The Menu - Fine Dining and Burgers

Author: Clara Park, Jenn de la Vega
Published: Mon 28 Jul 2025
Episode Link: https://thecinemachefs.simplecast.com/episodes/the-menu-fine-dining-and-burgers-JNBZpIyQ

Jenn and Clara debate the pluses and minuses of meals prepared in Michelin-starred kitchens. Is it possible to achieve culinary perfection and still be a nice person? Does it make sense to source hyper-locally for all four seasons in a deciduous climate? Has abusive chef culture gone out of style, and what are the effects on kitchen culture? Plus, the world’s greatest smash burger hits the spot, no matter who you are.

Chapters

1:51 About The Menu

2:43 Amuse bouche

5:08 The diners

9:40 What is a Pacojet?

10:42 References to Noma

11:38 How do fine dining restaurants turn a profit?

13:34 Dining as a competitive sport

14:40 The burger

18:56 Our thoughts on pickles

21:47 Culinary terms in The Menu

32:49 Where do you get the best burgers?