Comedian Michael Ornelas dives deep into the stories behind your favorite chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel, McDonald's, and Dunkin' before determining if they are better or worse than Chili's: the most mediocre restaurant in America.
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Cook Out Review feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part Two]
Season 2 · Episode 26
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 • Duration 57:38
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!
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 RachelBryant 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.
Cook Out History feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part One]
Season 2 · Episode 26
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 • Duration 52:42
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!
Popeyes Review feat. Sierra Katow (Stand-Up Comedian, TV Chef Fantasy League) [Part Two]
Season 2 · Episode 20
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 • Duration 01:01:44
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
Popeyes History feat. Sierra Katow (Stand-Up Comedian, TV Chef Fantasy League) [Part One]
Season 2 · Episode 20
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 • Duration 47:59
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 !
Shoney's Review feat. Dad [Part Two]
Season 2 · Episode 19
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • Duration 54:15
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!
Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Shoney's History feat. Dad [Part One]
Season 2 · Episode 19
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 • Duration 29:25
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!
American Girl Cafe Review feat. Katie Molinaro (Eat It Katie, Comedian, & Foodie) [Part Two]
Season 2 · Episode 18
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 • Duration 58:18
Edible straws?
Actress, foodie, and comedian KatieMolinaro 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!
American Girl Cafe History feat. Katie Molinaro (Eat It Katie, Comedian, & Foodie) [Part One]
Season 2 · Episode 18
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 • Duration 36:28
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
Cracker Barrel Review feat. Jen Liv (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part Two]
Season 2 · Episode 17
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 • Duration 01:09:09
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!
Cracker Barrel History feat. Jen Liv (Stand-Up Comedian) [Part One]
Season 2 · Episode 17
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 • Duration 36:27
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
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.
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.
Patreon Producers: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
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.
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.
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