Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster cover image

Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Ep 287: Santiago Lastra

Apr 9, 2025
Santiago Lastra, a Michelin-starred chef renowned for his innovative Mexican cuisine, shares his culinary journey and discusses his new London restaurant, Fonda. He hilariously confronts misconceptions about Mexican dishes while celebrating authentic flavors. The conversation dives into the versatility of sea buckthorn juice and the use of AI in creating personalized recipes. Lastra also reminisces about traditional cooking methods, including grilling whole lamb and highlights the joy of sharing meals, all wrapped in a delightful blend of humor and culinary insights.
01:10:38

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Santiago Lastra emphasizes adaptability as essential for chefs to thrive in the competitive London dining scene, especially post-pandemic.
  • The chef aims to redefine Mexican cuisine by using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, distancing his dishes from the typical Tex-Mex stereotypes.

Deep dives

Upcoming Off Menu Live Dates

Additional dates for Off Menu Live at the Royal Albert Hall have been announced, with shows scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at both 2 PM and 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased through the Royal Albert Hall and other ticketing platforms. This event promises an exciting experience for fans, showcasing the essence of the Off Menu podcast in a live format. Attendees can expect a delightful evening filled with culinary discussions and special guest appearances.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner