Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Join comedian and actor John Early, known for his roles in 'Search Party' and 'Eternity,' as he shares his culinary faves. He reveals a surprising starter of crostini with anchovy and reminisces about growing up on I Love Lucy. John's main choice is a classic roast chicken, leading to a debate on the best chicken parts. For sides, he opts for duck-fat fries and a fresh arugula salad. His sweet tooth craves bread pudding topped with ice cream, plus a surprise mention of Martha Stewart's decadent mac and cheese!

Kunal Nayyar, best known for his role in The Big Bang Theory, shares his culinary preferences and insights while promoting his new film, Christmas Karma. He highlights the emotional complexity of his character and discusses his childhood in India, including his unique water order of half still and half sparkling. Kunal also surprises with his favorite side dish—long, soggy French fries—and describes his ideal dessert of melty vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate sauce. The conversation is peppered with restaurant jokes and food anecdotes, making for a delightful listen!

Joy Crookes, a Mercury Prize and Brit Award-nominated singer-songwriter, joins the hosts to discuss her new album, Juniper, and her unforgettable Glastonbury set. They dive into humorous anecdotes, including stage mishaps and childhood memories involving leeches! Joy tackles the concept of 'performative males' while sharing her sparkling water preferences. She presents a nostalgic menu featuring Iberico ham and a Richmond sausage butty, alongside a simple but charming dessert of sprinkle cake with lukewarm custard. Get ready for laughs and heartfelt stories!

Elle Fanning, an Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor known for her roles in The Great and Super 8, shares insights into her latest film, Predator: Badlands. She fondly recalls her childhood roles, favorite fast food, and nostalgic family recipes. Fanning discusses quirky on-set food habits, AI in media, and memorable moments from the Met Ball. Her dream menu features delights like mozzarella sticks, Chicken Divan, and a love for Negronis, all while reflecting on the quirks of dining experiences and the comforts of home-cooked meals.

Bafta-winning comedian and internet sensation Lucia Keskin, known as Chi with a C, shares her quirky culinary preferences. She reveals her love for tiny things, opting for miniature portions like a small bowl of spaghetti instead of oversized meals. Lucia prefers ciabatta for garlic bread and craves vodka rigatoni, with a side of a crispy potato salad. On the sweet side, she champions gelato over overwhelming sundaes. Additionally, she humorously discusses her dog’s health and the importance of pet safety around certain foods.

Ian Smith, an Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated comedian and host of the Northern News podcast, shares his unique comedic perspective and tour insights. He dives into his love for Scottish butteries and discusses nostalgia with potato waffles as comfort food. Smith also hilariously navigates a hypothetical vampire scenario, recounts memorable meals like slow-cooked lamb, and creatively proposes a risotto that fuses haggis, salmon, and saffron. The conversation culminates in sentimental dessert choices, revealing a charming mix of humor and heartfelt memories.

Stand-up comedian and activist Jen Brister returns, bringing her bold humor and insights. She shares how her culinary tastes have evolved, expressing disdain for nachos and sweet potato fries while recalling her school canteen meals with cheeky humor. Jen discusses her new tour 'Reactive' and reveals her hopes to dine on Miriam Margolies' menu. Expect laughter as she rants about protein shakes and shares a hilarious hen party anecdote. The conversation sparkles with comedic riffs, culminating in her outrage over a terrible tasting menu selection!

Gillian Anderson, the award-winning star of 'The X-Files' and 'Sex Education,' joins the conversation as a passionate foodie and entrepreneur behind the non-alcoholic drink brand G Spot. She shares her journey into creating her caffeine-free beverage line and reveals quirky food habits, including her family’s love for cooking and unique food combos like sparkling apple-water. Gillian discusses her favorite meals, including a Thanksgiving feast and a charming family tradition of green glass jello. She also hints at her upcoming projects in film and television.

Greg James, the charming Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter and author of 'All the Best for the Future', shares delightful anecdotes and his dream menu. He reminisces about a childhood Chuckle Brothers autograph that sparked his book's title. Longboy the duck saga has listeners chuckling, especially the mock funeral held on-air. Greg dives into the joy of poppadoms at curry nights, and his love for fettuccine Alfredo, paired with a big Italian red wine. He also chats about the quirks of restaurant surcharges and the perfect Parisian flan for dessert.

Rhys James, a witty stand-up comedian and author of 'You’ll Like It When You Get There,' shares fascinating insights into his comedic journey. He humorously recalls dressing in a tux for the occasion and reveals intriguing details about his dread memoir focused on avoidance and introversion. Rhys passionately discusses nostalgic food memories, from crispy buffalo wings to birria tacos, and even invents a delightful dessert of Yorkshire puddings filled with ice cream. His comedic flair shines throughout the conversation!