Podcasting has taken on a life of its own in recent years, with vast swathes of comedians coming forward with new interview, anecdotal and improv show formats. As this medium has grown, it has become saturated with assorted comedic content. Podcast Picks is a place for MoodyComedy’s comedy podcast recommendations.
Off Menu is a food-based interview podcast hosted by James Acaster and Ed Gamble. The two comics invite their guests to describe each of their favourite courses in a dream restaurant, which works as a vehicle for getting to know their guests on a deeper level.
Self-declared foodies, Acaster and Gamble are on a mission to learn more about the eating and drinking habits of their friends. Each guest is asked to explain (and sometimes defend) their choice of starter, main, side and dessert, which opens up the conversation for a more general discussion about food, as well as giving an insight into each interviewee’s past life experiences.
Beginning in December of last year, Off Menu is now well into its second series. Their diverse set of guests have included comedian Aisling Bea, TV chef Tom Kerridge, actress Sian Clifford and the magician Dynamo.
It’s surprisingly eye-opening stuff, with the majority of the show’s guests being incredibly candid when sharing experiences from their childhood and adolescence. And it’s funny too – Acaster acts as the dream restaurant’s waiter (who is also a genie), which gives the whole show an air of surrealism. Not to mention the infamous ‘poppadoms or bread?’ question, which listeners attempt to prepare themselves for each week, but always seem to be caught out.
Off Menu is perfect for comedy fans and hungry people. What’s not to like?
CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES OF ‘OFF MENU’ HERE.
