Office Hours Live with Tim Heidecker 358. Tim & Eric In Conversation, John C. Reilly
14 snips
Sep 25, 2025 
Eric Wareheim, actor, writer, and food enthusiast, joins Tim Heidecker to explore his latest book, Steakhouse. They dive into the emotional ties behind classic steakhouses and the culinary adventures that inspired the book. The duo reflects on their 20-year creative partnership and Eric's shift from cooking to photography, highlighting the visual storytelling in his work. John C. Reilly makes a surprise appearance, sharing fond memories and promoting Eric’s book. They also discuss the transition from growing vegetables to cultivating ornamental plants.
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Steakhouse Vibe Over Menu
- Eric describes the Beef and Bottle experience as more about the people and atmosphere than just the food.
- He emphasizes bartenders/servers embodying the steakhouse vibe and making guests feel at home.
Turn Doubt Into Drive
- Use publisher doubt as motivation: Eric turned skepticism into hard work to reach bestseller status.
- Treat skepticism as reverse psychology to push effort rather than retreat.
Documenting A Dying Steakhouse Culture
- The steakhouse journey revealed an underworld of devoted workers and fading institutions.
- Eric realized the book documents a dwindling cultural ecosystem as much as recipes.
