The one and only LA food podcast from Jordan Okun, discussing every restaurant, chef, and dish in Los Angeles.
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Listeners of AIR JORDAN: A FOOD PODCAST that love the show mention:The AIR JORDAN: A FOOD PODCAST is an absolute gem in the world of food podcasts. Hosted by Jordan Okun, this podcast offers a delightful mix of humor, knowledge, and entertaining banter that keeps listeners engaged and coming back for more. The chemistry between Jordan and his co-host Max is undeniable, and their witty back-and-forth adds an extra layer of entertainment to each episode. Not only are they funny, but they are also incredibly knowledgeable about the food world, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone living in Los Angeles or anyone who simply enjoys learning about the food scene.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the genuine passion and love that both Jordan and Max have for food. Their enthusiasm is contagious and their recommendations are top-notch. Whether it's discussing the latest restaurant openings or diving into in-depth conversations with notable chefs, they offer valuable insights and make you feel like you're part of the conversation. Furthermore, their ability to strike a balance between being knowledgeable and approachable makes this podcast accessible to all listeners, regardless of their level of expertise in the culinary world.
However, one potential drawback of this podcast is its occasional lack of diversity in terms of guests. While Jordan and Max bring a fresh perspective to the LA food scene, it would be great to see more representation from diverse voices within the industry. This would not only provide different perspectives but also create a more inclusive space for listeners.
In conclusion, The AIR JORDAN: A FOOD PODCAST is a must-listen for anyone passionate about food or interested in exploring the vibrant food scene in Los Angeles. With its blend of humor, knowledge, and entertaining conversations, this podcast stands out as one of the best in its genre. While there may be room for improvement in terms of guest diversity, overall it offers an enjoyable listening experience that will leave you hungry for more.
The fellas are blowing serious blood alcohol levels on this booze episode as they talk LA's newest bar, and Jordan lists the definitve top ten adult liquids, but the only thing Max agrees with is the dishonorable mention. Then, Bubbles provides insights into his five favorite traditional cocktails, and the list is validated by everyone's favorite trivia game. And once Shapiro's bonafides are established, the recently released North America's 50 Best Bars list is expertly scrutinized.
Jordan and Max review a recent trip to Smorgasburg where Max received his first lesson in the chicken shawarma wrap that Los Angeles has been loving to inhale lately. It was also Max's first trip down to the 'burg on a Sunday afternoon, and it was perfect food festival weather, undercooked di Reccos, eating like a SNL Conehead, unsolicited advice rules, and parking lot weed smoke. Then, Jordan sits down with Chef Yaz and Farhad from Miya Miya, the masterminds behind the chicken shawarma wrap that's got the city eating like true Jordanians, and they talk steakhouse origins, In-N-Out influences, how they f*cked Jordo, secret menu moves, and a Miya Miya restaurant is on its way to West LA.
Jordan and Max answer questions from the audience, and it's all reminding everyon about Max's big life change, 88 Club shrimp toast canoes, Jordan still can't make tea, steakhouse ideas, Vegas Jordo and the perfect 24 hours of eating and drinking in The Sin, dealing with celebrities, lots of decanting talk, does Max hate Aliena, Jordan met an iconoclast, Hector's name, bar pies, LA NY style Chinese food, Tsubaki vs. Budonoku, wines bars, lunch institutions, dealing with freebies at restaurants, and bad IG DM behavior.
Jordan and Max start with the bad news: more Los Angeles restaurants are closing. The fellas pour a little out for Yangban, Mandarette, and Papa Cristos, talk Genghis Cohen moving locations, and what restaurants they fear could be next. Then, Jordan talks two recent meals at Peter Luger Las Vegas, breaking down the menu must orders, which leads to a rant about the state of Los Angeles steakhouses.
The fellas are back to talk a few of the newest restaurants on the scene, and how Jordan caught Max in a lie about one of them. Then, a review of one of Jordan's top tiered pizzas in Los Angeles, including an argument over mozzarella sticks and an agreement on BBQ chicken pizza. Plus, Max disrespected the pod with a current social media trend, the baggiest pants in the world, and a celebration of Passover's greatest food item.
Creator and social media darlin' Alix Traeger joins Jordan and Max inside the food building to discuss her first cookbook, Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impress, and it's all an at home chef quiz using Alix's tips, turning piccata into a verb, stanky fish, a haunted Max, Jordan has another fantastic menu idea, and also finally swings and misses according to the experts. Plus, the ultimate onion rings, Alix's top 5 LA restaurants, a rangoon cake, and learning to take a breath before finding the kitchen joy.
Jordan survived another another trip to The Sin, living to tell the tale to Max and a few Air Jordan LA wildfire fundraiser all-stars; and it was all hotel room essentials, cookie hospitality, falling aggressively off the wagon, exclusive wagyu, cretin dots, a Ferris Bueller amount of tequilla, and all the infamous celesital waters of The Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Then, the fellas review a night at Holbox where there was Bubbles fame, Jordan's education IRL depite a great idea to enhance a tasting menu dish, and the perfect savory dessert to end it all. Plus, Max vs. Eater LA sushi reviews, California Chicken Cafe advice, and what happens if Jordan checks out. This episode of Air Jordan is brought to you by Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Visit Fontainebleaulasvegas.com to book your room now.
Jordan and Max answer audience questions, and it's all Budonoki's official standing, drunk in-laws, ordering etiquette, Dunsmoor's pork chop recipe, death row meals, ranking Spanish dishes, Propecia side effects are probably worth it, childhood cooking, going out like Sonny Corleone, sexy Hollywood men, Dan Tana's vs. Peppone, local hand rolls, 50 Best North America, best stemware and what to drink with heavy meat, Somni stars, food blogger health, future White Lotus locations, and a planned bang bang of Jordan's favorite white people Mexican restaurants.
Fardad Khayami is a rare gem on the Los Angeles dining scene as a hospitality jack of all restaurant trades inside Muse, his French ode to growing up a European inspired gourmand. And it's all laminated dough work, the duck pressing UK mentor, emotional lamb chops, extra butter in the notes, Fabergé tiramisu, and the welcoming smile and service of a young newcomer. But first, Jordan and Max review a recent meal at Dan Tana's with Neal Moritz and Uncle Pints, where it was all Hollywood, buttered bread bolognese dips, committing to the chip, naughty notes for the best dish of the night, Jordan's steak etiquette, a Tana's salad ranking, and Max's alleged quote reviewing the meal. This episode of Air Jordan is brought to you by March Mania at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Join Jordan Thursday March 20 through Saturday March 22 and cash in on up to 30% off your stay, plus discounts on reserved seating at BleauLive Theater with unlimited food and premium beverage options. Visit Fontainebleaulasvegas.com to book your stay for March Mania before rooms and packages sell out!
The 100-year-old diner in downtown Los Angeles has shuttered, and Jordan made light of the closure which lost him Instagram followers, so the fellas discuss LA institutions, where The Original Pantry Cafe ranked amongst the LA greats, and if Jordo was grave dancing or not with his Tommy Lee Jones gif post. Then, KB's parents are staying with Max, so Jordan uses the oppurtunity to educate everyone on tips for when the parents of the people you're shtupping are staying with you. Plus, two listeners sit-in and rate the live Air Jordan experience, nipple tape when wearing James Perse, social media hate following, Jordan's throat acts up, taking the pod to video, and another layer of disturbing truth is peeled back on the Max onion. This episode of Air Jordan is brought to you by March Mania at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Join Jordan Thursday March 20 through Saturday March 22 and cash in on up to 30% off your stay, plus discounts on reserved seating at BleauLive Theater with unlimited food and premium beverage options. Visit Fontainebleaulasvegas.com to book your stay for March Mania before rooms and packages sell out!
The Academy Awards are here and Jordan has bad ideas of how to fix them, Michael Lasker joins to blow minds with his wild knowledge for the town's biggest night, and Max hates the food at Dan Tana's so Hollywood mega producer Neal Moritz steps into the building to make Max learn how to enjoy the culinary delights of the little yellow and green Santa Monica Blvd. red sauce house. And it's all Rain Man skills, what comedy smash franchise came to life over chicken parm and cheesy garlic bread, lots of Tana's tips, a bunch of biz talk, and Jordan and Max have other plans for the movie star studded Sunday night.
Jordan and Max answer audience questions and it's all eating in beds, bribing Max to sauna and ice, Alinea LA, the caramel debacle, white wine talk, Max critiques a meal cooked by chef Jordo, what's going on with Leopardo, bang bangs and chubby tales, a night at RVR with more eating notes, "diners" in Los Angeles, Jordan thinks he's sober, Max's pod compensations, a Jodeci moment, dessert in Japan, caviar vessels, and Dave Chang crab comments.
Julian Black is a front of house LA born and raised man at the recently opened Alba on Melrose, and he earned his stripes in New York with Major Food Group at some of Jordan's favorite restaurants, so the fellas talk Olive Garden at a Michelin level, building an Italian vacation vibes restaurant from scratch, getting into 4 Charles Prime, captains vs. servers, guests vs. customers, pushed back vs. slicked back (again), splitting the bill, Max's first Hollywood job, and Jordan has more menu ideas. Plus, the worst customer behavior, how much of a dish can you eat and still return it, lying about being allergic to ingredients, greasing the host advice when you need a table, romancing at a restaurant, and is the customer always right?
Jordan and Max talk newly opened restaurants they recently visited during a record setting period of friendship. The boys recount visits to Rasarumah, Marea, Alba, and a Dunsmoor revisit together, while Jordan admits to a tale of the chubby in which he crossed Yellow Paper Burger and Taqueria Frontera off his must-visit list. Plus, how to pronounce caramel, Jordan has no idea how to say hearth but has some idea of how to talk about an italian porterhouse, the biggest bowl of pasta, looking like goblins, the nightmare daughter car experience, Max's weight & beard loss, a killer wine list on Melrose, the Chinese salad with no lettuce, and learning not to go full chubby.
Matū number two is upon us with Kai on San Vicente, and WILL THERE BE CHEESESTEAKS? Will Jerry G take Jordan's advice on the three additions he'd like to see in the grassfed beef universe? Will Matū Kai taste just like the original? Jordan and Max answer that question after chewing new dishes cooked by chef and partner Scott Linder, who joins Jerry and the fellas in the Greenberg test kitchen. Plus, spirtiual cousin talk, more shrimp cocktail behavior, no tempura disrespect, caviar has entered the buildings, Ben & Jerry's after Jerry's needs to stop, and Max takes Matū vertical, blowing Jordan's mind.
Eating at two different restaurants back to back, one after the other with no break in between is known as a Bang Bang, and maybe everyone should consider this gluttonous rite of passage to not only soothe the soul during hard times, but more importantly to maximize support for a food industry in need. Jordan and Max profile Los Angeles Bang Bangs they think work best, ordering strategies at the twenty restaurants involved, survival tips, and the controversial chubby behavior origins. Plus, new pastas at Stella, Jordan's iPhone dilemma, family text threads, gout in the tit, a 1967 Barolo vs. Diet Coke, we're all gonna die, and a bulging Max reveal.
So much love to go around in this episode, starting with Jordan and Max thanking some Air Jordan All-Stars for donating to our first responders in Los Angeles. Then, the fellas are joined by the Man vs. Food man himself, Adam Richman, to discuss Adam's top Philly cheesesteaks, mayonnaise in cake, Bern's Steak House, kaiser rolls and their place in bakeries, and how this man became the Man. Plus, Adam calls Jordan a son of a bitch, is a cheeseburger a sandwich is answered, PB &J pro moves, Adam and Max have things in common, English Muffins, tuna talk, ass clock talk, hickory hole medicine, the Katz's order, and The Best Sandwich Game On Earth is played. If you or anyone you know is a victim of the wildfires and is seeking insurance claim or lawsuit advice, please don't hesitate to reach out to our good friend Kris Peerali at Peerali Law. Air Jordan: A Food Podcast has stopped taking donations for wildfire relief, but if you'd still like to give, please consider joinging us in donating to one of the following charitires: Los Angeles Fire Department Calirfornia Community Fundation Cal Fire World Central Kitchen This Is About Humanity Baby2Baby The Anti-Recidivism Coalition We Got This. Fellow LA Food Podcaster Darin Bresnitz's Go Fund Me To Rebuild His Family's Home
Jordan and Max return post-hiatus to a hurting LA, but the show must go on, so take your mind off the darkness for a beat to hear about Max accidentally dosing himself with drugs, Jordan admitting to being inconsiderate, and all their burned out anxiety. Plus, Straight Al tales from Jordan's time in Del Boca Vista, Max may have a new kink, and the fellas finally went on a double date together to a new, critically acclaimed restaurant.
It's a goodbye 2024 and hello 2025 episode covering a battle of animal necks, Jordan vs. Norm Langer, the status of Spago and Nancy Silverton, Cabo for Thanksgiving, pushed back vs slicked back, Jordan forces Max to eat at Si! Mon again to figure out what the hell is going on, strange latke combo toppings, a Carbone rumor, top 2024 bites, looking forward to 2025 meals, the pain of gift giving, the love of Sade, Genghis Cohen has Jordan rethinking McConnell's, and a night at Shunji.
Chace is back to answer audience questions with Jordan and Max about this cozy egg nog and latke season, and it's all Jews for Jesus, being Hanukkah curious, top Goldbelly gifts, New Years Eve plans, an almost too chic Christmas tree, hard shell taco insanity, the LA Times food poisoning party, more 101 snubs, the problem with oysters and Hayato, the chances of Vespertine and Taco Bell, Chace learns a cold hard fact, and Modesto Max Thanksgiving talk.
The end of year restaurant lists are here, and Jordan and Max have thoughts. First up, the fellas talk the recently released 101 Best New Restaurants from the LA Times, reviewing its top ten picks, all the snubs, and they attempt to determine what this list really is, because it ain't as advertised. Then, they're joined by returning guest Jeff Gordinier to discuss Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America list, where Los Angeles made a strong showing based off Jeff's current romance with the city, but would it have enough muscle to finally defeat New York? Plus, Jordan's IG trailer for this episode had people concerned, Max toots, and the no food review city needs a change.
Evan Lovett was born, raised, and lives in Los Angeles, covering the city he loves through LA in a Minute, his social media and podcast reporting on everything past, present, and future in the City of Angels. Jordan and Evan talk freeways that almost ran through Beverly Hills and Laurel Canyon, a shared love of Island's, Tommy's vs. Fatburger, more breakfast burrito disinterest, Evan's peanut butter addicition and Mexican cooking skills, Jordan attempts to expose Evan for his phony ways, and the fellas review a recent meal they shared at the six decade old LA institution Dan Tana's.
The holidays are here, which means you may soon be visiting the parents of the people you are shtupping, so Jordan brings his knowledge visiting Straight Al through the years to guide Max and the listeners through their upcoming travels. But first, The Infatuation LA put out their Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles list, forcing the fellas to talk how broken their system is and how to fix it.
Jordan finally spent some money on sushi, exploring the world of luxury Los Angeles fish and rice at Morihiro, where the Atwater Village Michelin star Japanese restaurant sent him though all the emotions. And while Jordan was enjoying fried eggplant covered in Santa Barbara sea urchin and perfecture prawn nigiri, Max visited the opening weekend of Stella West Hollywood's brunch, where the eggs had to make sense and the pastries hit just right, all while betraying Jordan once again. Plus, real estate promo codes, the two Mori-san dishes that turned it all around for Jordo, a new West LA sushi that made Bubbles' list, and Hector is the only side hustle that seems to matter.
Joan McNamara is Joan from Joan's on Third and she's back on Air Jordan to talk everything Thanksgiving, including how to create the perfect holiday meal with her food, new ways to enhance turkey, fresh cranberry sauce vs. that canned jelly sh*t, what dishes gravy should and should not be poured on, Jordan's day after sandwich, and the best Thanksgiving food item according to Joan. Plus, new Joan's menu items and locations are on the way, her perfect grilled cheese, those new candy bars, and how this Chinese chicken salad institution came to be and why it continues to butter Los Angeles with love.
Max's LA cocktail spots, lots of Somni 2.0 talk, BTS of the Air Jordan soundtrack, best new restaurants of the year, top croissants, more candy talk, more Hector talk, more sharing handrolls, the Oxalis breakfast burrito, Koo Koo Roo is coming, Kushiba is no more, clown influencers, the ideal wedding, sending food back to the kitchen, splitting a wine pairing, Thanksgiving plans, Max's advice for finding true love, and more LA vs. NY nonsense.
Josh Peck joins Jordan and Max for the ultimate late October sugar snacking session. Snickers vs. Baby Ruth, Red Vines vs. Twizzlers, Peanut vs. Peanut Butter M&Ms, the offical top five trick or treat offerings shocks Jordan, and is Candy Corn a Halloween hit or total sh*t? Plus, the McDonald's chicken Big Mac and giant McNuggets Jordo needs, Josh surprises with a nerdy contender, and Max tastes some gummies for the first time while looking like he's in witness protection.
The best of Los Angeles Japanese cuisine is reluctantly ranked by Max based on what he has experienced, and it's all sushi, tempura, barbecue and both the high and low end greatness. But first, Jordan's top meal of the year, his annual Yom Kippur break the fast extravaganza is reviewed, and somehow all the bagels, Sees candy, "soufflés," and the Jordo sandwich is news to Max.
Travis Lett, the Gjelina genius is back in Venice with RVR, a love letter of an Izakaya to Japan, where Max and Jordan recently shared a California produce driven meal. In this first look of the newly opened restaurant, the fellas break down the menu including best bites and what to expect from one of Shapiro's culinary heroes. Plus, Jordan ran late because of a new saun and ice situation, the shocking parking on Abbott Kinney, sharing food and paying the bill etiquette, dessert high-fives, and a big food news rumor about Max is exposed and explained.
Jordan has been lost in a food haze of parties for 13-year-olds lately, so he educates Max on the ways of the Hebrew school graduate party. Top passed appetizers and cocaktail hour stations are discussed, old school vs. new school celebrations are explained, and the ultimate candy grab situation is experienced. Plus, in yet another unfortunate Chubby Tale, Jordan takes us through a recent coma inducing nosh performance consisting of a top mitzvah station, the high level LA burger, taco, and shawarma, too many slices of pizza, and tequila brands Max frowns upon, but it's all Jewish excellence in the end.
Jordan and Max answer audience questions covering everything from pre-drinking and post-creaming, Fall ingredient depression, bread vs. rice, veganism, Jordo Travolta, RVR is finally opening, and a Diet Coke vessel ranking. Plus, the Langer's closure rumor, LA Times' 37 sandwiches, the best cereals, unicorn wines, no underwear in Japan, restaurant dumpings, the neck beard is cauing a stir, mother sauce talk, Kazunori and Nanban-Kan orders, and more jabbing accustions.
Dominick DiBartolomeo welcomes Jordan and Max into the private dining room of The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills to get a taste of the newest sandwich on the menu, a cheesy fried pork masterpiece. The boys give their reviews, then offer Dom ideas for sandwiches they want launched next, and Max talks this recent eating tour of Japan including the best bite, impossible sushi reservations, Tokyo pizza, a hell of a burger and fries, and how Los Angeles' Japanese games compares to it all. Plus, Max may become a fashion influencer, the neck beard, egg on burgers and pizza hate, but egg salad love especially with a cutlet, and of course the BIG question: is Max on Ozempic?
Prime slices have dominated the Los Angeles pie game for a decade thanks to Zak Fishman, who enters the Sherman Oaks Food Building to talk top toppings, busiest days of the year, cornmeal thoughts, Jordan's impossible salad bar and arcade concept, a ricotta debate and best white pies in town, Chicago representation, what exactly grandma and football styles are, we don't need no stinking calzones, a lack of mom and pop stuffed crust, pizza sandwiches, a crunch pursuit, stank cheese has gotta go, and back in the day LA pizza.
Esquire writer Jeff Gordinier has returned to living in Los Angeles after decades of being a New Yorker to share endless happy dining thoughts on Jordan's favorite bite, a beautiful Apple Pan vs. Pie 'N Burger take, “the bloated rock operas of the culinary realm,” a plague of under-seasoning, Addison love, eating pain, the perfect LA bang bang, learning about a restaurant through hospitality, this year's best new restaurant scouting, San Diego's present, New York's past, having too many children, no “bounty” talk, egg goo, 1999 movies, how to be a better man, and who's more optimized: Jordan or Max?
Jerry G is back to talk it all with the fellas, answering audience questions, and it's all Jordan's horrible advice, where's the HiHo cheesecake and lemonade, scaling concepts, sushi hand soaps, the one food brand Jerry would love to own, another Saint James pairing, the whole no tipping thing, questioning Uovo's pasta origins, some of Jerome's favorite LA bites, KazuNori private parties, Max's restaurant ideas for Jerry to fund, patty melts and yakitori talk, all the rules, will Sugarfish ever take reservations, a new Matū is coming soon, and like the title of this here episode says, cheesesteaks for dessert.
Jordan & Max review a night out at Pizzeria Sei, where they experienced a rush of emotions while partaking in a farmer's market and luxury ingredient bombardment of a Pico Blvd. Japan meets Italy meets California tasting menu, which was a heated haze of all sorts of dough, tons of cheese, wasabi and caviar dollops, wagyu jus, bottles of sake, pours of champagne, and an emergency Amazon order. Then, Max highlights his upcoming Japan food tour itinerary before Jordan responds to another Los Angeles food podcast host who really wanted some attention.
Jordan and Max talk a recent Summer ingredient fuelled meal at Stella: West Hollywood, before returning days later to undertake a meaty marathon of a blind beef tasting. Into the Beverly Blvd. restaurant the boys went to help chef Rob Gentile and team determine the best tasting steak out of eight worthy prime and wagyu opponents. Smacking of lips on mic occured, keto lifestyles were maintained, and a winner was crowned.
Jordan and Max talk the recently announced California Michelin guide, all the stars, and how Los Angeles fared. Plus, Oxalis may not be back, but Max is cooking again, and he shares a few recipes his lucky lady has been enjoying; and where many of the ingredients are coming from, which happens to be a market where Jordan loves the parking, but needs to learn what Tutti Frutti is. Then, it's another trip to the Fontainebleau for grateful Jordan, where the steakhouse almost ruined a night at The Sphere, Bagelmania was experienced, eating regrets were had, and of course the waters were celestial.
The fellas are back with tales of a night together at Baroo and Jordan in San Diego, where he revisited 3 Michelin star temple Addison, and had a first voyage to Callie, where the prawns and chicken were flowing like a Carmel Valley breeze. Plus, they talk all the restaurants they've been needing to visit in Los Angeles, Jordan raps, Max's appearance is changing, and a goodbye eulogy for the Cobras & Matadors Escuela wild one, Steven Arroyo.
Jordan is back from another New York visit where the only real highlight was Katz's Deli, which led to the inevitable comparisons to Langer's, and final judgments are revealed in the long debated battle of the delis. Then, the fellas discuss and rank their favorite Summer fruits and vegetables, and where they've been loving them around town. Plus, the sick truth about the Gjelina six hour brunches, taking the subway vs. Ubering, Benny Blanco and Bubbles at a cheese party, having a family screws things up sometimes, Jordan ate a viral bagel, and the boys crown the absolute best Summer ingredient.
The boys are back with more answers to audience questions covering everything from best international appetizers to serve while watching the upcoming Olympics to Summer desserts, best LA salads, how much Bubbles spends a month on restaurants, at home burger recipes, guessing the fellas top 3 bites, and hardest reservations in Los Angeles. Plus, does Jordan really ruin everything with caviar, an ortolan update, what to order at Dunsmoor and Quarter Sheets, Japanese ice, Joan's vs. Sqirl, more sauna and ice, and The Bear season 3 thoughts.
Jordan and Max talk top five L.A. pizzas, Summer vegetables, pre-Sphere eats in Vegas, stone fruit rankings, Boris vs. Oscar, Jodro vs. Bubbles, capresefication, more Stella, and all the best bites from Jordan's recent trip to New York. All this, plus first dates, broken hearts, and the worst part of being human in part one of the dead of Summer Q&A.
Chef Ben Osher sits down with Jordan to talk his Valley Village pizza, wings, and beyond shop, and all the pitfalls one must dodge when running a small business. And it's all cheesy garlic bread, ranch over blue cheese, salad and fries on a pizza, why those wings are so good, the fingers you need, a Nobu origin story, and a very special July 4th offering.
Ben Hundreds and Kate Burr join Jordan and Max to discuss opening their first restaurant, where the cocktail and burger game is already the talk of the town. Plus, Jordan wants to recreate Rodney Dangerfield's appetizer sandwich with The Benjamin's menu, Max gets angry, Kate and Ben talk the steps it took to open, those chips, that whipped cream, Ben's soundtrack, lessons learned, fried capers, and the dream team that came together on Melrose and Formosa.
A tasting menu of 14 courses straight out of the Oxalis Palace and the mind of Bubbles Shapiro are experienced by a jury of his peers to decide for the final time if Max can actually cook. Ben Hundreds joins Jordan to review the night that started with an aged welcome drink, leading the fellas into buttery broth talk, the perfect potato dish, olive and prawn appreciation, a journey of seafood, the nods to Gjelina, Saison, and Kato, lots of butter, a ballsy chicken dish, absolutely no bread, a nine-year-old sauce, some insane ice cream moves, lots of Saint James Iced Tea love, and an epilogue you may want to miss. Plus, the episode opens with Father's Day chubby tales of a Persian buffet, the movie theater surpise bite, and two Din Tai Fung discoveries.
Jordan returned to Pizzeria Mozza for the first time in forever to figure out why it's not as popular as it once was, and it was all hot hunks of olive oil dripping bread, Max having thoughts on Nancy's chopped, those meatballs, a truffle cheese vs. truffle oil discussion, the welcomed proteins, Jordan attempts to learn Italian, the only miss of the night, and no notes for Nance on the new dessert. Plus, Chace Crawford could have really done Max a solid, the VH1 days and possible future, Father's Day plans, and a first look inside The Benjamin, where the fellas talk the pains of opening a restaurant by highlighting a killer dish coming to you soon.
Jordan and Max answer audience submitted questions ranging from crushed vs. rock ice, all sorts of prime rib all over the country, how much Bubbles is really drinking, a curation of old Air Jordan episodes, The World's 50 Best Restaurants, deep dish pizza, and a recent Kato review. Plus, the worst pasta shape, Summer sushi fish, worst bites at Max's favorite restaurants, more taco crawl talk, Mario Carbone's restaurant dress code opinion, and the fellas are going to figure out how to eat some contraband.
Food writer Bill Esparza joins Jordan and Max to review their recent voyage across Los Angeles and beyond, exploring (possibly too) many great tacos across the city. There was lots of lamb, plenty of goat, enough prawns to keep Jordan happy, the pig everyone needed, a king in the beef world, all sorts of tortillas, stewed meats, and a surprise guest Jordan did not want to see. Plus, Bill's bite strategy saved Max, apparently mezcal is for sipping, the taco that put Jordan over the edge, and an out of body experience in Hancock Park. The Stops: Barbacoa Estilo Hidalgo Gish Bac Mariscos Los Corchos Birrieria Nochistlan Zac Asadero Chikali Tacos La Carreta Los Sabrosos Al Horno Del Mar Ostioneria
Jordan reviews a recent trip to Las Vegas, where he found the hotel, spa, and peking duck of his desert dreams at the Fontainebleau. Plus, Max sampled a $500k bottle of wine while Jordan doesn't understand a $400 bottle of wine, new dishes at Dunsmoor, the return of Oxalis meal planning is spiraling out of control, and Angler is kinda back with Leopardo, where the fellas give a first look of the pizza, meats, cocktails, and all the Angler feels that are most definitely not at the Beverly Center.
The hottest foodie travel destination is reviewed and debated by Shapiro and Ben Hundreds, who both recently returned from gorging themselves in the capital of Mexico. The fellas talk their eating tales, including favorite bites and misses from Maximo, Contramar, Pujol, Em, and all the tacos they chewed down. Plus, air travel, hotel, and museum tips, the state of Mexico City air conditioning (or lack thereof), Ben and his Coke Lites, Max and his carajillos, all the celebrated bars, a bakery scene not to be ignored, and an extremely serious quiz to see who really knows something about this south of the border cuisine.
Jordan and Max discuss a massive change occuring in the LA restaurant scene and how it will manifest in future California meals, including the fate of automatic gratuity and that horrific additional tip line, and a possible silver lining for diners. Then, Max reviews two restaurants he recently visited for the first time, Jordan talks some very special deep fried bites, and menu creation for "Can Shapiro Actually Cook 2" incorporating Saint James has commenced. Plus, young Jordan eating horror stories, charging for lettuce wraps, fries vs. loaded fries, Roy Choi tacos, and an upcoming Mexico City episode spoiler alert.