gives his thoughts on the Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu in the return of Munchkin Menu Musings! Are the rolls at Texas Roadhouse the new best restaurant table bread? Petunia leaves JUB a voicemail Additional voices: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) & Nick Adams Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (dropping New Years Eve: the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Texas Roadhouse stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Buca di Beppo (Eat Deets) ! My friend and comedian Mike Perkins joins me in Pasadena, California to try out Buca di Beppo. It's Eat Deets time, so we learn the history, read Yelp reviews, and prepare to put our Italian heritage to the test. Ever work at Buca di Beppo? Send your stories to finedining
S2 E4 · Wed, December 13, 2023
Texas Roadhouse (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Michael Moore
Stay tuned to the end: new outro song!! Michael is joined by friend and powerhouse of a man, Michael Moore (no relation to the filmmaker/documentarian of the same name) to dine at Texas Roadhouse The restaurant started as a spot in a mall in Indiana, so it was neither a roadhouse nor Texan, but that didn't stop owner W. Kent Taylor from building an empire after giving up on opening a Colorado-themed restaurant Learn all about the history of the chain dubbed the "Loudest Restaurant in America" in this week's Eat Deets Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV has had it with the mistreatment of corporations: they're people too, dammit! Hear Michael & Michael's first impressions of the place, from the wall of veterans to the lack of peanuts on the floor Michael Moore compiles a few very catfish-centric Yelp reviews about this Texas Roadhouse in the middle of nowhere, almost halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas More to come next week! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (November had a New York-themed episode as we pitted Joe's Pizza vs. Famous Original Ray's ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Texas Roadhouse stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Texas Roadhouse (Part Two: Review) ! Michael Moore returns for the second part of the episode, we'll review the restaurant's dancing servers, the delicious rolls, and
S2 E3 · Wed, December 06, 2023
Katz's Delicatessen (Part Two: Review) feat. Joyce
NYC's legendary deli gets reviewed! We're in New York City! Michael's girlfriend Joyce joins him once again to talk about the hectic atmosphere, a hunky meat carver, and the matzo ball soup she's waited her entire life to try Katz's Delicatessen has so many lines and ordering stations that the chaos proves challenging to our duo Killer Mike walks by the table What's Going On Over There with the segration of those paying via card vs. those paying with cash? Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV laments that Katz's doesn't have a register that accepts gold bars A review of the pastrami on rye, Katz's hot dog with mustard & sauerkraut, matzo ball soup, and chocolate babka! Plus the worst hot dog in New York (it's not Katz's...) Did Katz's hold an orgasm contest?? JUB is in yet another post-credits scene Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Last week I released another New York-themed episode as we pit Joe's Pizza vs. Famous Original Ray's ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Katz's Delicatessen stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Texas Roadhouse (Eat Deets) ! My good buddy Michael Moore drives out to Rialto, California (halfway between LA and Las Vegas) to dine at a Texas Roadhouse in the middle of very little. It's Eat Deets time, so we learn the histor
S2 E3 · Wed, November 29, 2023
Katz's Delicatessen (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Joyce
Katz's restaurant experience drops next Wednesday! Michael's girlfriend Joyce joins Michael in New York City, and they dive deep into the history of the world-famous deli that's over 100 years old in this episode of Eat Deets Katz's Delicatessen has been a staple of New York culture, amplified by its appearance in several movies and TV shows, most notably When Harry Met Sally Current owner Jake Dell has rules for how to conduct oneself at Katz's to avoid being thrown out Michael & Joyce address their anxiety over the intimidatingly complicated ordering process A truly hot take in Yelp from Strangers as someone knocks Katz's for being too far away from where they were coming from... More to come next week! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (Look out tomorrow for another New York-themed episode as we pit Joe's Pizza vs. Famous Original Ray's ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Gordon Biersch stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Katz's Delicatessen (Review) ! I'm joined once again by my girlfriend Joyce , and for the second part of the episode, we'll give our thoughts on some world-famous pastrami, hot dogs, matzoh ball soup, and more! Ever work at Katz's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com . <span style="font-w
S2 E2 · Wed, November 22, 2023
Gordon Biersch Brewery (Part Two: Review) feat. "Pretty" Peter Avalon (All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor)
The review for Gordon Biersch is here! All Elite Wrestling & Ring of Honor 's "Pretty" Peter Avalon joins Michael to review the restaurant of the week The Gordon Biersch Brewery that Michael & Peter hit up closed its doors just 7 days after the boys dined there Peter eulogizes the Burbank Gordon Biersch Ever wondered what it'd be like living in a Buffalo Wild Wings? Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV takes offense to vulgarities Michael pitches a restaurant-themed wrestling gimmick to Peter Peter discusses his relationship with chain restaurants while staying in shape for wrestling Peter details his injury history A review of the food, including the garlic fries Gordon Biersch invented (Michael & Peter do NOT see eye-to-eye on these) Michael swaps out the Headline Game with a brand new game tailored to Peter Avalon's specialties: it's Chain Wrestling ! JUB got a phone...??? Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (October's episode explored Dave's Hot Chicken ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Gordon Biersch stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow "Pretty" Peter Avalon on Twitter @PPAallday Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! <
S2 E2 · Wed, November 15, 2023
Gordon Biersch Brewery (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. "Pretty" Peter Avalon (All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor)
Get Part 2 next Wednesday! All Elite Wrestling & Ring of Honor 's "Pretty" Peter Avalon joins Michael in Burbank to learn all about the restaurant of the week Gordon Biersch Brewery stands behind the claim that they invented garlic fries Michael dives into the Eat Deets about Gordon Biersch Gordon Biersch cost Oskar Blues Brewing approx. $32,000 from a cease & desist Michael drops knowledge about Shakey's Pizza Parlor's prominence in the Philippines An embarrassing story from 25+ years ago about Michael's dad, and his special way of saying "Gordon Biersch" Michael & Peter read the negative end of the review spectrum in this week's Yelp from Strangers Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (October's episode explored Dave's Hot Chicken ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Gordon Biersch stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (Review) ! I'm joined by All Elite Wrestling's "Pretty" Peter Avalon , and for the second part of the episode, we'll dish all our thoughts and feelings about our meal at a Gordon Biersch that closed down one week later. Ever work at a Gordon Biersch? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S2 E1 · Wed, November 08, 2023
The Melting Pot feat. Rhyan Schwartz
"Fine" Dining is back to weekly releases! The Melting Pot is in the midst of a renaissance, with ambitious expansion goals Michael details the changes moving into the new season Learn about the history of the franchise in Eat Deets (fka Resty Fact Round-Up) Guest host Rhyan Schwartz gives Michael someone to eat all the cheese that our host refuses to touch Michael rebrands cheese to ch**se Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV shares his wealth of knowledge to give The Melting Pot advice on their wall art The Melting Pot is sending mixed signals to platonic friends A battle between servers has Michael & Rhyan asking What's Going On Over There? Panic sets in as the stress involved with timing your meat-cooking is Way Too Much The most patriotic 5-star Yelp review ever in this week's Yelp from Strangers Stay tuned to the very end...there may or may not be a post-credits scene Additional Voice Actors: Jessa Day Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (October's episode explored Dave's Hot Chicken ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your Melting Pot stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (Eat Deets) ! I'm joined by All Elite Wrestling's <strong
Trailer · Wed, November 01, 2023
Season 2 Trailer
The search for mediocrity continues! Join host Michael Ornelas as he gets in the trenches for more chain restaurants than his arteries can handle. Each episode, he'll be joined by a different guest host, and no eatery is off-limits. Season 2 will include fast casual and even fast food spots as the caloric floodgates have been opened. Kicking off November 8th with guest host Rhyan Schwartz , Michael pays a visit to The Melting Pot for some fondue. This season, you can also look forward to restaurants such as Buca di Beppo , Hot Dog on a Stick , Texas Roadhouse , IHOP , a truly national Septemburger tournament bracket, and the second annual Hooter Bowl ! Download season 1's episodes to get yourself ready, leave a review on whatever platforms you listen, and have a fine day! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) "Fine" Dining is on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (October's release: Dave's Hot Chicken ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send in your best chain restaurant stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Review "Fine" Dining on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts, and give me suggestions where to go next! I read every one! Totally Not Sponsored By : Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV
S1 E40 · Wed, October 25, 2023
TGI Fridays the 13th: Season Finale
Season 2 starts November 8th! TGI Fridays is dark, red, and honestly feels like a murder room. Appropriate for the season Michael is joined by friend Sandy Rose to deliver the Resty Fact Round-Up while Garrett goes to town on Michael's bidet. Learn how TGI Fridays original incarnation was drastically different from what we know it as today Michael's pineapple son Juicy Jr. dons the mask as Juice-Son Vorhees in a terrifying murder spree homage to the Friday the 13th horror film franchise JUB issues an ominous warning Frequent dining companion Herbert Amaya goes to check on the suspicious boat on the ceiling while Michael & Garrett speculate What's Going On Over There? Garrett breaks the injunction and orders another Cinnabon-branded dessert Cheese correspondent Steven Zurita is a big fan of cheese The death of a cohost... Hear what others are saying about this TGI Fridays location in this week's Yelp from Strangers Additional Voice Actors: Sandy Rose, Herbert Amaya, Steven Zurita Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (coming next week: Dave's Hot Chicken ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your TGI Fridays stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on the "Fine" Dining SEASON PREMIERE: The Melting Pot ! The surviving host takes guest host Rhyan Schwartz to a cheese f
Trailer · Mon, October 23, 2023
TGI Fridays the 13th: Season Finale Trailer
The horrifying season finale is upon us! Michael's pineapple son Juicy Jr. is Juice-Son Vorhees this week as he goes on a murderous rampage in the season finale of "Fine" Dining. TGI Fridays the 13th is upon us. Special guests Sandy Rose, Herbert Amaya, and Cheese Correspondent Steven Zurita join this wild and bloody conclusion to season 1! Hear all about the TGI Fridays experience that felt like a dark murder room, get Michael & Garrett's opinions on the food, and most importantly: no one is safe. Season 2 starts November 8th! And don't forget to check out our Patreon where the Semi-Finals and the Finals of Septemburger concluded last month! A delicious burger champion was crowned - claim your 7-day free trial now! Download the full TGI Fridays episode this Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow the pod on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!
S1 E39 · Wed, October 11, 2023
Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery: DILF Depot
Do grocery store pies taste better in their restaurant of origin? Not by much! Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery feels like a slice of Michael & Garrett's childhoods, a wood-paneled wonderland that feels like a dentist's office waiting room Garrett details the history of the franchise in this week's Resty Fact Round-Up, including a history of "Pie Spies" Marie Callender's proves to be a haven of "old" The winner of the Septemburger Bracket $500 Giveaway is announced! Michael falls asleep in the booth...and Garrett is wondering What's Going On Over There? Table talk centers around Garrett's obsession with trashy reality dating shows, inspiring DILF Depot Michael's root beer gets bused, then...unbused? JUB's is getting in the biz of consulting; he'll teach you that all you need to be the greatest server is constant refills Hear what others (including a septagenarian cowboy) have to say about this Marie Callender's location in this week's Yelp from Strangers Additional Voice Actors: Sandy Rose, Steve Moulton Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (September's episode: Septemburger's Semi-Finals & Finals ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Marie Callender's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on the "Fine" Dining SEASON FINALE: TGI Friday's ! Spooky season is upon us as the boys head to TGI Friday's on Friday the 13th! Hear what they have to say in two weeks for the finale episode of sea
Trailer · Mon, October 09, 2023
Marie Callender's (Trailer)
Go back in time with a classic comfort food dining spot! Michael & Garrett drove all the way across town to get some pies from Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery . Hear what led them to make a skit called DILF Depot, did Michael fall asleep in the booth (spoiler: yes!), and much more. And don't forget to check out our Patreon where the Semi-Finals and the Finals of Septemburger concluded last week! A delicious burger champion was crowned - claim your 7-day free trial now! Download the full Marie Callender's episode this Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow the pod on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!
S1 E38 · Wed, September 27, 2023
Johnny Rockets & the Heavy Chair Heist
The last quarterfinal match of Septemburger has arrived! Johnny Rockets is a genuine-hearted homage to the diners of the 1950s, which Michael would have been all about if this wasn't a "Sports Lounge" location Garrett details the history of the franchise in this week's Resty Fact Round-Up Septemburger match 4: Umami Burger vs. Johnny Rockets The You-Must Bowl has both Michael & Garrett crying, but insisting they're fine A CHAIR HEIST!! What's Going On with the restaurant's photographer snubbing our Fussy Little Boys? JUB's making meat frisbees. You read that right. Where did he go wrong? I blame his parents Hear what others have to say about this Johnny Rockets location in this week's Yelp from Strangers Additional Voice Actors: Sandy Rose, Nick Adams, & Mindy Brown Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (August's episode: Burger King ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Johnny Rockets stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Marie Callender's ! A drastic turn away from burgers, the boys head down to an old-fashioned pie shop. Hear what they have to say in two weeks for the penultimate episode of season 1! Ever work at a Marie Callenders? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB
Trailer · Mon, September 25, 2023
Johnny Rockets (Trailer)
Septemburger's #8 seed is here to finish out the first round of the bracket! Outback Steakhouse bested Red Robin. Islands rolled right over Bob's Big Boy. Applebee's upset Fuddruckers. Can Johnny Rockets follow suit and beat out the #1 seed from last week, Umami Burger? And don't forget to check out our Patreon this Thursday to hear the Semi-Finals and the Finals of Septemburger! A delicious burger champion will be crowned - claim your 7-day free trial now! Download the full Johnny Rockets episode this Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow the pod on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!
S1 E37 · Wed, September 20, 2023
Umami Burger's Rise & Fall & Slight Re-Rise (Septemburger #1 Seed)
Septemburger's #1 seed, Umami Burger is up to bat! Michael has an axe to grind after the best burger in Los Angeles changed up their recipe a few years back Garrett outlines the rise and fall of Umami Burger in Resty Fact Round-Up, and why they have a shot at regaining respect once again Septemburger will pit Umami against Johnny Rockets next week What's Going On with Umami feeling like it's still going through the pandemic? The service staff definitely noticed they were being reviewed and changed their effort level drastically JUB's opening a day care! A bunch of people share Michael's disappointment in the recipe change in this week's Yelp from Strangers Michael opts to join Garrett for next week's You-Must Bowl punishment in solidarity Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (August's episode: Burger King ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Umami Burger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Johnny Rockets ! Septemburger's winding down with the #8 seed. Can they pull off an upset against Umami Burger? Find out next week! Ever work at a Johnny Rockets? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB
Trailer · Mon, September 18, 2023
Umami Burger (Trailer)
Septemburger's #1 seed is up to bat, and what was once Michael's favorite burger in LA has had some temultuous times, it's time for the boys to review Umami Burger ! Hear what Michael & Garrett have to say ahead of Umami's match-up with #8 seed Johnny Rockets next week! Download the full Umami Burger episode this Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow the pod on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!
S1 E36 · Wed, September 13, 2023
Red Robin feat. John Angeli (Terror Firma)
Septemburger rolls along with the #5 seed, Red Robin ! Michael & Garrett are not just joined by indie horror film producer John Angeli , but they're outright sponsored by his new movie Terror Firma Garrett outlines the surnameless "Sam" who founded Red Robin by annoying the heck out of anyone who would listen with his one Red Robin song More of a deep dive on the history of the franchise in Resty Fact Round-Up Septemburger match #3: Red Robin vs. Outback Steakhouse Forget the burgers, Red Robin's got amazing desserts! What's Going On with the black specks in the hot water? John breaks the bank by overusing the boys' eagle sound effect budget Child assassin? JUB's got a way to settle who gets which onion rings, and it's totally not plagiarized The longest run-on sentence ever in a restaurant review in this week's Yelp from Strangers John gives a brief rundown of his movie Terror Firma after Michael got to attend the premiere John tries to stump Michael & Garrett by being the fabled presenter of the Headline Game Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (August's episode: Burger King ), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Red Robin stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Umami Burger ! It's the #1
Trailer · Mon, September 11, 2023
Red Robin (Trailer)
Septemburger rolls along as the boys are joined by independent horror film Terror Firma 's producer, John Angeli, and they stop by Red Robin ! The third match in the first round of the Septemburger bracket pits Red Robin against Outback Steakhouse! Submissions are now CLOSED for the $500 Septemburger Bracket giveaway! Thanks to all who sent in a bracket, and best of luck! Download the full Red Robin episode this Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow the pod on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!
Bonus · Wed, September 06, 2023
Septemburger Has Arrived!! (Fuddruckers vs. Applebee's//Islands vs. Bob's Big Boy//Outback Steakhouse)
It's the burger battle of the year as Septemburger is now upon us! The tournament kicks off as the 8 entrants are announced and seeded Maybe the most badass theme song ever Garrett details the history of the hamburger in Burger Fact Round-Up #3 seed Fuddruckers faces off against the #6 seed Applebees #2 seed Islands faces off against the #7 seed Bob's Big Boy First round scoring for #4 seed Outback Steakhouse ahead of its match-up next week against the #5 seed Red Robin JUB will help you generalize your too-niche business plan Why's Outback so horned up? What's Going On Over There? SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED THE $500 BRACKET GIVEAWAY! Thanks to all who entered, and best of luck! Music (including the Septemburger Theme Song): James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) "Fine" Dining Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get your 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Red Robin ! If you have ever worked for Red Robin or have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Trailer · Mon, September 04, 2023
Septemburger Kicks Off! (Trailer)
It's the best month of the year: It's SEPTEMBURGER! The first annual Septemburger tournament kicks off with the following match-ups: Bob's Big Boy (7) vs. Island's Fine Burgers & Drinks (2) Fuddrucker's (3) vs. Applebee's (6) Plus, the boys review Outback Steakhouse (4)'s first round burger ahead of its match-up next week against Red Robin (5). Yummmmm! Download the full episode this Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Follow the pod on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!
S1 E35 · Wed, August 23, 2023
Twin Peaks: The Revenge Breastaurant feat. Emma Danger
Michael & Garrett get back at Michael's niece-aged cousin Emma Danger for sending them to Hooters last time she was on the podcast! Twin Peaks is a breastaurant founded on the premise that Hooters had become "too tame," and lived up to that idea in its early years amidst scandals and indecent exposure charges Garrett fulfills his You-Must Bowl duties by donning Insane Clown Posse facepaint and consuming this meal while embodying the Juggalo lifestyle Even a little Judge Judy is more Judge Judy than expected Is there an underground fighting ring in this Twin Peaks? Find out in What's Going On Over There! JUB will help you gauge when a conversation has ended Emma's celery addiction has her spiraling out of control Some pretty wild takes about this restaurant in this week's Yelp from Strangers Totally not-at-all-biased scientific evidence "proves" that ogling women's bodies is good for your health Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Voice Actor: Emma Danger We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (July's episode: McDonald's for Grimace's birthday!), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Twin Peaks stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Septemburger ! Brace yourself as the Best Burger Tournament of the Year kicks off! If you have deeply held beliefs about certain burgers in the pantheon of casual dining, send your thoughts to finediningpod
S1 E34 · Wed, August 09, 2023
All Garlic Everything at The Stinking Rose
Michael & Garrett are now 80% garlic-by-volume! The You-Must Bowl forces Michael to sing his table's order to the entire restaurant Garrett details the garlicky history of The Stinking Rose in Resty Fact Round-Up Cheese correspondent Steven gives his thoughts on the Garlic Crab Alfredo Fondue A cursed piece of wall decoration has Garrett reeling The boys try Garlic Ice Cream?? JUB tries his hand (or fingers) at being a stenographer A Real Doll placed right outside the restroom Garrett has the best chicken of his life Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Stinking Rose stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Twin Peaks ! If you have ever worked for Twin Peaks and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E33 · Wed, July 26, 2023
Shakey's Pizza Parlor Has a Crab Problem feat. Zeus Benitez (BabyGirl)
Michael & Garrett tolerate a subpar lunch buffet with the super-jacked Zeus Benitez ! Garrett journeys to and from the buffet on his hands and feet as the You-Must Bowl has him crab-walking his way around Shakey's Pizza Parlor Learn about the first pizza franchise in America, Shakey's, and its founder: Banjo Hall of Fame member Sherwood "Shakey" Johnson An adult film about Shakey's? We certainly wrote one! The boys evaluate Shakey's arcade JUB will sell you prizes to give away at your arcade The worst pizza score in the history of the podcast Zeus reads a children's book about Garrett's crab-walking: The Crabomination Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Voice Actor: VyVy Nguyen We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month (July's episode: McDonald's for Grimace's birthday!), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Shakey's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: The Stinking Rose ! If you have ever worked for The Stinking Rose and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E32 · Wed, July 12, 2023
A Suit of Pokemon Cards: Technically Meeting the Dress Code at Mastro's Ocean Club
The boys experience actual Fine Dining for once! The You-Must Bowl forces Michael to wear a suit made entirely of Pokémon cards to Mastro's Ocean Club Garrett details the history of Mastro's in Resty Fact Round-Up (Yeehaw!) Learn about Japanese vs. American wagyu, and the different classifications of beef grading Hands-down the greatest service experienced so far on this podcast Romantic music puts Michael and Garrett in a mood JUB will recalibrate your ratings scale Alcohol served with...interesting implements Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Mastro's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Shakey's Pizza Parlor ! If you have ever worked for Shakey's and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E31 · Wed, June 28, 2023
ASMR Spooning at Sizzler feat. VyVy Nguyen (The Sympathizer, Young Sheldon, Dogs in Space)
The boys are joined by the delightful VyVy Nguyen ! The You-Must Bowl forces Michael to consume his entire meal at Sizzler using only spoons Garrett plays Michael and VyVy a Sizzler commercial from 1991 Dessert pictures are catfishing unsuspecting customers Sex eyes are the only acceptable eyes to have in a Sizzler An ASMR Sizzler birthday soundscape, performed by VyVy Garrett pulls out the Fine Dining Bylaws to address Michael cheating at his You-Must Bowl punishment JUB welched on a bet once too Shrimp. Shrimp! SHRIMP! VyVy forces Michael & Garrett to spend a lot of money for the next episode... Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Sizzler stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Mastro's Ocean Club ! If you have ever worked for Mastro's and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Bonus · Wed, June 21, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: The LA County Fair (1-Hour Patreon Preview)
So much to do and only 12 hours to do it! Michael & Garrett hit up the LA County Fair for some crazy deep-fried food and a carny atmosphere They cover the history of the LA County Fairgrounds, which has an upsetting role as the site of a Japanese-American concentration camp during World War II and an Italian/German P.O.W. camp afterwards The boys get their palms read Garrett seeks out a Christian puppet show Seductive snakes bare it all at The Shed PIG RACING! The saga of Milk Steve the Cream Lord takes a tragic turn Roid raging 24-Hour Fitness salespeople A free full hour of an otherwise Patreon-exclusive episode! Voice Actor: Jessa Day Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get part 2 of this episode (releasing soon!), an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your local state or county fair stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next week on Fine Dining: Sizzler ! If you have ever worked for Sizzler and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E30 · Wed, June 14, 2023
Medieval Times: Knights on Strike
It's dinner and a show at Medieval Times ! The boys bear two hours of L.A. traffic to drive to Medieval Times only to discover the Union cast of this location are on strike and protesting outside Strike Captain Erin Zapcic shares what the striking workers are aiming to accomplish Garrett does a deep dive on the history of the franchise Imposters fill the castle as Union scabs have been bused/flown in from other Medieval Times locations 2 full-length songs about Michael & Garrett’s night at Medieval Times: “Overture” (2:47) Music by James McEnelly Lyrics by Michael Ornelas Performed by James McEnelly “Baby Dragon Hunt” (1:12:43) Music by James McEnelly Lyrics by Michael Ornelas Performed by Michael Ornelas Backing Vocals by James McEnelly The robotic sensibilities of the Red Knight has the boys asking What's Going On Over There? Two new audiodrama segments! Falconry! Jousting! Bloodlust! JUB's got a Kiss Cam! Terrible food is capped by awful "Baby Dragon" (chicken) and what seems like store-bought sheet cake Kyle finds what seems to be a pube in his eclair Voice Cast: Bonnie Gordon, Sean Burgos, Jon Capraro, Emma Davalos, Simone Davalos, Steven Zurita Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) This episode contains allegations against Medieval Times that have not been proven in a court of law. Conversations regardling the strike are merely opinions. We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Medieval Times stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on
S1 E29 · Wed, May 31, 2023
More Margarita Than Man at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
The boys found a Boomer utopia in restaurant form! The You-Must Bowl deems Garrett must embody the essence of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Garrett does a deep dive on the history of the franchise Cheeseburgers in Paradise aren't very good Michael tries to enforce a "No nudity, no touching" policy on Garrett An excerpt from a steamy romance novel authored by Jimmy Buffett JUB plans to make all public spaces a spoiler-free environment Strawberry Shortcake that is somehow neither strawberry nor shortcake Mason reviews the Margaritaville kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings Michael makes a rap in appreciation of a high-rolling top tier Patreon donor Voice Actor: Jessa Day Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan & Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Medieval Times ! If you have ever worked for Medieval Times and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E28 · Wed, May 17, 2023
Romano's Macaroni Grill's New Bread Can F Right Off
They changed the bread and killed our childhood! The boys color on the table at this week's pick: Romano's Macaroni Grill Garrett wants to bottle up Michael's spaghetti grease to eat later The bathroom signs are confusing Phil Romano has some crazy ideas for an Asian cuisine restaurant A pushy waiter demands to know why a nearby table is celebrating Garrett must become next week's restaurant, literally Audrey reviews the Macaroni Grill kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings JUB will make use of all your food byproducts We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Romano's Macaroni Grill stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville ! If you have ever worked for Margaritaville and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E27 · Wed, May 03, 2023
We Drove to LAX to Eat Airport Planet Hollywood feat. Steve Moulton (I Think You Should Leave)
It's Turbo Time! Steve Moulton (I Think You Should Leave, Young Rock, Sharknado) joins the boys in going to LAX, one of the busiest airports in the world, to dine at a pre-security Planet Hollywood Garrett orders the worst steak we've ever seen Planet Hollywood has no Hollywood decor?! The Floor Wing RETURNS!! And he's kidnapped (pineapplenapped?) Juicy Jr. Girthy paper straws are WAY TOO MUCH Steve & Garrett time out on The Headline Game A veritable Final Destination is What's Going On Over There? JUB needs you to set aside your ethics We're on Patreon ! Get an extra episode every month, extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Planet Hollywood stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Romano's Macaroni Grill ! If you have ever worked for Macaroni Grill and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E26 · Wed, April 19, 2023
The Cinnabon Injunction feat. Jessa Day (Twitch)
No service? No problem! The boys make a casual dining exception for Cinnabon Michael sues Garrett in Food Court (the honorable Judge Jessa Day presiding) to block him from ordering Cinnabon desserts outside of Cinnabon Nightmare Jimmy Buffett/dubstep hybrid music permeates the boys' ears as they scarf down their Cinnabon at an abandoned Margaritaville patio table A seemingly unconscious man on his truck bed has the boys wondering What's Going On Over There? JUB will help you manage your emotions We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Cinnabon stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Planet Hollywood ! If you have ever worked for Planet Hollywood and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E25 · Wed, April 05, 2023
Applebee's: The Most Mediocre Restaurant in America (So Far) feat. Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien, Firefly)
Applebee's scores a 5.00 from one of the boys Michael tells about the time he chauffeured Ron Jeremy Alan Tudyk tags in as Steven's voice for this week's Cheese Review The presence of a Cinnabon-licensed dessert reignites an old debate Brisa reviews Applebee's kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings JUB wants to make the skimmest milk ever We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Applebee's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Cinnabon ! If you have ever worked for Cinnabon and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E24 · Wed, March 22, 2023
Red Lobster: Soaked in Butter feat. Casey Adler (The Upshaws, Bunheads, Stand-Up Comedy)
The boys are joined by comedian Casey Adler at Red Lobster The origins of Darden start at Red Lobster Casey recites a monologue on Red Lobster's stage Ollie reviews the Red Lobster kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings Garrett roams around the restaurant eating at different tables thanks to the You-Must Bowl JUB solves the lack of beverages named after Asians We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Red Lobster stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Casey on TikTok @caseyjadlercomedy and check out his website www.caseyjadler.com Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! In 2 weeks on Fine Dining: Applebee's Grill & Bar ! If you have ever worked for Applebee's and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Applebee's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. This month on our Patreon: Portillo's . Subscribe at the link above to get this exclusive episode!
S1 E23 · Wed, March 15, 2023
Literal Eternity at Benihana
It takes 2 hours for Michael & Garrett to finally get food in front of them A child pyromaniac in this week's "What's Going On Over There?" segment The least charismatic hibachi chef ever Michael & Garrett debate the merits of a restaurant having a minimum and maximum possible score before even walking in Wallace reviews Benihana's kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings JUB puts your customers to work We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Benihana stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Red Lobster ! If you have ever worked for Red Lobster and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of Red Lobster's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E22 · Wed, March 08, 2023
"The Cleavage Effect" at Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
Lucille's history provides some racial turmoil The You-Must Bowl forces Michael to wear a "Bride-to-Be" sash and tiara The boys enlist some Yelp from Strangers as the boys read their favorite 1 & 5-star Yelp reviews about the Lucille's they visited Garrett speculates that Lucille's is growing its future workforce in back Greta reviews Lucille's kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings JUB has a bone to pick with a hot security guard's pick-up methods We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Benihana ! If you have ever worked for Benihana and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of Benihana's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E21 · Wed, March 01, 2023
Analysis Paralysis at The Cheesecake Factory feat. Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?)
Michael & Garrett get big casino hotel vibes from The Cheesecake Factory The Factory Apocalypse reanimates Cheesecake zombies Colin Mochrie from Whose Line Is It Anyway? voices cheese correspondent Steven's review of the Stuffed Cheddar Burger NEW SEGMENT: Yelp from Strangers, as the boys read their favorite 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5-star Yelp reviews about the Cheesecake Factory they visited Nikki recounts her pervasive Cheesemares™ that haunted her dreams during her tenure as a Cheesecake Factory employee JUB will train your baby to be good We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Cheesecake Factory stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ ! If you have ever worked for Lucille's and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of Lucille's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Bonus · Wed, February 22, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: 20 Restaurants: The Current Scoreboard
Michael & Garrett look back at 20 (+1) restaurant visits and analyze if their scores look correct on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity JUB will help you fill your life with regrets Garrett comes clean about DMing with Gatti's Pizza A full rankings recap at the end We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your fan questions at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: The Cheesecake Factory . If you have ever worked for The Cheesecake Factory and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of The Cheesecake Factory kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E20 · Wed, February 15, 2023
CheeseGate at Chevys Fresh Mex
Michael & Garrett go all the way to south San Francisco just to eat at Chevys Fresh Mex Y'all ready for shits? CheeseGate sets Michael and Garrett off as their server cheeselights them The boys passionately debate the merits of Performance Enhancing Dessert-toppers Pierce reviews the Chevys kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings JUB sells you the Art of Denial We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Chevys stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: A Special Look Back at 20 Entries on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity ! And in 2 weeks: The Cheesecake Factory . If you have ever worked for The Cheesecake Factory and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of The Cheesecake Factory kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E19 · Wed, February 08, 2023
The Hooter Bowl feat. Bonnie Gordon (Star Trek: Prodigy) & Noah Gray (Kansas City Chiefs)
It's the HOOTER BOWL!! Grab some chips, sit back, and put on the game as the boys talk wings, waitresses, and what day the week starts on We're on video for this one! Go to our Patreon (link below) to watch this episode in all its true glory! The Hooter Bowl is jam-packed with commercials just like the Super Bowl, but potentially more ridiculous Bonnie Gordon battles noise complaints from Michael's neighbors as she performs "Four Letters (ADHD)" off her upcoming album Con Artist for the Hooter Bowl Halftime Show Noah Gray from the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs pops in to voice Cheese Correspondent Steven Zurita's review of Hooters' Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Garrett pilfers a tin foil birthday hat from another table Hooters employee (and new Best Server) Amy shares her on-the-clock break-up story Willa Mae reviews Hooters kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings JUB has some wet nap slogans he wants to test out Additional voices: Nick Adams, Zeus Benitez, Jessa Day, Grayson Niles We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Huge thanks to our Patreon Producer: Sue Ornelas Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Hooters stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Chevys Fresh Mex ! If you have ever worked for Chevys and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Chevys kids menu, send it to
S1 E18 · Wed, February 01, 2023
We Took a Teenager to Chuck E. Cheese's feat. Chris Hansen (To Catch a Predator; Predators I've Caught) & Emma Danger
The boys bring Michael's second cousin (once removed) Emma to Chuck E. Cheese and she makes them feel elderly Chris Hansen from "To Catch a Predator" and the "Predators I've Caught" podcast reviews Chuck E. Cheese's cheesy bread on behalf of Cheese Correspondent Steven Zurita A passion for celery makes way for a Training Day- style Denzel monologue Brand new song "The Patreon Shuffle" is born Emma wins the Headline Game! What does that mean for next week's pick? JUB has a new best-selling item in stock Additional voices: Sean Burgos & Jon Capraro We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Chuck E. Cheese stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Hooter's ! If you have ever worked for Hooter's and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Hooter's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E17 · Wed, January 25, 2023
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen: Greasy & Fussy feat. Tommy Chong
The boys feel sluggish and greasy as their Cheddar's meal obliterated their bodies Tommy Chong from "Cheech & Chong" reviews Cheddar's cheese fries on behalf of Cheese Correspondent Steven Zurita Garrett's You-Must Bowl punishment - where he can only speak to the wait staff in rhyme - tanks our service Michael's dad also tanks our service experience Bathe yourself in the new perfume scent Mediocrité JUB has a ploy to get all the free wood you could ever want from a Home Depot Additional voices: Tommy Chong & Jessa Day We're now on Patreon ! Get a monthly free episode, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, the opportunity to get your face immortalized on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, and more! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Cheddar's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Chuck E. Cheese ! If you have ever worked for Chuck E. Cheese and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Chuck E. Cheese kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E16 · Wed, January 18, 2023
Luby's Gives Off Strong Nursing Home Vibes feat. Pumbaa from "The Lion King"
The boys get f***ing AMPED about their first cafeteria Pumbaa from "The Lion King" reviews Luby's mac & cheese on behalf of Cheese Correspondent Steven Zurita Michael & Garrett get to the bottom of why Luby's gave up on offering kids menus Michael wears a cone of shame Luby's nursing home feel scores a sponsorship from Old Old Ooooold SO OLD Navy JUB rallies against Goldblumers Additional voices: Ernie Sabella & Jessa Day Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Luby's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen ! If you have ever worked for Cheddar's and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Cheddar's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E15 · Wed, January 11, 2023
Our Lowest Score Ever at GattiTown: A Tale of Two Gatti's
It's A Tale of Two Gatti's with the depressing dichotomy between buffet and arcade Michael & Garrett's air hockey game spills out to the entire arcade Garrett gets a huge wad of gum on his shoe Gray chocolate pudding and translucent fruits are a bad sign that this buffet will suck Michael tries desperately to win a blu-ray copy of Croods 2: A New Age and some full-size candy bars JUB will help you overcome the obstacles in your life Additional voices: Sandy Rose and Nick Adams Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your GattiTown stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Luby's ! If you have ever worked for Luby's and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Luby's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E14 · Wed, January 04, 2023
The Chuy's Kids Menu Situation is Dogsh*t
Michael's dad sets the bar too high for Mexican food Elvis lives at Chuy's 10 year-old Wil calls out Chuy's "kids menu" with the mouth of a sailor Fine Dining Cheese Correspondent Steven is not in Texas, so Michael's mom steps in The You-Must Bowl forces 3 mid-meal wardrobe changes 15-year Chuy's vet Kassie recalls The Miracle of the Tortilla JUBcaps and JUBHub comin' atcha! Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Chuy's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: GattiTown ! If you have ever worked for GattiTown and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the GattiTown kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E13 · Wed, December 28, 2022
Michael Ruins His Alaskan King Crab at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
The fanciest restaurant yet surprises Michael & Garrett Three diary entries from His Majesty, the Alaskan King Crab A busser tries to steal a swimming pool JUB will teach you manners! 11 year-old Willa is too cool for the Pappadeaux kids menu Our waiter spills scalding hot butter on Garrett's hand Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Pappadeaux stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Chuy's ! If you have ever worked for Chuy's and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Chuy's kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E12 · Wed, December 21, 2022
Midnight Waffle House Is Wild feat. Jerry Springer
Michael & Garrett survive Waffle House on Halloween weekend at midnight Vape Man: Coming to a store near you this holiday season! Cheese Correspondent Steven has special guest Jerry Springer read his review of the Covered Hash Browns Former Waffle House employee Kendyll tells us just what happens at 3am at a Waffle House A Waffle House proposal lasts less than 24 hours JUB wants to repurpose your waffle batter A very special Headline Game: LIGHTNING ROUND! Michael has 2 minutes on the clock to answer Garrett's headline barrage correctly Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Waffle House stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen ! If you have ever worked for Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Pappadeaux kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
S1 E11 · Wed, December 14, 2022
Joel McHale Voices Our Review of Bob's Big Boy's Famous Chili Spaghetti feat. Joel McHale & Michael's Mom
Michael & Garrett annoint their friend Steven as their Cheese Correspondent Steven's jaw isn't working so Joel McHale reads Steven's review for him (around the 47 minute mark) More You-Must Bowl shenanigans ensued as Michael recruits his mom to make a painting of Bob's Big Boy Michael's mom tells her side of the story when Michael was pulled over by Officer Hot Dog (hear the original story in episode 8!) The boys have truly bad service JUB works inside of the Big Boy statue Garrett takes on Michael's mom in this week's Headline Game Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Bob's Big Boy stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Waffle House ! If you have ever worked for Waffle House and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Waffle House kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E10 · Wed, December 07, 2022
The $100 Tip at Rainforest Cafe
It's double date night at Rainforest Cafe Garrett inflates a gigantic pool toy at the table because of his You Must Bowl punishment Across the Sky podcast host Matt Holiner drops in to give a weather forecast for the Rainforest...Cafe Michael gives $100 to a balloon animal maker JUB has his own special ways of keeping the animatronics in check 6 year-old Austin tells his favorite joke on the Rainforest Kids Menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings Michael & Garrett hand out some high scores Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Rainforest Cafe stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Bob's Big Boy ! If you have ever worked for Bob's Big Boy and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Bob's Big Boy kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E9 · Wed, November 30, 2022
Fantasy Birthday Brawl at Gyu-Kaku
It's Michael's 34th birthday dinner with almost a dozen friends! Michael & Garrett speculate why the bathroom is deafening Garrett sides with the waiter as a Dungeons & Dragons battle breaks out in the restaurant JUB will annoy your friends to ensure they're on time to their appointments 10 year-old Luke was snubbed by Gyu-Kaku in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings segment Michael & Garrett go in-depth on the expansive menu at Gyu-Kaku, even if they aren't always sure what they're eating Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Gyu-Kaku stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Rainforest Cafe ! If you have ever worked for Rainforest Cafe and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Rainforest Cafe kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E8 · Wed, November 23, 2022
"Officer Hot Dog" Pulls Michael Over at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Michael & Garrett are immensely disappointed by the churro stand next to Bubba Gump Michael tells the story of getting pulled over in Alabama "for having California license plates" Forrest Gump narrates the boys' adventure JUB makes souvenir pennies 7 year-old Nora "hates the man on the bench" in another adorable Munchkin Menu Musings segment Michael & Garrett go HAM on Forrest Gump trivia Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ ! If you have ever worked for Gyu-Kaku and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Gyu-Kaku kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E7 · Wed, November 16, 2022
Perfectly Adequate: Our Olive Garden Musical
WELCOME TO OUR MUSICAL EPISODE! You're reading that correctly! Michael & Garrett review Olive Garden The boys think they can top Olive Garden’s in-house soundtrack by creating one of their own! JUB gets a real job What's going on with there being SO MANY BIRTHDAYS at Olive Garden?? Former Olive Garden employee Trever Jones recounts meeting the love of his love on the job 3 year-old Yaretzi gives up on reviewing the kids menu, so her dad does it for her 7 full-length songs about Michael & Garrett’s night at Olive Garden: “We’re All Family Here” (10:15) Music by Kyle Schieffer Lyrics by Michael Ornelas & Garrett Zwerk Performed by Nick Adams, Cristina Bidagor, Michael Ornelas, Garrett Zwerk, & Kyle Schieffer Additional voices by Kyle Schieffer, Alessandra Hill, & Jonny from Fiverr “All We Want Is You (To Be Our Server)” (featuring alice the g00n) (26:45) Music by James McEnelly Lyrics by Garrett Zwerk & Michael Ornelas Performed by Michael Ornelas, Garrett Zwerk, & alice the g00n Additional voices by James McEnelly, Gabe Alvarez, Natalie Paniccia, & Caroline Paniccia “Send It Back!” (32:12) Music by Gabe Alvarez Lyrics by Gabe Alvarez Performed by Michael Ornelas & Garrett Zwerk Backing vocals by Gabe Alvarez Additional Voices by Alessandra Hill “Charge for Sauce” (42:39) Music by Kyle Schieffer Lyrics by Michael Ornelas Performed by Ben Valdmets, Michael Ornelas, & Garrett Zwerk Additional Voices by Kyle Schieffer “Room for Dessert” (featuring Ghettosocks) (52:48) Music by Fresh Kils Lyrics by Michael Ornelas & Darren Pyper Performed by Michael Ornelas, Garrett Zwerk, Ghettosocks, & alice the g00n “Perfectly Adequate” (featuring alice the g00n) (1:04:19) Music by Kyle Schieffer Lyrics by Michael Ornelas Performed by Michael Ornelas, Garrett Zwerk, & alice the g00n Backing vocals by Kyle Schieffer “We’re All Family Here (Reprise)” (1:08:49) Music by Kyle Schieffer Lyrics by Michael Ornelas Performed by Michael Ornelas, Garrett Zwerk, Nick Adams, & Cristina Bidagor Backing vocals by Kyle Schieffer Additional voices by alice the g00n & Ghettosocks All songs mastered by Perrier Grey Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Olive Garden stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where
S1 E6 · Wed, November 09, 2022
The Pizza Hut You Grew Up With Is Dead
Michael & Garrett drive an hour away to review a Pizza Hut that still has a dine-in option The boys break their own rules because they were lied to by Yelp Why is Pizza Hut a magnet for cars crashing into them?? The boys discuss Pizza Hut’s marketing plan from the ‘90s to laser their logo onto the surface of the moon Garrett gives a eulogy Michael & Garrett fight over whether or not this dessert item is eligible to be rated Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Pizza Hut stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on iTunes. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Olive Garden ! If you have ever worked for Olive Garden and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Olive Garden kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E5 · Wed, November 02, 2022
Denny’s at 2AM is Pure Chaos
Michael & Garrett review Denny’s (at 2 in the morning on a Saturday night) The Wild West of late night dining: college students and homeless people galore “What’s Going on over There?” is the theme of the night as there are so many unanswerable mysteries from this wild night, but the boys do their best to solve them The restaurant erupts with applause for a blindfolded Garrett after he finally gets his dessert to his mouth due to the You Must Bowl JUB hocks Peace & Quiet™ 4 year-old Preston from Texas reviews the Denny’s Kids Menu Super-Server Keith from Outback Steakhouse gets a run for his money from 85 year-old Shohreh, a battle-hardened veteran of the graveyard shift Michael & Garrett discuss a casting call for Milk Steve the Cream Lord Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Denny’s stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a 5-star review on iTunes. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Pizza Hut ! If you have ever worked for Pizza Hut and have a story to share, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E4 · Wed, October 26, 2022
Drunk Boomers, Affairs, and Break-Ups at Island’s Fine Burgers & Drinks
Michael & Garrett review Island’s Fine Burgers & Drinks Michael goes off-the-menu with a discontinued burger order The boys enter a lottery for a free bike JUB has yet another business ploy 10 empty mugs of beer on an older couple’s table raise more questions than they answer The boys gush about THE BEST FRIES IN THE GAME 5 year-old Joaquin reviews the kids menu in this week’s Munchkin Menu Musings TWO listener-submitted stories about break-ups and infidelity involving Island's Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send us your Island’s Fine Burgers & Drinks stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a 5-star review on iTunes. We read every one! Next time on Fine Dining: Denny’s ! If you have ever worked for Denny’s and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Denny’s kids menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E3 · Wed, October 19, 2022
The Haunting of The Old Spaghetti Factory
Michael & Garrett review The Old Spaghetti Factory The most mediocre dinner so far takes a sharp turn when the boys discover the place is super haunted An interview with special guest, Paranormal Investigator/Psychic/Author Jeff Dwyer Michael raises some eyebrows when the You Must Bowl forces him to bring a pineapple to dinner and insist it’s his son Michael & Garrett tell you all about why they nicknamed the guy sitting across from them “Milk Steve the Cream Lord” JUB offers to bust ghosts 7 year-old Julian reviews the kids menu in this week’s Munchkin Menu Musings Will Michael go 3-0 against Garrett in The Headline Game? Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Old Spaghetti Factory stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a 5-star review on iTunes. We read every one! The Search Continues: next time on Fine Dining we dine at Island’s Fine Burgers & Drinks ! If you have ever worked for Island’s and have a story to share, or if you’d like us to hear your child’s review of the Island’s kids’ menu, send it to finediningpodcast@gmail.com .
S1 E2 · Wed, October 19, 2022
Why Garrett Will Never Return to Buffalo Wild Wings
Michael & Garrett review Buffalo Wild Wings A ceiling leak rains on the boys’ parade The atmosphere almost gives Garrett a panic attack The security feed lets the boys know THEY’RE BEING WATCHED Garrett sets his mouth on fire JUB is back with a brand new business Michael writes and performs B-Dubs’s unofficial corporate birthday song Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Buffalo Wild Wings stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a 5-star review on iTunes. We read every one! The Search Continues: next time on Fine Dining we dine at The Old Spaghetti Factory !
S1 E1 · Wed, October 19, 2022
We Found the Greatest Server in the World at Outback Steakhouse
Michael & Garrett review Outback Steakhouse The boys bow to the greatness of the perfect appetizer JUB will punch your lights out Michael & Garrett are mistaken for corporate quality control/private shoppers as management rolls out the red carpet 9 year-old Miles reviews the kids menu Michael issues an apology to Anthony Anderson’s brother A former Outback employee remembers the time a couple got 5 orders of the Aussie Cheese Fries Michael challenges Garrett to The Headline Game Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com ! Send us your Outback Steakhouse stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com . Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a 5-star review on iTunes. We read every one! The Search Continues: next time on Fine Dining we dine at Buffalo Wild Wings !

"Fine" Dining

Is Joe's Crab Shack the Best Chain Seafood Restaurant?

Joe's Crab Shack: Drunk Toddlers, Racist Decor, & WHO THE HELL IS JOE

Panera Bread Is a Pastry Paradise

Panera Bread: Infinite Refills, Caffeinated Chaos, and Chicken Controversies

Is Dairy Queen Worth a 2 Hour Drive?

Dairy Queen’s Rise to Power – The Blizzard Effect

Taco Bell Proved Me Wrong (But Not About Everything)

How Taco Bell Became Fast Food’s Most Creative Brand

Subway Is Even Worse Than You Remember

Subway’s Disturbing History: Jared, The Infinite Destroyer, & Azodicarbonamide

The Only Hooters with Breakfast feat. Alexander Poncio

Hooter Bowl 3: The History of the Worst Hotel in Las Vegas feat. Alexander Poncio

McDonald's PlayPlace & the McGriddle feat. Chad Damiani [Part Two]

McDonald's Breakfast Isn't Clowning Around feat. Chad Damiani

America's Largest IKEA feat. Chris Grace [Part Two]

IKEA's Meatballs Aren't Actually Even Swedish feat. Chris Grace

Snitching on Santa at Arctic Circle feat. Santa Claus [Part Two]

Who Invented Fry Sauce? feat. Santa Claus

Best Chain Salad? California Pizza Kitchen Review feat. Holly Brown [Part Two]

California Pizza Kitchen Was Pasta First? feat. Holly Brown

No Nips for Us! Strip Club Review feat. Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough [Episode 69 Special Part Two]

Strip Club Eats feat. Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough [Episode 69 Special Part One]

Casa Bonita Is My New Favorite Restaurant feat. Ify Nwadiwe [Part Two]

The Story of Casa Bonita feat. Ify Nwadiwe

Season 3 Trailer!

Season Finale: A Nightmare on WingStreet Review feat. Rachel Bryant (Actor) [Part Two]

A Nightmare on WingStreet: History feat. Rachel Bryant (Actor, "A Hard Place") [Part One]

Cook Out Review feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part Two]

Cook Out History feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part One]

Shake Shack feat. Jen Kober (Stand-Up Comedian)

White Castle feat. Coyal Harrison (Visit Vegas Places Podcast)

In-N-Out Burger (vs. Whataburger for Septemburger) feat. Raj Rawal (Tastemade)

Septemburger 2024 Kick-Off Spectacular: Steak 'n Shake vs. Rally's, Freddy's vs. Culver's, Whataburger Review

Perkins Review feat. Andrew Canada (Two in the Cooler Podcast) [Part Two]

Perkins History feat. Andrew Canada (Two in the Cooler Podcast) [Part One]

Houston's Restaurant Review feat. Adam Macias (That Was Wild Podcast) [Part Two]

Houston's Restaurant History feat. Adam Macias (That Was Wild Podcast) [Part One]

Popeyes Review feat. Sierra Katow (Stand-Up Comedian, TV Chef Fantasy League) [Part Two]

Popeyes History feat. Sierra Katow (Stand-Up Comedian, TV Chef Fantasy League) [Part One]

Shoney's Review feat. Dad [Part Two]

Shoney's History feat. Dad [Part One]

American Girl Cafe Review feat. Katie Molinaro (Eat It Katie, Comedian, & Foodie) [Part Two]

American Girl Cafe History feat. Katie Molinaro (Eat It Katie, Comedian, & Foodie) [Part One]

Cracker Barrel Review feat. Jen Liv (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part Two]

Cracker Barrel History feat. Jen Liv (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part One]

Shrekfast! The Original Pancake House Review feat. Chad Opitz (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part Two]

Shrekfast! The Original Pancake House History feat. Chad Opitz (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part One]

P.F. Chang's Review feat. Andres Simonian (Spanish Wendy's Guy, Y-List Actor) [Part Two]

P.F. Chang's History feat. Andres Simonian (Spanish Wendy's Guy, Y-List Actor) [Part One]

Chipotle Review feat. Zara Mizrahi (Stand-Up, American Dad, Family Guy) [Part Two]

Chipotle History feat. Zara Mizrahi (Stand-Up, American Dad, Family Guy) [Part One]

IHOP Review feat. Jasper Lewis (Internet Menace) & Katie Molinaro (Renowned Foodie) [Part Two]

IHOP History feat. Jasper Lewis (Internet Menace) [Part One]

Costco Food Court Review feat. Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover (On Brand with Jon & Marisa) [Part Two]

Costco Food Court History feat. Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover (On Brand with Jon & Marisa) [Part One]

Culver's Review feat. Kellie Baldwin [Part Two]

Culver's History feat. Kellie Baldwin [Part One]

Whataburger (Part Two: Review) feat. Ashley Robinson (Fear the Walking Dead)

Whataburger (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Ashley Robinson (Fear the Walking Dead)

Ch**seburger in Paradise (Part Two: Review) feat. Mom

Ch**seburger in Paradise (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Mom

Hoots Wings (Part Two: Review) feat. VyVy Nguyen (Shaky Shivers, The Sympathizer)

Hooter Bowl 2: "Hootdunnit?" Hoots Wings (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. VyVy Nguyen (Shaky Shivers)

Friendly's (Part Two: Review) feat. JUB

Friendly's (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. JUB...?

Hot Dog on a Stick (Part Two: Review) feat. Monis Rose (Restaurant Fiction Podcast)

Hot Dog on a Stick (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Monis Rose (Restaurant Fiction Podcast) & Alex Borstein (Family Guy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)

Buca di Beppo (Part Two: Review) feat. Mike Perkins

Buca di Beppo (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Mike Perkins

Texas Roadhouse (Part Two: Review) feat. Michael Moore

Texas Roadhouse (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Michael Moore

Katz's Delicatessen (Part Two: Review) feat. Joyce

Katz's Delicatessen (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Joyce

Gordon Biersch Brewery (Part Two: Review) feat. "Pretty" Peter Avalon (All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor)

Gordon Biersch Brewery (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. "Pretty" Peter Avalon (All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor)

The Melting Pot feat. Rhyan Schwartz

Season 2 Trailer

TGI Fridays the 13th: Season Finale

TGI Fridays the 13th: Season Finale Trailer