Explore every episode of the podcast "Fine" Dining
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SONIC Drive-In: Full History and Honest Review | 10 Sep 2025 | 01:35:17 | |
🍒 Sonic Drive-In: Full History and Honest Review 🛻 This week, SONIC Drive-In gets the full treatment: history and review, all in one. From the retrofuturistic drive-in vibes and “Two Guys” commercials to a dashboard covered in onion rings, we dive deep into everything SONIC does right, wrong, and in-between. Special guest Marc Pope (Geek Off the Street podcast) joins me for cherry limeades, corndogs, and a Septemburger showdown to see if SONIC can topple Dairy Queen. 🍟 Tater Tots & Onion Rings: Fried Side-by-Side Taste Test You can still fill out your Septemburger bracket! Update it after hearing who won between SONIC and Dairy Queen! 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your Sonic go-to order? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We cover Jack in the Box, the #8 seed in the Septemburger tournament, with special guest Honey the puppet from Ragmop & Goose! | |||
| Septemburger 2025: The Battle for Hamburger Supremacy | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:40:09 | |
🍔 Septemburger 2025: The Burger Tournament Begins! 🏆 GET HYPED!! It’s that time of year again: Septemburger! The annual hamburger tournament is back, and eight chains are entering this greasy gauntlet. In this episode, I reveal all the contenders, break down how the tournament works, and review the first five burgers of round one. From a slew of mediocre burgers to Santa Claus cutting promos for Arctic Circle, this year is already unhinged in the best way. 🥊 Cook Out (featuring my Dad) vs. A&W (with Herbert Amaya) 📋 TOURNAMENT RULES:
🎁 GRAND PRIZE: The winner can name any American chain restaurant I haven’t covered yet, and I’ll review it in Season 4. PLUS, I’ll write and record a rap song about the winner or any food/restaurant topic of their choice. 🔥 SEMIS & FINALS: Coming 9/30 on Patreon for FREE (no subscription needed), or on the regular podcast feed in October. 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Who’s your pick to win Septemburger 2025? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We cover Sonic Drive-In with special guest Marc Pope from the Geek Off the Street podcast! | |||
| Firehouse Subs: Premature Halloween and Sticky Bottles | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:48:41 | |
🚒 Firehouse Subs: Premature Halloween & Sticky Bottles 🎃 This week, Jon Glover (from On Brand with Jon & Marisa) joins me again as we finally taste Firehouse Subs for ourselves. From cops hooking up in the bathroom* to pickle buckets better left unopened, this visit had more than its share of noteworthy moments. The subs didn’t impress us, but the theming did...and somehow Jon confesses to living like a hoarder. 🥪 Jon Gets Defensive Over His Many Sandwich Mods 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen in a restaurant bathroom? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: Septemburger 2025 kicks off! The annual burger tournament returns, and the first matchup is in full swing. *This is speculation. | |||
| Firehouse Subs: Steamed Meats, Pickle Buckets, & Titanic Talk | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:52:25 | |
🚒 Firehouse Subs 🥒 This week, we head into Firehouse Subs to see what the fuss is about. Emmy Award-winning guest and cohost of On Brand with Jon & Marisa Jon Glover joins me to talk steaming meats, charity pickle buckets, Titanic lore, and why being put on hold too long might just drive you insane. Along the way, Jon invents his dream restaurant “Capades” (an ice-themed wonderland), brushes shoulders with James Cameron (not to brag), and gets hot and bothered for firemen. 🚫 Steamed Meats That Don’t Quite Work 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the strangest on-hold experience you’ve ever had with a business? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We finally taste the food at Firehouse Subs to see how it stacks up. | |||
| Deep Dish in LA? Reviewing Gino's East of Chicago | 13 Aug 2025 | 01:08:41 | |
🍕 Deep Dish in LA? Reviewing Gino’s East of Chicago 🏀 This week, Jacquis Neal (Host of Dropout's upcoming show Crowd Control) returns as we give our full review of Gino’s East of Chicago in...not Chicago, but Sherman Oaks, California. From the deep dish pizza to the dessert (and the GIARDINIERA RANCH), we talk hits, misses, and whether this spot truly feels like home for two Chicagoans far from the Windy City. We also visit the Calibration Station to hear about Jacquis's worst and best dining experiences, which include a Bob Evans dine-and-dash debacle and an unforgettable Disney breakfast. 🍕 Jacquis Rips Up My Chicago Card 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the best pizza you’ve had outside your hometown? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We dive into the fiery history of Firehouse Subs: heroic branding, steamed sandwiches, and maybe a little stolen valor? | |||
| Gino's East of Chicago: Graffiti, Deep Dish, & a Biscuit Crust | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:58:51 | |
🍕 Gino’s East of Chicago: Graffiti, Deep Dish, & Biscuit Crust 🧱 This week, we take a bite out of the legacy of Gino’s East of Chicago — a deep dish pizza joint started by cabbies and made famous by its buttery biscuit crust and graffiti-covered walls. With a flavor profile heavy on cornmeal and sausage (sometimes too much sausage), it’s one of Chicago’s big four pizza spots — but is it the GOAT? Joining me is actor and comedian Jacquis Neal (Dropout, Last Week Tonight) as we dig into this crusty cornerstone of Chicago culture, debate sausage autonomy, and marvel at how many cab drivers it used to take to buy property. Plus, Jacquis pitches his dream soul food/Chicago fusion restaurant, and we read some absolutely wild Yelp reviews — one featuring a “phat boi” pizza and another featuring a man’s descent into customer service madness. 🏙️ Born from Taxi Drivers with a Building They Didn't Know What to Do With 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your go-to Chicago pizza joint — and how much cheese is too much? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We dig into our actual meal at Gino’s East. Did Michael’s cheese phobia survive? Or did deep dish change his life forever? | |||
| Golden Corral: The Ribs Were Trash, the Chicken Slapped, and There's a Party Room! | 30 Jul 2025 | 01:10:48 | |
🍽️ This Place Sure Had a Lot of Food Items Score a 1-out-of-10 🫠 This week, we return to Golden Corral - this time, to eat. Joined by comedian and podcast host Ben Cassil (@bencassil), I finally test the buffet itself, from rock-hard bread to surprisingly okay tacos. We found joy in the strawberry shortcake Fanta ICEE and the sheer chaos of none of the food being accurately labeled. Also, someone talked to their mom on speakerphone…from the toilet. This one had layers. 🍖 Ribs That Made Us Regret Everything 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen at a buffet? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We dig into the Midwestern legacy of Gino’s East of Chicago and how Chicagoans aren't just sitting around eating deep dish all the time. | |||
| Golden Corral Has Won the Buffet Wars | 23 Jul 2025 | 01:04:11 | |
🥩 Golden Corral’s 100-Year Plan & Dumpster Drama 🗑️ This week, we dive into the sprawling buffet empire that is Golden Corral. From hygiene scandals to military youth camps, this chain has been through it all and somehow, it’s still opening new locations. Joining me is Ben Cassil, host of Live from the Big Apple, to help unravel the chain’s bizarre history, including its long-standing relationship with the troops, a giant brawl over steak, and a game of hide-and-seek with their meat because of an impending health inspection. Plus, Ben pitches a Discworld-themed restaurant, and we dig into some unhinged Yelp reviews from our local Golden Corral. 🏢 A CEO with a 100-Year Plan 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen at a buffet? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: It’s finally our turn to experience the buffet ourselves. We eat at this Golden Corral (that definitely used to be a Circuit City) and let’s just say... it wasn’t great. | |||
| Trying Jollibee for the First Time | 16 Jul 2025 | 01:16:26 | |
🍑 Better Than Chili’s? We Finally Taste Jollibee 🍗 This week, we're putting Jollibee through the Chili’s Test. From sweet pies that taste like vacation to spaghetti that... didn’t, we finally try the food and decide whether this beloved Filipino chain lives up to its reputation. With special guest Jason Patrick Galit (JPG) guiding the way, we get the full experience, even if we have to be Sweaty Little Boys in the process. It’s juicy fried chicken, a peach mango hand pie that has haunted my dreams (in a good way though), and one very loud iPad kid. 🍗 Fried Chicken That’s “Better Than It Should Be” 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your Jollibee go-to order? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: I'm heading to Golden Corral to explore its history, legacy, and wild Yelp reviews with comedian Ben Cassil before reviewing it in Part 2. | |||
| Jollibee Is a Filipino Treasure | 09 Jul 2025 | 01:07:43 | |
🍗 Jollibee Is a Filipino Treasure 🍗 This week, we dive into the sweet, crunchy, culturally iconic legacy of Jollibee, the Filipino fast food chain with a bee mascot, a cult following, and a spaghetti recipe that would confuse most Americans. But to millions of Filipinos, it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s home. Joining me is Jason Patrick Galit (JPG) from InterMyth, who grew up with Jollibee and has the love to prove it. From his first spaghetti to a fried chicken hand towel, this episode is deeply personal as he offers a lot of amazing insights into Jollibee's cultural significance. 🍝 Sweet Spaghetti with Hot Dogs: Where It Came From 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What was your first Jollibee experience? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We taste the real deal—fried chicken, spaghetti, palabok, and more—as we visit Jollibee in-person to see how it stacks up to Chili’s. | |||
| Nathan’s Famous: One Glorious Glizzy Soars Above the Rest of the Menu | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:52:56 | |
🌭 Nathan’s Famous: One Glorious Glizzy Soars Above the Rest of the Menu 🌭 We went to the original Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island to find out: is this historic wiener mecca actually good, or are we just chasing a bump from a bygone era? Comedian Marty Cunnie returns as my hot dog soulmate to break down every last bite — from snappy glizzies to horrifying frog legs that still haunt my digestive system. We did not eat 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes, but our bodies definitely thought we did. 🍋 The Coney Island Shandy (Beer + Lemonade = Perfection) 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would you order frog legs at a hot dog stand? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: Sweet spaghetti, fried chicken joy, and chaotic mascots — we’re headed to Jollibee. | |||
| Nathan’s Famous: How Joey Chestnut Made a Fake Contest a National Obsession | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:49:34 | |
🌭 Nathan’s Famous: The Hot Dog Empire with a Big Secret 🌭 This week, we dive mouth-first into the greasy, glorious history of Nathan’s Famous, the iconic hot dog brand that gave us Al Capone’s favorite beach snack, a gluttonous holiday tradition, and the most American sporting event of all time: the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. From shady police bribes to feeding royalty to Joey Chestnut’s triumphant return after an Impossible controversy, this episode covers over a century of beef, buns, and barfing-for-glory. Joining me is comedian Marty Cunnie (who saw Chestnut live in action!! I'm fangirling). 🍺 A President Served Nathan’s to the Queen of England 💬 COMMENT BELOW: How many hot dogs is too many? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We review the original Nathan’s Famous location in Coney Island to see if the dogs are still worth the pilgrimage — or if the legend should stay in the history books. | |||
| Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: The Most Consistent Chain I’ve Tried | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:59:25 | |
🍗 Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: Nothing Was Bad?! 🍗 We went to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken—and literally nothing made it into the “Not Good” category. Nothing! Comedian and improviser Dave Theune (St. Denis Medical, NBC/Peacock) joins me to talk about his first foray into eating dark meat, crispy fried okra, spicy batter, and the kind of service that borders on too attentive (but we loved it). The waiter even coaxed out my Star Wars hot take. Is Gus’s better than Chili’s? That’s the question. But when a fried pickle almost takes me out in the opening minutes, it’s going to be a wild ride to the answer. 🍗 Juicy, Spicy, Championship Chicken 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Is Gus’s your go-to for fried chicken? Or does your loyalty lie elsewhere in the Southern fried pantheon? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: I head to Nathan’s Famous to learn the history of their fabled hot dog eating contest. | |||
| Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: From Humble Shack to National Champ | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:50:09 | |
🐔 Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Part 1): Gus's Parents, the Superfan, and Chicken Championships 🐔 Before Gus’s was world famous, it was just spicy chicken sold out the back of a bar in the segregated South. But that secret recipe grew into a Southern staple, complete with 40+ locations, a chicken-loving superfan turned CEO, and even a rogue rooster who hangs out outside one of their Memphis spots. In this episode, I’m joined by improvisor, actor, and all-around delight Dave Theune (NBC’s St. Denis Medical) to go deep on the wild rise of Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, the hearse they use for advertising, and why you’ll never know what’s in their spice blend. Plus, Dave pitches a double-restaurant concept where Italian comfort meets a dessert diner, and it's all Rocky-themed. Is Gus’s really chicken to die for? Or just another chain in a hearse-shaped hat? 🔥 Backdoor Fried Chicken in 1950s Tennessee 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you tried Gus’s? Did it make you say “goddamn”? Or just “meh”? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you believe fried chicken is a spiritual experience! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We actually eat the chicken at Gus's. Is it “chicken to die for”? Or just fried food with a strong brand? Find out in Part 2. | |||
| "Dunkin' & Donuts" feat. Amy Vorpahl | 04 Jun 2025 | 01:39:21 | |
🎲 Dunkin’ & Donuts: The D&D Crossover You Never Knew You Needed 🎲 This week on the "Fine Dining Podcast," we trade the drive-thru for dungeons. After covering a long, bizarre history — from handled donuts and Fred the Baker to the rise of Munchkins and Dunkaccinos — it’s time for part two: an original Dungeons & Dragons one-shot adventure, played in a world where every NPC runs on Dunkin’. Featuring writer, improviser, and TTRPG icon Amy Vorpahl, this special actual-play episode turns our fast-food trip into a fantasy quest. Expect laughs, intrigue, and a surprising amount of edible world-building. Will our hero survive The Glaze? Or will her journey end in deep-fried defeat? ☕ Amy Rolls a 0 and Becomes a Puddle of Coffee Trying to Impress Leonardo DeCaffio 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would you play a whole campaign in the world of Dunkin’? 💥Real actual custom character artwork by BitterBats: 🗺️ And the Map of Ammereeka by Cameron McCarthy: VFX: Steven Zurita 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic chain-restaurant content — now with dice! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We return to our regularly scheduled programming with a look into the history of Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken with special guest Dave Theune! | |||
| Dunkin’: Donuts with Handles, Munchkin Origins, & the Dunkaccino Meme feat. Amy Vorpahl | 28 May 2025 | 00:51:14 | |
☕ Dunkin’ Donuts: Handled Donuts, Munchkin Origins & Al Pacino’s Dunkaccino ☕ Dunkin’ may be a coffee giant now, but its journey started with donuts — one in particular with a literal handle. In this week’s episode, I break down the entire rise of the chain formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, from its humble beginnings in Quincy, Massachusetts, to becoming the fast-casual coffee behemoth we know today. Plus, I'm joined by writer and performer Amy Vorpahl to unravel some of the weirdest moments in Dunkin’ history — including public domain mascots, airport nostalgia, and the most cursed commercial Al Pacino ever agreed to do. Is Dunkin’ still the heart of New England? Or has it become just another burnt bean in the breakfast wars? 🍩 Why Dunkin’ Used to Serve Donuts with Handles 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you still call it Dunkin’ Donuts? Or are you ride-or-die for the coffee now? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic deep dives into fast-casual dining! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Follow Amy on Instagram @vorpahlsword 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re reviewing Dunkin’ in real time… through a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. See you in “Dunkin & Donuts.” 🎲 | |||
| Papa Johns Doesn't Do Pizza Well | 21 May 2025 | 00:54:26 | |
🍕 Papa Johns: The Pizza Review That Gave Us Indigestion 🍕 We reviewed Papa Johns… in the lobby. One item at a time. On plastic chairs they dug out from the back. Make no mistake, this branch of Papa Johns rules, but at the end of the day: it's still Papa Johns. After learning the ingredients now arrive in prepackaged plastic bags from an employee literally covered in something the company calls “dust,” we had to ask the big question: is Papa Johns objectively as good as Chili’s? Joining me is comedian Nick Stargu, whose multimedia stand-up special "Why Won’t You Dance with Me?" is on YouTube. We talk pizza, dipping sauces, employee transparency, and we mess around with his electronic saxophone to blur my voice, whatever that means.
🪑 Eating Papa John’s in a Chairless Lobby (But Management Accommodated Us!) 📦 Ingredients Shipping in Plastic Bags Instead of Fresh 👻 The Employee Covered in “Dust” 🍕 Pepperoni Pizza That Made Me Sad 😬 Wings That Were Just… Sweaty? 😳 Workers Said They Prefer Pizza Hut & Dominos 🥐 At Least the Cinnamon Pull Aparts Were Tasty 📉 Did Papa John’s fail the Chili’s test?
💬 COMMENT BELOW: Does Papa Johns still hit for you? Or have you also lost your faith in the brand?
📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp reviews): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: https://www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Nick Stargu’s Special: Why Won’t You Dance with Me? – https://youtu.be/kZJnpDMhbR0
Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
👉 NEXT WEEK: I head to Dunkin’ Donuts (or is it just Dunkin' now?) to learn their history. | |||
| Papa Johns: Garlic Dip, CEO Scandals, & the First Bitcoin Pizza | 14 May 2025 | 00:38:58 | |
🍕 Papa Johns: Garlic Dip, CEO Scandals, & the First Bitcoin Pizza 🍕 From a broom closet in Indiana to viral garlic sauce bath bombs, Papa Johns has had one of the weirdest journeys in chain restaurant history. In this episode, I explore the story of America's youngest major pizza chain — the sauce that changed the industry, the man who ate 40 pizzas in 30 days, and how a slice of Papa Johns became the first physical purchase made with Bitcoin. We’re talking about Shaq, lawsuits, racial slurs on conference calls, and a clock made of eagles. Yes, really. Comedian Nick Stargu joins me to talk everything Papa Johns! Does Papa Johns have the most cursed origin story in pizza? Or is it just misunderstood? 🧄 The Garlic Dipping Sauce That Changed the Game 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your go-to pizza chain — and is Papa Johns even in the conversation? Check out Nick's comedy special here! 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic deep dives into fast-casual history! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re actually going to eat Papa Johns. Is it as bad as I remember? Or has it crawled back into crusty relevancy? | |||
| Chili's IS the Most Mediocre Restaurant in America | 07 May 2025 | 01:15:14 | |
🌶️ Chili’s IS the Most Mediocre Restaurant in America (Part 2) 🌶️ After 100 restaurant reviews, this was it. Chili’s officially earned the perfect 5.00 out of 10, making it the most mediocre restaurant in America — the ultimate point of comparison for every meal to come. In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest VyVy Nguyen as we review the Encino location in full detail. From booth battles and dry wings to nostalgic chips and a molten dessert that hides its magic in the middle, we break down the exact moment Chili’s became the standard of mid. 🍔 The Sliders That Carried the Triple Dipper RAP MUSIC VIDEO DEBUT toward the end of the episode: "I Want My Baby Back" 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Is Chili’s your go-to for a safe, middle-of-the-road meal? Or has it slipped into soggy nostalgia? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚖️ Like, Subscribe & Share to spread the gospel of perfect mediocrity. Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: A new chapter begins. The Chili’s Test is born. First up: Papa Johns. 🍕
"I Want My Baby Back" | |||
| Chili's: The Fajita Effect, NSYNC, and the Jingle That Changed Everything | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:48:35 | |
🌶️ Chili’s: They Started in a Post Office?? 🌶️ Chili’s. For nearly 50 years, it’s been slinging margaritas, sizzling skillets, and vibes that are somehow both flirty and corporate. In this episode, actress and podcast 3-timers guest club VyVy Nguyen is back to explore the surprisingly spicy history of this chain restaurant icon with me — from its post office origins to its entanglement with The Office, N*SYNC, and the internet’s horniest Vine. Was Chili’s always this unhinged, just waiting for us to notice? 🌮 The “Fajita Effect”: Why One Order Sets the Whole Restaurant Off 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your favorite Chili’s menu item? Or is it all about the vibe (and the molten lava cake)? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you crave deep dives into food, freakiness & fried mediocrity! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We review a Saturday night at Chili’s. Chaos at Encino's hottest table to try and find the perfect 5.00 out of 10. | |||
| Is Joe's Crab Shack the Best Chain Seafood Restaurant? | 23 Apr 2025 | 01:04:00 | |
🦞 Joe’s Crab Shack (Part 2): Heavenly Shrimp, Sloppy Lob, & Dessert Scores 11 out of 10 🦞 After diving into the shady past of Joe’s Crab Shack, it was finally time to eat. In this episode, I head to the Disney-adjacent location with friend and podcast voiceover contributor Sandy Rose to see if the crab still holds up. From shockingly great coconut shrimp to a fish filet that straight-up betrayed us, we cover every bite, every bathroom handle, and every s’more-stained moment in our quest to determine if Joe’s is truly the perfectly mediocre restaurant. Is Joe’s Crab Shack a crustacean celebration? Or just chaos in a cowboy hat? 🍤 Jumbo Coconut Shrimp That Changed Sandy’s Life 🐟 Fried Fish So Bad It Made Us Question Reality 🍰 Campfire S'mores Dessert – Sugar, Fire, and Too Much Cake 🧼 Bathroom Handles & Sauce-Covered Soap Dispensers 🧂 Captain’s Sauce: A Flavor Bomb or Suicide Mission? 🥔 The Cajun Platter That Made One of Us Cry (Almost) 🧃 Coleslaw, Cucumber Salad & My First-Ever Hard-Boiled Egg 👯♀️ Where Were the Dancing Servers?! 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Is Joe's the best seafood in chain restaurant dining? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic deep dives into fast-casual dining! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: I’m hitting up the restaurant that started it all. Chili’s. Could it finally be the perfect 5.00? 🌶️ | |||
| Joe's Crab Shack: Drunk Toddlers, Racist Decor, & WHO THE HELL IS JOE | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:43:55 | |
Joe’s Crab Shack has been serving seafood and sass since 1991 — but who is Joe? In this week’s episode, I dig deep into the murky origins of this kitschy crustacean-themed chain, uncovering mystery, missteps, and marketing that somehow works. From accidentally boozed-up babies to scandalous decorations and trans fat deception, Joe’s has made some serious waves. Plus, I’m joined by longtime friend and podcast voice Sandy Rose to question whether you can truly trust a restaurant that sells shirts saying “I’ve Got Crabs.” Is Joe’s just a goofy seafood joint? Or a case study in chaotic chain dining gone rogue? 🦐 Who is Joe? And why can’t we find him? 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you eaten at Joe’s Crab Shack? Did your waiter dance or just bring you trauma? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love deep dives into crabby chaos! 👉 NEXT WEEK: We ate at Joe’s. Was it all kitsch and crabs — or something much weirder? Stay tuned. 🪝 | |||
| Panera Bread Is a Pastry Paradise | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:53:15 | |
We finally ate at Panera Bread — and while the bakery items impressed, the rest of the experience was a chaotic medley of kiosk confusion, bathroom code injustice, and raw onion overload. I’m joined once again by Lyss Johnson (comedian, friend, and former Panera employee) as we break down every detail of our in-person visit to the iconic soup-slinging, salad-stacking chain. Can the cinnamon crunch bagel save this spot from mediocrity? Or is Panera coasting on vibes and vending machine tech? 🥯 The Cinnamon Crunch Bagel That Nearly Ruined Our Lives (In a Good Way) 💬 JOIN THE DISCUSSION: What’s your Panera go-to? Is the soup worth the struggle? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you believe every restaurant deserves a fair trial! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We set sail for Joe’s Crab Shack — nautical nonsense or seafood salvation? 🦀 | |||
| Panera Bread: Infinite Refills, Caffeinated Chaos, and Chicken Controversies | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:42:40 | |
🚨 Panera Bread: Infinite Refills, Chicken Fights & Lemonade Lawsuits 🚨 From a humble Missouri bakery to one of the most recognizable fast-casual chains in the country, Panera Bread has been on a wild ride. This week, I dive deep into the breadbasket of chaos that is Panera’s history — including aggressive ad campaigns, billion-dollar innovations, and a beverage scandal that stirred national headlines. Plus, I’m joined by Lyss Johnson — comedian and former Panera employee — to break down what it’s really like behind the counter at America’s favorite soup & salad spot. Was Panera ever really the cozy bread haven we remember? Or has it always been a little bit soup, a little bit shady? 🥖 The $150,000 Loan That Became a $7 Billion Bread Empire 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you still love Panera? Or is it just overpriced soup in a bread bowl? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love deep dives into fast-casual chaos! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re reviewing Panera Bread in real time — and it’s not the Panera you remember. Stay tuned. 🥣 | |||
| Is Dairy Queen Worth a 2 Hour Drive? | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:51:24 | |
🍦 We Drove 2 Hours for Dairy Queen – Was It Worth It? 🍦 We hit the road and drove nearly two hours to the nearest Dairy Queen Grill & Chill to finally see if there’s more to DQ than just frozen nostalgia. We tried three burgers (including a surprisingly delicious Flamethrower), fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, and two iconic desserts—the Blizzard and the Banana Split. The building looked half-abandoned, the service felt five-star, and the bathroom was designed by David Lynch, apparently. Is Dairy Queen just a dessert destination with a food menu on the side—or is it a true contender for America’s most mediocre chain? Indie filmmaker Tyler Eaton joins me to evaluate! 🎙 IN THIS EPISODE: 🔥 The Flamethrower Burger Actually Brought the Heat (and Flavor) 💬 JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOW: 🎬 Check out guest Tyler Eaton’s indie horror-comedy Mysterious Ways – coming soon to YouTube, Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV+, and Tubi! 👉 NEXT WEEK: Panera Bread gets the "Fine" Dining treatment. Let's learn all about that lemonade with a body count... | |||
| Dairy Queen’s Rise to Power – The Blizzard Effect | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:47:36 | |
Dairy Queen is more than just ice cream—it was one of the first fast-food chains to take over America. In this episode, we dive into how a self-proclaimed chemist helped perfect soft serve, why DQ dominated the 1950s, and the moment that changed everything: the invention of the Blizzard. Joining me is writer & director Tyler Eaton of the new horror-comedy film Mysterious Ways, as we explore Dairy Queen’s rise, its questionable hot food menu, and whether it still lives up to its legendary status today. 🎙 IN THIS EPISODE: 🍦 How Dairy Queen exploded to 1,400+ locations in just 10 years 📢 JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We visit Dairy Queen Grill & Chill – Can they actually pull off burgers, or should they just stick to ice cream? 🍔🍦 | |||
| Taco Bell Proved Me Wrong (But Not About Everything) | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:58:29 | |
After avoiding it for over a decade, I finally stepped back inside a Taco Bell—and I was not ready for what I found. The Baja Blast? Genuinely delicious. The Crunchwrap Supreme? A smart design, poorly executed. The guacamole? It's giving Home Depot. In this episode, comedian & actress Priya Pappu joins me to break down the good, the not good, and everything in between about eating inside a Taco Bell. From its strangely sterile atmosphere to its impressively bad beef portions, we’re analyzing it all to find out if it truly represents fast-food mediocrity. 🎙 IN THIS EPISODE:
📢 JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: Everything you've ever wanted to know about Dairy Queen Grill & Chill – Will the story of the DQ Blizzard turn your life upside down? | |||
| How Taco Bell Became Fast Food’s Most Creative Brand | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:56:54 | |
Taco Bell Is the Most Creative Fast Food Restaurant—But At What Cost? Taco Bell is the fast-food chain that isn’t afraid to get weird. Over the years, they’ve served up bold (and sometimes questionable) menu items like the Naked Chicken Chalupa, the Firecracker Burrito, and even a Kit Kat Quesadilla. But alongside its reputation for creativity, Taco Bell has a messy history—food recalls, bizarre marketing stunts, and legal battles that only Taco Bell could pull off. In this episode, comedian Priya Pappu joins me to unpack the history of America’s most inventive fast-food chain. We dive into how Taco Bell was founded, its strangest discontinued items, its failed upscale spin-off, and the time it got sued for serving horse meat in Europe (yikes). We also check Yelp reviews for the Taco Bell we visited—because people have some thoughts. Also, VyVy Nguyen is back and here to read a fan-submitted What's Going On Over There from the show's Discord server! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode! IN THIS EPISODE:✔️ Taco Bell’s Origins – Started by a guy named Bell, but not a taco in sight 💬 Have a Taco Bell horror story or a weird order you swear by? Let me know! 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts & more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas | |||
| Subway Is Even Worse Than You Remember | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:53:32 | |
Subway’s reputation has been circling the drain for years—but is it really as bad as people say? We tried a bunch of footlongs and we've got thoughts. This week, Terral Wells joins me to put the country’s most common fast-food chain to the test. From a pretzel drier than the Mojave Desert to an interior design aesthetic that actively made Terral upset, we break down every moment of our subpar experience. "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode!
WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: 🥖 Is there anything redeemable about Subway? 💬 LET ME KNOW: What's the worst thing you've ever eaten at a Subway? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love deep dives into chain restaurants! 👉 NEXT WEEK: Taco Bell. Can it score better than Subway? Stay tuned.
Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van | |||
| Subway’s Disturbing History: Jared, The Infinite Destroyer, & Azodicarbonamide | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:50:41 | |
Subway’s history is WAY messier than you think. Sure, it’s the biggest fast-food chain in America, but behind the Eat Fresh™ branding lies a disastrous past filled with lawsuits, bizarre marketing stunts, and yes… Jared Fogle. In this episode, Terral Wells joins me to uncover Subway’s wildest moments, from its humble beginnings as a way to fund med school to the time they got sued because their footlongs weren’t actually a foot long. Oh, and did you know there’s a Subway fashion show? Or that you can order something called the Infinite Destroyer sandwich in Tokyo? We’re going deep. "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode!
🥖 Subway’s origins – A sandwich shop meant to pay for med school? 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the worst experience you’ve ever had at a Subway? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you enjoy deep dives into fast-food disasters! 👉 NEXT WEEK: We eat at Subway. Pray for us. 🚊🥪 Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas | |||
| The Only Hooters with Breakfast feat. Alexander Poncio | 12 Feb 2025 | 01:18:10 | |
Hooters Casino Hotel—now rebranded as OYO Hotel & Casino—has been called the worst hotel on the Vegas Strip. But is it really that bad? We put it to the ultimate test by spending 19 hours trapped inside, eating Hooters for dinner AND breakfast (because yes, this is the only Hooters in the country that serves breakfast). And if that wasn’t enough? We also hit up Aussie Heat (a male strip show), sang Dear Theodosia at karaoke (to everyone’s disappointment), and dealt with clogged toilets, broken elevators, and staff who couldn’t care less.
"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode!
💀 Spoiler: It was a nightmare. 💀 🍗 The final Hooter Bowl – Our third (and last) review of Hooters 👀 WATCH UNTIL THE END: We give OYO/Hooters its official score in our search for the most mediocre restaurant in America. 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would YOU stay here? Or better yet, what’s the WORST hotel you’ve ever stayed at? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you enjoy deep dives into chain restaurant chaos! 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re heading to SUBWAY. 🚊🥪 Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Follow Alex on Instagram @ponciosa | |||
| Hooter Bowl 3: The History of the Worst Hotel in Las Vegas feat. Alexander Poncio | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:46:38 | |
Hooters Casino Hotel was meant to be a game-changer—bringing its busty brand of mediocrity to the Las Vegas Strip. Instead, it became one of the biggest disasters in Vegas history. A casino so bad, it made Circus Circus look classy. So... what went wrong? For my third annual Hooter Bowl Spectacular, I had to go big. So I spent 19 hours trapped inside the Hooters Casino Hotel (now OYO), enduring its busted elevators, depressing ambiance, and suspiciously sticky carpets—all for the sake of history. Along the way, my guest Alexander Poncio and I uncover the shocking history of this cursed Las Vegas casino—including its mob ties, multiple bankruptcy scandals, and an abandoned attempt in the 1980s to become Vegas' first LGBTQ-friendly resort. "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to WATCH this episode!
💬 What’s the WORST hotel you’ve ever stayed at? Drop it in the Discord! 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🍔 Bonus episodes – including deep dives into underrated chains like the most recent monthly exclusive: Dan's Hamburgers (Austin, TX) 👉 Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 🎵 Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Follow Alex on Instagram @ponciosa ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you enjoy deep dives into the weirdest chain restaurant history! | |||
| McDonald's PlayPlace & the McGriddle feat. Chad Damiani [Part Two] | 29 Jan 2025 | 01:05:38 | |
They thought I was sent from corporate!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (In just a couple days, my January Patreon exclusive episode drops, and I get to cover my all-time favorite burger chain, Dan's Hamburgers out of Austin, TX with my friend Gabe Alvarez), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Join the show's Discord server: https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
Send in your McDonald's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chad on Instagram @thechaddamiani
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 Third & Final Hooter-Bowl [Part One]! I drive all the way to Las Vegas to stay at the Hooters Hotel & Casino (now branded as the OYO) to eat at the only Hooters in the country to serve breakfast with my good friend Alexander Poncio. Ever work at Hooters? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| McDonald's Breakfast Isn't Clowning Around feat. Chad Damiani | 22 Jan 2025 | 01:00:26 | |
A magic belt that produced burgers?
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I closed the year with my Patreon exclusive episode covering rude-service-on-purpose restaurant chain Dick's Last Resort after driving to Las Vegas with friend and season 1 cheese correspondent Steven Zurita), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your McDonald's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chad on Instagram @thechaddamiani
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: McDonald's Breakfast Review [Part Two]! Chad Damiani returns to eat fast food for the first time in a long time, and discuss how the employees thought I (as Ronald McDonald) was sent from corporate as we break down the Good, the Not Good, and the Just There of McDonald's. Ever work at McDonald's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| America's Largest IKEA feat. Chris Grace [Part Two] | 15 Jan 2025 | 01:24:33 | |
"I don't have a lot of respect for a meatball!"
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I closed the year with my Patreon exclusive episode covering rude-service-on-purpose restaurant chain Dick's Last Resort after driving to Las Vegas with friend and season 1 cheese correspondent Steven Zurita), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your IKEA stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chris Grace on Instagram @chrisgracecomedy
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
We're off next week, but in 2 weeks on "Fine" Dining: McDonald's Breakfast + Ronald McDonald History [Part One]! I've got the alpha clown from the Los Angeles comedy scene, the clown boww Chad Damiani to join me at McDonald's for breakfast, and I gave him the full Ronald McDonald treatment. Ever work at McDonald's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| IKEA's Meatballs Aren't Actually Even Swedish feat. Chris Grace | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:44:35 | |
Food from a furniture store?
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I closed the year with my Patreon exclusive episode covering rude-service-on-purpose restaurant chain Dick's Last Resort after driving to Las Vegas with friend and season 1 cheese correspondent Steven Zurita), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your IKEA stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Chris on Instagram @chrisgracecomedy
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: IKEA Swedish Bistro Review [Part Two]! Chris Grace returns to chat about the meatballs, the plethora of desserts, and his love of cafeterias as we break down the Good, the Not Good, and the Just There of IKEA. Ever work at IKEA? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Snitching on Santa at Arctic Circle feat. Santa Claus [Part Two] | 25 Dec 2024 | 00:55:32 | |
We come bearing gifts!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode about Pacific Northwest Seafood institution Ivar's Acres of Clams came out just a few weeks ago! From bomb threats to no working water, my guest, author Temple West and I went through a LOT just to eat here), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your Arctic Circle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Mark Gray on Instagram @markwgray
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
We're off next week, but in 2 weeks on "Fine" Dining: IKEA Swedish Bistro History [Part One]! From Dropout TV, Chris Grace joins me to eat Swedish meatballs amidst cheap DIY furniture, and we learn how it all started! Ever work at IKEA? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Who Invented Fry Sauce? feat. Santa Claus | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:32:31 | |
Road trip to Utah!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode just dropped on Ivar's Acres of Clams in Seattle, WA and the founder was a MAV-ER-ICK. Author Temple West joins me to chat all about it and how literal bombs on the freeway derailed our plans), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your Arctic Circle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Santa by being Good this year For no particular reason, you can also follow Mark Gray on Instagram @markwgray
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: Arctic Circle Review [Part Two]! Santa Claus joins me one more time to dissect what was Nice and what was Naughty about this burger chain. We even got in trouble just for spreading holiday cheer, so you don't want to miss this one! Ever work at an Arctic Circle? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Best Chain Salad? California Pizza Kitchen Review feat. Holly Brown [Part Two] | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:53:44 | |
I love CPK, but not for the pizza!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode about Pacific Northwest Seafood institution Ivar's Acres of Clams came out just a few weeks ago! From bomb threats to no working water, my guest, author Temple West and I went through a LOT just to eat here), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your California Pizza Kitchen stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Holly on Instagram @hollybrowncomedy
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: Arctic Circle History [Part One]! Yeah, I got him. Santa Claus joins as my guest as we talk about the history of the burger chain named after his homeland. Ever work at Arctic Circle? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| California Pizza Kitchen Was Pasta First? feat. Holly Brown | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:38:31 | |
Viola Davis' favorite chain?
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode just dropped on Ivar's Acres of Clams in Seattle, WA and the founder was a MAV-ER-ICK. Author Temple West joins me to chat all about it and how literal bombs on the freeway derailed our plans), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your California Pizza Kitchen stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Holly on Instagram @hollybrowncomedy
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: California Pizza Kitchen Review [Part Two]! Holly Brown is back to rave about a chain restaurant we both love as we eat pizza, pasta, apps, dessert...everything to discuss the Good, the Not Good, and the Just There of CPK. Ever work at California Pizza Kitchen? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| No Nips for Us! Strip Club Review feat. Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough [Episode 69 Special Part Two] | 27 Nov 2024 | 01:02:36 | |
No Nut November + the 69th Restaurant! Nice! Note: One of the mics wasn't working properly. It should sound fine, but Dana is a little quieter than I would've liked. Apologies in advance. Note #2: This was also recorded before the decision was made to shake up the show's format this season, so it's the final episode to contain "This Is Way Too Much," "What's Going On Over There?" and no super awesome cold opens.
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My November Patreon exclusive episode about Pacific Northwest Seafood institution Ivar's Acres of Clams comes out in just a few days on the 30th! From bomb threats to no working water, my guest, author Temple West and I went through a LOT just to eat here), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your strip club food stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow I Seduce the Dragon on Instagram @istdpod Follow Ryan Keely @ryankeelytm Follow Dana Scarborough @xoxodanajean
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: California Pizza Kitchen History [Part One]! Comedian Holly Brown Ioves CPK with a passion, so naturally she had to be my guest. Ever work at California Pizza Kitchen? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Strip Club Eats feat. Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough [Episode 69 Special Part One] | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:39:41 | |
My 69th Restaurant! Nice! Note: One of the mics wasn't working properly. It should sound fine, but Dana is a little quieter than I would've liked. Apologies in advance.
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your strip club food stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow I Seduce the Dragon on Instagram @istdpod Follow Ryan Keely @ryankeelytm Follow Dana Scarborough @xoxodanajean
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: Strip Club Food Review [Part Two]! Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough are back to break down what it's like to eat at a place where the food is secondary. Ever work at a strip club? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Casa Bonita Is My New Favorite Restaurant feat. Ify Nwadiwe [Part Two] | 13 Nov 2024 | 01:27:31 | |
10 months on the waitlist, and well worth it!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your Casa Bonita stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ify on Instagram @ifynwadiwe
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: The History of Dining at Strip Clubs! Adult film star Ryan Keely and her I Seduce The Dragon podcast costar Dana Scarborough join me to learn about the development of strip clubs as restaurants, and dive into a few Yelp reviews that are all over the place. Ever work at a strip club buffet? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| The Story of Casa Bonita feat. Ify Nwadiwe | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:58:19 | |
As seen on South Park!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your Casa Bonita stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ify on Instagram @ifynwadiwe
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: Casa Bonita Review [Part Two]! Ify Nwadiwe is back to break down the Good, the Not Good, and everything that was Just There at this experience that is way more about the atmosphere than the food. Ever work at Casa Bonita? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Season 3 Trailer! | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:01:42 | |
Season 3 is coming next week! Follow along for season 3 as I'm headed to a lot of fun restaurants! 11/6-11/13 Casa Bonita with Ify Nwadiwe 11/20-11/27 Strip Club Food with Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough 12/4-12/11 California Pizza Kitchen with Holly Brown 12/18-12/25 Arctic Circle with Santa Claus
On top of that, I've got some new music to freshen things up, including a brand new opening theme song! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Tomorrow, I'm dropping the October Patreon episode covering the iconic Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next time on "Fine" Dining: Casa Bonita [Part One]! I'm off to Denver for the season 3 premiere, dropping November 6th, and I brought Dropout's Ify Nwadiwe with me! Ever work at Casa Bonita? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Season Finale: A Nightmare on WingStreet Review feat. Rachel Bryant (Actor) [Part Two] | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:46:36 | |
The End of Season 2!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Next week, I'm dropping the October Patreon episode covering the iconic Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your WingStreet stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelamandabryant
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next time on "Fine" Dining: Casa Bonita [Part One]! I'm off to Denver for the season 3 premiere, dropping November 6th, and I brought Dropout's Ify Nwadiwe with me! Ever work at Casa Bonita? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| A Nightmare on WingStreet: History feat. Rachel Bryant (Actor, "A Hard Place") [Part One] | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:39:32 | |
Part 1 of the season 2 finale!
Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (I just put out the Septemburger 2024 Semi-Finals & Finals episode and it's available for FREE! Go hear who won this year's tournament), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas
Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!
Send in your Cook Out stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelamandabryant
Freddy Krueger Make-Up Artists: Brady Allio & Alexa Althen
Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!
Next week on "Fine" Dining: WingStreet Review [Part Two]! A Nightmare on WingStreet continues as the Season 2 finale concludes! Rachel Bryant and I eat 4 different types of wings and try to make sense of dining in a restaurant with no tables and were never meant to host diners. Ever work at Pizza Hut? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com. | |||
| Cook Out Review feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part Two] | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:57:38 | |
Maybe the best milkshakes in the game!
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. | |||
| Cook Out History feat. Scott Philbrook (Astonishing Legends Podcast) [Part One] | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:52:42 | |
Coming to you from Greensboro, North Carolina this 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 (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. | |||
| Shake Shack feat. Jen Kober (Stand-Up Comedian) | 25 Sep 2024 | 01:12:11 | |
Septemburger 2024's final stop!
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 | |||