Episodes
-
Septemburger 2024's final 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 Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your White Castle stories at [email protected].
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast
Follow Coyal on Instagram & TikTok @visitvegasplaces
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: Shake Shack. The final stop for Septemburger is the top dog, the number 1 seed, and I brought award-winning storyteller and comedian Jen Kober with me. Will they overcome White Castle, a burger so bad that the bar is on the floor? Yes. The answer is yes. Ever work at Shake Shack? Send in your stories to [email protected]
-
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 Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your In-N-Out Burger stories at [email protected].
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast
Follow Raj on Instagram & TikTok @asaprajy
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: White Castle. I drove all the way to Las Vegas to eat at this notorious stoner destination with host of the Visit Vegas Places podcast, Coyal Harrison. I give a full review to the no. 8 seed in the Septemburger bracket one week before their showdown with the top-rated Shake Shack. Ever work at White Castle? Send in your stories to [email protected]
-
Episodes manquant?
-
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! Get an extra episode every month (my Ess-a-Bagel episode just dropped, where I went 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 Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your hamburger stories at [email protected].
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: In-N-Out Burger! I'm joined by Raj Rawal Ever work at In-N-Out Burger? Send me your stories at [email protected].
-
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!
Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your Perkins stories at [email protected].
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: Septemburger 2024 Kicks Off! I revisit 5 burger chains I've been to already this season as we see Steak 'n Shake take on Rally's, and Culver's matches up with Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. And then I score Whataburger's hamburger before they go head-to-head with In-N-Out the following week. Fill out your Septemburger brackets here!
-
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 [email protected].
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: Perkins Review [Part Two]! Andrew Canada returns to eat a pretty underwhelming meal with me! Ever work at Perkins? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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: Perkins History [Part One]! From the Two in the Cooler podcast, I'm joined by Andrew Canada as we talk all about this history of Perkins, a chain he grew up on. Ever work at Perkins? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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: Houston's Restaurant Review [Part Two]! Adam Macias returns to talk about this fancy birthday lunch we had for him, including some of the best sushi we've ever tasted! Ever work at Houston's? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your Popeyes stories at [email protected].
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast
Follow Sierra on Instagram and TikTok @sierrakatow
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: Houston's Restaurant History [Part One]! From the That Was Wild! podcast, host Adam Macias joins me for a fancy birthday lunch at one of the nicer chains out there. Hear the history of Houston's and Hillstone. Ever work at Houston's? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast
Follow Sierra on Instagram and TikTok @sierrakatow
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: Popeyes Review [Part Two]! Sierra Katow returns to help me try a bunch of the different ways Popeyes does chicken: sandwich, wings, traditional fried, etc.! Ever work at Popeyes? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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: Popeyes History [Part One]! I'm joined by comedian Sierra Katow to learn about the history of my favorite Louisiana-based fast food chicken chain, and its founder's villainous ploy to hold the recipes hostage! Ever work at Popeyes? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast
Follow Katie on TikTok and Instagram @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: Shoney's History [Part One]! My own Dad joins me on the road in North Carolina to go to a chain that I'd only heard of from Rick & Morty: Shoney's. Hear the history of this former member of the Big Boy family and some Yelp reviews. Ever work at a Shoney's? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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 [Part Two]! My new friend Katie Molinaro is back to break down what it's like to eat at an experience meant for children as an adult. Ever work at American Girl? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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: American Girl Boutique & Bistro History [Part One]! I'm joined by comedian and food influencer Katie Molinaro (aka EatItKatie) to hit up a lunch with dolls. But before we can talk about it, we're gonna let you know about the franchise's founding and read some Yelp reviews about it. Ever work at an American Girl store? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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? Well, you're gonna have to listen as Jen Liv returns to review this iconic chain that was a staple of her 20s. Ever work at Cracker Barrel? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
"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 [email protected].
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: Cracker Barrel History [Part One]! Comedian Jen Liv is in the house to revisit a spot that was near and dear to her in her 20s. Now that she's worked at top-tier restaurants, how will Cracker Barrel look by comparison? Find out as we cover the history of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store! Ever work at Cracker Barrel? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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 "Fine" Dining: The Original Pancake House Review [Part Two]! Chad Opitz is back, and it's time to talk about Shrekfast! The food and service were both wonderful, and breakfast is both these boys' favorite cuisine. Ever work at The Original Pancake House? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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: The Original Pancake House History [Part One]! I'm joined by comedian Chad Opitz, and Shrekfast is upon us. Learn the history of this oft-overlooked franchise in the world of breakfast chains! Ever work at The Original Pancake House? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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 first part, he didn't love P.F. Chang's. Hear our review and see what's salvageable! Ever work at P.F. Chang's? Send your stories to [email protected].
-
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 [email protected].
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!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: P.F. Chang's History [Part One]! I go deep into the lore of the most iconic American-made Asian cuisine restaurant chain in the country, and I bring Andres Simonian with me, in what might be a traitorous act, given he's one of the "Wendy's guys" in the current ad campaign they're running in Spanish-speaking markets. Ever work at P.F. Chang's? Send your stories to [email protected].
- Montre plus
