"Fine" Dining

Michael Ornelas

Comedian Michael Ornelas dives deep into the stories behind your favorite chain restaurants like Domino's, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Long John Silver's before determining if they are better or worse than Chili's: the most mediocre restaurant in America.

  1. Zaxbys: Good Egg Rolls, Terrible Fries, Mid Chicken

    PRIJE 1 D

    Zaxbys: Good Egg Rolls, Terrible Fries, Mid Chicken

    🍗🔥 Zaxby's Review: Fingerz, Wings, and a Whole Lot of Disagreement 🔥🍗 We're back at Zaxby's with Alex Stedman (@alex.paisley.stedman), and this one is...divisive. We did not see eye to eye on a LOT of these items, the vibes were aggressively brown, and one unexpected menu item rose above it all as the most consistent treat. 🍗 Fingerz & Wings Meal with Tongue Torch Sauce Sparks Debate 🍞 Texas Toast Holds It Down (As It Usually Does) for Michael Only 🥟 Veggie Egg Rolls Somehow Become the MVP 🥒 Fried Pickles: Alex Says Nay 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Is Straight-Up Garbage 🍰 Fried Cheesecake Bites with Strawberry Sauce (Alex Only!) 🤠 "Retro Farmhouse" Decor That Feels More Like a Saloon 🎭 Alex's Best & Worst Restaurant Stories: Rule-Breaking Fallout vs. Recency Bias 💬 COMMENT BELOW: How does Zaxby's compare to the other chicken chains? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Alex Stedman | IG: @alex.paisley.stedman Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, & Crystal C. 👉 NEXT WEEK: I dive into the history of Tony Roma's with Gabe Legg.

    54 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    PRIJE 1 D ·  DODATNI SADRŽAJ

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Tim Ferriss: Feeling Stuck Right Now? (Use THIS 10-Minute Exercise to Stop Overthinking and Take Action) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Sometimes we become so fixated on improving our lives that we stop asking a more important question: what actually matters? Jay sits down with Tim Ferriss for something deeper than a discussion on productivity, it’s an exploration of how to live with real intention. Instead of chasing shortcuts or stacking habits, Jay turns the focus inward, examining how our thoughts, emotions, and daily choices quietly shape the life we end up living. Drawing from years of personal experimentation, Tim draws from years of experimentation to reveal a powerful truth: most of what holds us back isn’t a lack of discipline, it’s a lack of alignment, between what we say matters, what we focus on, and how we actually live. Throughout the conversation, Jay returns to a theme he often explores, the tension between achievement and acceptance. In a world that rewards constant hustle and endless optimization, it’s easy to believe we always need to do more, fix more, and become more. Tim opens up about his own struggles with anxiety and obsessive thinking, offering a more grounded view of growth, one that isn’t just about pushing forward, it’s also about knowing when to pause, simplify, and let go of what no longer serves you. In this episode you'll learn: How to Focus on What Truly Matters How to Stop Chasing the Wrong Goals How to Improve Your Life by Subtracting How to Build Better Daily Habits How to Ask Better Questions for Clarity How to Avoid Burnout While Staying Productive How to Break Free from Distractions How to Create Meaningful Progress in Life How to Align Your Actions with Your Purpose Real change often begins with a single shift, paying attention to where your energy goes, questioning what truly matters, and giving yourself permission to slow down when needed. Growth isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing what’s right for you, with intention. Check out Tim’s 17 Questions That Changed My Life, the free ebook with 17 questions he returns to when he feels stuck. Visit: https://timferriss.kit.com/78e83e43a5  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:05 A Life Designed with Intention 07:58 Rethinking How We Use Our Energy 13:48 Reimagining How We Fuel Ourselves  18:30 The Mind-Body Connection 28:57 How Do You Actually Build a New Habit? 34:24 How to Create Momentum Without Burning Out 37:39 The Cost of Overthinking Everything 41:45 Exploring New Frontiers of Healing 44:30 Hustle vs. Balance: Finding the Middle Ground 52:30 The Danger of Living in “The Simmering Six” 56:26 Why Relationships Matter More Than Success 01:00:01 Learning to Be Fully Present 01:05:21 The Practice of Acceptance 01:11:39 Navigating Conflict and Emotions 01:15:20 Communicating Without Creating Distance 01:16:56 The Questions That Change Your Life 01:19:04 Are You Chasing Field Mice or Antelope? 01:31:06 Breaking Free from the Noise 01:34:35 The Power of Subtraction Over Addition 01:36:02 Thinking Differently to Win 01:38:54 Questions from the Audience 01:44:52 What Sets the Top 1% Apart 01:47:05 The Balance Between Growth and Acceptance  01:54:17 Tim on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://tim.blog/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/timferriss  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TimFerriss/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/timferriss/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timferriss/  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@timferriss  X | https://x.com/tferriss See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Zaxbys: Chicken Fingerz, The "Sauce Boss," and The Letter "Z"

    15. TRA

    Zaxbys: Chicken Fingerz, The "Sauce Boss," and The Letter "Z"

    🍗🔥 Zaxbys: Sauce Boss, $16K Beginnings, and the Cult of the Z 🔥🍗 Brought to you by the 2025 Septemburger Tournament bracket winner Craig Majors, this week, I'm joined by actress and improvisor Alex Stedman (@alex.paisley.stedman) to break down the history of Zaxbys. From a tiny college chicken joint called "Zax" to a 1,000+ location powerhouse, this is a story of an obsession with the letter Z that borders on ztupid. We dig into their rise, their ownership changes, and how this Southern favorite carved out its niche in the chicken wars. Also which is a better improv name: Tony Townley or Bernard Acoca? 🍗 Humble Beginnings: Just $16,000 and a Dream Called "Zax" 📈 Rapid Growth to Over 1,000 Locations Nationwide 💰 Acquisition by Goldman Sachs (Now Do Me Next!) 👔 New Leadership from a Former El Pollo Loco CEO 📺 "Sauce Boss" Ads That Don't Deliver on the Promised Vibe 🔤 A Brand Identity Built Almost Entirely Around the Letter Z 🚽 Alex's Dream Restaurant #1: Eat on a Toilet for Maximum Efficiency 💘 Alex's Dream Restaurant #2: A Dining Experience for Singles to Meet ⭐ Yelp from Strangers: Ken R. Decides His Wife Also Won't Be Returning 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Is the Zaxbys branding genius, or just a little too Zilly (I'm not proud of that...)? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Alex Stedman | IG: @alex.paisley.stedman Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C. 👉 NEXT WEEK: It's time to put Zaxbys to the Chili's Test with Alex Stedman.

    46 min
  4. Torchy's Tacos is So Good

    8. TRA

    Torchy's Tacos is So Good

    🌮🔥 Torchy's Tacos Review: Damn Good (Hey! That's Their Slogan!) 🔥🌮 We're back at Torchy's Tacos with my mom Sue Ornelas, and despite forgotten items, cooled-off food, and a few service hiccups, this ended up being a remarkably positive experience. The decor is packed with personality (pitchfork door handles are peak), and the food carries the day. Also, we unpack the long-standing psychological damage Torchy's has done to me assuming guacamole has cheese on it. 🌮 The Threesome: Tomatillo Salsa, Guacamole (with Cotija cheese smh...), and Queso 🌽 Street Corn That Shows Up Ready to Play 🌮 Taco Gauntlet: The Democrat, Green Chile Pork, Brushfire, Wrangler, and Baja Shrimp 🍩 Churros Close Things Out Strong 🧀 Cotija vs. "Cojita": A Full Mandela Effect Crisis 🤦‍♂️ Torchy's Made Me Ask If Guac Has Cheese Everywhere Else 🍴 Service Misfires But at Least They're Nice About It 🏰 Sue's Best & Worst Restaurant Stories: Sleeping Waiters and a Real-Life Wine Castle 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Does great food outweigh bad service, or is that a dealbreaker for you? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Sue Ornelas Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C. 👉 NEXT WEEK: I cover the restaurant requested by my Septemburger bracket winner, a fried chicken chain called Zaxby's with actor, comedian, and friend Alex Stedman.

    52 min
  5. Torchy's Tacos: The Next Great Mexican Chain?

    1. TRA

    Torchy's Tacos: The Next Great Mexican Chain?

    🌮🔥 Torchy's Tacos: From Trailer Park to Taco Empire (Damn Good Origins!) 🔥🌮 This week, I'm joined by my mom, Sue Ornelas, to dig into the history of Torchy's Tacos. From humble trailer beginnings to an expanding national chain, Torchy's built its reputation on pork tacos, the devil, and tacos named after political affiliations. We talk about its early days, the wild marketing stunts, and whether this Austin-born taco spot has what it takes to become one of the next dominant Mexican chains in America (eagle sound). 🌮 Founder Hustle: Free Tacos from a Red Vespa to Build the Brand 🏕️ Trailer Park Origins and Eating at the Original Location 📣 The "Damn Good" Slogan Came Straight from Customers 🎉 SXSW Parachute Drop Is Badass 📈 Expansion Across 15+ States and Growing Fast 🔮 Could Torchy's Become the Next Big National Mexican Chain? 🎡 Sue's Dream Restaurant: A Game Show Wheel That Builds Your Meal 🕵️ Yelp Drama: Staff Steals Your Purse and Still 3 Stars?! 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Is Torchy's actually "Damn Good," or just great marketing? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Sue Ornelas (my mom!) Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C. 👉 NEXT WEEK: We're back w/my mom to put Torchy's Tacos to the Chili's Test.

    41 min
  6. The Burger Den (Denny's) Ghost Kitchen Review (or: Saved by the Claw Machine)

    25. OŽU

    The Burger Den (Denny's) Ghost Kitchen Review (or: Saved by the Claw Machine)

    🍔👻 The Burger Den (Denny's?!): We Ate INSIDE a Ghost Kitchen… and It Felt Illegal 👻🍔 Ansley Layne (@spookyfoodie) and I return to paranormally investigate The Burger Den, except…we're now criminals. Eating inside the Denny's, being served like it was completely normal, despite the Burger Den being take-out only?? My stars!! Our waitress actually served us despite not expecting a tip (which she DID receive), the food ranged from "dad cooked this" to "please stop cooking," and there was a claw machine full of absolute nonsense. 🍔 Wake & Bacon Burger and the Double the Fun Burger (But Not Actually That Burger) 🍟 Wavy Fries That Get Worse…and Worse…and Worse 🧅 Onion Rings That Save the Food Somewhat 🥤 Oreo & Strawberry Shakes ❓ The Mystery of the All-American Sauce Remains UNSOLVED 🚽 A Bathroom So Bad Ansley Refuses to Participate 👩‍🍳 Unexpected Table Service at a "Takeout-Only" Dining Concept 🪟 Transparent Ad Screens That Feel Like Sci-Fi 🧸 Claw Machine with Italian AI Brain Rot Plushies (including the Legendary Tire Frog) 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would YOU eat inside a ghost kitchen if you technically weren't supposed to? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Ansley Layne | IG: @spookyfoodie Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C. 👉 NEXT WEEK: I dive into the history of Torchy's Tacos with my mom.

    57 min
  7. Ghost Kitchens: Deceptive or Delicious?

    18. OŽU

    Ghost Kitchens: Deceptive or Delicious?

    👻🍔📦 Ghost Kitchens: The Pandemic, Chain Alter Egos, and Uber's Co-Founder 📦🍔👻 This week, I'm joined by Ansley Layne (@spookyfoodie) for a haunted deep dive into the world of ghost kitchens. We tell the entire history like a ghost story, tracing how these delivery-only concepts rose from the shadows to dominate the pandemic era. From secret alternate restaurant identities on delivery apps to celebrity-backed virtual brands, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most fascinating and unsettling trends in modern dining. And yes, multiple Yelp reviewers feel personally obligated to warn us that The Burger Den… is just Denny's. 🌫️ The Rise of Ghost Kitchens During the COVID-19 Pandemic 📱 Restaurant Alter Egos Hiding in Plain Sight on Delivery Apps 🚗 The Uber Connection and the Tech Behind the Movement 🍔 Celebrity Ghost Kitchens including the infamous MrBeast Burger 👻 Eat Deets Told Entirely as a Ghost Story 🌴 Ansley's Dream Restaurant Becomes a Haunted Rainforest Cafe 🗣️ Yelp Reviewers Desperate to Expose The Burger Den 🕵️‍♂️ Which Chains Are Secretly Operating Under Different Names? 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever accidentally ordered from a ghost kitchen without realizing it? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Ansley Layne | IG: @spookyfoodie Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael 👉 NEXT WEEK: We step into The Burger Den and put this ghost kitchen to The Chili's Test to see if the disguise holds up.

    41 min
  8. Long John Silver's Walks the Plank

    11. OŽU

    Long John Silver's Walks the Plank

    🏴‍☠️🐟🍟 Long John Silver's Review: Pirate Music, Fried Sea Water, and Puke Breaks 🍟🐟🏴‍☠️ We're back with Part 2 of Long John Silver's, and my cousin Emma Danger returns as we finally taste what the seafood chain has to offer. There are a few bright spots. The pirate-style orchestral covers of popular songs are delightful, and the Captain's Bell looming overhead feels like a reward we desperately wanted them to earn (though they didn't). Unfortunately, most of the visit sails straight into rough waters, from questionable plumbing ergonomics to fried bits that taste suspiciously like the ocean itself. 🐟 Fried Everything (Including the Grilled Shrimp I tried to Order) 🍟 Waffle Fries and Hush Puppies Join the Feast 🍫 Chocolate Cheesecake Tries to Save the Day (and yes, I actually try it) 🧂 Krumbs That Taste Like "Fried Sea Water" 🚽 Toilet Flushers So High You're Forced to Use Your Hands (Who does that??) 🎶 Surprisingly Great Pirate Orchestrations of Popular Songs 🥤 Emma's Favorite Item of the Meal Is...a Pepsi 🎙️ Emma Shares the Best and Worst Meals of Her Life (including her best giving her imposter syndrome) 📊 Long John Silver's Faces The Chili's Test 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Are Long John Silver's Krumbs a delicacy or a disaster? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Emma Danger Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael 👉 NEXT WEEK: For the 100th restaurant on the main podcast feed, we dive into the world of ghost kitchens with Spooky Foodie (Ansley Layne), focusing on The Burger Den, the Denny's-created delivery-only concept.

    54 min

Najava

Opis

Comedian Michael Ornelas dives deep into the stories behind your favorite chain restaurants like Domino's, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Long John Silver's before determining if they are better or worse than Chili's: the most mediocre restaurant in America.

Također bi vam se moglo svidjeti