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    • Online weight loss help and Mother's Day dealsPlushCare offers online doctor consultations for weight loss meds. Mother's Day brings special offers from Blue Nile and 1-800-Flowers.

      PlushCare offers a convenient and effective way to begin your weight loss journey, with online access to certified physicians who can prescribe FDA-approved medications. Meanwhile, Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and show appreciation, with special offers from Blue Nile for beautiful jewelry and from 1-800-Flowers for handmade bouquets and gifts. James Acaster, a comedian, shared his pride in his stand-up comedy special, "Cold Lasagna Hate Myself 1999," available on Vimeo on Demand and his website, jamesacaster.com. The Off Menu Podcast featured Todd Barry as a guest, discussing favorite foods. Ed, a listener, was encouraged to participate but felt intimidated by the energy of the hosts. James also shared his recent enjoyment of coconut yogurt.

    • Disliking Sugar Candy Mice, Speaker Asks Comedian Todd Barry Not to Mention ThemSpeaker dislikes sugar candy mice due to their taste and shape, but appreciates unexpected perks of fame like amuse bouches.

      Despite loving comedian Todd Barry's performances, our speaker has a strong dislike for sugar candy mice and would ask him not to mention them at the restaurant. The speaker shared his distaste for the shape and taste of these sweets, comparing them unfavorably to jelly worms. The conversation also touched upon Todd's career and the unexpected perks that come with fame, such as receiving amuse bouches from chefs. The speaker expressed his appreciation for a bag of potato chips given to him as an amuse bouche, and the discussion ended with a comparison of UK and US potato chips.

    • Doritos preferences and annoyancesFriends discuss their dislike for certain sounds and their love for Doritos, sharing experiences of receiving free items through social media and suggesting solutions to counteract annoying sounds.

      The speakers in this conversation have a lighthearted and humorous discussion about their preferences for Doritos flavors and the annoyance of certain sounds, particularly the clicking sounds of keys or phones. They also share their experiences of receiving free items through social media, specifically using the hashtag #freestufffortodd. The conversation also touches upon their dislike for vegetables and the annoyance of people typing loudly on their phones in public places. The speakers suggest turning off such sounds or playing music at the same volume to counteract the disturbance. Overall, the conversation is a casual and entertaining exchange between friends.

    • Everyday details can lead to meaningful conversationsDiscovering the depth in seemingly trivial topics can lead to intriguing connections and conversations

      The small details and preferences in everyday experiences, like ordering water in a restaurant, can bring about meaningful and entertaining conversations. The discussion covered various aspects, such as the type of water, temperature, ice preference, and even the use of ice for chewing. While some people might find these details insignificant, they can actually lead to intriguing conversations and connections. The conversation also touched upon the idea of free versus paid options and the impact of environment and context on our choices. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of being open to engaging in seemingly trivial topics and discovering the depth that lies beneath them.

    • Childhood memories of making pretzels with ZoomSpeaker fondly recalls making pretzels as a kid, associates memory with Zoom show, loves big soft pretzels with mustard, regrets lack of self-control with treats, limited baking experience, appreciates warm hotel cookies.

      The speaker fondly remembers the experience of making pretzels as a child, despite not recalling specific details about the process. They associate this memory with a kids' show called Zoom, which they sent away to for pretzel-making instructions. The speaker also mentions their affinity for pretzels, particularly the big soft ones with mustard, and shares anecdotes about indulging in cookies during travels. Despite their love for pretzels and cookies, they express some regret about their lack of self-control when faced with these treats. The conversation also touches upon the speaker's limited baking experience and their appreciation for the warm cookies offered at certain hotels.

    • Finding joy in simple comforts and foodEmbrace the warmth of simple comforts and be open to trying new, unconventional dishes, while also being honest about personal food preferences.

      The warmth of simple comforts, like a warm drawer or a favorite dish, can significantly enhance our daily experiences. The conversation also touched upon the idea that people can be picky about their food preferences, but simple dishes like a warm pasta dish with cheese and black pepper can be surprisingly delicious. The conversation also highlighted the importance of being open to trying new things, even if they seem unconventional as a starter, like a pasta dish with just cheese and black pepper. The conversation also touched upon the idea of finding joy in the simple things and not being afraid to ask for additional flavors or ingredients to enhance the dish to personal taste. The conversation also showed the importance of being honest about one's food preferences and not pretending to be something one is not.

    • A passionate conversation about favorite pasta dishesThe excitement for pasta dishes, especially garlic and oil or rigatoni with turkey sausage, was palpable. Recommended restaurants include Lavagna and Via Carota for exceptional pasta. Food memories were shared with passion, and delivery services like Uber Eats and Seamless were mentioned.

      Despite the health concerns surrounding pasta, its delicious simplicity continues to make it a favorite food for many. During a conversation, the excitement over pasta dishes, particularly garlic and oil or rigatoni with turkey sausage, was evident. Recommendations included Lavagna in an unnamed neighborhood and Via Carota in the West Village for their exceptional pasta dishes. While discussing food memories, a hushed tone and passion were noticeable. The conversation also touched upon various food delivery services like Uber Eats and Seamless, with the latter being more frequently used. The main course discussion included a range of options, from Kung Pao Chicken and jalapeno pizza to a Japanese Curry, which the speaker had recently enjoyed and highly recommended.

    • Understanding personal spice preferences and communicating with restaurantsBe clear about spice tolerance and communicate with restaurants for a satisfying dining experience. Don't let excessive heat ruin a meal. Be open to trying new flavors and experiences.

      Personal preferences and tolerance levels for spiciness in food can vary greatly, and it's important to communicate clearly with restaurant staff to ensure a satisfying dining experience. The speaker shared an anecdote about being taken aback by a Thai restaurant's spice level, which was much hotter than what they were used to. They also highlighted the importance of knowing one's limits and not ruining a meal with excessive heat. The conversation then shifted to discovering new food experiences, such as the "crispy onions" at a Thai restaurant in New York City, which were described as an elevated version of blooming onions. The discussion also touched on the influence of pop culture, like stand-up comedy, in shaping personal preferences and experiences. Ultimately, the conversation underscored the joy of discovering new flavors and the importance of being open to trying new things.

    • Food and Comedy: A Significant ConnectionComedians have different food preferences before shows, with some preferring a full meal and others opting for lighter snacks or none at all. Venues often serve food to soak up alcohol, but there are no drink minimums. Food choices can add to performances through gimmicks or personal quirks.

      Food plays a significant role in the comedy experience, whether it's before or during a show. Some comedians prefer to eat a full meal before performing, while others might opt for a lighter snack or none at all. Venues in the UK often serve food to soak up the alcohol, but there are no drink minimums. Personal food preferences also come into play, with some comedians being particular about certain vegetables or ingredients. The discussion also touched on the debate over whether tomatoes are considered vegetables or fruits. Ultimately, the food choices comedians make can add to their performances, whether through gimmicks or personal quirks.

    • Speaker's strong feelings towards certain vegetablesEnjoy vegetables when transformed, appreciate thoughtful gifts, and don't be afraid to break rules in cooking

      The speaker has strong opinions about certain vegetables, particularly disliking them in their raw state but enjoying them when transformed. The conversation also touched upon the idea of surprise gifts and the importance of thoughtful presents, as well as the sponsor Aura's digital picture frames and their ability to keep adding new photos, making them a "gift that keeps on giving." The speaker also mentioned their struggle to come up with a cohesive side dish for their main course, ultimately deciding against it and acknowledging the freedom to break rules. The episode was sponsored by Aura and 1-800-Flowers, with deals for Mother's Day gifts.

    • Last meal preferences: Fries are a popular choice, but with variationsPeople have diverse preferences for fries, from thin and crispy to sweet potato and topped, reflecting our individual tastes and experiences.

      People have strong preferences when it comes to food, and even the most confident choices can have room for variation. During a conversation about hypothetical last meals, fries were agreed upon as a popular choice. While some prefer thin and crispy fries, others might go for a mix of sweet potato and regular fries. Some people might even add toppings like chowder or sea salt caramel. Despite clear preferences, there's always room for trying new things or rediscovering old favorites. The discussion also revealed that some foods, like brussels sprouts, can be transformative when prepared differently. Overall, food preferences are complex and multifaceted, reflecting our individual tastes and experiences.

    • James' Fond Memories of Fries and DipsJames cherishes unique fry experiences and dips, particularly during travels, with a preference for ketchup or vinegar, and dislikes mayonnaise.

      The speaker, James, is passionate about trying new types of fries and dipping sauces, particularly when traveling. He has fond memories of various fry experiences, including Steak and Shake's double-fried fries and Pommes Frites' triple-fried fries in New York. He prefers ketchup or vinegar as dips, but is open to trying other sauces. He expresses dislike for mayonnaise on fries and would ask for it on the side if he couldn't avoid it. James is imaginative and resourceful, suggesting ideas like a vinegar mist for fries. Overall, James' love for fries and dips is a significant part of his travel experiences and food preferences.

    • Food and Intimidation in Pulp FictionCharacters in Pulp Fiction use food and intimidation to assert dominance and send messages, such as Jules Winnfield eating a burger before intimidating debtors.

      In Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction," Samuel L. Jackson's character, Jules Winnfield, uses food and intimidation tactics to send a message to those who cross Muscles Wallace. Jackson's character eats a burger and drinks a Sprite before intimidating and eventually harming those who have not fulfilled a debt to Wallace. If one were to imagine being in the scene with Todd Barry's character, the response might involve eating more fries to intimidate the other party. The discussion also touched upon personal experiences involving food and intimidation, such as a punk taking someone's fries or a memorable pedicure with peach iced tea. Overall, the conversation highlights the use of food and intimidation tactics as significant elements in Tarantino's film.

    • Iced Tea Experiences and Celebrity EncountersSpeakers shared their love for iced tea, discussed unexpected encounters with famous figures, and found humor in mundane experiences.

      The discussion revolved around various experiences and preferences, specifically regarding iced tea and encounters with famous figures. The speakers shared their fondness for iced tea, with some expressing concerns about its sugar content. They also reminisced about unusual experiences, such as receiving ice water instead of iced tea from a famous podcast host, and encountering Vanilla Ice on a plane. Despite these experiences, they found humor and intrigue in the unexpected situations. Additionally, the conversation touched on the frequency of iced tea consumption and the importance of hand washing. Overall, the discussion showcased the speakers' lighthearted approach to life and their ability to find meaning in seemingly mundane experiences.

    • Discussing Post-Meal Delights: Coffee, Tea, and Vanilla CakeThey enjoyed discussing their favorite post-meal treats, from coffee and tea to vanilla cake, sharing personal experiences and discoveries.

      The conversation between the two individuals revolved around food and beverages they enjoy after a meal. The speaker initially discussed his preference for vanilla cake and iced tea, then shifted to coffee and shared his fascination with various coffee shops. They also touched upon tea, specifically peppermint and hibiscus, and the speaker expressed his surprise at discovering the connection between vanilla ice and vanilla icing. The conversation ended with a discussion about their favorite foods to order, including Japanese curry and fries, and the speaker's amusement at the idea of being served vanilla cake directly from a person's hands. Throughout the conversation, they shared their personal experiences and preferences, making for an engaging and lighthearted exchange.

    • Comedians Todd Glass and Stevie Martin discuss currency associations and promote their projectsComedians Todd Glass and Stevie Martin creatively linked letters of words to various currencies during their conversation, promoting Todd's new Netflix special and book, while introducing their new podcast. The episode also featured various advertisements.

      The letters of certain words can represent various currencies, as comedians Todd Glass and Stevie Martin humorously demonstrated during their conversation on the podcast. The s of mouse is a dollar sign, e is the euro sign, y of candy is yen, and c of candy is sent. While they had fun coming up with these associations, the discussion also served as a promotional opportunity for Todd's new Netflix special, "Spicy Honey," and his book, "Thank You for Coming to Hattiesburg." Meanwhile, Gina and Stevie Martin introduced their new podcast, "Might Delete Later," which explores people's social media habits and experiences. Daniel, the founder of Pretty Litter, discussed his innovative cat litter product, and there were various advertisements for Mother's Day gifts from 1-800-Flowers and Quinn's, as well as Rob Orton's daily podcast. Overall, the episode showcased a diverse range of topics and products, providing something for everyone.

    Recent Episodes from Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

    Ep 252: Jason Mantzoukas

    Ep 252: Jason Mantzoukas

    ‘How Did This Get Made?’ podcaster and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star Jason Mantzoukas finishes up series 11. And half of his meal is lurking in the shadows…


    Listen to Jason’s podcast ‘How Did This Get Made?’ wherever you listen to podcasts.


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 251: Helen Skelton

    Ep 251: Helen Skelton

    TV presenter, author and Strictly contestant Helen Skelton takes on her next challenge: ordering her Off Menu menu in the Dream Restaurant.


    Helen Skelton’s book ‘In My Stride’ is out now published by Headline. Buy it here.

    Follow Helen on Twitter and Instagram @helenskelton


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 250: Patti Harrison

    Ep 250: Patti Harrison

    US stand-up and ‘I Think You Should Leave’ star Patti Harrison is this week’s dream dinner guest. She arrived so early her table wasn’t ready yet.


    Trigger warning: this episode contains talk of eating disorders.


    Patti Harrison is bringing her show ‘My Huge Tits Huge Because They Are Infected NOT FAKE’ to London’s Soho Theatre at the end of May and the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

    Follow Patti on Instagram @party_harderson


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 249: Rhys Nicholson

    Ep 249: Rhys Nicholson

    ‘Drag Race Down Under’ judge and ‘Taskmaster Australia’ star Rhys Nicholson is our guest diner this week. And they’ve brought along their pal Jeff Tartare.


    Rhys brings their new show ‘Huge Big Party Congratulations’ to the Edinburgh Fringe this August and then is touring the UK. For dates and tickets go to rhysnicholson.com.au

    Rhys’s book ‘Dish’ is out now. Buy it here.

    Watch Rhys’s special ‘Live at the Athenaeum’ on Netflix.

    Follow Rhys on Instagram @rhysnicholson


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 248: Huge Davies

    Ep 248: Huge Davies

    Comedian and podcaster Huge Davies brings disturbing news. Another great episode of Off Menu with Ed Gamble and The Boy.


    Listen to Huge Davies’s podcast ‘Slime Country’ with Ed Night and Sunil Patel wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Watch Huge’s special ‘The Carpark’ on YouTube for free.

    Follow Huge on Twitter and Instagram @hugedavies



    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 247: Ardal O’Hanlon (Live in Dublin)

    Ep 247: Ardal O’Hanlon (Live in Dublin)

    It’s the final b-b-b-b-bonus episode from the live tour and what better way to end than with Irish comedy god and ‘Father Ted’ star Ardal O’Hanlon. Oh, and eating a creamy dessert.


    Follow Ardal on Twitter @ardalsfolly and Instagram @ardalohanlon


    Recorded by Matt Mountford-Lister for Storm Productions Group live at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin.

    Edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 246: Karan Gokani

    Ep 246: Karan Gokani

    Co-founder of Hoppers restaurants Karan Gokani has a table booked this week, and he’s bringing along Edward Stephenson Jamison Gamble as his dining companion.


    ‘Hoppers: The Cookbook’ is out now, published by Quadrille Publishing. Buy it here.

    Go to Hoppers restaurants in London. Visit hopperslondon.com to book a table.

    Follow Hoppers on Instagram and TikTok @hopperslondon

    Follow Karan on Instagram @karancooks


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 245: Tommy Tiernan (Live in Dublin)

    Ep 245: Tommy Tiernan (Live in Dublin)

    Irish comedy icon Tommy Tiernan joins us for night one in Dublin. And, no, this episode hasn’t been edited much.


    Tommy Tiernan is on tour now with ‘Tommedian’. For dates and tickets go to tommytiernan.ie

    Follow Tommy on Twitter @Tommedian and Instagram @officialtommedian


    Recorded by Matt Mountford-Lister for Storm Productions Group live at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin.

    Edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 244: Sara Barron

    Ep 244: Sara Barron

    Superb stand-up and podcaster Sara Barron has a reservation this week. And did you know her brother is a babe?


    Listen to Sara’s podcast ‘They Like to Watch’ wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Sara Barron is at the Edinburgh Fringe this August with her new show ‘Anything For You’. For tickets and info visit edfringe.com

    Follow Sara on Twitter @sarabarron and Instagram @sarabarron1000000


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 243: Joe Wilkinson (Live in Brighton)

    Ep 243: Joe Wilkinson (Live in Brighton)

    Despite wanting to go home, Joe Wilkinson showed up for his table at the Dream Restaurant, live in Brighton.


    Listen to Joe’s podcast Chatabix with David Earl wherever you listen to podcasts and follow Chatabix on Instagram @chatabixpodcast

    Joe’s book ‘My Autobiography’ is out now. Buy it here.

    Follow Joe on Instagram @gillinghamjoe


    Recorded by Matt Mountford-Lister for Storm Productions Group live at the Brighton Dome.

    Edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Related Episodes

    Ep 184: Nick Mohammed

    Ep 184: Nick Mohammed

    ‘Ted Lasso’ star and superb character comic Nick Mohammed orders, err, his dream(?) meal this week.


    Nick Mohammed is on tour with ‘The Very Best and Worst of Mr Swallow’. For tour dates and tickets visit berksnest.com/nick

    Follow Nick on Twitter @nickmohammed


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design) and Amy Browne (illustrations).


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 49: Catherine Cohen

    Ep 49: Catherine Cohen

    New York-based comedian and Edinburgh Best Newcomer winner Catherine Cohen invites Ed and James to her Manhattan apartment to record what is probably the most chaotic Off Menu yet.


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive Productions.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design) and Amy Browne (illustrations).


    Catherine Cohen brings her award-winning show ‘The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous!’ to Bush Hall, 11-13 March. Tickets here.

    Catherine’s podcast ‘Seek Treatment’ is on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. More info here.

    Follow Catherine on Twitter: @catcohen.


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Ep 34: Sophie Duker

    Ep 34: Sophie Duker

    Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee Sophie Duker has a table booked this week. Tears flow, secrets are revealed and the rice battle continues.


    Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive Productions.

    Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design) and Amy Browne (illustrations).


    Sophie Duker's show 'Venus' is at London's Soho Theatre, 29 Oct-2 Nov. More info at sohotheatre.com.

    Follow Sophie on Twitter: @sophiedukebox.


    Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

    And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.


    Ed Gamble is on tour, including a date at the Shepherd's Bush Empire. See his website for full details.

    James Acaster is on tour. See his website for full details.

    Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.