Podcast Summary
Forbidden ingredients in dream meals: Guests on The Off Menu podcast are asked to share their dream meal but are forbidden from mentioning a pre-agreed upon ingredient, leading to creative and interesting meal ideas. Natalie Cassidy, who dislikes garlic due to it lingering on her skin, shared her dream meal without the forbidden ingredient.
The Off Menu podcast, hosted by James Acaster, invites guests to share their dream meal, including a starter, main course, dessert, and drink, with a unique twist: if the guest mentions a forbidden ingredient (pre-agreed upon), they are removed from the dream meal. In this episode, the guest was Natalie Cassidy, known for her long-running role in EastEnders and their shared experience in the audio sitcom "Spring Leave." The forbidden ingredient was guinea fowl, chosen due to its connection to Natalie's character Sonja Fowler. During the conversation, Natalie revealed her dislike for garlic, which she finds lingers on her skin and body, making her self-conscious. Despite her love for food, she often avoids eating much during filming to make scene reshoots easier. The podcast also touched on the idea of a "hangry" storyline in EastEnders, where a character's anger stems from hunger. Natalie has her own podcast, "Life with Nat," which she records at home.
Bond and Podcast: James and Nat's bond is unique, with James providing comfort and Nat using her podcast to connect with her community and loved ones. Their conversations cover various topics, emphasizing the importance of communication and connection in relationships.
James and Nat share a unique bond, with James being a comforting presence for Nat, and Nat using her podcast to connect with her family and community. James, who is often sad, is likened to being kept in a cupboard that Nat can access when she needs him. Nat's podcast, "Life of Nat," is about sharing everyday experiences and connecting with her loved ones, and she has already built a community around it. They discuss various topics, including mom guilt, which is the feeling of constantly questioning one's decisions as a parent. Nat does not have children but appreciates the idea of involving them in her podcast. They also discuss their quirks, such as talking to inanimate objects and having specific preferences for sparkling water. Overall, their conversation showcases the importance of connection and communication in relationships.
Food and Imagination: Individuals shared their unique tastes and cravings, discussed the joy of having whatever they desire in a dream restaurant, and engaged in imaginative conversations about genies and personal stories.
The conversation between the individuals revolved around various topics, including food, genies, and personal stories. They discussed their experiences with annoying their mothers, the joy of having whatever they desire in a dream restaurant, and their imaginations running wild when thinking about a genie's appearance. The conversation was filled with laughter and light-hearted banter, showcasing their playful and relaxed dynamic. Additionally, they shared their preferences for different dishes, such as Alan Gini balls and bacon rolls, highlighting their unique tastes and cravings. Overall, the conversation was a reflection of their shared sense of humor and enjoyment in exploring the imaginative and the mundane.
Bacon roll experience: Quality ingredients and right combination of textures and flavors create a satisfying bacon roll experience, whether using room temperature bread or a baguette, and the amount of condiments is a matter of personal preference.
The perfect bacon roll experience involves using unsmoked back bacon with crispy fat, spreading it on room temperature bread, and adding tomato sauce and mayo. The key to a satisfying bacon roll lies in the quality of the ingredients and the right combination of textures and flavors. Some people might prefer a baguette filled with a whole pack of bacon, while others might stick to a traditional roll with three rashes. The amount of condiments used can vary, but the important thing is to enjoy the experience and not hold back. Whether it's a simple staple food or a indulgent treat, the bacon roll is a beloved dish with many variations and preferences.
Food memories and emotions: Food holds personal significance and can evoke powerful memories and emotions, transporting us back to specific moments in our lives. It also reflects cultural traditions and can bring joy, nostalgia, and even controversy.
Food can evoke powerful memories and emotions, transporting us back to specific moments in our lives. For the speaker, baked goods bring back fond memories of childhood and her mother. Despite dietary restrictions, she dreams of having a dream meal that includes a pasta course with her favorite Taliolini and lobster chili pasta, as well as a ribeye steak. Food not only holds personal significance but also cultural traditions, as seen in the speaker's disdain for adding cheese to fish pasta, a practice that goes against traditional Italian cuisine. Overall, food is a universal connector that can bring joy, nostalgia, and even controversy.
Trust and Reality in Film: The film's plot about a husband asking his wife to prove her identity by cutting off her finger raises questions about trust and reality, highlighting how easily the mind can wander during imaginative discussions.
The film discussed involves a character, Jesse Plemons, who becomes suspicious of his wife's return and asks her to prove her identity by cutting off her finger. This bizarre request is part of the film's plot, but it raises questions about trust and reality. The conversation also touches on the idea of a cannibal character in a soap opera, but it's unclear if this is related to the film or just a random thought. Overall, the conversation shows how easily the mind can wander and how a simple movie plot can lead to imaginative and unexpected discussions.
Ed's love for food and nostalgia: Ed's brand is built around his passion for food and nostalgic memories, inspiring joy through experimentation and cherishing past connections.
Ed is a confident and passionate food enthusiast who values nostalgia and enjoys experimenting with new dishes and drinks. He has a strong connection to his past, particularly his father, and cherishes memories associated with food. Ed's brand is centered around food, and he incorporates it into his routines, jokes, and work as a judge on various cooking shows. He appreciates both luxurious and simple pleasures, such as a nice glass of maso wine or a cup of tea made by his father. Despite his love for food, Ed is not an alcoholic and only enjoys drinking things he truly enjoys. He has a favorite gin, Harris gin, which he describes as having a seaweedy taste. Ed also has a soft spot for Junior Bake Off and is impressed by the talent of young bakers. Overall, Ed's love for food and nostalgia shapes his brand and brings joy to his life.
Food preferences: James and Natalie had a heated debate about their preferred dessert and cheese board choices, revealing their strong opinions and shared love for food
The conversation between James and Natalie revolved around their food preferences, specifically their dessert and cheese board choices. James expressed his disdain for not having a dessert after a savory cheese board, while Natalie defended her love for a cheese board as a standalone course. The conversation became heated as they both expressed strong opinions about their preferred dishes and restaurants. Despite their disagreement, they both showed a passion for food and enjoyed sharing their experiences and recommendations. The conversation also revealed some humor and playfulness, with references to innuendos and puns. Overall, the conversation showcased the dynamic and engaging nature of their relationship, as well as their shared love for food.
Cheese Boards & Misunderstandings: A podcast episode featuring Natalie Cassidy led to an unexpected discussion about cheese boards, revealing potential miscommunications and sparking ideas for a spin-off series or Patreon rewards.
The discussion revolved around the unexpected reveal in a podcast episode featuring Natalie Cassidy, where she failed to mention her love for cheese boards during their recording, leading to a hypothetical firing and a potential spin-off series focused on cheese boards. The conversation also touched upon misunderstandings of phrases like "feeling flush" and the unusual nature of a restaurant offering a guinea fowl on a cheese board. Additionally, they discussed the possibility of a Patreon for the podcast and giving away cheese board chopping boards as rewards.