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"Fine" Dining

"Fine" Dining

171 episodes — Page 3 of 4

S2 Ep 15P.F. Chang's History feat. Andres Simonian (Spanish Wendy's Guy, Y-List Actor) [Part One]

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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].

May 15, 202444 min

S2 Ep 14Chipotle Review feat. Zara Mizrahi (Stand-Up, American Dad, Family Guy) [Part Two]

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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].

May 8, 202452 min

S2 Ep 14Chipotle History feat. Zara Mizrahi (Stand-Up, American Dad, Family Guy) [Part One]

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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 [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: Chipotle Review [Part Two]! Zara returns to review her one true love: Chipotle burritos. We'll talk all about our lunch at this fast-casual juggernaut. Ever work at Chipotle? Send your stories to [email protected].

May 1, 202458 min

S2 Ep 13IHOP Review feat. Jasper Lewis (Internet Menace) & Katie Molinaro (Renowned Foodie) [Part Two]

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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 [email protected]. 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 Zara Mizrahi joins Michael to learn the history of her number 1 love: Chipotle. Ever work at Chipotle? Send your stories to [email protected]. *$50 for gas, $200 Applebee's gift card. Go to linktree.com/finediningpodcast and select "Bees Giveaway" to enter!

Apr 24, 202453 min

S2 Ep 13IHOP History feat. Jasper Lewis (Internet Menace) [Part One]

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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 [email protected]. 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 Katie Molinaro to taste test a special Lays flavor. Ever work at IHOP? Send your stories to [email protected].

Apr 17, 202443 min

S2 Ep 12Costco 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 [email protected]. 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: IHOP [Part One]! I'm joined by actress and content creator Jasper Lewis as go into the history of the International House of Pancakes. Ever work at IHOP? Send your stories to [email protected].

Apr 10, 202456 min

S2 Ep 12Costco 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 [email protected]. 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]! We'll finally talk about the horrific way Jon ate his Chicken Bake, and we try the new cookie that replaced the churro. Ever work at Costco? Send your stories to [email protected].

Apr 3, 20241h 1m

S2 Ep 11Culver'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 [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: Costco Food Court History feat. On Brand Podcast [Part One]! Michael's off to the king of wholesalers, Costco, and their legendary food court with Marisa Pinson and Jon Glover. We cover the huge public reactions every time Costco changes its menu. Ever work at Costco? Send your stories to [email protected].

Mar 27, 202446 min

S2 Ep 11Culver'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 [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: Culver's Review [Part Two]! Kellie and I start Septemburger in March, the chain restaurant equivalent of Christmas in July, as we try three different burgers, as well as some frozen custard. Ever work at Culver's? Send your stories to [email protected].

Mar 20, 202441 min

S2 Ep 10Whataburger (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 [email protected]. 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 join forces with friend, listener, and all-around badass Kellie Baldwin as we continue unveiling competitors for this year's Septemburger tournament. The shakes are where it's at though. Ever work at Culver's? Send your stories to [email protected].

Mar 13, 202446 min

S2 Ep 10Whataburger (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 [email protected]. 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)! Ashley and I kick off some of the burgers that'll be in this year's Septemburger competition, dabble with the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and order a "Patty" without the "Melt." Ever work at Whataburger? Send your stories to [email protected].

Mar 6, 202440 min

S2 Ep 9Ch**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 [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: 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 series run, a Texas staple: Whataburger! Ever work at Whataburger? Send your stories to [email protected].

Feb 28, 202444 min

S2 Ep 9Ch**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 [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: 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 your stories to [email protected].

Feb 21, 202433 min

S2 Ep 8Hoots 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 [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: Ch**seburger in Paradise (Eat Deets)! I went to Hawaii to run a marathon and stopped by the other Jimmy Buffett restaurant with my Mom. Hear as she joins me in learning the history of the franchise and other people's opinions in Yelp from Strangers Ever work at Ch**seburger in Paradise? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Well, Harrison has legal troubles, and I think JUB disappeared, so I'm currently accepting applications. Submit your character to [email protected].

Feb 14, 202452 min

S2 Ep 8Hooter Bowl 2: "Hootdunnit?" Hoots Wings (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. VyVy Nguyen (Shaky Shivers)

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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 [email protected]. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow VyVy on Instagram @cest_la_vyvy Check out VyVy in her horror feature film Shaky Shivers and HBO's upcoming miniseries The Sympathizer. 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: Hoots Wings by Hooters (Part Two: Review)! VyVy finally gets to open her gift, and sticks around to review Hoots Wings with Michael! Ever work at Hoots Wings? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Feb 7, 202446 min

S2 Ep 7Friendly's (Part Two: Review) feat. JUB

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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 [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: 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 reviews of the Pasadena Hoots Wings, but also dive headfirst into a mystery of meh-pic proportions in the first ever (and probably only) Hootdunnit. Ever work at Hoots Wings? Send your stories to [email protected].

Jan 31, 202432 min

S2 Ep 7Friendly's (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. JUB...?

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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 [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: 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 dessert's bat ears are upside down. Ever work at Friendly's? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Jan 24, 202429 min

S2 Ep 6Hot Dog on a Stick (Part Two: Review) feat. Monis Rose (Restaurant Fiction Podcast)

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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 [email protected]. 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 totally-not-made-up sponsor JUB to New England with me to hit a staple of a different part of the country. But does he even show up to record? He's on-edge and unreliable, so we'll see as I dive into Yelp reviews and the history of the brother-owned franchise. Ever work at Friendly's? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Jan 17, 202455 min

S2 Ep 6Hot Dog on a Stick (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Monis Rose (Restaurant Fiction Podcast) & Alex Borstein (Family Guy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)

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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 [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: 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 [email protected].

Jan 10, 202441 min

S2 Ep 5Buca di Beppo (Part Two: Review) feat. Mike Perkins

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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 [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: 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 Hot Dog on a Stick? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Jan 3, 20241h 4m

S2 Ep 5Buca di Beppo (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Mike Perkins

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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 [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: 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 [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Dec 27, 202338 min

S2 Ep 4Texas Roadhouse (Part Two: Review) feat. Michael Moore

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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 [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: 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 [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Dec 20, 202358 min

S2 Ep 4Texas Roadhouse (Part One: Eat Deets) feat. Michael Moore

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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 [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: 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 there's even a 3-part horror-themed audiodrama throughout Part Two! Ever work at Texas Roadhouse? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Dec 13, 202343 min

S2 Ep 3Katz'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 [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: 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 history, read some catfish-centric Yelp reviews, and brace ourselves for a meal that's certainly questionable. Ever work at Texas Roadhouse? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Dec 6, 202348 min

S2 Ep 3Katz'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 [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: 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 [email protected]. If you're a fan of "Fine" Dining: The Search for the Most Mediocre Restaurant in America, you'll love Banned Camp - a comedy podcast about why books are banned. Be sure to check it out and give them a listen. Search for them wherever you listen to podcasts - that's Banned with two Ns.

Nov 29, 202329 min

S2 Ep 2Gordon Biersch Brewery (Part Two: Review) feat. "Pretty" Peter Avalon (All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor)

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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 [email protected]. 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! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Katz's Delicatessen (Part One: Eat Deets & Yelp from Strangers)! I'm off to New York City with my girlfriend, Joyce! Learn the storied history of the NYC establishment that's allegedly been in business since 1888 (which has maybe been debunked). Ever work at Katz's? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV

Nov 22, 202352 min

S2 Ep 2Gordon 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 [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: 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 [email protected].

Nov 15, 202326 min

S2 Ep 1The Melting Pot feat. Rhyan Schwartz

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"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 [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: Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (Eat Deets)! I'm joined by All Elite Wrestling's "Pretty" Peter Avalon, and for the first part of the episode, I'll be teaching him the history of Gordon Biersch and their claim to have invented garlic fries. Ever work at a Gordon Biersch? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV

Nov 8, 20231h 22m

S1 Ep 40TGI Fridays the 13th: Season Finale

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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 [email protected]. 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 fondue restaurant, despite despising cheese! Hear what they have to say in two weeks for the season 2 premiere in two weeks! Ever work at a Melting Pot? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Oct 25, 20231h 14m

S1 Ep 39Marie 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 [email protected]. 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 season 1! Ever work at a TGI Friday's? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Oct 11, 202358 min

S1 Ep 38Johnny Rockets & the Heavy Chair Heist

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Sep 27, 20231h 14m

S1 Ep 37Umami 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Sep 20, 20231h 11m

S1 Ep 36Red Robin feat. John Angeli (Terror Firma)

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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 [email protected]. 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 seed in Septemburger, but can they live up to their own hype? Find out next week! Ever work at an Umami Burger? Send your stories to [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Sep 13, 20231h 32m

Septemburger Has Arrived!! (Fuddruckers vs. Applebee's//Islands vs. Bob's Big Boy//Outback Steakhouse)

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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 [email protected].

Sep 6, 202346 min

S1 Ep 35Twin Peaks: The Revenge Breastaurant feat. Emma Danger

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Aug 23, 20231h 17m

S1 Ep 34All Garlic Everything at The Stinking Rose

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Aug 9, 20231h 7m

S1 Ep 33Shakey's Pizza Parlor Has a Crab Problem feat. Zeus Benitez (BabyGirl)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Jul 26, 20231h 14m

S1 Ep 32A Suit of Pokemon Cards: Technically Meeting the Dress Code at Mastro's Ocean Club

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Jul 12, 20231h 24m

S1 Ep 31ASMR Spooning at Sizzler feat. VyVy Nguyen (The Sympathizer, Young Sheldon, Dogs in Space)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Jun 28, 20231h 33m

BONUS EPISODE: The LA County Fair (1-Hour Patreon Preview)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Jun 21, 20231h 1m

S1 Ep 30Medieval Times: Knights on Strike

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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 [email protected]. 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: Sizzler! If you have ever worked for Medieval Times and have a story to share, send it to [email protected].

Jun 14, 20231h 40m

S1 Ep 29More Margarita Than Man at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

May 31, 20231h 17m

S1 Ep 28Romano's Macaroni Grill's New Bread Can F Right Off

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

May 17, 20231h 9m

S1 Ep 27We Drove to LAX to Eat Airport Planet Hollywood feat. Steve Moulton (I Think You Should Leave)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

May 3, 20231h 28m

S1 Ep 26The Cinnabon Injunction feat. Jessa Day (Twitch)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Apr 19, 20231h 4m

S1 Ep 25Applebee's: The Most Mediocre Restaurant in America (So Far) feat. Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien, Firefly)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Apr 5, 20231h 12m

S1 Ep 24Red Lobster: Soaked in Butter feat. Casey Adler (The Upshaws, Bunheads, Stand-Up Comedy)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. This month on our Patreon: Portillo's. Subscribe at the link above to get this exclusive episode!

Mar 22, 20231h 14m

S1 Ep 23Literal Eternity at Benihana

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Mar 15, 20231h 31m

S1 Ep 22"The Cleavage Effect" at Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Mar 8, 20231h 13m

S1 Ep 21Analysis Paralysis at The Cheesecake Factory feat. Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?)

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Mar 1, 20231h 13m