"Fine" Dining

Comedian Michael Ornelas dives deep into the stories behind your favorite chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel, McDonald's, and Dunkin' before determining if they are better or worse than Chili's: the most mediocre restaurant in America.

Nathan’s Famous: One Glorious Glizzy Soars Above the Rest of the Menu 07/02/2025

Nathan’s Famous: How Joey Chestnut Made a Fake Contest a National Obsession 06/25/2025

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: The Most Consistent Chain I’ve Tried 06/18/2025

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: From Humble Shack to National Champ 06/11/2025

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: From Humble Shack to National Champ 🐔 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 🐓 The Secret Recipe That Not Even Marrying into the Family Can Teach You 👑 How a Superfan Became the CEO of the Whole Company 👻 Hearses, Roosters & Other Bizarre Gus’s Lore 🏆 Two-Time Winner of the National Fried Chicken Festival 🧻 Yelp Reviewers vs. Chicken Gremlins 🪑 Dave Theune’s Dream Restaurant: Rocky & Apollo’s 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you tried Gus’s? Did it make you say “goddamn”? Or just “meh”? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): 💬 Discord (Share horror stories & chat chains): 📸 Instagram/TikTok: @finediningpodcast and @davetheune 🎧 Full episodes & video: 🔗 All links: ⚡ 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. /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36949165

"Dunkin' & Donuts" feat. Amy Vorpahl 06/04/2025

"Dunkin' & Donuts" feat. Amy Vorpahl 🎲 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 ⚔️ A Delicious Battle Against Donuts Come to Life 📚 Leonardo DeCaffio Schools Naz on The Glaze 🎭 Amy Vorpahl as Naz Baudelaire: Peanut Farmer and Chosen One 🥑 The BBEG Toolio (Voiced by Ify Nwadiwe) is Guarded by an Avocado Toast Homunculus 🎲 Real Dice Rolls, Real D&D Rules, Fantastical Dunkin’ Lore 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would you play a whole campaign in the world of Dunkin’? 💥Real actual custom character artwork by BitterBats: 🎨 @Bitter.Bats – 🗺️ And the Map of Ammereeka by Cameron McCarthy: 🎨 @mythweaverart – VFX: Steven Zurita Original Music: James McEnelly Playtesters: Terral Wells, Jess Parks, Steven Zurita, Luke Doyle, & Nick Adams Opening Theme Song: Gabe Alvarez 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: 🔗 All links: ⚡ 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! /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36837575

Dunkin’: Donuts with Handles, Munchkin Origins, & the Dunkaccino Meme feat. Amy Vorpahl 05/28/2025

Dunkin’: Donuts with Handles, Munchkin Origins, & the Dunkaccino Meme feat. Amy Vorpahl ☕ 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 🥣 The Real Story Behind Munchkins (and Why They're Not Holes Anymore) 🕯️ Chocolate Donut Deodorant – Yes, Really 🎭 Fred the Baker – The Exhausted Mascot We Didn’t Deserve 📉 When Dunkin’ Stopped Making Donuts Fresh In-House ✂️ Dropping “Donuts” – Was the Name Change Worth It? 🎬 Jack & Jill’s Dunkaccino – A Meme, A Curse, A Cultural Landmark 🌍 Pork & Seaweed Donuts? Global Dunkin’ Menus You Won’t Believe 💬 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: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ 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.” 🎲 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36737330

Papa Johns Doesn't Do Pizza Well 05/21/2025

Papa Johns: Garlic Dip, CEO Scandals, & the First Bitcoin Pizza 05/14/2025

Papa Johns: Garlic Dip, CEO Scandals, & the First Bitcoin Pizza 🍕 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 📈 Explosive Growth & a Stock Ticker Called “PZZA” 🚗 Selling a Camaro to Fund the First Oven 👎 CEO John Schnatter’s Downfall: NFL Drama & Racist Rants 🤑 The $800 Million Bitcoin Pizza 🛁 Garlic-Scented Bath Bombs for Superfans 📉 How Papa John’s Nearly Lost Everything 🍕 Shaq Joins the Board (And Gets His Own Pizza?) 👨‍🍳 From “Better Ingredients” to Better PR Moves? 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your go-to pizza chain — and is Papa Johns even in the conversation? Check out Nick's comedy special ! 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: https://www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ 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? /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36557070

Chili's IS the Most Mediocre Restaurant in America 05/07/2025

Chili's: The Fajita Effect, NSYNC, and the Jingle That Changed Everything 04/30/2025

Is Joe's Crab Shack the Best Chain Seafood Restaurant? 04/23/2025

Joe's Crab Shack: Drunk Toddlers, Racist Decor, & WHO THE HELL IS JOE 04/16/2025

Panera Bread Is a Pastry Paradise 04/09/2025

Panera Bread: Infinite Refills, Caffeinated Chaos, and Chicken Controversies 04/02/2025

Panera Bread: Infinite Refills, Caffeinated Chaos, and Chicken Controversies 🚨 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 🐔 How Panera's "EZ Chicken" Campaign Offended Farmers Nationwide 📲 The Rise of Panera 2.0 and the iPad-ification of Soup 🍋 Charged Lemonade Controversy – What Actually Happened? 🥤 Unlimited Sip Club: The Most Underrated Beverage Subscription Ever? 🥗 Why Panera’s Vibe Has Changed (and Who It’s Really For Now) 💰 Rising Prices, Declining Quality – Can Panera Still Deliver? 🧓 Lyss Johnson’s Shocking (and Bird-Filled) Walks Home from Panera 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you still love Panera? Or is it just overpriced soup in a bread bowl? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FineDiningPodcast 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ 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. 🥣 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/35969145

Is Dairy Queen Worth a 2 Hour Drive? 03/26/2025

Dairy Queen’s Rise to Power – The Blizzard Effect 03/19/2025

Taco Bell Proved Me Wrong (But Not About Everything) 03/12/2025

How Taco Bell Became Fast Food’s Most Creative Brand 03/05/2025

How Taco Bell Became Fast Food’s Most Creative Brand 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 to WATCH this episode! IN THIS EPISODE: ✔️ Taco Bell’s Origins – Started by a guy named Bell, but not a taco in sight ✔️ The Strangest Menu Items – From Cheetos burritos to Pop Rocks-style tacos ✔️ Marketing Stunts & PR Disasters – They tried to “buy” the Liberty Bell?? ✔️ Healthier Than You Think? – The surprising facts about Taco Bell’s menu ✔️ Lawsuits & Recalls – E. coli outbreaks, metal shavings, & food safety scares ✔️ Yelp Chaos – Unhinged customer reviews of the Taco Bell we ate at 💬 Have a Taco Bell horror story or a weird order you swear by? Let me know! 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus episodes & extra Yelp reviews!): 💬 Discord (Talk chain restaurants & share horror stories!): 🔗 All links in one place: 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts & more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/35539315

Subway Is Even Worse Than You Remember 02/26/2025

Subway’s Disturbing History: Jared, The Infinite Destroyer, & Azodicarbonamide 02/19/2025

The Only Hooters with Breakfast feat. Alexander Poncio 02/12/2025

The Only Hooters with Breakfast feat. Alexander Poncio 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 to WATCH this episode! 💀 Spoiler: It was a nightmare. 💀 WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: 🍗 The final Hooter Bowl – Our third (and last) review of Hooters 🏨 The hotel experience – Broken elevators, clueless staff, and the weakest toilets on Earth 🍔 What we ate – Some of the worst food we’ve had… except for the beef sliders, which slapped 🎤 Karaoke chaos – From The Little Mermaid to Rap God to Little Shop of Horrors 🕺 Aussie Heat adventures – Featuring the return of JUB, our ex-sponsor! 💩 Alex’s worst restaurant experience EVER – A little girl took a dump on the floor next to his table 👀 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: 🔥 Patreon (Get exclusive episodes & extended Yelp reviews!): https://www.patreon.com/c/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Talk chain restaurants & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🔗 All links in one place: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/35235680

Hooter Bowl 3: The History of the Worst Hotel in Las Vegas feat. Alexander Poncio 02/05/2025

McDonald's PlayPlace & the McGriddle feat. Chad Damiani [Part Two] 01/29/2025

McDonald's PlayPlace & the McGriddle feat. Chad Damiani [Part Two] They thought I was sent from corporate! McDonald's Breakfast is arguably the most desirable form of McDonald's, and my Ronald McDonald-looking-ass got to chow down on it with the king of the clowns, Clown Boss Chad Damiani! The Good: I got treated like a king for coming in dressed as Ronald (and I don't think they knew I wasn't sent from the higher-ups), the McGriddle hits (for me), the hash browns hit (for Chad), and they made no stink about me playing in the PlayPlace The Not Good: The Chicken Biscuit is the drier than heck, and the ordering kiosk gave Chad a difficult time The Just There: The Egg McMuffin What We Ate: Sausage McGriddle, Egg McMuffin, Hash Browns, Deluxe Pancake Breakfast with Bacon, & the Chicken Biscuit Chad made the mistake of romanticizing a diner that did NOT live up to any expectations of decency in this week's Calibration Station "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Join the show's Discord server: Send in your McDonald's stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/35040740

McDonald's Breakfast Isn't Clowning Around feat. Chad Damiani 01/22/2025

McDonald's Breakfast Isn't Clowning Around feat. Chad Damiani A magic belt that produced burgers? It's before 10:30am, which means it's time for McDonald's Breakfast! Learn the history of this iconic (and, in my opinion: better) half of McDonald's menu before diving into the clown lore of Ronald McDonald himself with the Clown Boss Chad Damiani Chad tells the story of a McDonald's fiasco his brother experienced all to try and save a few bucks McDonald's breakfast started as something offered by one location just "trying it out" -- something that would never be tolerated in today's corporate landscape The creator of the McGriddle is a fast food maverick also response for the SmashBurger chain, the stuffed crust pizza at Pizza Hut, JIF peanut butter, and more! Ronald McDonald isn't very visible these days, and that's no accident New segment! Hear the restaurant of Chad's dreams: The Tiny Diner A Yelper reviews the drink he got at McDonald's on his way to dinner somewhere else "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Send in your McDonald's stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/34931305

America's Largest IKEA feat. Chris Grace [Part Two] 01/15/2025

America's Largest IKEA feat. Chris Grace [Part Two] "I don't have a lot of respect for a meatball!" IKEA Swedish Bistro has a tough battle if it wants to be taken seriously on its culinary merits. Does it stake its claim as a contender in the pantheon of viable restaurants? Dropout's Chris Grace joins me to evaluate! The Good: The cafeteria set up (for Chris), the garlic bread, many of the desserts, the scenic vista of Griffith Park, and the place is clean The Not Good: The grimy hallway of tray return, the fries, the "fake" feeling made me dissociate, lack of variety, and the cinnamon roll The Just There: Chicken Fingers, the service, the vibes, and sadly: the meatballs What We Ate: Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Lingonberry Jam, Garlic Bread, Lemon Cod, Chicken Fingers, French Fries, Cinnamon Roll, Santa Fe Chicken Eggroll, Caramel Almond Cake, Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Swedish Apple Cake, Chocolate Coconut Bites, New York Cheesecake Chris talks about a tense interaction with a server in Edinburgh while detailing the worst meal he's ever had "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Send in your IKEA stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/34863355

IKEA's Meatballs Aren't Actually Even Swedish feat. Chris Grace 01/08/2025

IKEA's Meatballs Aren't Actually Even Swedish feat. Chris Grace Food from a furniture store? I'm joined by Chris Grace from NBC's Superstore to tackle the largest furniture retailer in the world IKEA and their fabled Swedish Bistro which happens to be the 6th-largest food chain internationally! "Coffee and a biscuit" was where it all began in Sweden Despite being what they're known for, the Swedish Meatball (which isn't even actually Swedish) didn't hit the menu until the 80s, almost 30 years after open There were plans for a viking themed restaurant originally! A nightmare green hot dog and food made of mealworms?? A Yelper writes with whimsy and then drops it before the end and Chris thinks it's hacky "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Send in your IKEA stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/34763265

Snitching on Santa at Arctic Circle feat. Santa Claus [Part Two] 12/25/2024

Snitching on Santa at Arctic Circle feat. Santa Claus [Part Two] We come bearing gifts! Arctic Circle seemed like the best place to review with Santa Claus in tow, so we took a road trip out to southern Utah to try it! The Good: the mini corn dogs were genuinely great, and Santa brightened a few patrons' days by having gifts for the children! The Not Good: Someone complained to management about aforementioned gift-giving, and we had to cease, also not all the food was great The Just There: To be honest, this whole chain was pretty mediocre What We Ate: Three burgers (standard, bacon, and pastrami), pumpkin pie milkshake, fries, Spanish onion rings, mini corn dogs, cheese curds, root beer ice cream (with a butterscotch topper), fry sauce Santa talks about eating "rabbit on a swing" during the fanciest meal he's ever had "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Send in your Arctic Circle stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/34575750

Who Invented Fry Sauce? feat. Santa Claus 12/18/2024

Who Invented Fry Sauce? feat. Santa Claus Road trip to Utah! What a get! This week, I had the honor of taking Santa Claus himself to the restaurant that makes the absolute most sense to review with Kris Kringle: Arctic Circle. If you don't know it, think Dairy Queen Grill & Chill. They do the dipped cone thing but more importantly, they claim to have invented fry sauce Not only do we get the history of this chain and fry sauce itself, but there's a lot of genuinely fascinating Santa Claus lore that I didn't know! Is Santa Claus technically a cryptid? A Yelper does not appreciate the attitude of the employees after her bun falls apart "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Send in your Arctic Circle stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/34495970

Best Chain Salad? California Pizza Kitchen Review feat. Holly Brown [Part Two] 12/11/2024

Best Chain Salad? California Pizza Kitchen Review feat. Holly Brown [Part Two] I love CPK, but not for the pizza! California Pizza Kitchen is such a favorite of mine, I'm surprised it took 70 episodes to get to it! My guest, comedian Holly Brown is just as passionate about this chain as I am, so this was a great time The Good includes my favorite salad ever, Holly & my pasta dishes, & the vibes The Not Good: The BBQ Chicken Pizza, the pasta plate real estate, the complimentary bread portions The Just There: This location didn't smell like a septic tank for once! What we ate: White Corn Guac & Chips, Bread & Oil, Thai Crunch Salad, Fettucine Alfredo, Spaghetti Bolognese, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Butter Cake, Mango Strawberry Lemonade Holly's least favorite restaurant experience ever is every Californian's trauma "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Send in your California Pizza Kitchen stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/34371110

California Pizza Kitchen Was Pasta First? feat. Holly Brown 12/04/2024

California Pizza Kitchen Was Pasta First? feat. Holly Brown Viola Davis' favorite chain? California Pizza Kitchen has some truly fascinating claims - from pizzas innovated in their kitchen to being the first chain to outlaw smoking in their restaurants - I dive into all of it with comedian Holly Brown Holly used to work at CPK, which makes her the first former employee of the restaurant-of-the-week I've had as a guest on the show The Eat Deets will teach you about how CPK was originally a pasta concept A baffling viral mishap regarding mac & cheese The Secret Menu: Legal Eats Not only is CPK Viola Davis' favorite chain restaurant, but Holly served her! A Yelper writes an absolute epic about crossing the highest reward tier threshold at California Pizza Kitchen "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on ! 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 ! Send in your California Pizza Kitchen stories at [email protected]. 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 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/34276170

"Fine" Dining

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