Montaigne

Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Tasting Menu – Live at the Royal Albert Hall)

Jul 6, 20261h 14mSummary

In this special live bonus episode recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome back fan-favorite guest Kiell Smith-Bynoe for a unique twist on the show’s format. Rather than sharing his own dream menu, Smith-Bynoe is tasked with reviewing the tasting menu previously selected by Bob Mortimer. The conversation is lively and unpredictable, characterized by Smith-Bynoe’s erratic energy and his admission of having consumed tequila and apple juice before taking the stage. The trio dives into a wide range of topics, including the humorous origin of Smith-Bynoe’s chef character Miles White, his unexpected career as a pasta puppet in television commercials, and his complicated history with the podcast hosts—which includes a long-standing desire to visit Pizza Hut together. As they navigate Bob Mortimer’s eccentric meal choices, such as lukewarm bread crusts and hot dogs with a peculiar mixing ritual, Smith-Bynoe provides candid and often controversial reactions to various cuisines. The episode serves as a chaotic, high-spirited celebration of friendship, comedy, and the absurdity of discussing food preferences in front of a live audience.

Katherine Ryan (Tasting Menu – Live at the Royal Albert Hall)

Jun 29, 20261h 4mSummary

In this bonus live episode of Off Menu, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome back comedian Katherine Ryan. Instead of her own dream meal, Ryan is challenged with a tasting menu consisting of the dream courses originally chosen by fellow comedian Joe Wilkinson. The conversation kicks off with Ryan explaining the overly spicy cocktail she prepared for the hosts, which quickly becomes a recurring point of amusement and physical discomfort throughout the show. As they delve into Wilkinson’s menu, the trio discusses his unique preference for "disappointing" versions of classic comfort foods, such as prawn cocktail and soggy chicken kievs. Ryan shares insights from her travels with Wilkinson, contrasting his bargain-hunting lifestyle with her own experiences. The episode is packed with characteristically offbeat humor, including discussions about home renovation, the history of specific band names, and Ryan’s humorous theories on fellow celebrities. Ryan’s witty commentary and rapport with the hosts shine, particularly as they navigate the absurdity of a menu designed for maximal disappointment, all while maintaining the high energy of a live audience performance.

Aisling Bea (Tasting Menu – Live at the Royal Albert Hall)

Jun 22, 20261h 23mSummary

In this lively bonus episode of Off Menu, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster take the stage at the Royal Albert Hall for a special live taping. Continuing their tradition of the tasting menu format, they welcome back fan-favorite guest Aisling Bea. Rather than discussing her own dream meal, Bea is tasked with consuming and critiquing the menu originally curated by fellow comedian Josh Widdicombe during his previous appearance on the show. The conversation is characteristically chaotic and filled with tangents, ranging from humorous musings on Irish culinary habits and Bea’s mock medical diagnoses for Widdicombe’s digestive health, to spirited debates about tea preparation and the polarizing nature of Marmite. The hosts maintain their signature high-energy, irreverent style, frequently playing off audience interactions and internal production gags. As Bea navigates Widdicombe’s eclectic food choices—which include popadoms and toast—the episode serves as a comedic exploration of friendship, food preferences, and the lighthearted, often bizarre dynamics that define the podcast’s live performances. It is a quintessential Off Menu experience, capturing the rapport between the hosts and their guest in a fun, unpredictable environment.

Harry Enfield

Jun 3, 20261h 16mSummary

In this episode, legendary comedian Harry Enfield joins the hosts to discuss his career, his comedy influences, and his personal journey as a performer. Enfield reflects on his iconic tenure in British comedy, including his early work on Spitting Image and the memorable characters that defined his career, such as Kevin the Teenager. He shares humorous anecdotes about his life as a father and how he inadvertently introduced his own children to his sketches, leading to some awkward moments. The conversation naturally transitions to the dream restaurant, where Enfield reveals his sophisticated food preferences. He requests sparkling water, emphasizing his appreciation for a sense of occasion, followed by a starter of fresh oysters, which he loves to shuck at home. The hosts enjoy a lively discussion about his culinary tastes, including his love for focaccia and his memories of food from his youth. Throughout the episode, Enfield maintains his signature charm and wit, offering listeners a delightful look into the man behind some of television’s most enduring characters while reflecting on his current tour and the joy of performing.

Anna Faris

May 27, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode, actors and comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome Anna Faris to their dream restaurant. The conversation centers on Faris’s storied career, particularly her breakout role in the Scary Movie franchise. She reflects on her early experiences in Hollywood, admitting that at the time, she lacked comedic confidence and felt like an outsider, often struggling to understand her own success. She shares a heartwarming realization that, for many fans, her performances are linked to core memories of shared laughter with friends, which gives her immense joy today. The discussion also turns to her return to the franchise and the importance of reconnecting with the Wayans brothers. Faris discusses her approach to character work, specifically the inspiration behind some of her most iconic, self-assured, and "obnoxious" roles, drawing from her observations of specific personality types she encountered in Los Angeles. Throughout the meal, Faris engages in a playful, improvised character bit, bringing a touch of surreal, high-society chaos to the restaurant as she debates tipping culture and parenting with the hosts.

Michelle Wolf

May 20, 20261h 23mSummary

In this episode of the Off Menu podcast, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome the hilarious and candid comedian Michelle Wolf to their dream restaurant. Still buzzing from the chaos of traveling with two young children, Wolf arrives in a slightly frazzled state, providing the hosts with plenty of laughs. The conversation quickly takes an unconventional turn when Wolf reveals that her ideal meal is not a traditional sit-down dinner, but rather a cocktail-party style event where she can stand around snacking on hors d'oeuvres and avoid tedious small talk. Throughout the episode, the trio discusses a variety of food preferences, from Wolf’s appreciation for highly processed favorites like brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts and cheese curls to her love of specific bread varieties—specifically, warm pretzel rolls and pieces of focaccia soaked in savory sauces. The discussion also ventures into funny tangents, including the childhood mystery of belly buttons, the "Mandela effect" regarding how babies are born, and the specific dynamics of their mutual friend groups. Wolf charms the hosts with her sharp wit and refreshingly honest perspective on motherhood, touring, and dining.

Phil Wang (Tasting Menu)

May 13, 20261h 25mSummary

In this episode of the Off Menu tasting menu series, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome back comedian Phil Wang to the dream restaurant. The duo has launched a new format where they curate a complete dream menu from a previous guest to present to another fan favorite. For this session, Phil Wang is treated to the curated menu of acclaimed food critic Jay Rayner. The conversation is characteristically chaotic and wide-ranging. Phil discusses his enduring love for "high-value" proteins, offering humorous insights into his strategic approach to buffets and his self-described identity as an "Asian guy at a buffet." The trio touches on various topics, including the absurdity of different cultural etiquettes for wearing hats, his experiences filming a travel documentary at an oyster farm in Whitstable, and the specific challenges of shucking oysters with his "soft city hands." As they begin the meal with oysters, Phil explores his appreciation for Rayner’s pragmatic approach to food, balancing high culinary standards with a lack of pretension. It is an engaging and funny return to the dream restaurant for a long-time listener favorite.

Ayoade Bamgboye

Apr 29, 20261h 12mSummary

In this episode, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome comedian and Edinburgh Best Newcomer winner, Ayoade Bamgboye, to their dream restaurant. The conversation begins with a lively discussion about Ayoade’s tour and her experiences navigating the comedy circuit. Known for her unique perspective and quick wit, Ayoade charms the hosts as they dive into her food preferences, which she describes through the lens of being an eater rather than a formal foodie. Ayoade shares her appreciation for comfort foods like Korean spicy carbonara noodles and Greggs’ sausage, bean, and cheese melts. She also offers an insightful and humorous take on her complex relationship with the UK, noting that the existence of a perfectly executed Scotch egg helps balance her experience as a "child of empire." The episode takes a creative turn as the group brainstorms a potential reboot of the detective series Jonathan Creek, with Ayoade casting Stephen Merchant as her sidekick and Chris Morris as the voice of a crime-solving, crow-descended dog. The chemistry between the three is palpable, resulting in a delightful, wide-ranging conversation filled with imaginative theories and personal anecdotes.