Maybe the best milkshakes in the game!

• Cook Out is a staple of North Carolina, and I got to sit with host of the Astonishing Legends podcast, Scott Philbrook and try the burgers, hush puppies, and milkshakes that make them famous
  
• The Secret Menu Category: Spooky Restaurants
• A liminal space with Cheerwine decor
• What's Going On Over There with the handwashing station on the customer side of the ordering station?
• There's back of house and front of house, and never the two shall meet
• What we ate: Onion Rings, Hush Puppies, Cajun Fries, Cook Out Style Burger, Out West Style Burger, Steak Style Burger
  
• Scott details a restaurant experience so bad, his whole party left with dire stomach issues in this week's Calibration Station
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I just put out the Septemburger 2024 Semi-Finals & Finals episode and it's available for FREE! Go hear who won this year's tournament), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Cook Out stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Astonishing Legends on Instagram @astonishinglegends

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: WingStreet History [Part One]! Independent Horror superstar Rachel Bryant goes full Freddy Krueger with me for A Nightmare on WingStreet, part 1 of the "Fine" Dining Halloween and Season 2 Finale Special! Ever work at WingStreet/Pizza Hut? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Coming to you from Greensboro, North Carolina this week!

• I'm cross-country again as this week I'm covering the beloved Southern burger chain Cook Out with host of the Astonishing Legends podcast, Scott Philbrook
  
• Scott talks his history with Cook Out from back when he was in college, as most locations are open until 3 in the morning
• Learn the history of Cook Out and their expansive menu that sells at a fraction of the cost of most fast food brands' offerings
• A couple incidents at Cook Out got managers and employees fired for either refusing or giving poor service to the police
• A Yelper complains of a "chemically" hot dog that's unfit for dogs
  
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I just put out the Septemburger 2024 Semi-Finals & Finals episode and it's available for FREE! Go hear who won this year's tournament), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Cook Out stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Astonishing Legends on Instagram @astonishinglegends

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Cook Out Review [Part Two]! Scott Philbrook joins me to drink cheerwine, devour a top tier milkshake, and chow down on some burgers! Ever work at Cook Out? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

We eat the chicken sandwich that caused chaos upon launch!

• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen makes it clear that you're not supposed eat it there. But I powered through with my guest, stand-up comedian Sierra Katow
  
• Popeyes goes overboard on the signage in the store, outside the restaurant, and on the door
• What's Going On Over There with the complete silence inside the establishment?
• The chicken sandwich: is it really that good?
  
• Sierra opens up about a stressful Denny's experience
• What we ate:
  
  • Strawberry Lemonade
  • Sweet Tea
  • Biscuits
  • Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
  • Cole Slaw
  • Signature Fried Chicken
  • Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
  • Spicy Chicken Sandwich
  • Apple Pie
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Out later today, my July exclusive episode covers one of my absolute favorite food court spots: Sarku Japan. Joined by my friend Michael Slater, hear me dive into a pool of "Yummy Yummy Sauce!"), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Popeyes stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Sierra on Instagram and TikTok @sierrakatow

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Houston's Restaurant History [Part One]! From the That Was Wild! podcast, host Adam Macias joins me for a fancy birthday lunch at one of the nicer chains out there. Hear the history of Houston's and Hillstone. Ever work at Houston's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

The stories from the sandwich launch are wild!

• I went to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen with stand-up comedian Sierra Katow, but before reviewing the place we have to go over the franchise history
• The Eat Deets unveil founder Al Copeland's master plan to charge the company a "spice royalty" after he was ousted from leadership
• The Secret Menu: Villainous Treats
• Beyoncé has a "free Popeyes for life" situation going, but she's too embarrassed to use it
• A chronicling of the abject chaos that erupted upon the release of Popeyes chicken sandwich
• A Yelper expresses grave concern over a manager in front of the restaurant working on their black Mercedes in their work-issued gloves and apron in this week's Yelp from Strangers
  
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Now's a great chance to catch the Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers episode with my friend Herbert before using that information to fill out your Septemburger 2024 bracket in a little over a month), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Popeyes stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Sierra on Instagram and TikTok @sierrakatow

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Popeyes Review [Part Two]! Sierra Katow returns to help me try a bunch of the different ways Popeyes does chicken: sandwich, wings, traditional fried, etc.! Ever work at Popeyes? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

A new Worst Restaurant in America is crowned!

• A restaurant so bad, I don't think my Dad (my guest this week) will ever let me live it down: Shoney's
• Buffet soups shouldn't have such a thick skin over them that the ladle rests on top...right??
• What's Going On Over There with Shoney's thinking they deserve their own food truck?
• The service team surprises me with a little extra cook time on my steak, despite my wishes to the contrary
• Fan of the show Travis recounts the story of when Scott Steiner threw him out of a Shoney's!
• Seriously, a steak cooked this long can only be described as Way Too Much!
• The previous worst restaurant, GattiTown scored a 2.70 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity. How much worse can Shoney's be?
• What we ate:
  • Fries
  • Breakfast Potatoes
  • Eggs
  • Pancakes
  • Slim Jim Sandwich
  • Steak
  • Shoney's World Famous Hot FudgeCake
  • Heinz 57
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (The Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers episode with my friend Herbert is going strong, and I just released my tentative show line-up through the end of 2024!), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Shoney's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Popeyes History [Part One]! I'm joined by comedian Sierra Katow to learn about the history of my favorite Louisiana-based fast food chicken chain, and its founder's villainous ploy to hold the recipes hostage! Ever work at Popeyes? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Traveled across the country for this!

• Coming to you from the mountains of North Carolina, I bring you the Eat Deets for Shoney's with my very own Dad
• Shoney's has undergone a few name changes, including being a part of the Big Boy franchise
• A brand that once grew to over 1,800 restaurants is dwindling in the post-pandemic restaurant landscape, now down to 81 (as of 2024)
• Racist hiring practices landed Shoney's on the receiving end of the largest discrimination settlement ever (at the time)
• A Yelper literally dumps all over the whole town in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (The Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers episode is available now, and covers the no. 3 seed in this year's Septemburger tournament! I'm joined by my friend Herbert, who's gone to a lot of these places with me), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Shoney's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Shoney's Review [Part Two]! Shoney's makes the worst steak I've ever had in my life and my Dad, who's back, hates everything about it. Ever work at Shoney's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Edible straws?

• Actress, foodie, and comedian Katie Molinaro joined me for maybe the weirdest meal yet, as we were total fish out of water at the American Girl Cafe
• I made an impulse buy and got a doll chihuahua named Barker Posey
• The stalls in the bathrooms have hooks so you can take your doll with you, and that's Way Too Much...
• The service team had a noteworthy amount of men on it, and one of them's name tag didn't match his employee badge which makes us wonder What's Going On Over There?
• What we ate this week:
  
  • Cinnamon Buns
  • Glitter Bomb for my Sprite + an Edible Straw
  • Ch**se-Topped Cucumber
  • Fruit Skewer
  • Meatballs, Marinara, & Ravioli
  • French Fries
  • Turkey Club
  • The AG Burger with Tomato Bacon Jam & Fried Egg on a Pretzel Bun
  • Chocolate Mousse in a Flower Pot
• Katie details the best and worst restaurants she's ever been to in the Calibration Station
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (The June exclusive is out now as I head to Septemburger 2024's no. 3 seed ahead of the tournament this year: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers with my good friend Herbert Amaya), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your American Girl stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Katie on TikTok and Instagram @eatitkatie

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Shoney's History [Part One]! My own Dad joins me on the road in North Carolina to go to a chain that I'd only heard of from Rick & Morty: Shoney's. Hear the history of this former member of the Big Boy family and some Yelp reviews. Ever work at a Shoney's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Lunch at a restaurant for dolls!!

• Comedian and food influencer Katie Molinaro doesn't hesitate to join for a silly dining experience, so we hit up the American Girl Doll Store Boutique & Bistro
• Katie grew up with a doll she didn't vibe with
• This week's Secret Menu mini-game: Unfun Children's Toys
• American Girl was founded by a cancer-surviving textbook writer who used her royalties to make this brand explode
• "The first experiential dining experience"
• The brand forayed into movies while inspiring aspiring filmmakers to make American Girl stop-motion animations
• A guy fails to realize that this place just simply isn't for him in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (New Patreon episode drops 6/30: the No. 3 seed in this year's Septemburger tournament, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers with my buddy and perennial dining-mate, Herbert Amaya), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your American Girl stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Katie on Instagram & TikTok @eatitkatie

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: The American Girl Cafe Review [Part Two]! My new friend Katie Molinaro is back to break down what it's like to eat at an experience meant for children as an adult. Ever work at American Girl? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

I debut a music video about the new frontrunner in Mediocrity!

• Coming closer to mediocrity than Applebee's (who scored 5.02/10), Cracker Barrel is the life-blood of this week's guest, stand-up comedian Jen Liv
• The rocking chairs aren't the only thing that swings in this Cracker Barrel Country Store...
• This week's Secret Menu mini-game: Kinky Restaurants
• The hostess was desperately trying to earn her fourth star
• Their biscuits are GOATed
• What we ate this week:
  
  • Hand-Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits with Apple Butter
  • Cornbread
  • Biscuit Beignets
  • Fried Pickles
  • Chicken Fried Chicken
  • Country Fried Shrimp
  • Sirloin Steak
  • Macaroni n' Ch**se
  • Fried Apples
  • Baked Potato
  • Corn
  • Peach Cobbler
• Rap music video premiere: "Cracker Barrel is Mid"
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (May's exclusive episode: the No. 7 seed for this year's upcoming Septemburger tournament: Rally's Drive-In with special guest Steve Moulton), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Cracker Barrel stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Jen on Instagram @itsjenliv

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: American Girl Boutique & Bistro History [Part One]! I'm joined by comedian and food influencer Katie Molinaro (aka EatItKatie) to hit up a lunch with dolls. But before we can talk about it, we're gonna let you know about the franchise's founding and read some Yelp reviews about it. Ever work at an American Girl store? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

I went to Cracker Barrel with a CB Superfan!

• Stand-up comedian Jen Liv LOVES Cracker Barrel so much (she's been to over 40 different ones!) that she hopped my car and road tripped with me to go there
• In this Eat Deets episode, the history of Cracker Barrel includes the franchise's humble beginnings as a gas station restaurant before growing into what it is today
• Learn what a "cracker barrel" actually is
• Jen laments her allergy to eggs (or as Cracker Barrel calls them, "aigs")
• Cracker Barrel has its own Indiana Jonesesque warehouse filled with decor
• A woman gushes about her Cracker Barrel experience so hard she rambles in poetic stanzas in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (May's exclusive episode: the No. 7 seed for this year's upcoming Septemburger tournament: Rally's Drive-In with special guest Steve Moulton), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Cracker Barrel stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Jen on Instagram @itsjenliv

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Cracker Barrel Review [Part Two]! NEW RAP SINGLE INCOMING! But why? Well, you're gonna have to listen as Jen Liv returns to review this iconic chain that was a staple of her 20s. Ever work at Cracker Barrel? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

"I've got the celebrity!"

• Comedian and world-class cuddler Chad Opitz is here once again to talk about dining with Shrek (me, having lost a bet) at The Original Pancake House
• Michael gets a looooot of attention as Shrek and makes some kids' day
• What's Going On Over There with OPH cooking a baby?
• The service staff embraced me with open arms
• Chad orders an entree that isn't in the name of the restaurant
• Their bacon was incredible
• The Apple Pancake may be WAY TOO MUCH, but the food offerings here are delicious
• What we ate:
  
  • Biscuits & Gravy
  • Joe's Special
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Eggs & Bacon
  • Corn Pancake
  • Apple Pancake
  • Hash Browns
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (May's exclusive Patreon episode just dropped and cover's Septemburger 2024's No. 7 seed, Rally's Drive-In), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Original Pancake House stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Chad on Instagram & X @chadopitz

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Cracker Barrel History [Part One]! Comedian Jen Liv is in the house to revisit a spot that was near and dear to her in her 20s. Now that she's worked at top-tier restaurants, how will Cracker Barrel look by comparison?  Find out as we cover the history of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store! Ever work at Cracker Barrel? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Get in mah swamp!

• Stand-up comedian Chad Opitz (recurring guest on Doug Benson's podcast "Doug Loves Movies") not only tolerates, but embraces me this week (literally) as I go to The Original Pancake House in full Shrek make-up with him to make good on the bet I lost last week
• We cover the history of not just this week's restaurant, but the concept of pancakes in general, going wayyyy back
• The Secret Menu minigame category of the week: Breakfast Cinema
• Chad sells Michael on injera bread from Ethiopia
• Michael opens up about his first kiss in 6th grade while seeing Shrek in theaters
• A woman poverty-shames anyone who doesn't give the Original Pancake House 5 stars in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Make-up by: Mattea Ghaffary

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (In just two days, I'll be dropping May's exclusive episode, the #7 seed for this year's upcoming Septemburger tournament: Rally's Drive-In with special guest Steve Moulton), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Original Pancake House stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Chad on Instagram @chadopitz

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: The Original Pancake House Review [Part Two]! Chad Opitz is back, and it's time to talk about Shrekfast! The food and service were both wonderful, and breakfast is both these boys' favorite cuisine. Ever work at The Original Pancake House? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Septemburger 2024's final stop!

• I cap off a jetsetting Septemburger with the spot I barely had to go a mile to get to, Shake Shack. One of my go-tos in this this bracket, and I was graced with the presence of hilarious comedian Jen Kober
  
• The origins of the place were unclear at the time of filming, but I ultimately learned that the original Shake Shack was called I <3 Taxi, and it was a hot dog stand in Madison Square Park
• The Secret Menu Mini-Game: Disastrous Restaurants
• A very sterile atmosphere corrals customers towards a row of iPads
• What's Going On Over There with a peculiar conversion overheard between an employee and a customer?
• Septemburger: It's time to give the White Castle slider the mercy flush it deserves as it goes head to head with the Shackburger
• What we ate:
  • Crinkle Fries
    
  • The Shackburger
    
  • Cookies 'n Cream Shake
    
  • Chocolate Shake
    
  • Chicken Bites
    
  • Hot Dog
    
  • Smoke Shack Burger (not reviewed until the Septemburger Finals episode on 9/30 on Patreon)
  • Carolina BBQ Burger w/Fried Pickles (will be reviewed if Shake Shack advances to the finals of the tournament)
• Jen talks about eating a pig's face as she details the worst and best restaurant experiences she's ever had at the Calibration Station
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (August's release covers the other New York restaurant I reviewed: Ess-a-Bagel with my girlfriend Joyce as she reeeeally wanted to try NYC bagels, and the Septemburger Semi-Finals & Finals episode drops 9/30 FOR FREE), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Shake Shack stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Jen on Instagram @jenkober

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: Cook Out History. Next year's Septemburger is already in swing, as I travel to North Carolina to cover a fabled burger chain alongside Astonishing Legends podcast host Scott Philbrook. And we're back to 2-part episodes, so you'll hear the review in a couple weeks. Ever work at Cook Out? Send in your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com

Scale the Great Wall of Chocolate!

• Andres Simonian (not from Home Economics or Mythic Quest) is back to plunge into our review of P.F. Chang's
• Michael thinks the atmosphere in a P.F. Chang's is "sexy"
• Michael tells the tale of the Cumbre Tunnel Massacre shootout that almost claimed his great-grandfather's life
• Andres makes a high-stakes Shrek-themed wager with Michael
• What's Going On Over There with the unnamed noodle crisps in the dishes?
• This week's Secret Menu theme: Tasty Tourist Traps
• What we ate:
  
  • Dynamite Shrimp
  • Chili-Garlic Green Beans
  • Hand-made Dumplings
  • Kung-Pao Dragon Roll
  • Fire-Braised Short Ribs
  • Crispy Honey Chicken
  • Signature Pork & Shrimp Lo Mein
  • The Great Wall of Chocolate
  • Chang's Apple Crunch
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (catch April's episode on Shari's Restaurant & Pies with my cousin Emma Danger), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your P.F. Chang's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Andres on Instagram @andressimonian

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: The Original Pancake House History [Part One]! I'm joined by comedian Chad Opitz, and Shrekfast is upon us. Learn the history of this oft-overlooked franchise in the world of breakfast chains! Ever work at The Original Pancake House? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

It took 55 episodes to do Chinese food!

• Actor Andres Simonian (one of the Wendy's guys in the Spanish-speaking markets) joins me this week, covering the history and the Yelp reviews for P.F. Chang's
• The whitewashing of "P.F. Chang's" is uncovered in this week's Eat Deets
• Andres is called on his lie about getting stuck in "unexpected" traffic
• Michael & Andres try the Lettuce Wraps since they didn't order them during their meal
• What are Michael & Andres' fortunes?
• Discussion about P.F. Chang's restaurants in Asia
• A guy on Yelp thought a self-acknowledged Chauvinistic review would play well
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (April's episode dropped at the end of the month, and I visited Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your P.F. Chang's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Andres on Instagram @andressimonian

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: P.F. Chang's Review [Part Two]! Andres is back, and if you picked up on his not-so-subtle hints in this 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, let's review a restaurant as Mexican as our host is: Chipotle!!

• It's time to chat the Chipotle Mexican Grill dining experience, joined once again by stand-up comedian and Chipotle-lover, Zara Mizrahi
• What's the actual best restaurant Zara's ever experienced?
• The "art" on the wall is not art, no matter how badly it wants to be
• What's Going On Over There with the restaurant turning down the music as soon as we start talking?
• The number of government employees in uniform is Way Too Much
• We wanted to adopt our burrito-smith despite him warning me of a guac explosion
• The drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to Applebee's!
• What we ate:
  
  • Agua Fresca (Michael)
  • Sofritas Burrito (Zara)
  • Carnitas Burrito (Michael)
  • Chips & Guac (Both)
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (last week, I released April's episode where I hit Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Chipotle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Zara on TikTok and Instagram @zaramizrahi

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

The debut of a brand new game: The Secret Menu!!

• Michael hits a place about as Mexican as he is for Cinco de Mayo, Chipotle Mexican Grill with long-time friend and burrito enthusiast, stand-up comedian Zara Mizrahi
• Chipotle can't shake the stigma of having been owned by McDonald's
• Learn about the legendary Chipotle burrito coins in Eat Deets
• Zara wants to tithe her income to Chipotle
• Chipotle forayed into soul food, pizza, and burgers in other failed restaurant experiments
• The debut of The Secret Menu: this week's category is Chipotle-Borne Illnesses
• Corporate greed and tip culture have turned employees into panhandlers
• A Yelper finds it "off" when the Chipotle employee seems happy to be alive
• The full review comes next week!
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (just yesterday, I released April's episode where I hit Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Chipotle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Zara on TikTok and Instagram @zaramizrahi

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Enter for an all expenses paid trip to your local Applebee's*!

• Jasper Lewis, biscuit enthusiast, is back to take on IHOP, the International House of Pancakes with Michael
• A hyper kid listening to metal in the booth next to us is WAY TOO MUCH
• Michael & Jasper discuss the viral list of places that "women don't want to be taken on a first date"
• Jasper is all about our server's lack of vocal fry
• Katie Molinaro (@eatitkatie) joins us to try Lay's exclusive Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity potato chip flavor
• The pancakes are good!
• The biscuits are the worst Jasper has had in Los Angeles
• Michael busts out the You-Must Bowl for a totally legitimate and not-at-all rigged drawing to set up next week's restaurant
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Coming soon: Shari's Cafe & Pies with the return of my cousin Emma!), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your IHOP stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Jasper on TikTok and Instagram @heyjasperlewis

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Chipotle [Part One]! Stand-up comic Zara Mizrahi joins Michael to learn the history of her number 1 love: Chipotle. Ever work at Chipotle? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

*$50 for gas, $200 Applebee's gift card. Go to linktree.com/finediningpodcast and select "Bees Giveaway" to enter!

Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity is BACK!

• Michael is joined by friend and "woman-of-God" Jasper Lewis to talk all things IHOP, the International House of Pancakes and chain restaurant juggernaut
• Poor signage/menu descriptions leave Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity a mystery
• What's Going On Over There with the barren Wikipedia page for IHOP?
• Learn the history of the franchise, from its founder's interest in coffee to its acquisition of Applebee's (which it paid for in cash)
• That whole "IHOB" thing
• A Yelper recounts the restaurant's denial that there could be hair in his food because "no one who works here is hairy"
• The full review comes next week!
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (March saw me go to Dallas to eat Steak 'n Shake with my Dad), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your IHOP stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Jasper on TikTok and Instagram @heyjasperlewis

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: IHOP Review [Part Two]! Jasper Lewis is back to talk about our experience in the restaurant, and we're joined by Katie Molinaro to taste test a special Lays flavor. Ever work at IHOP? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Is the new Costco cookie as good as the churro?

• Michael is once again joined by Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover from On Brand with Jon & Marisa, and they're back at the Costco Food Court
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• Marisa and Jon confess the ways they've gamed Costco's notoriously indiscriminate return policy
• What Going On Over There with people who come out of Costco with only 1-2 things in their carts?
• Jon details the upsetting ways he eats his food
• What we ate:
  • Cold Brew Latte Freeze
  • Cold Brew Mocha Freeze
  • Hot Dog + Soda Combo
  • Ch**se & Pepperoni Pizza
  • Chicken Bake
  • Vanilla Ice Cream & Chocolate Sundae
  • Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie
• A farewell, as we play the Headline Game for the final time
• Michael digs up the You-Must Bowl

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (March's exclusive episode released last week, as Michael went to Dallas to review Septemburger 2024's #2 seed Steak 'n Shake with his Dad), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Costco stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow On Brand with Jon & Marisa on Instagram @onbrandthepod

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Learn the history of America's most iconic concession stand!

• Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover from On Brand with Jon & Marisa join Michael at the Costco Food Court this week and talk all things, from how many hot dogs we could fit in our mouths to the churro that was just replaced by a cookie
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• How to survive the Costco parking lot
• Hear the humble beginnings of Costco's Food Court as a hot dog cart in San Diego
• International Costcos have different regional menu items
• All the discontinued offerings from the food court!
• A Yelper is left out to dry when someone who arrived after her gets the last of the item she ordered in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (March's exclusive episode just released, as Michael went to Dallas to review Septemburger 2024's #2 seed Steak 'n Shake with his Dad), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Costco stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow On Brand with Jon & Marisa on Instagram @onbrandthepod

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Costco Food Court Review [Part Two]! 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Where do Butterburgers rank in the pantheon of fast food burgers?

• Kellie Baldwin is back to eat Culver's with Michael! And it's official: Culver's will be the #6 seed in the 2024 Septemburger tournament!
  
• March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Find out more at the National MS Society website, and if you want to go the extra mile, donate here to Kellie's Walk for MS team!
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• The interior of the restaurant is verifiably covered with to-go bags, leading Kellie to suspect they're plotting a major April Fools event in this week's What's Going On Over There?
• A plain-clothes undercover employee is behind the counter
• The Atlantic Cod and the Boom Boom Sauce do not bring the goods
• The frozen custard absolutely does bring the goods
• Michael can't stop saying "Wisconstin"

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Culver's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Hear how this iconic Midwestern treasure came to be!

• Michael is joined by friend-from-college Kellie Baldwin to try Culver's, the Wisconsin burger chain that popularized the "Butterburger" and frozen custard
  
• March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Find out more at the National MS Society website, and if you want to go the extra mile, donate here to Kellie's Walk for MS team!
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• The First Impressions of the restaurant involves way too many pictures of babies and young children
• Learn how Culver's origins come from Midwestern Supper Clubs
• Kellie is drunk with power as she labels Michael a Fussy Little Boy
• A Yelper whose diet allows fries but not burgers, and then proceeds to review the water tab on the soda machine makes his presence felt in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Culver's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Septemburger 2024's most upsetting stop!

• I'm in Las Vegas this week to hit the nearest White Castle to me with Vegas native (and host of the Visit Vegas Places podcast) Coyal Harrison and is not a good meal
  
• Apparently the White Castle slider was literally created in a moment of frustration when the founder couldn't quite figure out how to do meatballs, so he squashed it, put it on a bun, and called it edible
• The Secret Menu Mini-Game: Comedy Restaurants
• This White Castle is attached to a casino, so the vibes are nightmarish and should never be experienced sober or in the daylight
• What's Going On Over There with the signage that insists people refuse to live without White Castle?
• Septemburger: The White Castle slider gets scored ahead of its match next week with the no. 1 seed Shake Shack
• What we ate:
  • French Fries
    
  • Onion Chips
  • Chicken Rings
  • Mozzarella Sticks
  • Chicken Slider
  • Beef Slider
  • Chocolate Shake
• Coyal details his worst and best restaurant experiences ever at the Calibration Station
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I recently released the episode for the other New York restaurant I reviewed: Ess-a-Bagel with my girlfriend Joyce as she reeeeally wanted to try NYC bagels), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your White Castle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Coyal on Instagram & TikTok @visitvegasplaces

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Shake Shack. The final stop for Septemburger is the top dog, the number 1 seed, and I brought award-winning storyteller and comedian Jen Kober with me. Will they overcome White Castle, a burger so bad that the bar is on the floor? Yes. The answer is yes. Ever work at Shake Shack? Send in your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com

Dive into Septemburger 2024's #4 Seed!

• TV Producer/all-around queen Ashley Robinson returns for part 2, covering the atmosphere/service/food of Texas' pride and joy: Whataburger
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• Whataburger's selling snuggies
• Ashley is modding her own snuggies, and it's Way Too Much
• The staff brings trays full of the nationally-famous Whataburger ketchup (and spicy ketchup)
• Michael goes early to review the legendary Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit
• Ashley uses her words to transform Michael's taste buds
• Michael absolutely loves the Patty Melt without the ch**se (affectionately dubbed "Patty")
• Ashley dishes on her Jesus-themed 33rd birthday party

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Whataburger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @ashapaloooza

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Culver's (Part One: Eat Deets)! I 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

The ban on fast food has been lifted!

• Michael is joined by long-time friend, TV producer Ashley Robinson, a native Texan who is all aboard the train as it takes its first stop at a fast food joint: Texas' own Whataburger
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• What's Going On Over There with the lady staring down the cashier?
• The Eat Deets of Whataburger's plane-flying, coupon-dropping founder is almost as interesting as the franchise itself
• Many couples have gotten married in front of Whataburger
• Famous for its specialty ketchup, Whataburger condiments are available in stores nationwide
• A Yelper apologizes for her drunk behavior the morning after a rough night in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Whataburger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @ashapaloooza

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Whataburger (Part Two: Review)! 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

A review Jimmy Buffett would be proud of!

• Mom joins one more time to dish on our experience eating at Ch**seburger in Paradise in Honolulu, Hawaii!
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• Vintage decor meets views of the ocean, the beach, and garbage trucks
• Hawaii is the deepest South
• A discussion on the word "y'all"
• A server flat out refuses to bus a plate off our table: What's Going on With That?
• But also, it's Way Too Much
• The burgers aren't bad, but they're nothing to write home about
• No desserts??
• The floodgates on fast food and fast casual restaurants have been opened!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Dropping tomorrow: part 2 of the countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, this time covering everything "mediocre" in the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Ch**seburger in Paradise stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Whataburger (Part One: Eat Deets)! I'm joined by friend, producer, and fan of food Ashley Robinson as we take on the first fast food restaurant in the show's main series run, a Texas staple: Whataburger! Ever work at Whataburger? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Lots of censored words in this one...

• Michael's Mom is back and joins him this week to eat at the historic Ch**seburger in Paradise restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii!
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!
• Mom brought leis because being festive is important
• Hawaiian Santa Claus!
• These Eat Deets get spicy as Jimmy Buffett wasn't necessarily fond of the founders stealing the name from one of his most famous songs
• Some people have had their ashes spread at this restaurant with an ocean view
• A Yelper falls in love with their server in Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode was a countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity that are outside the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity, starting with the least mediocre and working towards center), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Ch**seburger in Paradise stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Ch**seburger in Paradise (Part Two: Review)! Mom and I have a really wild occurrence from one of the bussers at the restaurant, and the food isn't great... Ever work at Ch**seburger in Paradise? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Time to review the PG Hooters!

• VyVy Nguyen returns to review fast-casual Hooters affiliate Hoots Wings
• Michael is finally able to give VyVy her gift, now that Harrison has been brought into custody for stealing it last week
• This Hoots Wings rents a counter off to the side in a Blaze Pizza, the atmosphere is dubious at best
• Ghost children singing Old MacDonald
• The restaurant quits paying its cable bill mid-meal
• What's Going on Over There in the women's restroom when VyVy witnesses something while going to take a number zero
• Everyone's pining for entrees they didn't order
• VyVy LOVES funnel cake
• Next week's restaurant pick can never be spoken aloud on this podcast

Watch the show on YouTube!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode gave an updated standings rundown of the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, hitting all the spots that weren't "mediocre enough" to score in the Zone of Mediocrity), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Hoots Wings/Hooters stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Ch**seburger in Paradise (Eat Deets)! I went to Hawaii to run a marathon and stopped by the other Jimmy Buffett 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Well, Harrison has legal troubles, and I think JUB disappeared, so I'm currently accepting applications. Submit your character to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

The second annual Hooter Bowl!

• Friend of the show VyVy Nguyen is back to celebrate Hooter Bowl 2 by joining Michael at fast casual Hooters spin-off restaurant, Hoots Wings (basically Hooters without the Hooters Girls)
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this very special film noir parody episode!
• Michael dares the NFL to bring on their legal team
• A gift for VyVy mysteriously disappears, shutting down the entire Hooter Bowl and instead launching a Hootdunnit!
• Dick d'Ocre tries to help Melody narrow down who could've stolen her gift
• This Hoots Wings location was located inside of a different restaurant
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV is all about high fashion
• The most-asked Google questions about Hooters from the predictions in the search bar
• VyVy will not actually give you money for recreating her noises
• JUB & Petunia are questioned and confess to an totally-not-related crime
• A guy bases his star rating on what other people think of Hoots in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode was a countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity that are outside the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity, starting with the least mediocre and working towards center), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Hoots Wings stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow VyVy on Instagram @cest_la_vyvy

Check out VyVy in her horror feature 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

OH HI THERE!

• It's your favorite sponsor JUB and I am back to help Michael review Friendly's!
• Step back in time to this place that feels old, classic, and filled with Depression-era clientele
• Octogenarians plus technology is a dangerous combination, and we like to avoid it when possible, even it if it makes us ask What's Going On Over There?
• An unforgivable mistake by the back-of-house workers
• Fribbles are thicc and delicious
• A separate menu just for ice cream is WAY TOO MUCH
• JUB knows a lot about magicians
• A very important announcement: starting next week, "Fine" Dining will be on video if you'd like to watch on YouTube!
• [Post-credits] Petunia's going to turn this car around!

Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy)

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (dropping today: A recap of all of the outliers outside the Zone of Mediocrity on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity. Hear me cover 29 restaurants and stroll down memory lane as I touch on each establishment that scored outside the 4-6 score range), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Friendly's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: HooterBowl II! I'm back off to a Hooters joint, Hoots Wings. Hear me and actress VyVy Nguyen talk shop about the history and Yelp 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Fine Dining: Party of...One?

• Michael gets stood up by his intended guest host JUB and goes this one alone, traveling to the New England area to take on one of their most historic chains, Friendly's
• Jonas Brother specialty ice creams!
• Eat Deets will teach you that Friendly's is one of the older restaurant chains in American history, with two brothers who founded an ice cream shop with nothing but a dream and $547
• Hear about how Hershey's bought them out and took them to the next level
• Friendly's has been a part of a few ice-cream-related world records
• A feud between the Friendly brothers!
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV brags about his vehicle collection
• JUB & Petunia crash Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week

Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy)

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (coming next week: Tchothke Recap 2024 Pt. 1. Hear a rundown of all the outliers outside the Zone of Mediocrity, walk down memory lane, and get caught up on where all the restaurants sit on the Tchotchke), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Friendly's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Friendly's (Part Two: Review)! With JUB finally here, we get to hear what he and Michael thought of the restaurant. Plus, JUB's sad that his childish dessert's bat ears are upside down. Ever work at Friendly's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Getting in touch with our inner degenerates!

• Restaurant Fiction podcast host Monis Rose is here to wax romantic over the "character" of the original Hot Dog on a Stick kiosk by the Santa Monica Pier
• There's nowhere to sit, so the boys pick a dragon/pirate ship playground as their venue
• Public beachside seating has empty beer bottles and even a used Magnum love glove nearby...
• Military helicopters are circling us overhead and it makes us ask What's Going On Over There?
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV talks about the recreational drug habits of the ultra-wealthy
• Monis has a thing for hot Hot Dog on a Stick chicks
• Overhyped "hand-stomped" lemonade, decent corn dogs, and polarizing dessert in the form of funnel cake sticks
• Juicy, Jr. defends himself against Monis
• Monis's score spectrum deals in extremes
• JUB & Petunia re-unite!

Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy)

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (most recently, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Hot Dog on a Stick stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Restaurant Fiction on Instagram @restaurantfiction

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Friendly's (Eat Deets)! I've invited season 1's 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Heinz-enberg runs these streets!

• Restaurant Fiction's Monis Rose joins Michael to pretend to learn the Eat Deets about Hot Dog on a Stick because he already knows everything
• Michael does a Keyser Söze walk to hide his limp from Monis
• [Audiodrama segment] Turf wars over who can sell Dodger dogs on which corners
• Alex Borstein berates Michael's preferences in hot dog condiment
• Hot Dog on a Stick is also known for its lemonade, which started as a Muscle Beach health drink with honey
• The history of the famous employee uniform
• Monis raps the whitest version of an Ice Cube song that references Hot Dog on a Stick
• A customer is perfectly content finding actual trash in her dessert in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (on New Years Eve, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode dropped faster than the ball in Times Square), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Hot Dog on a Stick stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Hot Dog on a Stick (Part Two: Review)! Monis Rose returns to embrace his inner degenerate in appreciation of this anything-goes atmosphere. Plus, we order the entire menu. Ever work at Hot Dog on a Stick? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Septemburger rolls on!

• Formerly of Tastemade, producer Raj Rawal joins me to talk about a restaurant he's very passionate about: In-N-Out Burger
  
• The Eat Deets tackle everything from the founder's untimely passing in a plane crash and the struggles with substance abuse of the sons, to In-N-Out's brand loyalty with 7-Up surviving a rift with Pepsi
• The Secret Menu Mini-Game: Vehicular Goodies
• An injured employee is helped out of the restaurant by a manager mid-lunch rush in a noteworthy show of human decency
• What's Going On Over There with the overly competitive drivers in the parking lot?
• They gave us paper hats!
• Septemburger: In-N-Out faces off with Whataburger in the first round of the tournament
• What we ate:
  • French Fries (Well Done)
    
  • In-N-Out Hamburger
    
  • Mustard Fried Hamburger with Toasted Bun
    
  • Animal Style Hamburger with Grilled Onions
    
  • Black & White Shake
• Raj details his worst and best restaurant experiences ever at the Calibration Station
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I just released the episode for the other New York restaurant I reviewed: Ess-a-Bagel with my girlfriend Joyce as she reeeeally wanted to try NYC bagels), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your In-N-Out Burger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow Raj on Instagram & TikTok @asaprajy

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: White Castle. I drove all the way to Las Vegas to eat at this notorious stoner destination with host of the Visit Vegas Places podcast, Coyal Harrison. I give a full review to the no. 8 seed in the Septemburger bracket one week before their showdown with the top-rated Shake Shack. Ever work at White Castle? Send in your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com

We're diving back into Joe's Hole!

• Comedian Mike Perkins is back once again to represent Italy in the case against the food at Buca di Beppo
• Michael & Mike are just a couple of Midfellas
• The breadiest love-making session ever is What's Going On Over There
• Buca di Beppo's decor is funny how?
• The portions at Buca are insane, as two men individually order a family style entree each
• The dessert is "diabetes in a glass" according to the boys' server
• Chip psychoanalyzes the characters on the Buca di Beppo kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings!
• Mike's Instagram handle is taken to task
• JUB's about to get pinched!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Midfellas Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@austinaudiolab)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (just out this New Years Eve, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Buca di Beppo stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Hot Dog on a Stick (Eat Deets)! I'll be joined by the Restaurant Fiction podcast's host Monis Rose. He knows more than I do, so can I manage to surprise him with some new info? We also dive into Yelp reviews, and get ready to bear Santa Monica traffic to review the original Hot Dog on a Stick stand. Ever work at Hot Dog on a Stick? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

I took a real Italian to Buca di Beppo!

• We're joined by comedian Mike Perkins to dive into inauthentic Italian slophouse, Buca di Beppo
  
• Hear all about the Pope's room, the "vulgar" decor, and the fact that Buca's founder literally intended to "poke gentle fun" at Italians in this week's Eat Deets
• Learn the rather interesting translation of Buca di Beppo
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV is anti-work
• You could have bought the entire franchise for a few million dollars...
• The Mother's Day debacle is detailed in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• The full review comes next week

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (dropping New Years Eve: the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Buca di Beppo stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Buca di Beppo (Part Two: Review)! Comedian Mike Perkins joins once again as he and Michael talk about Italian food that's...fine. Also, they're just a couple of Midfellas. Ever work at Buca di Beppo? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

The Roadhouse Devil feeds at dusk!

• We're back with friend and magician Michael Moore to talk about the atmosphere, service, and food at Texas Roadhouse
• Willie's Corner, the suspicious absence of floor peanuts, hoedowns, and taxidermy galore
• Some concerning verbiage from the service team has the Michaels speculating the presence of an otherworldly, Lovecraftian being skulking about the area in this week's What's Going On Over There?
• A three-part audiodrama addressing said monster
• Maxwell gives his thoughts on the Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu in the return of Munchkin Menu Musings!
• Are the rolls at Texas Roadhouse the new best restaurant table bread?
• Petunia leaves JUB a voicemail

Additional voices: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) & Nick Adams

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (dropping New Years Eve: the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Texas Roadhouse stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Buca di Beppo (Eat Deets)! My friend and comedian Mike Perkins joins me in Pasadena, California to try out Buca di Beppo. It's Eat Deets time, so we learn the history, read Yelp reviews, and prepare to put our Italian heritage to the test. Ever work at Buca di Beppo? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Stay tuned to the end: new outro song!!

• Michael is joined by friend and powerhouse of a man, Michael Moore (no relation to the filmmaker/documentarian of the same name) to dine at Texas Roadhouse
• The restaurant started as a spot in a mall in Indiana, so it was neither a roadhouse nor Texan, but that didn't stop owner W. Kent Taylor from building an empire after giving up on opening a Colorado-themed restaurant
• Learn all about the history of the chain dubbed the "Loudest Restaurant in America" in this week's Eat Deets
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV has had it with the mistreatment of corporations: they're people too, dammit!
• Hear Michael & Michael's first impressions of the place, from the wall of veterans to the lack of peanuts on the floor
• Michael Moore compiles a few very catfish-centric Yelp reviews about this Texas Roadhouse in the middle of nowhere, almost halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas
• More to come next week!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (November had a New York-themed episode as we pitted Joe's Pizza vs. Famous Original Ray's), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Texas Roadhouse stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Texas Roadhouse (Part Two: Review)! Michael Moore returns for the second part of the episode, we'll review the restaurant's dancing servers, the delicious rolls, and there's even a 3-part horror-themed audiodrama throughout Part Two! Ever work at Texas Roadhouse? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

NYC's legendary deli gets reviewed!

• We're in New York City! Michael's girlfriend Joyce joins him once again to talk about the hectic atmosphere, a hunky meat carver, and the matzo ball soup she's waited her entire life to try
• Katz's Delicatessen has so many lines and ordering stations that the chaos proves challenging to our duo
• Killer Mike walks by the table
• What's Going On Over There with the segration of those paying via card vs. those paying with cash?
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV laments that Katz's doesn't have a register that accepts gold bars
• A review of the pastrami on rye, Katz's hot dog with mustard & sauerkraut, matzo ball soup, and chocolate babka! Plus the worst hot dog in New York (it's not Katz's...)
• Did Katz's hold an orgasm contest??
• JUB is in yet another post-credits scene

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Last week I released another New York-themed episode as we pit Joe's Pizza vs. Famous Original Ray's), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Katz's Delicatessen stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Texas Roadhouse (Eat Deets)! My good buddy Michael Moore drives out to Rialto, California (halfway between LA and Las Vegas) to dine at a Texas Roadhouse in the middle of very little. It's Eat Deets time, so we learn the 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Katz's restaurant experience drops next Wednesday!

• Michael's girlfriend Joyce joins Michael in New York City, and they dive deep into the history of the world-famous deli that's over 100 years old in this episode of Eat Deets
• Katz's Delicatessen has been a staple of New York culture, amplified by its appearance in several movies and TV shows, most notably When Harry Met Sally
• Current owner Jake Dell has rules for how to conduct oneself at Katz's to avoid being thrown out
• Michael & Joyce address their anxiety over the intimidatingly complicated ordering process
• A truly hot take in Yelp from Strangers as someone knocks Katz's for being too far away from where they were coming from...
• More to come next week!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Look out tomorrow for another New York-themed episode as we pit Joe's Pizza vs. Famous Original Ray's), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Gordon Biersch stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Katz's Delicatessen (Review)! I'm joined once again by my girlfriend Joyce, and for the second part of the episode, we'll give our thoughts on some world-famous pastrami, hot dogs, matzoh ball soup, and more! Ever work at Katz's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

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.

The review for Gordon Biersch is here!

• All Elite Wrestling & Ring of Honor's "Pretty" Peter Avalon joins Michael to review the restaurant of the week
• The Gordon Biersch Brewery that Michael & Peter hit up closed its doors just 7 days after the boys dined there
• Peter eulogizes the Burbank Gordon Biersch
• Ever wondered what it'd be like living in a Buffalo Wild Wings?
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV takes offense to vulgarities
• Michael pitches a restaurant-themed wrestling gimmick to Peter
• Peter discusses his relationship with chain restaurants while staying in shape for wrestling
• Peter details his injury history
• A review of the food, including the garlic fries Gordon Biersch invented (Michael & Peter do NOT see eye-to-eye on these)
• Michael swaps out the Headline Game with a brand new game tailored to Peter Avalon's specialties: it's Chain Wrestling!
• JUB got a phone...???

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (October's episode explored Dave's Hot Chicken), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Gordon Biersch stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Follow "Pretty" Peter Avalon on Twitter @PPAallday

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored By: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV

Get Part 2 next Wednesday!

• All Elite Wrestling & Ring of Honor's "Pretty" Peter Avalon joins Michael in Burbank to learn all about the restaurant of the week
• Gordon Biersch Brewery stands behind the claim that they invented garlic fries
• Michael dives into the Eat Deets about Gordon Biersch
• Gordon Biersch cost Oskar Blues Brewing approx. $32,000 from a cease & desist
• Michael drops knowledge about Shakey's Pizza Parlor's prominence in the Philippines
• An embarrassing story from 25+ years ago about Michael's dad, and his special way of saying "Gordon Biersch"
• Michael & Peter read the negative end of the review spectrum in this week's Yelp from Strangers

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (October's episode explored Dave's Hot Chicken), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Gordon Biersch stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (Review)! I'm joined by All Elite Wrestling's "Pretty" Peter Avalon, and for the second part of the episode, we'll dish all our thoughts and feelings about our meal at a Gordon Biersch that closed down one week later. Ever work at a Gordon Biersch? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

"Fine" Dining is back to weekly releases!

• The Melting Pot is in the midst of a renaissance, with ambitious expansion goals
• Michael details the changes moving into the new season
• Learn about the history of the franchise in Eat Deets (fka Resty Fact Round-Up)
• Guest host Rhyan Schwartz gives Michael someone to eat all the cheese that our host refuses to touch
• Michael rebrands cheese to ch**se
• Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV shares his wealth of knowledge to give The Melting Pot advice on their wall art
• The Melting Pot is sending mixed signals to platonic friends
• A battle between servers has Michael & Rhyan asking What's Going On Over There?
• Panic sets in as the stress involved with timing your meat-cooking is Way Too Much
• The most patriotic 5-star Yelp review ever in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• Stay tuned to the very end...there may or may not be a post-credits scene

Additional Voice Actors: Jessa Day

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (October's episode explored Dave's Hot Chicken), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your Melting Pot stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (Eat Deets)! I'm joined by All Elite Wrestling's "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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored By: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius the XIV

Season 2 starts November 8th!

• TGI Fridays is dark, red, and honestly feels like a murder room. Appropriate for the season
• Michael is joined by friend Sandy Rose to deliver the Resty Fact Round-Up while Garrett goes to town on Michael's bidet. Learn how TGI Fridays original incarnation was drastically different from what we know it as today
• Michael's pineapple son Juicy Jr. dons the mask as Juice-Son Vorhees in a terrifying murder spree homage to the Friday the 13th horror film franchise
• JUB issues an ominous warning
• Frequent dining companion Herbert Amaya goes to check on the suspicious boat on the ceiling while Michael & Garrett speculate What's Going On Over There?
• Garrett breaks the injunction and orders another Cinnabon-branded dessert
• Cheese correspondent Steven Zurita is a big fan of cheese
• The death of a cohost...
• Hear what others are saying about this TGI Fridays location in this week's Yelp from Strangers

Additional Voice Actors: Sandy Rose, Herbert Amaya, Steven Zurita

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

We're on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (coming next week: Dave's Hot Chicken), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send us your TGI Fridays stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!

Next time on the "Fine" Dining SEASON PREMIERE: The Melting Pot! The surviving host takes guest host Rhyan Schwartz to a cheese 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Your chance at $500 is here!

• Septemburger is once again upon us, and this time I've scoured the nation for 8 fast food burger chains to compete in the annual contest
  
• I'm joined by a slew of guests: my own Dad, I Think You Should Leave's Steve Moulton, and my friends Kellie Baldwin, Herbert Amaya, and Ashley Robinson
• Click here for a direct link to the Septemburger 2024 Bracket Google Form (due by end of day September 10th, 2024)!
• Septemburger Rules explained:
  
  • 24 burgers across 8 fast food/fast casual restaurants are sampled
  • First round matches pit basic burgers against basic burgers (the #1 on their menus) to see who has the fundamentals
  • Burgers are given a score by Michael & guest, which are averaged and compared to their opponent each round
  • Winning chain advances to the next round, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament (therefore, their other two burgers don't factor in)
  • Semi-Finals & Finals conducted on a FREE episode on September 30th on the "Fine" Dining Patreon
• First Round Match-Up: Steak 'n Shake (#2 seed) - The Original Steakburger vs. Rally's Drive-In (#7 seed) - The Big Buford
• First Round Match-Up: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (#3 seed) - The Freddy's Original Double vs. Culver's (#6 seed) - The Butterburger
• Scoring the Whataburger at the #4 seed, Whataburger
• "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode!

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose

"Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (my Ess-a-Bagel episode just dropped, where I went with my girlfriend Joyce as she reeeeally wanted to try NYC bagels), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send in your hamburger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!

Next week on "Fine" Dining: In-N-Out Burger! I'm joined by Raj Rawal Ever work at In-N-Out Burger? Send me your stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Do grocery store pies taste better in their restaurant of origin? Not by much!

• Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery feels like a slice of Michael & Garrett's childhoods, a wood-paneled wonderland that feels like a dentist's office waiting room
• Garrett details the history of the franchise in this week's Resty Fact Round-Up, including a history of "Pie Spies"
• Marie Callender's proves to be a haven of "old"
• The winner of the Septemburger Bracket $500 Giveaway is announced!
• Michael falls asleep in the booth...and Garrett is wondering What's Going On Over There?
• Table talk centers around Garrett's obsession with trashy reality dating shows, inspiring DILF Depot
• Michael's root beer gets bused, then...unbused?
• JUB's is getting in the biz of consulting; he'll teach you that all you need to be the greatest server is constant refills
• Hear what others (including a septagenarian cowboy) have to say about this Marie Callender's location in this week's Yelp from Strangers

Additional Voice Actors: Sandy Rose, Steve Moulton

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

We're on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (September's episode: Septemburger's Semi-Finals & Finals), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send us your Marie Callender's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!

Next time on the "Fine" Dining SEASON FINALE: TGI Friday's! Spooky season is upon us as the boys head to TGI Friday's on Friday the 13th! Hear what they have to say in two weeks for the finale episode of season 1! Ever work at a TGI Friday's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

The last quarterfinal match of Septemburger has arrived!

• Johnny Rockets is a genuine-hearted homage to the diners of the 1950s, which Michael would have been all about if this wasn't a "Sports Lounge" location
• Garrett details the history of the franchise in this week's Resty Fact Round-Up
• Septemburger match 4: Umami Burger vs. Johnny Rockets
• The You-Must Bowl has both Michael & Garrett crying, but insisting they're fine
• A CHAIR HEIST!!
• What's Going On with the restaurant's photographer snubbing our Fussy Little Boys?
• JUB's making meat frisbees. You read that right. Where did he go wrong? I blame his parents
• Hear what others have to say about this Johnny Rockets location in this week's Yelp from Strangers

Additional Voice Actors: Sandy Rose, Nick Adams, & Mindy Brown

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

We're on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (August's episode: Burger King), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send us your Johnny Rockets stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!

Next time on Fine Dining: Marie Callender's! A drastic turn away from burgers, the boys head down to an old-fashioned pie shop. Hear what they have to say in two weeks for the penultimate episode of season 1! Ever work at a Marie Callenders? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Septemburger's #1 seed, Umami Burger is up to bat!

• Michael has an axe to grind after the best burger in Los Angeles changed up their recipe a few years back
• Garrett outlines the rise and fall of Umami Burger in Resty Fact Round-Up, and why they have a shot at regaining respect once again
• Septemburger will pit Umami against Johnny Rockets next week
• What's Going On with Umami feeling like it's still going through the pandemic?
• The service staff definitely noticed they were being reviewed and changed their effort level drastically
• JUB's opening a day care!
• A bunch of people share Michael's disappointment in the recipe change in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• Michael opts to join Garrett for next week's You-Must Bowl punishment in solidarity
  

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

We're on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (August's episode: Burger King), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send us your Umami Burger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!

Next time on Fine Dining: Johnny Rockets! Septemburger's winding down with the #8 seed. Can they pull off an upset against Umami Burger? Find out next week! Ever work at a Johnny Rockets? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB

Septemburger rolls along with the #5 seed, Red Robin!

• Michael & Garrett are not just joined by indie horror film producer John Angeli, but they're outright sponsored by his new movie Terror Firma
• Garrett outlines the surnameless "Sam" who founded Red Robin by annoying the heck out of anyone who would listen with his one Red Robin song
• More of a deep dive on the history of the franchise in Resty Fact Round-Up
• Septemburger match #3: Red Robin vs. Outback Steakhouse
• Forget the burgers, Red Robin's got amazing desserts!
• What's Going On with the black specks in the hot water?
• John breaks the bank by overusing the boys' eagle sound effect budget
• Child assassin?
• JUB's got a way to settle who gets which onion rings, and it's totally not plagiarized
• The longest run-on sentence ever in a restaurant review in this week's Yelp from Strangers
• John gives a brief rundown of his movie Terror Firma after Michael got to attend the premiere
• John tries to stump Michael & Garrett by being the fabled presenter of the Headline Game
  

Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music)

Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish)

We're on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (August's episode: Burger King), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more!

Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas

Get our 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!

Send us your Red Robin stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast

Let us know where we should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every one!

Next time on Fine Dining: Umami Burger! It's the #1 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 finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Totally Not Sponsored By: JUB