While We Were Waiting

On episode 23, AJ and Martha VOTE on-air! The duo also pays homage to World Mental Health Day and chat about the absurdity of a $42 appetizer! Service dogs in restaurants? Yay or nay? They also discuss how to find "inspiration" during chaos.Our "Storytime" guest is a comedian, home staging designer, and former restaurant server! Friend of the podcast, Ruby Wendell, tells a full circle tale about her encounter(s) with her teenage Hollywood crush @jaredleto. Ruby also shares her perspective on why comedians are typically better actors than non-comedians, and she also shines a light on the unique challenges of being a woman in both the comedy world AND the restaurant world. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast

On episode 22, Martha and AJ take a data-driven approach to Texas vs California. They also share their pre-debate predictions and update everyone on the Restaurants Act.Also on the podcast, Patrick Scott Armstrong, host of the Texas food and culture podcast, "Lone Star Plate" shares a story about being a brand new waiter on a rainy night in the suburbs of Dallas. This may be the most shocking story we've heard yet, so you don't want to miss this episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallas @patrickscottarmstrong @bocaspanishfare Music credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean SoloMusic credit: "Lubbock or Leave it" by The Dixie Chicks, Instrumental

On episode 21, Martha and AJ tell the story of their recent relocation from Dallas to Los Angeles and debate the pros and cons of Texas (Martha's home state) and California (AJ's home state). Who's side are you on? Also on the podcast, Doug Roth, shares his restaurant journey which led him from Luna Park in LA to Blue Hill in NYC to Bolete in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He also hosts a hilarious round of "Guess the Celebrity" in which Martha and AJ face off. Who do you think will win? It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallas @dugroth @boleterestaurant Music credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean SoloMusic credit: "Hooray for Hollywood" by Nancy Sinatra

On episode 20, Martha and AJ work through a recent argument about "vocabulary elitism." They also recount last weeks' Democratic National Convention and roll call the list of the latest iconic restaurant closures. Story Time guest, Frankie Marrs, also shares a breathtaking story about how a difficult restaurant patron became completely explosive! Stay tuned after the story for a completely adorable chat the three of them have about Frankie's new podcast, "Shuttle to Marrs," and how they all share some common history. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallas @frankieamarrsMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean Solo Music credit: "Sex And The City Closing Theme" by Pete Charles Sesko

On episode 19, Martha and AJ chat about the first day of school, the adversarial interactions in restaurants regarding masks, and they hash out TEX MEX once and for all - WHAT THE HELL IS IT? Also our guest, Dedrick Bonner, shares a poignant story about how one particular restaurant guest taught him a major lesson about judging a book by it's cover. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallas @dedrickbonner @singersofsoulMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean Solo Music credit: "One Love" - Roy Young

On episode 18, Martha and AJ chat about the tip-credit debate and the new rules of etiquette for visiting restaurants during a pandemic. They also dive into why so many restaurant workers pair up and end up happily ever after. Later in the show, Mark DeVito (Owner/Operator of San Francisco hotspots, Teeth and Standard Deviant Brewery) tells a common, yet hilarious, tale about how he met, fell in love with and eventually married his fellow restaurant worker. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallas @standarddeviantbrewing @teethsf2323 @markgdevitoMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean Solo Music credit: "Backwards Hat", Instrumental by Team Callahan

On episode 17, Martha and AJ chat about vacationing during a pandemic, Ivanka Trump's "Try Something New" campaign (ugh) and also debate whether social media is a blessing or a curse during lockdown. Also on the show, Rey Herrera shares a funny story about how he shocked his boss and an entire restaurant with a simple flick of a rubber band. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallas @reyreyherreraTwitter: @waiting_podcast @marth27 @atweetj1 Music credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean Solo Music credit: "That's Amore" by John C Reilly (off the soundtrack for "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story")

On episode 16, Martha and AJ chat about this weeks' restaurant news, whether to school or not to school as well as personal growth with different healing techniques. Also, today's guest, Daniel Bobby Tuttle, tells the story of how he found himself managing some of New York City’s flashiest restaurants and how his longtime boss and accidental mentor played a pivotal role in his life and career. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallas @theprovocativeintuitiveTwitter: @waiting_podcast @marth27 @atweetj1 Guest Website: theprovocativeintuitive.comMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean Solo Music credit: "Neunundneunzig Luftballons" by Nena

On episode 15, Martha and AJ talk about the cultural appropriation of food and the latest covid-19 mandates from Texas (and around the country). Also, Martha's friend and former colleague, Tanya Puig, shares a heartwarming story about an afternoon bar regular in NYC who was a tough nut to crack. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.com Instagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallasMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean Solo Music credit: "A Story Everybody Knows" by Ziv Moran

On episode 14, Martha and AJ talk about the upcoming plans for their new Dallas restaurant, The Mayor's House, and also add their opinions to the great mask debate. To wear or not to wear...that is the question! Then, Martha shares some insider-recruitment-perspective to help those on the hunt for their next great gig. Finally, friend of the podcast, Megan Tall, shares an uplifting story about how she came to know some of her favorite regulars. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast!Sponsored by One-Haus.comInstagrams: @waitingpodcast @marth27 @ajgilb @onehaus @themayorshousedallasMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean SoloMusic credit: "Hit the Ground Running" by Ryan Prewett

On episode 13, Martha and AJ discuss what happens when covid comes to dinner and also reflect on diversity and inclusion within the restaurant industry. James Beard Award nominee and owner/operator of both Clover Club and Leyenda in Brooklyn, Julie Reiner, shares her thoughts and insight on the covid-related shifts to her business model. She also shares a twisted story about the time she got fired for "being too good" at her job! It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast.Sponsored by One-Haus.com Clover Club NY - Cloverclubny.comLeyenda - Leyendabk.comInstagram(s) - @mixtressnyc @cloverclubny @leyendabkMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean Solo Music credit: "Parody" by Egozi

On episode 12, Martha and AJ discuss the epic events of the past week and share their thoughts and ideas on how police can actually "be of service." Banh Oui chef/owner, Casey Felton, chats about her time cooking in Australia, shares her thoughts on culinary schools and explains how she turned her popular pop-up into an even more popular Hollywood hot spot. She also shares a story about how a community around the Hollywood Farmers Market came together during the time of Covid-19. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast.Sponsored by One-Haus.comBanh Oui - Banhoui.comInstagram/Twitter - @banh_ouiMusic credit: "How Did I Get Here" by Sean SoloMusic credit: "Marigolden" - Instrumental Version by Michael Shynes

On episode 11, Martha shares info on her return to "Days of Our Lives" next week, and AJ talks about the importance of "pitching yourself" on your restaurant concept. Danielle shares her insight on working with Walter Manzke, as well as being a working-mom-chef-entrepreneur. She also shares her favorite "restaurant celebration" story. It's another can't miss episode of #WaitingPodcast.Sponsored by One-Haus.comDanielle's website - Chefddz.comDanielle's instagram - @chefddz

On episode 10, Martha talks about how the NYTimes best selling book, "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle deeply inspired her during quarantine, and AJ shares both his enthusiasm about parklets and frustration about folks who whine about parking. Chef Tu discusses his family's immigration to the US from Vietnam, and shares the story of how his Mom inspired his cooking style and culinary career. Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcastTu David Phu - ChefTu.comInstagram - @cheftudavidphu

On episode 9, Martha and AJ get honest about what it would take to feel safe going out to eat. They also interview Lei Shishak, author of four cookbooks including "Beach House Dinners" which drops on Amazon and Kindle this week (by Skyhorse Publishing). Lei opens up about her culinary journey through some very notable (and very difficult) kitchens, and for this week's "storytime," Lei and AJ each share their individual stories and feelings about saying goodbye to their first born businesses.Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcastLei Shishak - LeiShishak.comSkyhorse Publishing - skyhorsepublishing.com/

On episode 8, Martha and AJ chat about the addictive nature of the restaurant business as well as life after failure. They also interview their friends and former colleagues, Chuck and Carly Meyer, who own Napa Palisades Saloon, Napa Palisades Beer Company and the upcoming First and Franklin Marketplace in Napa, CA. Chuck and Carly share insight and ideas on operating in the time of Covid and also share their personal story of growth, family and finding sobriety in the restaurant industry. Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcastNapa Palisades Saloon - NapaPalisades.comNapa Palisades Beer Company - NapaPalisadesBeer.com

On episode 7, Martha and AJ quiz their daughter Charley on the restaurant business (it's pretty cute!) and then discuss how some areas of the US are beginning to re-open their restaurants, for better or for worse. They also interview their friend and former colleague, Emma Roberts, who is the current GM of The Draycott in Los Angeles (Pacific Palisades). It's a fun-filled trip down memory lane as the three recount some of their most painful guest experiences. Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcastThe Draycott - thedraycott.com

On episode 6, Martha and AJ compare and contrast restaurants with soap operas, and AJ shares his seven ideas to support the restaurant industry! They also interview their friend and former colleague, Peer Larson, who is the current GM of Bargello and District 42 in Asheville, North Carolina (Mandara Hospitality Group). It's a fun-filled trip down memory lane as the three recount all the places they've been with the restaurant industry. Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcastMandara Hospitality Group - mandarahospitalitygroup.com

On episode 5, Martha and AJ chat about this weeks' restaurant news, play a special quarantine version of "would you rather" and share their feelings on delivery services like Grubhub. They also interview the owners of Prohibition and Lucky's Famous Burgers in NYC, Richie and Mike. Finally, the four recount their favorite stories involving an "unexpected guest." Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcastProhibition - Prohibition.netLucky's Famous Burgers - LuckysFamousBurgers.comCOVID Loan Tracker https://www.covidloantracker.com/

On episode 4, Martha and AJ chat about quarantine, Yelp, and the federal restaurant relief progress. Along with Blind Barber founder and operator, Josh Boyd, the three recount their favorite "opening disaster" stories. Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcastFor CARES act info, go to empoweredhospitality.com https://blindbarber.com/

On episode 3, Martha and AJ chat about quarantine news, homeschool and some psychosocial parallels between emergency room workers and restaurant managers. Along with operations guru, Brooke Burton-Luttman, the three recount their favorite stories about crisis management and the grit it takes to make it in the restaurant industry.Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcasFind Brooke at thttps://www.foodwoolf.com/

On episode 2, Martha and AJ chat about their quarantine routine, "essential" doggy day care and Trump's statement, "It may not be the same restaurant....or ownership, but they'll all be back." With guest chef/operator/recruiter, "Buffy Summers," the three recount their favorite celebrity guest stories and what it means to restaurants when high profile celebs come in to dine. Sponsored by One-Haus.com #WeAreOne #WaitingPodcast

Martha Madison of Day's of Our Lives and her husband, restaurateur AJ Gilbert discuss how restaurants and restaurant people cope with crisis.