Dine & Dish

Michele DiMeo
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Dine & Dish, the podcast hosted by Michele DiMeo, the Restaurant Diva. Join Michele as she dives into the heart of hospitality, service, and the restaurant world, sharing stories, trends, and insights from chefs, restaurateurs, and industry insiders and leaders. From dining culture and behind-the-scenes tales to tips for guests and professionals alike, Dine & Dish celebrates the art, passion, and joy of great food and exceptional service. Whether you're a foodie, a hospitality professional, or simply love a good story from the table, this is your front-row seat to the world of dining — with a little diva flair.

  1. 1d ago

    Jimmie Martin Creativity Without Limits | Art Design & Building an Unforgettable Brand | Dine & Dish

    Welcome to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast, where visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and hospitality innovators share the ideas shaping the future of business and creativity. After two technology-filled attempts that never made it to air, internationally acclaimed artist and designer Jimmie Martin finally joins host Michele DiMeo for a conversation that was truly worth the wait. Known around the world for redefining luxury through fearless creativity, Jimmie Martin has built an internationally recognized brand by transforming furniture, interiors, and everyday objects into extraordinary works of art. His bold designs have attracted celebrities, luxury collectors, designers, and hospitality brands across the globe. In this episode, Michele and Jimmie discuss the creative process, entrepreneurship, branding, luxury design, hospitality, innovation, and why the most successful creators refuse to follow the crowd. In this episode: Building a globally recognized luxury brandFinding inspiration and staying creatively fearlessThe business behind luxury art and designHow art influences hospitality and guest experiencesTaking creative risks that build iconic brandsEntrepreneurship, innovation, and personal brandingGlobal trends shaping luxury interiors and designWhy authenticity is the foundation of lasting success Whether you're an entrepreneur, designer, artist, hospitality professional, or simply someone who appreciates bold ideas and world-class creativity, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insights. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast for weekly conversations with hospitality leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries. #JimmieMartin #LuxuryDesign #ContemporaryArt #InteriorDesign #LuxuryArt #CreativeLeadership #LuxuryLifestyle #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #HospitalityDesign #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva 00:00 - Building a brand and standing out in the industry 01:29 - The creative process behind unique art pieces and interiors 06:35 The impact of COVID and AI on design and lifestyle 11:46 - Balancing client vision with artistic authenticity 16:41 - Future trends in art, hospitality, and interior design 21:32 - Jimmy’s advice for aspiring designers and creatives 26:46 - Jimmy’s favorite cities, hotels, and inspirations 31:41 - The importance of space and experience in design 36:43 - Jimmy’s iconic projects and collaborations 39:49 - Closing thoughts and key takeaways for listeners

    Jimmie Martin Creativity Without Limits | Art Design & Building an Unforgettable Brand | Dine & Dish

  2. Aug 19

    Wine Pairing Without the Rules 🍷 | Maria The Wine Blonde | Dine & Dish Podcast

    Welcome to Restaurant Diva’s Dine & Dish Podcast, hosted by Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva. In this episode, Michele sits down with Maria Valetta, Maria The Wine Blonde, for a fun and approachable conversation about wine, food pairing, restaurants, travel and the stories behind the bottle. Wine doesn’t have to be intimidating—and Maria is here to prove it. We’re breaking down traditional wine-pairing “rules,” exploring unexpected combinations, and talking about how the right wine can completely transform a meal. In this episode: What wine pairs best with steak? What should you drink with pizza? Does pasta automatically mean Italian wine? Champagne vs. Prosecco Red wine vs. white wine How to confidently order wine at a restaurant Does expensive wine actually taste better? Wine regions and unforgettable travel experiences Old World vs. New World wines The people and stories behind great wines Wine trends worth trying—and ones we may be ready to leave behind The Restaurant Diva Lightning Round! Maria also shares how wine connects us to food, travel, culture and each other—and why you don't have to be a wine expert to enjoy a great bottle. Whether you're a longtime wine lover or someone who simply wants to feel more confident ordering wine at dinner, this episode is for you. The best wine isn't necessarily the most expensive bottle. It's the one you enjoy with great food and great people. Pour yourself a glass and DINE, WINE & DISH with us! Subscribe to Restaurant Diva Dine & Dish for conversations with chefs, restaurateurs, CEOs, entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders, wine experts and fascinating personalities shaping the worlds of food, restaurants, travel and hospitality. #WinePairing #FoodAndWine #MariaTheWineBlonde #WineLovers #WineForBeginners #WineEducation #WineTips #WineTravel #WineTasting #RestaurantDiva #DineAndDishPodcast #MicheleDiMeo #RestaurantPodcast #HospitalityPodcast #FoodPodcast #WomenInWine 00:00 — Meet Maria the Wine Blonde 02:12 — From Food to Wine 08:14 — Wine Pairing Rules—and When to Break Them 12:02 — Choosing Wine Without Intimidation 15:56 — Does Wine Price Equal Quality? 22:25 — The Story Behind “The Wine Blonde” 26:23 — Vineyard Travel and Wine Experiences 30:48 — What’s Happening in Wine Right Now 37:18 — Lightning Round: Screw Caps 41:16 — Favorite Wines, Rosé, and the Wrap-Up

    Wine Pairing Without the Rules 🍷 | Maria The Wine Blonde | Dine & Dish Podcast

  3. Aug 12

    Dine & Dish | Restaurant Employment Law: Legal Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands | Doug Plass

    Welcome to Restaurant Diva’s Dine & Dish Podcast, hosted by Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva, featuring leaders and experts shaping the restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode, Michele sits down with Doug Plass, an employment law attorney, former chef, and former restaurant manager, to uncover the legal mistakes that can expose restaurants to costly fines, employee claims, and lawsuits. Because Doug has worked both inside restaurants and in employment law, he understands the real-world challenges operators face. He explains complex restaurant labor laws in a practical way and shares steps owners can take to reduce risk, protect employees, and build stronger workplace systems. In this episode: Restaurant employment law risks every operator should understandTip credits, tip pooling, and manager participationWage-and-hour compliance and accurate recordkeepingOff-the-clock work, side work, and overtime concernsHow to receive, document, and investigate employee complaintsChild labor rules for restaurant employees under 18HR policies and management training that reduce legal exposureThe documentation restaurants need before problems arise Whether you own one restaurant, operate multiple locations, manage a franchise, or lead an hospitality team, this conversation provides practical guidance for creating a more compliant and professional workplace. Employment laws vary by jurisdiction, so this episode is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice regarding a specific situation. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva’s Dine & Dish Podcast for conversations about restaurant operations, leadership, franchising, profitability, innovation, employment practices, and hospitality growth. #RestaurantEmploymentLaw #RestaurantLaw #EmploymentLaw #RestaurantOwner #TipPooling #LaborLaw #HRCompliance #RestaurantManagement #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva 00:00Introduction and guest background01:43 Doug’s transition from the restaurant industry to employment law03:40 The importance of in-person learning and education05:36 Unique staffing challenges in restaurants07:34 Legal pitfalls in restaurant hiring practices09:48 Tips, tip pooling, and tip credits explained14:40 Documenting tips and maintaining compliance19:32 Exempt vs. non-exempt employee classifications24:43 Common wage-and-hour violations and lawsuits29:40 Handling employee complaints and investigations34:41 Franchisee responsibilities and legal risk39:47 Practical advice for restaurant owners to stay compliant44:46 Resources and contact information for legal help46:39 Final advice and closing remarks

    Dine & Dish | Restaurant Employment Law: Legal Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands | Doug Plass

  4. Aug 5

    Dine & Dish | Behind the Story: Production, Art & the Courage to Remove the Mask | Erica Bergsmeds

    Every unforgettable production, work of art, hospitality experience, or successful brand begins with one thing—a powerful story. On this episode of Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast, host Michele DiMeo welcomes Erica Bergsmeds—producer, creative visionary, and contemporary artist—for an inspiring conversation about creativity, storytelling, authenticity, and the many ways art shapes how we experience the world. As an accomplished producer, Erica has spent her career bringing ideas to life behind the scenes, helping transform creative visions into meaningful experiences. Today, she is also making her mark in the contemporary art world through her latest exhibition and her stunning collection of digital artwork on aluminum, where technology and fine art merge to create bold, modern pieces. At the heart of the conversation is Erica's powerful "Masked" series. The teddy bear masks featured throughout the collection symbolize the personas we wear in everyday life—especially in today's social media-driven world. Behind every carefully curated image often lies a deeper story, hidden emotions, and the authentic person waiting to be seen. Together, Michele and Erica explore what happens when we remove those masks and embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and genuine human connection. They also discuss how storytelling influences every industry—from art and media to hospitality, branding, and entrepreneurship—and why the most memorable experiences always begin with authenticity. In This Episode Erica's career as a producer and creative storytellerHer latest art exhibition and artistic evolutionThe innovation behind her digital artwork on aluminumThe inspiration and meaning behind the "Masked" seriesSocial media, identity, and the personas we createThe role of storytelling in production, branding, and businessCreativity, leadership, and collaboration How vulnerability creates deeper connectionsWhy authenticity is the foundation of unforgettable experiences Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, hospitality professional, marketer, creative leader, or simply someone who appreciates meaningful conversations, this episode offers inspiration for anyone looking to create work that truly connects with people. #EricaBergsmeds #MaskedSeries #DigitalArt #ArtOnAluminum #ContemporaryArt #CreativeVisionary #Storytelling #ProducerLife #CreativeLeadership #MediaProduction #Authenticity #BehindTheMask #WomenInArt #WomenInMedia #HumanConnection #HospitalityLeadership #BrandStorytelling #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva #MicheleDiMeo 00:00 — Welcome to Dine and Dish 01:04 — Erica’s Creative Journey 02:45 — How Michele and Erica Met 03:50 — The Story Behind “Masked” 07:42 — Storytelling Through Art, Film, and Hospitality 10:05 — Creating an Exhibition 13:50 — Film Production and Personal Branding 16:13 — Returning to Acting 19:44 — AI, Creativity, and Authenticity 26:19 — Building Emotional Connection Through Art 28:30 — Rapid-Fire Questions 31:44 — The Next Project: “Unfiltered” 33:22 — Favorite Places and Creative Advice 35:31 — Where to Find Erica

    Dine & Dish | Behind the Story: Production, Art & the Courage to Remove the Mask | Erica Bergsmeds

  5. Jul 29

    Dine & Dish Podcast | Hospitality Marketing Secrets: Building a Global Brand with Scott Eddy

    Welcome to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast, where hospitality leaders, restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators share the ideas shaping the future of restaurants, hotels, travel, and hospitality. In this episode, Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva, sits down with globally recognized hospitality influencer, travel expert, and marketing strategist Scott Eddy (@MrScottEddy) to explore how branding, social media, and authentic storytelling are transforming the hospitality industry. Scott has partnered with leading hospitality brands around the world and shares valuable insights on creating memorable guest experiences, building trust online, leveraging AI, and using digital marketing to grow restaurants, hotels, and travel businesses. In this episode: The future of hospitality and travelSocial media strategies that build loyal audiencesHospitality branding that creates lasting guest experiencesBuilding an authentic personal brandHow AI is reshaping hospitality marketingStorytelling that drives engagement and business growthMarketing ideas every restaurant, hotel, and hospitality brand can implement today Whether you're a restaurant owner, hotel executive, marketer, entrepreneur, travel professional, or hospitality leader, this episode delivers practical insights to help you strengthen your brand and stand out in today's competitive marketplace. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast for weekly conversations with hospitality leaders, restaurant innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. #HospitalityMarketing #ScottEddy #TravelMarketing #HospitalityLeadership #GuestExperience #RestaurantMarketing #HotelMarketing #PersonalBranding #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva 00:00 — Welcome to Dine and Dish: Catching Up with Scott Eddy 01:07 — From Investment Banking to Hospitality Marketing 04:33 — Building Relationships Through Social Media 10:17 — Venice, Luxury Camping, and Travel Stories 16:03 — Why Hospitality Marketing Starts with the Guest Experience 21:30 — Personal Branding, Consistency, and Authenticity 26:45 — Choosing the Right Social Platforms for Business 29:23 — AI, Discoverability, and the Future of Marketing 38:06 — Luxury Travel Trends and Changing Guest Expectations 40:22 — The Future of Hotels, Restaurants, and Community 46:25 — Lightning Round: Favorite Travel Experiences 49:37 — Final Takeaway: Bring Kindness Online

    Dine & Dish Podcast | Hospitality Marketing Secrets: Building a Global Brand with Scott Eddy

  6. Jul 22

    Dine & Dish Podcast | Leadership, Franchising & Growth with California Tortilla's Mike Dolinger

    Welcome to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast, where hospitality leaders, restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, chefs, and innovators share the ideas shaping the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode, Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva, sits down with Mike Dolinger, Vice President of Development & Operations at California Tortilla, to discuss what it really takes to build, operate, and grow a successful restaurant brand. Mike's background includes leadership roles with California Tortilla, Caribou Coffee, Glory Days Grill, and other multi-unit restaurant organizations. Together they explore: Restaurant operations that create consistencyLeadership strategies that build high-performing teamsFranchising and sustainable restaurant growthWhy catering has become a major revenue opportunityManaging third-party delivery while protecting profitabilityThe restaurant KPIs every operator should monitorLessons learned from leading multi-unit restaurant operations Whether you're an independent restaurant owner, franchisee, multi-unit operator, hospitality executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can use to improve operations, grow sales, and build stronger teams. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast for weekly conversations with hospitality leaders, restaurant innovators, franchise executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. #RestaurantOperations #RestaurantLeadership #CaliforniaTortilla #RestaurantBusiness #RestaurantFranchising #HospitalityLeadership #RestaurantManagement #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva #FoodserviceIndustry 00:00 — Welcome to Dine and Dish: Meet Mike Dolinger 01:01 — From Restaurant Jobs to an Exxon Franchise 05:15 — Why Systems Create Successful Operators 06:19 — Mike’s Role at California Tortilla 08:31 — Building a Strong Brand Through Franchisee Selection 14:30 — Maintaining Operational Consistency as You Scale 16:46 — The People-Operations-Sales-Profit Framework 22:34 — Hiring, Training, and Retaining Great Teams 28:22 — Protecting Brand Standards Through Franchisee Relationships 33:23 — Advice for Aspiring Franchise Owners 36:53 — Revenue Streams: Catering, Delivery, and Third-Party Sales 44:22 — Lightning Round: Loyalty and Personalized Marketing 45:59 — Why Catering Is an Underrated Growth Driver 47:40 — Final Takeaway: Put People and Culture First 49:48 — Closing Remarks

    Dine & Dish Podcast | Leadership, Franchising & Growth with California Tortilla's Mike Dolinger

  7. Jul 15

    Dine & Dish Podcast | Why Restaurants Struggle with Cash Flow | Anne Napolitano

    Welcome to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast, where hospitality leaders, restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, chefs, and innovators share the strategies shaping the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode, Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva, sits down with Anne Napolitano, a former chef turned accountant and restaurant financial consultant, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing restaurant owners today—cash flow. Anne combines years of operational experience in the kitchen with financial expertise to help restaurant operators improve profitability, strengthen cash flow, and make smarter business decisions. In this episode, you'll learn: Why profitable restaurants still struggle with cash flowThe financial reports every restaurant owner should understandHow operational decisions affect financial performanceThe biggest financial mistakes preventing restaurant growthWhat owners often overlook before opening a second locationHow to use financial reports to make better business decisions Whether you're an independent restaurant owner, franchisee, multi-unit operator, hospitality executive, accountant, or entrepreneur, this episode provides practical financial strategies you can apply immediately. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast for weekly conversations with hospitality leaders, restaurant innovators, entrepreneurs, and business experts. #RestaurantFinance #CashFlow #RestaurantBusiness #RestaurantOwner #RestaurantLeadership #HospitalityLeadership #RestaurantProfitability #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva #FoodserviceIndustry 0:00 — Welcome + Italy Talk 1:38 — Anne’s Background: Chef to Accountant 3:08 — Why Restaurant Accounting Is Different 4:42 — Creative Minds vs. Numbers 7:14 — Profitability vs. Cash Flow 10:10 — What Reports Restaurants Should Track 11:08 — Sales Tax Bank Account Tip 13:09 — Menu Pricing, Food Cost, and Overhead 15:29 — Using Restaurant Experience to Find Solutions 16:05 — Funding, Loans, and Growth Planning 18:07 — What Happens When Sales Are the Problem? 20:06 — Top Financial Mistakes Restaurant Operators Make 22:27 — Inventory, Waste, and Theft 24:05 — When Is a Restaurant Ready to Scale? 26:20 — Insurance Surprises and Cost Shock 28:12 — Worst Stories + Working Through Challenges 29:56 — Fast Casual, Franchises, and Distilleries 32:26 — Where Beginners Should Start 34:15 — First Reports to Pull: Bank Statement + POS 36:05 — Accounting as an Investment 37:11 — The Illusion of “Easy” Restaurant Success 39:32 — The Future of Restaurant Financial Management 41:02 — Lightning Round: Food Cost, Labor, and Weather 42:48 — Best Lesson from the Kitchen: Respect Your Team 44:15 — How to Reach Anne + Final Takeaway

    Dine & Dish Podcast | Why Restaurants Struggle with Cash Flow | Anne Napolitano

  8. Jul 8

    Dine & Dish Podcast | The Untold Story Behind Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives | David Page

    Welcome to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast, where hospitality leaders, restaurant executives, chefs, entrepreneurs, and innovators share ideas shaping the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode, Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva, sits down with David Page, creator and original executive producer of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and host of the Culinary Characters Unlocked podcast. David shares the fascinating story behind one of television's most successful food programs, offering an inside look at how the show came to life and why authentic restaurants continue to capture America's attention. Together, they explore restaurant storytelling, culinary history, hospitality leadership, independent restaurants, food television, and the future of dining. In this episode: The creation of Diners, Drive-Ins and DivesBehind the scenes of food televisionThe evolution of American food cultureWhat makes a restaurant truly memorableThe power of hospitality and storytellingDavid's new podcast, Culinary Characters Unlocked Whether you're a restaurant owner, chef, hospitality professional, entrepreneur, or food enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on hospitality, branding, storytelling, and the restaurant industry. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast for weekly conversations with hospitality leaders, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, chefs, and innovators. #DinersDriveInsAndDives #DavidPage #RestaurantDiva #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantIndustry #FoodCulture #HospitalityLeadership #FoodTelevision #RestaurantInnovation #CulinaryStories 0:00 — Welcome back to Dine and Dish 2:08 — David Page’s background 6:27 — The birth of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 13:53 — Reality TV, authenticity, and BS 17:37 — What makes a restaurant memorable 23:55 — Storytelling, service, and hospitality 26:44 — Food, culture, and travel 31:59 — Culinary Characters Unlocked 38:41 — The future of restaurants 44:48 — Lightning round 47:38 — Closing remarks

    Dine & Dish Podcast | The Untold Story Behind Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives | David Page
See All (52)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Dine & Dish, the podcast hosted by Michele DiMeo, the Restaurant Diva. Join Michele as she dives into the heart of hospitality, service, and the restaurant world, sharing stories, trends, and insights from chefs, restaurateurs, and industry insiders and leaders. From dining culture and behind-the-scenes tales to tips for guests and professionals alike, Dine & Dish celebrates the art, passion, and joy of great food and exceptional service. Whether you're a foodie, a hospitality professional, or simply love a good story from the table, this is your front-row seat to the world of dining — with a little diva flair.

Information

  • Creator
    Michele DiMeo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Michele DiMeo