It took 55 episodes to do Chinese food! Actor Andres Simonian (one of the Wendy's guys in the Spanish-speaking markets) joins me this week, covering the history and the Yelp reviews for P.F. Chang'sThe whitewashing of "P.F. Chang's" is uncovered in this week's Eat DeetsAndres is called on his lie about getting stuck in "unexpected" trafficMichael & Andres try the Lettuce Wraps since they didn't order them during their mealWhat are Michael & Andres' fortunes?Discussion about P.F. Chang's restaurants in AsiaA guy on Yelp thought a self-acknowledged Chauvinistic review would play well"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (April's episode dropped at the end of the month, and I visited Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your P.F. Chang's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Andres on Instagram @andressimonian   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: P.F. Chang's History [Part Two]! Andres is back, and if you picked up on his not-so-subtle hints in this first part, he didn't love P.F. Chang's. Hear our review and see what's salvageable! Ever work at P.F. Chang's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, let's review a restaurant as Mexican as our host is: Chipotle!! It's time to chat the Chipotle Mexican Grill dining experience, joined once again by stand-up comedian and Chipotle-lover, Zara MizrahiWhat's the actual best restaurant Zara's ever experienced?The "art" on the wall is not art, no matter how badly it wants to beWhat's Going On Over There with the restaurant turning down the music as soon as we start talking?The number of government employees in uniform is Way Too MuchWe wanted to adopt our burrito-smith despite him warning me of a guac explosionThe drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to Applebee's!What we ate: Agua Fresca (Michael)Sofritas Burrito (Zara)Carnitas Burrito (Michael)Chips & Guac (Both) "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (last week, I released April's episode where I hit Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Chipotle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Zara on TikTok and Instagram @zaramizrahi   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: P.F. Chang's History [Part One]! I go deep into the lore of the most iconic American-made Asian cuisine restaurant chain in the country, and I bring Andres Simonian with me, in what might be a traitorous act, given he's one of the "Wendy's guys" in the current ad campaign they're running in Spanish-speaking markets. Ever work at P.F. Chang's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

The debut of a brand new game: The Secret Menu!! Michael hits a place about as Mexican as he is for Cinco de Mayo, Chipotle Mexican Grill with long-time friend and burrito enthusiast, stand-up comedian Zara MizrahiChipotle can't shake the stigma of having been owned by McDonald'sLearn about the legendary Chipotle burrito coins in Eat DeetsZara wants to tithe her income to ChipotleChipotle forayed into soul food, pizza, and burgers in other failed restaurant experimentsThe debut of The Secret Menu: this week's category is Chipotle-Borne IllnessesCorporate greed and tip culture have turned employees into panhandlersA Yelper finds it "off" when the Chipotle employee seems happy to be aliveThe full review comes next week!"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (just yesterday, I released April's episode where I hit Shari's Restaurant & Pies with first-time podcast 3-peat guest, my cousin Emma Danger), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Chipotle stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Zara on TikTok and Instagram @zaramizrahi   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: Chipotle Review [Part Two]! Zara returns to review her one true love: Chipotle burritos. We'll talk all about our lunch at this fast-casual juggernaut. Ever work at Chipotle? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Enter for an all expenses paid trip to your local Applebee's*! Jasper Lewis, biscuit enthusiast, is back to take on IHOP, the International House of Pancakes with MichaelA hyper kid listening to metal in the booth next to us is WAY TOO MUCHMichael & Jasper discuss the viral list of places that "women don't want to be taken on a first date"Jasper is all about our server's lack of vocal fryKatie Molinaro (@eatitkatie) joins us to try Lay's exclusive Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity potato chip flavorThe pancakes are good!The biscuits are the worst Jasper has had in Los AngelesMichael busts out the You-Must Bowl for a totally legitimate and not-at-all rigged drawing to set up next week's restaurant"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Coming soon: Shari's Cafe & Pies with the return of my cousin Emma!), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your IHOP stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Jasper on TikTok and Instagram @heyjasperlewis   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: Chipotle [Part One]! Stand-up comic Zara Mizrahi joins Michael to learn the history of her number 1 love: Chipotle. Ever work at Chipotle? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   *$50 for gas, $200 Applebee's gift card. Go to linktree.com/finediningpodcast and select "Bees Giveaway" to enter!

Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity is BACK! Michael is joined by friend and "woman-of-God" Jasper Lewis to talk all things IHOP, the International House of Pancakes and chain restaurant juggernautPoor signage/menu descriptions leave Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity a mysteryWhat's Going On Over There with the barren Wikipedia page for IHOP?Learn the history of the franchise, from its founder's interest in coffee to its acquisition of Applebee's (which it paid for in cash)That whole "IHOB" thingA Yelper recounts the restaurant's denial that there could be hair in his food because "no one who works here is hairy"The full review comes next week!"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (March saw me go to Dallas to eat Steak 'n Shake with my Dad), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your IHOP stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Jasper on TikTok and Instagram @heyjasperlewis   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: IHOP Review [Part Two]! Jasper Lewis is back to talk about our experience in the restaurant, and we're joined by Katie Molinaro to taste test a special Lays flavor. Ever work at IHOP? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Is the new Costco cookie as good as the churro? Michael is once again joined by Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover from On Brand with Jon & Marisa, and they're back at the Costco Food Court"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!Marisa and Jon confess the ways they've gamed Costco's notoriously indiscriminate return policyWhat Going On Over There with people who come out of Costco with only 1-2 things in their carts?Jon details the upsetting ways he eats his foodWhat we ate: Cold Brew Latte FreezeCold Brew Mocha FreezeHot Dog + Soda ComboCh**se & Pepperoni PizzaChicken BakeVanilla Ice Cream & Chocolate SundaeDouble Chocolate Chunk Cookie A farewell, as we play the Headline Game for the final timeMichael digs up the You-Must Bowl   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (March's exclusive episode released last week, as Michael went to Dallas to review Septemburger 2024's #2 seed Steak 'n Shake with his Dad), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Costco stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow On Brand with Jon & Marisa on Instagram @onbrandthepod   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: IHOP [Part One]! I'm joined by actress and content creator Jasper Lewis as go into the history of the International House of Pancakes. Ever work at IHOP? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Learn the history of America's most iconic concession stand! Marisa Pinson & Jon Glover from On Brand with Jon & Marisa join Michael at the Costco Food Court this week and talk all things, from how many hot dogs we could fit in our mouths to the churro that was just replaced by a cookie"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!How to survive the Costco parking lotHear the humble beginnings of Costco's Food Court as a hot dog cart in San DiegoInternational Costcos have different regional menu itemsAll the discontinued offerings from the food court!A Yelper is left out to dry when someone who arrived after her gets the last of the item she ordered in this week's Yelp from StrangersThe full review comes next week!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (March's exclusive episode just released, as Michael went to Dallas to review Septemburger 2024's #2 seed Steak 'n Shake with his Dad), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Costco stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow On Brand with Jon & Marisa on Instagram @onbrandthepod   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: Costco Food Court Review [Part Two]! We'll finally talk about the horrific way Jon ate his Chicken Bake, and we try the new cookie that replaced the churro. Ever work at Costco? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Where do Butterburgers rank in the pantheon of fast food burgers? Kellie Baldwin is back to eat Culver's with Michael! And it's official: Culver's will be the #6 seed in the 2024 Septemburger tournament!March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Find out more at the National MS Society website, and if you want to go the extra mile, donate here to Kellie's Walk for MS team!"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!The interior of the restaurant is verifiably covered with to-go bags, leading Kellie to suspect they're plotting a major April Fools event in this week's What's Going On Over There?A plain-clothes undercover employee is behind the counterThe Atlantic Cod and the Boom Boom Sauce do not bring the goodsThe frozen custard absolutely does bring the goodsMichael can't stop saying "Wisconstin"   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Culver's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Costco Food Court History feat. On Brand Podcast [Part One]! Michael's off to the king of wholesalers, Costco, and their legendary food court with Marisa Pinson and Jon Glover. We cover the huge public reactions every time Costco changes its menu. Ever work at Costco? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Hear how this iconic Midwestern treasure came to be! Michael is joined by friend-from-college Kellie Baldwin to try Culver's, the Wisconsin burger chain that popularized the "Butterburger" and frozen custardMarch is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Find out more at the National MS Society website, and if you want to go the extra mile, donate here to Kellie's Walk for MS team!"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!The First Impressions of the restaurant involves way too many pictures of babies and young childrenLearn how Culver's origins come from Midwestern Supper ClubsKellie is drunk with power as she labels Michael a Fussy Little BoyA Yelper whose diet allows fries but not burgers, and then proceeds to review the water tab on the soda machine makes his presence felt in this week's Yelp from StrangersThe full review comes next week!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Culver's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Culver's Review [Part Two]! Kellie and I start Septemburger in March, the chain restaurant equivalent of Christmas in July, as we try three different burgers, as well as some frozen custard. Ever work at Culver's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Dive into Septemburger 2024's #4 Seed! TV Producer/all-around queen Ashley Robinson returns for part 2, covering the atmosphere/service/food of Texas' pride and joy: Whataburger"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!Whataburger's selling snuggiesAshley is modding her own snuggies, and it's Way Too MuchThe staff brings trays full of the nationally-famous Whataburger ketchup (and spicy ketchup)Michael goes early to review the legendary Honey Butter Chicken BiscuitAshley uses her words to transform Michael's taste budsMichael absolutely loves the Patty Melt without the ch**se (affectionately dubbed "Patty")Ashley dishes on her Jesus-themed 33rd birthday party   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Whataburger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @ashapaloooza   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: Culver's (Part One: Eat Deets)! I join forces with friend, listener, and all-around badass Kellie Baldwin as we continue unveiling competitors for this year's Septemburger tournament. The shakes are where it's at though. Ever work at Culver's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

The ban on fast food has been lifted! Michael is joined by long-time friend, TV producer Ashley Robinson, a native Texan who is all aboard the train as it takes its first stop at a fast food joint: Texas' own Whataburger"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!What's Going On Over There with the lady staring down the cashier?The Eat Deets of Whataburger's plane-flying, coupon-dropping founder is almost as interesting as the franchise itselfMany couples have gotten married in front of WhataburgerFamous for its specialty ketchup, Whataburger condiments are available in stores nationwideA Yelper apologizes for her drunk behavior the morning after a rough night in this week's Yelp from StrangersThe full review comes next week!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (February concluded with a special episode recapping all restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity between 4.00 and 6.00, taking a trip down memory lane with each one), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Whataburger stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @ashapaloooza   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: Whataburger (Part Two: Review)! Ashley and I kick off some of the burgers that'll be in this year's Septemburger competition, dabble with the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and order a "Patty" without the "Melt." Ever work at Whataburger? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

A review Jimmy Buffett would be proud of! Mom joins one more time to dish on our experience eating at Ch**seburger in Paradise in Honolulu, Hawaii!"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!Vintage decor meets views of the ocean, the beach, and garbage trucksHawaii is the deepest SouthA discussion on the word "y'all"A server flat out refuses to bus a plate off our table: What's Going on With That?But also, it's Way Too MuchThe burgers aren't bad, but they're nothing to write home aboutNo desserts??The floodgates on fast food and fast casual restaurants have been opened!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Dropping tomorrow: part 2 of the countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, this time covering everything "mediocre" in the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Ch**seburger in Paradise stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Whataburger (Part One: Eat Deets)! I'm joined by friend, producer, and fan of food Ashley Robinson as we take on the first fast food restaurant in the show's main series run, a Texas staple: Whataburger! Ever work at Whataburger? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Lots of censored words in this one... Michael's Mom is back and joins him this week to eat at the historic Ch**seburger in Paradise restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii!"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this episode!Mom brought leis because being festive is importantHawaiian Santa Claus!These Eat Deets get spicy as Jimmy Buffett wasn't necessarily fond of the founders stealing the name from one of his most famous songsSome people have had their ashes spread at this restaurant with an ocean viewA Yelper falls in love with their server in Yelp from StrangersThe full review comes next week!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode was a countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity that are outside the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity, starting with the least mediocre and working towards center), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Ch**seburger in Paradise stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Ch**seburger in Paradise (Part Two: Review)! Mom and I have a really wild occurrence from one of the bussers at the restaurant, and the food isn't great... Ever work at Ch**seburger in Paradise? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Time to review the PG Hooters! VyVy Nguyen returns to review fast-casual Hooters affiliate Hoots WingsMichael is finally able to give VyVy her gift, now that Harrison has been brought into custody for stealing it last weekThis Hoots Wings rents a counter off to the side in a Blaze Pizza, the atmosphere is dubious at bestGhost children singing Old MacDonaldThe restaurant quits paying its cable bill mid-mealWhat's Going on Over There in the women's restroom when VyVy witnesses something while going to take a number zeroEveryone's pining for entrees they didn't orderVyVy LOVES funnel cakeNext week's restaurant pick can never be spoken aloud on this podcast Watch the show on YouTube! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode gave an updated standings rundown of the Tchotchke of Mediocrity, hitting all the spots that weren't "mediocre enough" to score in the Zone of Mediocrity), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Hoots Wings/Hooters stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Ch**seburger in Paradise (Eat Deets)! I went to Hawaii to run a marathon and stopped by the other Jimmy Buffett restaurant with my Mom. Hear as she joins me in learning the history of the franchise and other people's opinions in Yelp from Strangers Ever work at Ch**seburger in Paradise? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Totally Not Sponsored by: Well, Harrison has legal troubles, and I think JUB disappeared, so I'm currently accepting applications. Submit your character to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

The second annual Hooter Bowl! Friend of the show VyVy Nguyen is back to celebrate Hooter Bowl 2 by joining Michael at fast casual Hooters spin-off restaurant, Hoots Wings (basically Hooters without the Hooters Girls)"Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to our YouTube to watch this very special film noir parody episode!Michael dares the NFL to bring on their legal teamA gift for VyVy mysteriously disappears, shutting down the entire Hooter Bowl and instead launching a Hootdunnit!Dick d'Ocre tries to help Melody narrow down who could've stolen her giftThis Hoots Wings location was located inside of a different restaurantHarrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV is all about high fashionThe most-asked Google questions about Hooters from the predictions in the search barVyVy will not actually give you money for recreating her noisesJUB & Petunia are questioned and confess to an totally-not-related crimeA guy bases his star rating on what other people think of Hoots in this week's Yelp from StrangersThe full review comes next week!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (January's episode was a countdown of all the restaurants on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity that are outside the 4.00-6.00 Zone of Mediocrity, starting with the least mediocre and working towards center), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Hoots Wings stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow VyVy on Instagram @cest_la_vyvy Check out VyVy in her horror feature film Shaky Shivers and HBO's upcoming miniseries The Sympathizer.   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: Hoots Wings by Hooters (Part Two: Review)! VyVy finally gets to open her gift, and sticks around to review Hoots Wings with Michael! Ever work at Hoots Wings? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

OH HI THERE! It's your favorite sponsor JUB and I am back to help Michael review Friendly's!Step back in time to this place that feels old, classic, and filled with Depression-era clienteleOctogenarians plus technology is a dangerous combination, and we like to avoid it when possible, even it if it makes us ask What's Going On Over There?An unforgivable mistake by the back-of-house workersFribbles are thicc and deliciousA separate menu just for ice cream is WAY TOO MUCHJUB knows a lot about magiciansA very important announcement: starting next week, "Fine" Dining will be on video if you'd like to watch on YouTube![Post-credits] Petunia's going to turn this car around! Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (dropping today: A recap of all of the outliers outside the Zone of Mediocrity on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity. Hear me cover 29 restaurants and stroll down memory lane as I touch on each establishment that scored outside the 4-6 score range), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Friendly's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: HooterBowl II! I'm back off to a Hooters joint, Hoots Wings. Hear me and actress VyVy Nguyen talk shop about the history and Yelp reviews of the Pasadena Hoots Wings, but also dive headfirst into a mystery of meh-pic proportions in the first ever (and probably only) Hootdunnit. Ever work at Hoots Wings? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

Fine Dining: Party of...One? Michael gets stood up by his intended guest host JUB and goes this one alone, traveling to the New England area to take on one of their most historic chains, Friendly'sJonas Brother specialty ice creams!Eat Deets will teach you that Friendly's is one of the older restaurant chains in American history, with two brothers who founded an ice cream shop with nothing but a dream and $547Hear about how Hershey's bought them out and took them to the next levelFriendly's has been a part of a few ice-cream-related world recordsA feud between the Friendly brothers!Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV brags about his vehicle collectionJUB & Petunia crash Yelp from StrangersThe full review comes next week Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (coming next week: Tchothke Recap 2024 Pt. 1. Hear a rundown of all the outliers outside the Zone of Mediocrity, walk down memory lane, and get caught up on where all the restaurants sit on the Tchotchke), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Friendly's stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Friendly's (Part Two: Review)! With JUB finally here, we get to hear what he and Michael thought of the restaurant. Plus, JUB's sad that his childish dessert's bat ears are upside down. Ever work at Friendly's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Getting in touch with our inner degenerates! Restaurant Fiction podcast host Monis Rose is here to wax romantic over the "character" of the original Hot Dog on a Stick kiosk by the Santa Monica PierThere's nowhere to sit, so the boys pick a dragon/pirate ship playground as their venuePublic beachside seating has empty beer bottles and even a used Magnum love glove nearby...Military helicopters are circling us overhead and it makes us ask What's Going On Over There?Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV talks about the recreational drug habits of the ultra-wealthyMonis has a thing for hot Hot Dog on a Stick chicksOverhyped "hand-stomped" lemonade, decent corn dogs, and polarizing dessert in the form of funnel cake sticksJuicy, Jr. defends himself against MonisMonis's score spectrum deals in extremesJUB & Petunia re-unite! Additional Voice by: VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (most recently, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Hot Dog on a Stick stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Restaurant Fiction on Instagram @restaurantfiction   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: Friendly's (Eat Deets)! I've invited season 1's totally-not-made-up sponsor JUB to New England with me to hit a staple of a different part of the country. But does he even show up to record? He's on-edge and unreliable, so we'll see as I dive into Yelp reviews and the history of the brother-owned franchise. Ever work at Friendly's? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV

Heinz-enberg runs these streets! Restaurant Fiction's Monis Rose joins Michael to pretend to learn the Eat Deets about Hot Dog on a Stick because he already knows everythingMichael does a Keyser Söze walk to hide his limp from Monis[Audiodrama segment] Turf wars over who can sell Dodger dogs on which cornersAlex Borstein berates Michael's preferences in hot dog condimentHot Dog on a Stick is also known for its lemonade, which started as a Muscle Beach health drink with honeyThe history of the famous employee uniformMonis raps the whitest version of an Ice Cube song that references Hot Dog on a StickA customer is perfectly content finding actual trash in her dessert in this week's Yelp from StrangersThe full review comes next week   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (on New Years Eve, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode dropped faster than the ball in Times Square), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Hot Dog on a Stick stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Hot Dog on a Stick (Part Two: Review)! Monis Rose returns to embrace his inner degenerate in appreciation of this anything-goes atmosphere. Plus, we order the entire menu. Ever work at Hot Dog on a Stick? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.

We're diving back into Joe's Hole! Comedian Mike Perkins is back once again to represent Italy in the case against the food at Buca di BeppoMichael & Mike are just a couple of MidfellasThe breadiest love-making session ever is What's Going On Over ThereBuca di Beppo's decor is funny how?The portions at Buca are insane, as two men individually order a family style entree eachThe dessert is "diabetes in a glass" according to the boys' serverChip psychoanalyzes the characters on the Buca di Beppo kids menu in this week's Munchkin Menu Musings!Mike's Instagram handle is taken to taskJUB's about to get pinched!   Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Midfellas Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@austinaudiolab) Theme Song by: Kyle Schieffer (@JazzyJellyfish) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (just out this New Years Eve, the Kentucky Fried Chicken episode), 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: Sean Spademan, Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas   Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com!   Send in your Buca di Beppo stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast   Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one!   Next week on "Fine" Dining: Hot Dog on a Stick (Eat Deets)! I'll be joined by the Restaurant Fiction podcast's host Monis Rose. He knows more than I do, so can I manage to surprise him with some new info? We also dive into Yelp reviews, and get ready to bear Santa Monica traffic to review the original Hot Dog on a Stick stand. Ever work at Hot Dog on a Stick? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.   Totally Not Sponsored by: Harrison Augustine 💸 Arrylius XIV