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"Fine" Dining
"Fine" Dining
Author: Michael Ornelas
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ยฉ 2022
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Comedian Michael Ornelas dives deep into the stories behind your favorite chain restaurants like Domino's, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Long John Silver's before determining if they are better or worse than Chili's: the most mediocre restaurant in America.
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๐ดโโ ๏ธ๐๐ Long John Silver's Review: Pirate Music, Fried Sea Water, and Puke Breaksย ๐๐๐ดโโ ๏ธ We're back with Part 2 of Long John Silver's, and my cousinย Emma Danger returns as we finally taste what the seafood chain has to offer. There are a few bright spots. The pirate-style orchestral covers of popular songs are delightful, and the Captain's Bell looming overhead feels like a reward we desperately wanted them to earn (though they didn't). Unfortunately, most of the visit sails straight into rough waters, from questionable plumbing ergonomics to fried bits that taste suspiciously like the ocean itself. ๐ Fried Everything (Including the Grilled Shrimp I tried to Order) ๐ Waffle Fries and Hush Puppies Join the Feast ๐ซ Chocolate Cheesecake Tries to Save the Day (and yes, I actually try it) ๐ง Krumbs That Taste Like "Fried Sea Water" ๐ฝ Toilet Flushers So High You're Forced to Use Your Hands (Who does that??) ๐ถ Surprisingly Great Pirate Orchestrations of Popular Songs ๐ฅค Emma's Favorite Item of the Meal Is...a Pepsi ๐๏ธ Emma Shares the Best and Worst Meals of Her Life (including her best giving her imposter syndrome) ๐ Long John Silver's Faces The Chili's Test ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Are Long John Silver's Krumbs a delicacy or a disaster? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Emma Danger Patreon Producers:Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers:David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael ๐ NEXT WEEK: For the 100th restaurant on the main podcast feed, we dive into the world of ghost kitchens with Spooky Foodie (Ansley Layne), focusing on The Burger Den,ย the Denny's-created delivery-only concept.
๐๐ดโโ ๏ธ๐ Long John Silver's: Toy Lawsuits, Abandoned by Yum!, and the Worst Restaurant Meal in America ๐๐ดโโ ๏ธ๐ This week I'm joined by my cousin Emma Danger for her fourth appearance on the show as we dive into the history ofย Long John Silver's. From its time sailing under the Yum! Brands flag alongside KFC and Taco Bell to its rocky financial voyages through bankruptcy, the chain has had quite the adventure. We also grapple with the heartbreaking reality that the Captain's Bell is off-limits unless the crew actually earned it, and explore how a seafood chain wound up entangled in movie tie-ins, pirate holidays, and one of the menu items crowned "Worst Restaurant Meal in America." ๐ดโโ ๏ธ From Kentucky Fried Chicken's Corporate Family to Going Solo ๐ธ Bankruptcy, Buyouts, and Rough Seas for the Brand ๐ The Captain's Bell We Desperately Wanted to Ring ๐ฌ Promotional Film Tie-Ins and the Lost in Space Toy Lawsuit ๐ฆ Talk Like a Pirate Day and the Chain's Nautical Identity ๐ฝ๏ธ The Big Catch Platter Named the Worst Restaurant Meal in America ๐ Emma Pitches a Dream Restaurant Withโฆ Questionable Logistics ๐ A Yelper Expands the Lore of the Long John Silver's Literary Universe ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever rung the Captain's Bell at a Long John Silver's? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Emma Danger Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael ๐ NEXT WEEK: We actually eat Long John Silver's and see if the seafood shack can survive The Chili's Test.
๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ On the Border Review: Guacamole Glory, Taco Chips, and The Chili's Test ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฎ We're back with Part 2 of On the Border, and this time Trent Tucker (@TheGOTSPod) and I actually sit down to eat at the former Brinker sibling to Chili's. There are highs. There are lows. There is guacamole made tableside that absolutely slaps. We also encounter a manager radiating peak "Karen energy," raid a Little Free Library mid-meal, and hear "Cable Car" by The Fray so many times it becomes psychological warfare. ๐ฅ Guacamole Live Is a Legitimate Triumph ๐ฎ Flautas That Do NOT Live Up to the Ornelas Family Name ๐ง Chips and Salsa Are Decent, But Why Are the Chips Half a Taco Shell? ๐ถ "Cable Car" by The Fray Plays an Unreasonable Number of Times ๐ Little Free Library Raid Yields a Parody Songbook and an Education on Spiders ๐ฌ A Manager Check-In That Screams "I'd Like to Speak toโฆ" ๐๏ธ Trent Shares His Best Meal Ever: Ramen in Japan ๐ด His Worst Meal Ever: A Burger from Rainforest Cafe ๐ On the Border Faces The Chili's Test ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is tableside guac enough to overcome weird taco chips? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Trent Tucker | IG: @TheGOTSPod Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael ๐ NEXT WEEK: I take Emma, my second cousin once removed to Long John Silver's, and you KNOW we're gonna talk LJS history!
๐ฎ๐ฅ๐น On the Border: Bankruptcy, Bottomless Calories, and Marky Marg Madness ๐น๐ฅ๐ฎ This week, Trent Tucker (@thegotspod) from the Geek Off the Street podcast joins me to break down the chaotic history of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, a chain that once lived under the Chili's corporate umbrella at Brinker International before getting unceremoniously left behind. On the Border has had a rollercoaster run. We unpack the Mark Wahlberg-backed Marky Marg (where he didn't even show up for the toast), and celebrate the undeniable appeal of Guacamole Live prepared tableside. Plus, Trent pitches a zero-gravity ramen restaurant, and we read Yelp reviews in the style of a late-night local TV lawyer commercial. ๐ฏ Formerly a Brinker International Sibling to Chili's ๐ "Worst Mexican Chain" According to Men's Health ๐ธ Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and 40 Sudden Closures ๐น The Marky Marg Featuring Flecha Azul Tequila ๐บ "Why? Because You Can" is the Most American Slogan Ever ๐ฅ Guacamole Live Steals the Spotlight ๐ Trent's Zero-Gravity Ramen Restaurant Pitch โ๏ธ A Yelper Who Sounds Like a Personal Injury Attorney ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is tableside guac enough to save a struggling chain? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Trent Tucker | IG: @thegotspod Patreon Producers:Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers:David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael ๐ NEXT WEEK: We actually eat at On the Border and put it through the Chili's Test to see if it can hang with its former corporate sibling.
๐๐ฅ๐ Papa Murphy's Pizza Review: When Take 'N' Bake Fights Back ๐ ๐ฅ๐ We're back with Part 2 of Papa Murphy's, and this time Peter Murphy (@peter_murphy) and I actually put the take 'n' bake concept to the test after a four-hour round-trip to experience it properly. What followed was a very kind cashier, a slightly alarming health department confession, and instructions that nearly burned my apartment down. From my first time trying olives to a variety of Crush products, it's all on the table as we see whether Papa Murphy's can survive the Chili's Test. ๐ Reviewing the Murphy's Combo ๐ Ultimate Pepperoni? More Like Dull-timate Pepper-NO-ni! (idk...) ๐ง Garlic Knots Try to Steal the Spotlight ๐ช Cookie Dough vs. Fully Baked Cookies ๐ฅ Faulty Instructions Lead to a Flaming Paper Tray ๐จ Smoke Alarms, Panic, and the Consequences of Trust ๐งโ๐ณ A Cashier So Nice She Accidentally Shares Health Department Lore ๐๏ธ Peter's Worst Restaurant Experience Involves a Chicken Bone Where It Should Never Be ๐ฅฉ His Best Experience Includes His Grandfather's Favorite Steak Joint Actually Delivering ๐ Papa Murphy's Faces the Chili's Test ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is take 'n' bake pizza a smart idea or a less good take on pizza? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Peter Murphy | IG: @peter_murphy Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael ๐ NEXT WEEK: We dive into the history of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina with Trent Tucker from the Geek Off the Street podcast, as another restaurant steps up to the Chili's Test.
๐๐ฅ๐ Papa Murphy's Pizza: Take 'N' Bake, No Ovens, No Mercy ๐ ๐ฅ๐ This week, comedian Peter Murphy (@peter_murphy) joins me to break down the strange, fascinating history of Papa Murphy's, the pizza chain that refuses to cook your food for you. We dig into how take 'n' bake became the brand's entire identity, why you literally cannot buy a hot pizza there, and how that decision shaped everything from employee working conditions to who can even buy the product. We also check in with the internet, because of course someone on Yelp is furious about flip-flops. ๐ The Origins of Take 'N' Bake and the Merger That Created Papa Murphy's ๐ฅ Inventing a Dough That Works in a 425-Degree Home Oven ๐ Explosive Growth Into One of America's Biggest Pizza Chains ๐ง No Ovens, No Cooking Licenses, and a Safer, Cooler Workplace ๐งพ Why Papa Murphy's Pizzas Count as Groceries (and What That Means) ๐ Stuffed Pizzas, "Larger Than Large" Pies, and Other Menu Swings ๐ Heart-Shaped and Jack-O'-Lantern Pizzas as Annual Traditions ๐ The Mid-2010s Slump and the Challenge of Staying Relevant ๐ฑ Apps, Online Ordering, and the Modern Take 'N' Bake Pivot ๐ง The "Hub of Hacks" Includes Waffle Irons, Football Pepperonis, and Dough Experiments โญ Yelp From Strangers Includes a Reviewer Outraged by an Employee Wearing Flip-Flops ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Does take 'n' bake pizza feel convenient or like homework? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Peter Murphy | IG: @peter_murphy WATCH PETER'S SPECIAL "OUT OF NOWHERE" HEREย Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael ๐ NEXT WEEK: We actuallyย review Papa Murphy's and put take 'n' bake pizza through the Chili's Test to see how it stacks up against the ultimate casual-dining benchmark.
๐๐ช BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Review: Extreme Pizza, Elite Wings, and Too Much Chocolate ๐ช๐ We're back with Part 2 of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, and this time PJ McCormick (@peejmccormick) and I actually sit down to eat. The service feels a little detached, the vibes are exactly what you'd expect from a brewery, and PJ remains baffled that this place ever started as a pizza joint. ๐ Pepperoni Extreme Pizza Surprisingly Lives Up to the "Extreme" (What is this, 2002??) ๐ช A Trio of Pizookies: Salted Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake, and WAY Too Much Chocolate ๐ค New Orleans Jambalaya Didn't Matter At ALL ๐ฅจ Big Twist Pretzel Hanged for Pickpocketing ๐ BJ's Original Wings Steal the Whole Meal ๐๏ธ PJ Shares His Best and Worst Restaurant Experiences ๐ซ Domino's Earns PJ's 0 out of 10 (and I Protest) ๐ A 10.00 Goes to Vegan Italian Pasta ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is BJ's as good as we scored it? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: PJ McCormick | IG: @peejmccormick Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, & Jewell Hermann ๐ NEXT WEEK: I head to Papa Murphy's Take 'n Bake Pizza with stand-up comedian Peter Murphy. Yes, we drove 4 hours just to pick up a pizza that we had to cook at home...
๐๐บ๐ BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Finding the Gimmick (It Was Beer) ๐๐บ๐ This week kicks off Part 1 of our BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse coverage with a full Eat Deets history episode, joined by PJ McCormick (@peejmccormick). We trace BJ's unlikely evolution from a Chicago-style pizza experiment to a beer-forward empire, debate whether pizza was ever really their best foot forward, and draw a completely reasonable comparison between BJ's brand identity journey and Stone Cold Steve Austin ditching the Ringmaster gimmick. Also yes: blowjob jokes. ๐ "BJ Grunt's" Got a Cease-and-Desist ๐บ Explaining the Real Gimmick via Stone Cold Steve Austin ๐ From Pizza Joint to National Restaurant & Brewhouse Chain ๐ช The Birth of the Pizookie and How It Stole the Whole Show ๐ค PJ Pitches His Dream Restaurant: A Pho Spot Where You're Immortalized for Not Coughing โญ Yelp From Strangers Includes a "Fat and Ugly" Man Mad His Hot Waiter Wouldn't Hustle for the Tip ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is BJ's a pizza place, a brewery, or just a Pizookie delivery system? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: PJ McCormick | IG: @peejmccormick Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, & Jewell Hermann ๐ NEXT WEEK: Part 2 as we actually eat BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse and find out if the pizza, the wings, or the Pizookie can beat Chili's.
๐๐๐ด Domino's Pizza Review: Three Pizzas, Vibes, & Gettingย Deputizedย ๐ด๐๐ Season 4 continues as James Werner (@jamesyjoehenry) returns for Part 2 of our Domino's Pizza episode, this time putting the pizza where the mouth is. We actually ate inside a Domino's, sat at a real table, and watched the pies come together from what can only be described as the Young Pizza Inspector overlook. With all-star service, we break Domino's down category by category to see if it can clear the Chili's bar. ๐ Reviewing the Full Spread (and Absolutely No Salad) ๐ฅ BBQ Chicken Pizza, Ultimate Pepperoni, and Pan Pizza with Pepperoni, Bacon, & Garlic ๐ Penne Pasta, Garlic Bread Bites, Cinnamon Bread Bites, and Chocolate Lava Cake ๐ James Is the Champion of Shouting People Out ๐จ Decor That Made Us Wish We Could Vandalize the Walls ๐ Deputized to Inspect Pizzas ๐ Yes, I Do Crave Pizza Despite Not Liking Cheese โ๏ธ James' Worst Restaurant Experience Ever Involved an Airport Sandwich ๐ His Best Experience Was Weighted by Flashiness of Bananas Foster ๐ The Final Score: Is Domino's Better or Worse Than Chili's? ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's your go-to Domino's order? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@thefinediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: James Werner | IG: @jamesyjoehenry ย Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, & Jewell Hermann ย ๐ NEXT WEEK: I head to BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse with comedian PJ McCormick and dive into their history (including pretty dumb etymology).
๐๐ฆ๐ Domino's Pizza: Hostages, Food Tampering, and Turning It All Around ๐๐ฆ๐ Season 4 (omg, what??) kicks off with a deep dive into the wild, complicated, and occasionally Noidy history ofย Domino's Pizza. Joined by improviser and musician James Werner (@jamesyjoehenry), I trace how a tiny Michigan pizzeria turned into the world's largest pizza chain by making bold promises, bad mistakes, smarter apologies, and some genuinely fascinating tech gambles. This is a story about shame, sincerity, and why sometimes admitting "our pizza sucks" is the smartest move a company can make. ๐ Two Brothers, $500, and a Volkswagen Beetle That Changed Pizza History โฑ๏ธ The 30-Minute Delivery Promise That Built the Brand (and Nearly Broke It) ๐ The Noid, a Nintendo Game, and One of the Strangest Ad Campaign Aftermaths Ever ๐ "Our Pizza Sucks": The 2010 Recipe Overhaul That Saved Domino's ๐ฑ Domino's Becomes an E-Commerce Company That Happens to Sell Pizza ๐ณ๏ธ Paving Over Potholes Because "Bad Roads Shouldn't Happen to Good Pizza" ๐ง The Pizza Tracker Is Mostly Fake and That's Kind of the Point ๐
James Pitches His Dream Restaurant: Santa's Kitchen, Serving What Santa Eats โญ Yelp From Strangers Includes a Reviewer Furious About a Tip Request on Mother's Day ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Did the Domino's recipe change actually win you back? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@thefinediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: James Werner | IG: @jamesyjoehenry Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, & Jewell Hermann ๐ NEXT WEEK: We put Domino's to the Chili's Test with a full review (and we actually found a Domino's that had tables for dine-in)!!
๐ฃ๏ธโญ๐ฝ๏ธ Yelp From Strangers: Rainforest Cafe, Bob's Big Boy, Waffle House, Pappadeaux & Chuy's ๐ฝ๏ธโญ๐ฃ๏ธ VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) is back as we wrap up our two-part Yelp From Strangers special during the final stretch of Bridge Season. This week's batch is truly unhinged. Once again, the food is secondary and the feelings are loud. Also, wtf does "we are bar people" even mean?? ๐ฅฉ A Rainforest Cafe Review That Treats the Jungle Steak Like Fine Art ๐ง My Personal Connection to David Lynch Lore at Bob's Big Boy ๐ช A Waffle House Review That References the Flying Chair Incident! ๐ฑ A Chuy's Text Message That Woke a Man from His "Sleep Cycle" ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง A Reviewer Who Seems Actively Mad That Her Own Children Exist ๐ค Pappadeaux Through the Eyes of Someone with Very Specific Expectations ๐ฅ Turtle from Entourage Writes a Review (from a Terrarium??) ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Which chain do you think has the most chaotic Yelp reviews of all time? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp chaos & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: VyVy Nguyen | IG: @cest_la_vyvy Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, & Robert McLaughlin ๐ NEXT WEEK: Enjoy your holidays! The Bridge Season is officially over, but Season 4 will hit your table January 7th with an episode detailing the history of Dominos Pizza!
๐ฃ๏ธโญ๐ฝ๏ธ Yelp From Strangers: Denny's, Pizza Hut, Olive Garden, Gyu-Kaku & Bubba Gump ๐ฝ๏ธโญ๐ฃ๏ธ This week, VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) joins me for a pure Yelp chaos episode as the Bridge Season barrels toward its finale. No history, no food review, just unfiltered opinions from the internet's most confident critics. From late-night diners to shrimp shrines, this first of a two-part Yelp special proves once again that the most unhinged storytelling lives in the review section. ๐ฅ A Denny's Customer Furious About Being Mistaken for Homeless Flaunts His iPhone ๐ Pizza Hut Favoritism Allegations That Will Not Be Forgotten ๐ Olive Garden and the Unavoidable Consequences to One's Digestive Tract ๐ฅ A Deeply Uncomfortable and Kind-of Racist Gyu-Kaku Review ๐ฆ Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Through the Eyes of a True Shrimp Evangelist ๐ก Entitlement, Pettiness, and Selective Outrage Across Multiple Chains ๐ The Internet Continues to Be the Worst (and Best) Place on Earth ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Which chain has the wildest Yelp reviews in your experience? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp chaos & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: VyVy Nguyen | IG: @cest_la_vyvy Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, & Robert McLaughlin ๐ NEXT WEEK: Yelp From Strangers Part 2 as the Bridge Season comes to a close with even more reviews, more grievances, and absolutely no self-awareness as VyVy Nguyen is back to chat about Rainforest Cafe, Bob's Big Boy, Waffle House, Pappadeaux, & Chuy's.
๐๐โโ๏ธ๐ Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks: The Best Casual Burger Chain? ๐๐โโ๏ธ๐ This week, VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) returns for another round of Eat Deets as we surf the waves of flavor offered by Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks. From their golden fries and proprietary fry salt to surf videos looping endlessly on the walls, Islands is a California chain that perfectly captures chill beach energy. We explore its expansion beyond the West Coast, the founder's wild journey from selling to buying the company back, and why seasoning > sauce every single time. ๐ Burgers So Good ๐ง
Island Reds (Crispy Onion Strings) Make Burger So Better ๐ The Legendary Fry Salt That Outshines Any Sauce ๐ Surf Videos and Tropical Vibes at Every Location ๐บ๏ธ From California to Hawaii and Back Again โ The Founder Sold, Bought It Back, and Righted the Ship (Literally, He's a Navy Vet) ๐ชจ Yelp Reviewer Claims She Found Rocks in Her Food ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's the best beachside burger you've ever had? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: VyVy Nguyen | IG: @cest_la_vyvy Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, & Steff ๐ NEXT WEEK: VyVy returns for a Yelp from Strangers special covering some hilarious Yelp reviews I discovered when looking at the restaurants I reviewed during season 1!
๐๐๐ฏ๏ธ The Old Spaghetti Factory: Trolleys, Mizithra, and Guss Dussin's Dream ๐ฏ๏ธ๐๐ This week, VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) joins me for a deep dive into the charming, old-world history of The Old Spaghetti Factory. We uncover how a humble warehouse filled with antiques became one of America's most distinctive restaurant chains, complete with a refurbished trolley car centerpiece and chandeliers that make every meal feel like a special occasion. From its signature mizithra cheese and brown butter pasta to a story of explosive disaster, this chain has us asking the question: is "meat sauce" a good euphemism for jizz? ๐ญ Founded in a Real Warehouse Filled with Antique Dรฉcor ๐ The Iconic Refurbished Trolley Car in Nearly Every Location ๐ง The Legendary Mizithra Cheese & Brown Butter Dish ๐ฅ How the Nashville Bombing Led to a Lost Lease ๐ Founder Guss Dussin Has the Best Name in Restaurant History ๐ฝ๏ธ A Reviewer So Petty He Roasted a Waiter from Another Restaurant Too ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever eaten inside one of The Old Spaghetti Factory's trolleys? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: VyVy Nguyen | IG: @cest_la_vyvy Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, & Steff ๐ NEXT WEEK: VyVy returns as the Bridge Season continues with the history of Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, a tropical twist on California casual dining!
๐๐ฅ๐ Buffalo Wild Wings GO: Garfield, Barbed Wire, and the Blazin' Knockout ๐๐ฅ๐ This week, Shannon Bengston (@SSBengston) returns as we finally taste the chaos that is Buffalo Wild Wings GO. From an earnest-but-overwhelmed employee taking our order to a blaring Garfield cartoon that won't stop looping, this meal tests not just our patience, but the limits of the Chili's Test itself. ๐ฅค Mountain Dew Legend: Terrible ๐ Desert Heat Fries Are Incredible ๐ซ Chocolate Chunk Brownie = The One True Winner ๐ Mango Habanero: The GOATed Sauce? ๐ฅ Golden Fire Wings: The Exclusive B-Dubs GO Flavor ๐ฅต Blazin' Knockout Wings Make Shannon Cry ๐พ Pokรฉmon Shouldn't Look Like People (Apparently) ๐ต Shannon's Worst Meal Ever Involved Barbed Wire ๐ Will Buffalo Wild Wings GO Surpass Chili's, or Fail the Test? ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's the worst dining distraction you've ever experienced? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Shannon Bengston | IG: @SSBengston Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard ๐ NEXT WEEK: We dive into the whimsical nostalgia of The Old Spaghetti Factory with returning guest VyVy Nguyen to dive deep into trolley lore.
๐๐ฅ๐ Buffalo Wild Wings GO: The Fourth Jonas, Blazin' Heat & a Fightin' Manager ๐๐ฅ๐ This week, Shannon Bengston (@SSBengston) joins me to trace the wild story behind Buffalo Wild Wings GO:ย from its roots as "BW3" in Columbus, Ohio to its modern takeout-only spin-off. We cover Hank the Buffalo, the forgotten Weck sandwich, and the Jonas Brothers ad campaign (yes, including the mysterious fourth Jonas). Plus, Shannon dreams up her own spooky restaurant concept, The Raven, while we cover some of the craziest Yelp reviews including one where the manager challenged a customer to a fight. ๐ What the Weck? Sports on Kummelweck ๐ Hank the Buffalo: Mascot or Menace? ๐ธ The Jonas Brothers (All Four of Them) Join the Ad Campaign ๐ถ๏ธ The Blazin' Challenge: Heat, Headbands, and Disappointment ๐ป Shannon's Haunted Dream Restaurant Pitch:ย The Raven ๐ฃ๏ธ Yelp Review Drama: A Manager Threatens to "Take This Outside" ๐ Why Buffalo Wild Wings GO Exists (and What It Means for the Brand) ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever done the Blazin' Challenge, and did you actually survive it? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: Shannon Bengston | IG: @SSBengston Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard ๐ NEXT WEEK: We actually review Buffalo Wild Wings GO. The food, the lack of service, and why we now hate Garfield the cat!
๐ฅฉ๐ฆ๐บ Outback Steakhouse: "No Rules, Just Right," Survivor, & Bloomin' Onion Perfection ๐บ๐ฆ๐ฅฉ This week, I'm joined by VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) to explore the not-so-Australian history of Outback Steakhouse, the restaurant that proves authenticity is optional when the vibes are right. From a "No Rules, Just Right" slogan that's maybe a little too spicy, to Survivor contestants earning an Outback feast as a reward, we dive deep into the steakhouse that brought the Outback to America (without ever visiting Australia). Plus, I announce the winner of theย Septemburger 2025 drawing and debut a brand-new theme song to kick off the Bridge Season between Seasons 3 and 4! ๐ฅฉ Is Outback the Best Chain Restaurant of Them All? ๐ฝ๏ธ The Four Founders Who'd Never Been to Australia ๐ง
The Birth of the Bloomin' Onion: A Golden Fried Masterpiece ๐ฆ Is it Okay to Get Naked in an Outback Steakhouse? ๐ฅ The U.K. Rejects Outback ๐บ The Iconic Survivor Episode Featuring an Outback Feast ๐ชฉ A Yelper Brings up "Trauma Bonding" ๐ Announcing the Winner of the Septemburger 2025 Drawing ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's your go-to order at Outback Steakhouse? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast ๐ค Guest: VyVy Nguyen | IG: @cest_la_vyvy Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard ๐ NEXT WEEK: We cover the history of Buffalo Wild Wings GO with Shannon Bengston โ diving into the delivery-focused spin-off of a sports bar classic!
๐ฅด๐ฝ๏ธ๐ซ Hometown Buffet: The Absolute Bottom of the Tchotchke of Mediocrity ๐ซ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฅด This week, we revisit a meal that has haunted me since 2014: Hometown Buffet, the worst restaurant experience of my life. Joined by Trey Burch, I relive the sleepy Sunday morning buffet that somehow managed to fail at everything. From nonexistent service to questionable sushi, this trip back to mediocrity's basement proves exactly why this chain is extinct (and deserves to be). ๐ The Rise and Fall of Hometown Buffet: 4 Bankruptcies and a "Scatter Bar" Concept ๐ฅด A Nearly Empty Sunday Brunch is the Reddest of Flags ๐ซ No Service, No Bussing, Just a Neighboring Table for Dirty Plates ๐ฃ Trey Eats Sushi at a Low-Grade Buffet (and Lives to Tell About It) ๐ฅ Every Food Item Somehow Worse Than the Last ๐ท Sneeze Guards Positioned Way Too High to Help Anyone ๐ก The Manager Who Told a Guest Her Refund Was "Unfair" ๐ Declared: The Definitive 0.00/10 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity ๐ชฆ A Buffet So Bad, I'm Glad It's Gone ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's the worst restaurant you've ever eaten at? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard ๐ NEXT WEEK: The Bridge Season begins with the history of Outback Steakhouse with my guest, returning favorite VyVy Nguyen.
๐ฅฉ๐ฅ๐ chi SPACCA: The Perfect 10 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity ๐๐ฅ๐ฅฉ This week, I finally crown my very first perfect restaurant: chi SPACCA, the Italian butcher by Nancy Silverton and the best dining experience of my life. On Valentine's Day 2023, I discovered what true excellence tastes like, from cozy, candlelit vibes and flawless service to indulgent bites of steak, marrow, and candied apple pie. It was decadent, joyful, and unforgettableโฆ even if our server's beef & bone marrow pot pie presentation went a little sideways. ๐ฅ Onion Rings & Mashed Potatoes That Redefine "Sides" ๐ฅฉ Beef & Bone Marrow Pot Pie: Messy, Beautiful, Delicious ๐ฅฌ Salanova Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette = Good for a Salad... ๐ Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Dry-Aged Steak of the Gods ๐ฉโ๐ณ Cozy Vibes and a View of the Chefs at Work ๐ A Whole Candied Apple Baked Inside a Pie (Yes, Really) ๐น Valentine's Day 2023: A Meal I'll Never Forget โญ Reading Only 5-Star Reviews in Yelp from Strangers ๐ The First-Ever Perfect 10.00 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's the best meal you've ever had in your life? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard ๐ NEXT WEEK: We've got to balance the scales, so I'll be going to the worst restaurant I've ever dined at and crowning a 0.00 on the bottom end of the Tchotchke of Mediocrity.
๐ฉ๐๐ฐ McDonald's Monopoly:ย History, Scandal, and Astronomically Bad Odds๐ฐ๐๐ฉ This week, we peel back the golden arches on one of the biggest promotions in fast-food history: McDonald's Monopoly. From the McMillions scandal that rocked the 2000s to the shocking odds that make the Powerball look generous, this episode dives deep into the strange world where fries meet finance. We explore the sweepstakes mechanics, the global variations, and the jaw-dropping aftermath of McDonald's paying out on a possibly fraudulent million-dollar game piece sent to St. Jude's. ๐ฒ The Wild Origins of McDonald's Monopoly ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ The McMillions Scandal That Changed Everything ๐ Why the $10,000 Lowe's Prize Is 9x Harder to Win Than Powerball ๐ฆ How McDonald's and Hasbro Both Profit from the Partnership ๐จ๐ฆ The Game's Unique Twists in Canada and the UK ๐ Sweepstakes vs. Lottery: What the Law Actually Says ๐ธ McDonald's Randomly Paying Diners After the Scandal ๐ The Most Unrealistic Odds You've Ever Heard ๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever won anything more than food from McDonald's Monopoly? ๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: ๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast ๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 ๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast ๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers:ย Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard ๐ NEXT WEEK: I cover chi SPACCA, the Italian butcher by Nancy Silverton โ and quite possibly the best meal of my life.
























oof. I just found this podcast, and I really like it, but I hope this is the only musical you guys do. great vocalists, let the joke got old very quickly.
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