Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

It’s the second half of our favourite clips of the year. If Cannibalism needs to be a trigger warning, then consider yourself warned. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster.Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rhys Nicholson, a standout comedian and television personality, joins the hosts for a delightful trip down memory lane. They share humorous highlights from the year, including chaotic family meals during lockdown and nostalgic encounters with celebrities. The group banters about quirky dining experiences and the tension in serving famous guests. They also explore the absurdity of life through playful discussions on food quirks. From culinary mishaps to reflections on masculinity and food, the conversation serves up laughs and fond memories.

Andy Zaltzman, a renowned comedian and Taskmaster champion, brings his wit and charm to the holiday discussions. The crew dives into festive banter, the quirks of holiday shopping, and even a nod to cricket traditions. Expect playful debates on dream meals involving Venison Wellington and unique culinary pairings. Andy shares hilarious turkey tales and cricket memories, blending nostalgia with food experiences. The conversation is peppered with sweet reflections on tea, ice cream, and a touch of holiday cheer, making for a delightful Christmas treat!

Join New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo, known for her witty special "Horndog" and hosting "Junior Taskmaster," as she dives into a festive feast of humor and nostalgia. They explore unique Kiwi Christmas traditions while sharing hilarious dining anecdotes and personal reflections. The conversation takes a whimsical turn discussing resurrected celebrity ghosts and the quirks of British daytime TV. With playful banter about escape rooms and nostalgic desserts, this festive special is a delightful blend of food, fun, and festive cheer.

Illusionist Derren Brown is the special guest, renowned for his captivating psychological magic. In this engaging conversation, he shares insights into the art of live performance and the unpredictable nature of mentalism. Derren and the hosts exchange amusing anecdotes about dining quirks and the shared joy of comfort food, like meatballs. They also dive into nostalgic reflections on classic films and explore the emotional bonds created through performance. Expect laughter, creativity, and deep dives into the world of magic and dining.

In this lively conversation, Olga Koch, a Russian-British stand-up comedian and writer, shares her witty insights on food and relationships. They dive into hilarious anecdotes about childhood food fears and the appeal of prawn cocktails, reminiscing about nostalgic dining experiences. Olga playfully discusses the complexities of 'hall passes' and navigates preferences like sparkling water while connecting humor with personal stories. The talk also touches on memorable desserts, quirky food competitions, and of course, a few laughs about coffee's unexpected effects.

This week’s guest is Sebastian Stan, renowned for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and films like 'A Different Man.' He shares hilarious anecdotes about pranks on set, including a fart machine and a memorable birthday surprise with animals. The group dives into identity and representation in filmmaking, while also reminiscing about childhood food nostalgia like spaghetti and Kinder Eggs. Expect laughter over culinary debates and playful banter about Marvel, as Sebastian explores the balance of humor and food in life.

In this delightful chat, comedy writer Robert Popper, known for 'Friday Night Dinner' and his hilarious 'The Timewaster Letters,' shares his comedic insights. The conversation flows from quirky dining preferences and childhood food memories to the amusing adventures of Elsie Drake, a tech-challenged 104-year-old letter writer. They explore whimsical concepts like a podcast about fish and the absurdity of celebrity dining experiences. Popper's playful anecdotes blend nostalgia with humor, making for an engaging and entertaining conversation.

Jessica Hynes, a Bafta-winning actor and writer known for her roles in 'Spaced' and 'The Franchise,' welcomes us with humor to her dream restaurant. The conversation dives into nostalgic candy floss memories and the absurdity of living yogurt, prompting laughs about quirky marketing. Culinary adventures abound as they reminisce about poppadoms and lentil soup, reflecting on the joy of cooking during lockdown. The playful banter includes discussions on personalized drinks and whimsical restaurant ideas, all seasoned with laughter and delightful anecdotes.

Danny Dyer, the charismatic actor from EastEnders, spicy discussions ensue as he shares hilarious stories about his soap opera experiences, including those iconic cliffhanger moments. He dives into his new series 'Rivals' and reflects on his unique food preferences, stirring nostalgia by reminiscing about childhood favorites like curry sauce and chips. With a sprinkle of royal connections, he entertains with tales of family ties to historical figures, all while exploring the quirky dynamics of cooking and family meals.