"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. Gen Korean BBQ House: Meat So Good We Cried

    HACE 11 H

    Gen Korean BBQ House: Meat So Good We Cried

    🥩🔥 Gen Korean BBQ House Review: Incredible Meats, Stingy Napkins, and Disappointing Wagyu 🔥🥩 We're back at GEN Korean BBQ House with Jon Durnell (@jon024durnell), and this meal absolutely delivers. Even if we die of smoke inhalation, the genuinely fantastic cuts of meat allow Gen to put together one of the strongest overall food experiences I've had in a while...even if the service staff was "napkin stingy." 🥩 LA-Style Galbi Always Delivers 🍖 Premium Skirt Steak with Garlic Brings Us Close to Orgasm 🥒 Banchan Parade: Pickled Onions, Radish, Kimchi, Potato Salad & More 🥭 Mango Tango Bites and Hotteok Close Things Out Strong 🦐 Jon Is NOT Feeling the Shrimp 🐄 A5 Wagyu Somehow Underwhelms 🧻 The Staff Guards Napkins Like State Secrets 🥗 A Sign at the Front Takes a Shot at Vegetarians 🏆 Calibration Station: Jon Names a Steak Worth Killing For While Absolutely Destroying Shoney's 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever had Korean BBQ? 📢 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: Jon Durnell | IG: @jon024durnell 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 MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes with the returning Sandy Rose.

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

    HACE 11 H ·  CONTENIDO EXTRA

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Dr. Lisa Miller: Feeling Lost, Stuck or Anxious? (Use THIS Spiritual Framework to Finally Move Forward With Clarity) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty What if the hardest moments in your life weren’t there to break you, but were actually pointing you toward who you’re meant to be? Today, Jay sits down with renowned psychologist, Columbia professor, and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Miller to explore the powerful intersection of science and spirituality. Together, they unpack one of the most transformative ideas of our time: that spirituality is not reserved for the religious or the enlightened, it is an innate human capacity wired into every one of us. Through groundbreaking neuroscience, Dr. Lisa reveals how our brains are biologically designed to perceive that we are loved, guided, and never truly alone. Jay and Lisa invite us into a new way of living, one where anxiety, heartbreak, disappointment, and uncertainty are no longer viewed as signs that we’ve lost our way, but as invitations into deeper spiritual awakening. Throughout the episode, Jay and Lisa share profoundly personal reflections on life’s “red doors” and “yellow doors”, the moments when what we desperately wanted fell apart, only to lead us somewhere far more aligned, meaningful, and expansive than we could have imagined. Through intimate stories, spiritual practices, and powerful meditations, they explore how intuition, synchronicity, and inner knowing can guide us toward our true path when we finally learn to listen. Jay opens up about protecting his purpose, discovering his calling beyond societal expectations, and the courage it takes to trust the quiet voice within. Lisa beautifully reframes suffering not as punishment or failure, but as the very catalyst that awakens us to greater love, wisdom, and purpose. This episode is a reminder that some of the greatest breakthroughs in life begin with the moments that break us open. In this episode you'll learn: How to Listen to Your Inner Wisdom How to Turn Pain Into Spiritual Growth How to Recognize Signs the Universe Is Sending You How to Feel Guided When Life Feels Uncertain How to Stop Ignoring Your Intuition How to Stay Spiritual in a Busy, Modern World How to Strengthen Your Spiritual Awareness Daily How to Navigate Depression Through a Spiritual Lens Maybe the answers you’ve been searching for aren’t outside of you, but in the quiet voice you’ve been too busy, too hurt, or too afraid to trust. Life won’t always go as planned, but sometimes the detours, disappointments, and closed doors are leading you somewhere deeper than success, toward a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true. To grab a copy of Lisa’s latest book, The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life, visit https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Brain-Science-Spirituality-Inspired/dp/198485562X  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 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 00:58 You Were Never Meant to Walk Alone 03:14 Why This Generation Is Craving Spirituality 05:24 The Life-Changing Benefits of Spirituality 06:11 The Hidden Link Between Spirituality and Depression 08:32 What Does it Mean To Be Spiritual? 10:46 The Shift That Makes Life Feel Inspired Again 17:05 When Life Stops Being a Plan and Becomes an Adventure 20:07 The Part of You You’ve Been Ignoring 21:19 The Missing Piece in Mental Health 22:23 The Two Ways You Actually Know Something 25:04 Why Your Purpose Isn’t Something You Find 29:09 How to Finally Hear Your Inner Voice 36:10 What It Feels Like to Touch Something Higher 40:51 Anxiety As A Catalyst  43:52 What If Nothing in Your Life Is Random? 46:52 Learning to Trust Yourself on a Deeper Level 51:32 The Unexpected Path That Leads to Love 56:21 The Habit That’s Making You More Judgmental 57:10 Different Beliefs, One Aligned Relationship 01:02:53 The Subtle Sign You’re With the Wrong Person 01:04:59 The Truth About Money and Meaning 01:05:55 The Mistake That Keeps Spiritual People Broke 01:07:16 Why You Feel Stuck (And How to Get Back Into Flow) 01:10:20 How to Actually Ask for Guidance 01:13:06 The Real Source of Energy, Peace, and Clarity 01:14:15 The Awareness You Were Born With 01:16:16 What Happens When Kids Lose Their Intuition 01:18:08 Why Your Home Shapes Your Spiritual Life 01:21:35 Spirituality vs. Religion: What’s the Difference? 01:24:30 Why a Strong Spiritual Core Changes Everything 01:27:29 Lisa on Final Five  Episode Resources: Website | https://www.lisamillerphd.com/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/ 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. Korean BBQ's Fascinating History and the Rise of Gen KBBQ House

    13 MAY

    Korean BBQ's Fascinating History and the Rise of Gen KBBQ House

    🥩🔥 Gen Korean BBQ House: Meat Deets, Costco Gift Cards, and KBBQ History 🔥🥩 This week, Jon Durnell (@jon024durnell) joins me to break down the history of Gen Korean BBQ House, one of the fastest-growing Korean BBQ chains in America. From SoCal beginnings to a nationwide expansion strategy powered in part by Costco gift cards, Gen's rise is surprisingly fascinating. Plus, we debut a brand-new segment called Meat Deets, where we dig into the broader history of Korean BBQ itself. 🥩 Gen's California Origins and Expansion to Nearly 60 Locations 🛒 The Surprisingly Effective Costco Gift Card Strategy 🤝 The Founders Were in a Proverbial Commonlaw Marriage 🔥 MEAT DEETS: The Centuries-Long History of Korean BBQ 🌎 Why Los Angeles Koreatown Became America's KBBQ Capital 🍖 The "LA Style" of Galbi That Korea Adopted Back 🥬 How Korea Perfected Pickling Before Mastering Meat 🔥 The Heat Lamp: Jon Declares IHOP A Superior Fighting Arena Than Waffle House 📞 Yelp from Strangers: A Furious Late-Night Wake-Up Call from Gen Management 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Is LA the true capital of Korean BBQ outside Korea itself? 📢 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: Jon Durnell | IG: @jon024durnell 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: We head to Gen Korean BBQ House to review the food and put it to the Chili's Test.

    45 min
  4. 6 MAY

    Tony Roma's: King of (Chain) Ribs

    🍖🤖 Tony Roma's Review: Robot Waiters, Trying All the Ribs, and "Champion or Chumpion" 🤖🍖 We're back at Tony Roma's with Gabe Legg (@gabe_legg), and this visit throws us for a loop almost immediately thanks to a ROBOT WAITER gliding through the dining room like Tony Roma's like a better Roomba. Between three different rib styles, Gabe trying lobster tail for the first time ever, and a human waiter who refused to accept me turning down his upsell, this meal was a bizarre little journey. 🍖 Ribs Ad Infinitum: Beef, St. Louis, & Baby Back 🦞 Gabe Tries Lobster Tail for the First Time Ever 🤖 A Robot Waiter Steals the Show 💸 The Human Waiter Judges Me for Declining a Bargain 📺 We Rate the "Show Us Your Rib Face" Contest Winners 🎭 Vibes Swing Wildly Between Medieval Times and Bank Office 🔥 Gabe's Worst Restaurant Experience: Bad Melting Pot Energy 🫕 Gabe's Best Restaurant Experience: Literally The Melting Pot 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would a robot waiter improve your dining experience, or make it weirder? 📢 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: Gabe Legg | IG: @gabe_legg 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 Gen Korean BBQ House with Jon Durnell.

    1 h 8 min
  5. 29 ABR

    Tony Roma's: Playboy, Pivoting to Ribs, and "Winning Best Ribs in America"

    🍖🔥 Tony Roma's: The Rib Pivot That Took Over the World (and Then Left America?) 🔥🍖 This week, Gabe Legg (@gabe_legg) joins me to unpack the history of Tony Roma's, a restaurant that stumbled into ribs, built an empire on them, and somehow ended up bigger overseas than in the US. From Playboy beginnings to NFL ownership to a string of financial shakeups, Tony Roma's might be one of the strangest success (if you can call it that?) stories in chain restaurant history. 🍖 A Random Rib Special That Completely Rewrote the Menu 🍸 Tony Roma & Hugh Hefner 🏈 A Dallas Cowboys Owner Added Tony Roma's to His Portfolio 📉 Bought, Sold, Flipped, Bankrupted...Repeat? 📺 "Show Us Your Rib Face" Is a Messy But Clever Campaign 🧅 The Onion Loaf: The Bloomin' Onion's Spiritual Cousin 🔥 The Heat Lamp Debuts: Gabe Fires Off His Controversial Restaurant Hot Take 🤢 Yelp from Strangers: Violent Illness Still Nets FOUR STARS?? 💬 COMMENT BELOW: How do you like your ribs? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, board games): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Gabe Legg | IG: @gabe_legg 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: We put Tony Roma's to the Chili's Test and see if the ribs hold up.

    32 min
  6. Zaxbys: Good Egg Rolls, Terrible Fries, Mid Chicken

    22 ABR

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

    15 ABR

    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
  8. Torchy's Tacos is So Good

    8 ABR

    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

Tráiler

Acerca de

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.

También te podría interesar