Over Seasoned

Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio, this OverSeasoned Podcast episode starts in Los Angeles and ends somewhere between jet lag, Vietnamese coffee, and figuring out how many bowls of pho is too many.It kicks off with a $500 dinner at Capo in Santa Monica (think: porterhouse, grilled calamari, Burgundy by the glass) and turns into a bigger conversation about what actually makes a restaurant worth it. Not just price, but vibe, service, ingredients, and whether a place makes you feel like you belong or just ran your card.There’s also a detour into Carbone, the rise of the $30 Caesar salad, and why sometimes you’d rather spend more once than eat mediocre five times.Then... first impressions of Saigon, coffee culture (Nespresso debates included), what to eat, what to order, and how deep to go on pho without burning out on day two.This one’s part restaurant philosophy, part travel log, part two guys trying to stay coherent on no sleep.Welcome to OverSeasoned, on the road.

If we’ve learned one thing from our first day in Saigon… it’s that you don’t ease into Saigon. You land, you blink, and suddenly you’re eating pho for breakfast, moving amongst the fluid dynamics of motorbikes, and watching someone casually break down a pig’s snout in an alley like it’s just another Tuesday.This is our first 24 hours in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), recorded straight out of Saigon Podcast Studio: jet lagged, not under-caffeinated (hard to be in this town), and fully thrown into the deep end of Vietnam’s food culture.We get into:The moment pho finally clicks (and why breakfast might be the best time for it)Vietnam’s wet markets: where you can buy herbs, headless frogs… or nail clippersWhy banh mi might be the most perfect sandwich on earthThe controlled chaos of Saigon’s streets and why it somehow worksAnd a completely passionate detour into overcooked wild salmon and love for the broilerIt’s messy and meandering… and it’s exactly what day one in a new city should feel like. Equal parts discovery, confusion, and thrill. Welcome to Vietnam. We’re figuring it out as we go.

Winter’s fading, grills are coming out of hibernation, and we are officially back in our element. In this episode of the OverSeasoned Podcast, we bounce from snowstorm war stories and restaurant hangover survival tactics to the real topic at hand: gearing up for grilling season.What starts as a conversation about charcoal vs. gas quickly turns into a deep dive on fire-starting techniques, wood choices, dream grill setups, and why nothing beats the flavor of a properly charred burger over live fire. We also unpack the art of hosting: what to cook for a dinner party when you don’t know your guests, how to navigate “chicken tender people”, and why a build-your-own meal might be the safest (and most subtly judgmental) move.This episode will get you scheming your own grilling future.

In this episode of the Over Seasoned podcast, the crew records at Icon Studios in Atlanta and dives into wild food travel stories from Thailand and Mexico. From spice levels that hit way harder than expected, to dispensary-fueled eating sprees, bathroom survival strategies, and what not to order on travel days, this episode is a brutally honest look at the risks of culinary adventure. The guys also go deep on tequila culture in Jalisco, touring distilleries in the town of Tequila, breaking down how tequila is actually made, the difference between tequila and mezcal, blue agave farming, and the controversial additives and lawsuits shaking up the tequila industry. This is the real talk about what happens when curiosity beats common sense.

In this episode of OverSeasoned, the crew dives headfirst into a full-blown pho obsession after discovering unforgettable Vietnamese soup in Manila and Thailand. What starts as travel food fatigue turns into a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, broth culture, and the subtle differences between Northern pho vs Southern pho.They debate the Michelin Guide’s impact on restaurants, why Bib Gourmand spots often beat three-star dining, and how global cities like Manila and Montreal can deliver world-class bowls of pho. The episode also explores soup culture across countries, including Colombian classics like caldo de costilla, and how those traditions connect to the love of pho (& soup season writ large) If you love food travel, Vietnamese food, and Michelin debates… this one’s for you.

In this festive episode of the Overseasoned podcast, we broadcast from Manila (where Christmas starts in September) and break down our ultimate holiday gift guide for chefs, food lovers, and every pain-in-the-ass restaurant person in your life. From handcrafted Feder Knives, to Spanish olive oils and high-end coffee grinders, we run through the kitchen gear, pantry staples, and big-ticket splurges that are actually worth gifting.This episode is perfect for anyone searching for foodie gift ideas or if you simply want to hear us detour into pasta primavera history, cold brew philosophy, espresso math, olive-oil snobbery, and mezcal trauma.

This week on the OverSeasoned Podcast, we turn a derailed Vietnam trip into a full-blown deep dive into one of America’s greatest culinary treasures: beef jerky. We exchange our visa drama saltiness for the saltiness that REALLY matters. Join us as we revel in the treasures of the upstate NY gem, Barb’s Butchery, where Xavier recounts his near-spiritual experience. Add in homemade childhood jerky experiments, a beef-tallow lip balm love affair, and a lively debate on alternative jerkies… and you’ve got the most unexpectedly emotional jerky episode we’ve ever recorded (so far…).

This week, the OverSeasoned Podcast crew goes all-in on the one thing the food world won’t shut up about: Michelin stars. From Manila’s first-ever Michelin Guide debut to Philadelphia finally getting recognized (after Tampa… seriously?), we break down how the star system actually works (and why the hype so often misses the mark).Why can’t a “special journey” can’t just mean driving two hours for the world’s best empanada instead of a four-hour tasting menu that tells you when to speak? We debate Bib Gourmand vs. fine dining, laugh about $19 endive salads and $15 Stella in Vegas, drop Bourdain lore, and unpack why hospitality at the highest levels can feel more like you’re in their house… not a restaurant you’re paying a fortune to visit.If you love restaurants, cooking, travel, culinary storytelling, or you just want to hear us roast the Michelin Guide with love, humor, and a bit of salt… this is your episode.

This week on the OverSeasoned Podcast, we dive headfirst into the real heart of Thanksgiving cooking: from whipping up the perfect mashed potatoes (butter AND milk?!) to navigating the never-ending debate over stuffing. The OS Crew breaks down essential recipes and reveals the culinary tips that make hosting (even for just two people) feel doable (maybe save the stuffing for Christmas?).Tune in for the best ways to avoid gluey potatoes, nail your brussels game, and bring in wine pairings that actually work. This episode is packed with relatable chaos, practical cooking insights, and just enough of the cozy vibes that make the holiday worthwhile.

Fresh off an Argentina meat marathon, Xavier lands in Sarasota craving seafood and heads straight to Walt’s for a stone-crab-powered homecoming. From condiment debates to Manila’s Farmer Sanchez adding unexpected pizzazz to pizza, the OverSeasoned guys riff on food, culture, and identity… plus the gospel of Wednesday/Sunday asados, hunting for the perfect strawberry, and why fruterías, giant charcoal knobs, and Lincoln-log chimineas make Argentine grilling a world of its own.

Join the OverSeasoned crew this week as we cover the dynamics of tourist trap dining, FOH diplomacy & youthful diners, and the growing disparity between quality of experience and price of the meal.

This week on the OverSeasoned Podcast, we turn a derailed Vietnam trip into a full-blown deep dive into one of America’s greatest culinary treasures: beef jerky. We exchange our visa drama saltiness for the saltiness that REALLY matters. Join us as we revel in the treasures of the upstate NY gem, Barb’s Butchery, where Xavier recounts his near-spiritual experience. Add in homemade childhood jerky experiments, a beef-tallow lip balm love affair, and a lively debate on alternative jerkies… and you’ve got the most unexpectedly emotional jerky episode we’ve ever recorded (so far…).

X takes us on a humorous journey through beef temp diplomacy at his recent visit to Madre Rojas in Buenos Aires. What do you do when the Chef says “no” to your order request? To you succumb? Do you pivot? Do you stand your ground? Join the convo this week on the OverSeasoned Podcast!

Join the OverSeasoned crew as we dive into the gray area between culinary inspiration and straight-up recipe theft. From Sarasota shrimp cocktails that feel a little TOO familiar to a restaurant boldly serving “Nobu’s” new style sashimi that Nobu himself wouldn’t recognize... we unpack where homage ends and imitation begins. (It's the sincerest form of flattery, right?) These are our hot takes on respect, ownership, and why putting another chef’s name on your menu might just be a terrible idea.

Welcome to a special episode with our first Overseasoned Podcast guest since the pandemic, Geoff Feder of Feder Knives. Yes, we talk knives... but it's so much more than that. You can expect a entertaining rundown of the Triple P's: Patina, Pineapple, Paella. You won't want to miss this one. There may or may not be a special giveaway involved...

A hot topic at the most recent NRA (National Restaurant Association) in Chicago was the future of robotics in the service industry. Where are they acceptable? How feasible is it to incorporate into everyday service? Does this detract from the human aspect we cherish about hospitality? Tune in as we discuss and debate all things robotics!

We had the incredible pleasure of not only dining at Carmen in Medellin, but meeting with Carmen the brilliant restaurateur herself. Stick with us as we delve into the beauty of Colombian food, culture, and hospitality... made all the more dynamic because of our experience at Carmen, with Carmen.

Restaurant Openings are a true labor of love (or maybe it's straight up masochistic behavior?). Regardless, it's something that will happen again and again... and there will always be something to treasure about birthing a new establishment, a new concept... join us as we revel in the trials and tribulations of restaurant inception. 

It might be just a tube in the sky, but why not still have a focal point of pride with the hospitality? This week, we delve into what's wow-ed us in terms of airline hospitality—everything from the "wow! there are multiple champagne options with real glassware!" to the "wow! these corn nuts expired 3 years ago but I guess I am grateful to be offered anything at all!" We hope you'll chime in with your stories, too!

Join us as we deep dive into the dishes we hold near and dear to our hearts... because they are prepared with a mother's love. Some may surprise, some might really hit home. Either way, it's a fun one! We love you, Moms!

Join us as we explore the almost-liminal space when shifting into the early spring season—the menu changes, the beverage choices, and the overall spirit that goes into the primavera attitude of the culinary world. 

POV: You wake up in a Zombie AI Apocalypse and have to go back to the most recent job you had in hospitality––what decisions do you make?

Tune in this week as we discuss how we *kinda* stay disciplined on the road and what we crave the most after a long stint of travel.

Join us this week as we continue our deep dive through Thai food and culture, including a trippy journey through Chatuchuk Market and experiencing Isaan cuisine.

Journey with us through Bangkok as we have our minds changed about tasting menus and see a real-life Kitchen Superhero at work.

Join us as we explore all things strange to some, but run-of-the-mill for others - from no evening cappuccinos allowed to garnishing your chocolate pudding with teeny, tiny fish. Surely something to strike everyone’s curiosity!

Tune in this week as we discuss the mental and emotional hurdles leaving The Industry, our dream jobs, and a quick lesson in germination.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more culinary adventures! 🧂 ⁠⁠#SaltCuresEverything⁠⁠ Catch the latest episode of the Over Seasoned podcast now!👉 Follow us for more food stories and laughs:📸 Instagram: @overseasoned.us🎵 TikTok: @overseasoned.us🌐 Website: www.overseasoned.us

Tune in and join the discussion about all things tipping. (No, not cows).

San Francisco, an epicenter of food and culture, also tells a story about the changing landscape of hospitality. Tune in as we deep-dive into dim sum carts, corkage fees, and condiment mad science. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more culinary adventures! 🧂 ⁠#SaltCuresEverything⁠ Catch the latest episode of the Over Seasoned podcast now! 👉 Follow us for more food stories and laughs: 📸 Instagram: @overseasoned.us 🎵 TikTok: @overseasoned.us 🌐 Website: www.overseasoned.us

Laugh, learn, and maybe pick up a few tips for your own kitchen chaos. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more culinary adventures! 🧂 #SaltCuresEverything Catch the latest episode of the Over Seasoned podcast now! 👉 Follow us for more food stories and laughs: 📸 Instagram: @overseasoned.us 🎵 TikTok: @overseasoned.us 🌐 Website: www.overseasoned.us

This week on OverSeasoned, we're diving into the delicious chaos of holiday cooking! From lamb roasted to perfection with garlic and rosemary to the secret of flawless pomegranate seeds (maybe), it's a feast of tips, tricks, and a little culinary mayhem. Plus, we debate the importance of potato dishes as the cornerstone of any holiday meal. Join us for laughs, food fails, and plenty of inspiration to spice up your table this season. #SaltCuresEverything

What happens when dinner stares back at you? 🐹👀 In this episode, we dive fork-first into a guinea pig feast—complete with crispy ears, accidental decapitations, and some questionable flavor profiles (hint: hamster cage vibes). Is it a duck? A rabbit? A popcorn-loving rodent? We’re not sure, but we’re eating it anyway. Along the way, we share big plans for 2025, including trying crocodile, emu, and maybe even horse (but only in Italy, obviously). Warning: This video contains a lot of chewing noises, cultural appreciation, and terrible jokes. Stay salty, laugh hard, and subscribe for more culinary chaos! 🍽️😂 Catch the latest episode of the Over Seasoned podcast now! 👉 Follow us for more food stories and laughs: 📸 Instagram: @overseasoned.us 🎵 TikTok: @overseasoned.us 🌐 Website: www.overseasoned.us

Is New York City really the food capital of the world, or are we all just victims of the hype? In this episode of Over Seasoned, Tony and Xavier dig into the cult of NYC food culture. From the legendary pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s to overpriced caviar bumps, we explore what makes people flock to the Big Apple for a bite—and whether it’s all just a brilliantly marketed illusion. Join us for a hilarious and irreverent conversation as we break down the myths, the must-tries, and the total misses of NYC’s culinary scene. Plus, we share some of our own food brainwash confessions (yes, we’ve been there too). 🍴 #saltcureseverything

🎙️ Over Seasoned Podcast: Holiday Madness in the Restaurant World 🍽️ Welcome to a special holiday edition of OverSeasoned! Join Xavier and Tony as they dive into the chaos and quirks of the restaurant industry during the busiest time of the year. From prepping for the infamous "season" to surviving New Year's Eve madness (8 seatings, anyone?), we’re spilling the tea on what it’s really like behind the scenes. 🌨️ Why won’t it snow? 🍷 When the Barolo comes out, you know it’s serious. 🎈 Can balloons really fix everything on NYE? Plus, hear our take on why Christmas should always be a day off and the joys (and pains) of Thanksgiving service. Whether you’re in the industry or just curious about the life of restaurant pros, this episode is full of laughs, insights, and a pinch of salt. 🧂 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Let us know your wildest holiday dining stories below! 🎙️ Catch the latest episode of the OverSeasoned podcast now! 👉 Follow us for more food stories and laughs: 📸 Instagram: @overseasoned.us 🎵 TikTok: @overseasoned.us 🌐 Website: www.overseasoned.us

🎙️ The OverSeasoned Holiday Guide: For the Foodie Who Has Everything (Except Taste) Struggling to find the perfect gift for that picky foodie in your life? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered (and entertained). In this episode, we break down the quirkiest, bougiest, and downright funniest holiday gift ideas for food lovers—from wild porcini mushrooms packed in olive oil to a "weird steak sauce" that might just change your life. Join us as we serve up sarcasm, sprinkle in some acid humor, and toast to good food, great wine, and zero mosquitoes. 🍷🍄 Plus, hear our take on why farmhouse eggs on crusty bread might be life’s peak moment. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired (or at least amused) this holiday season!

What happens when sommeliers go rogue? Wine drama, porcini mushrooms in weird places, and the eternal debate: to decant or not to decant? 🍷 We’re spilling secrets about wine pairings, overpriced bottles, and why your $450 dinner party might just need a truffle or two. Perfect for restaurant folks, wine nerds, and anyone who’s ever wondered if a mushroom could read a book.

In this hilarious episode of OverSeasoned, we dive into the chaos and comedy of preparing a Thanksgiving feast. From turkey mishaps to the art of brining with a Yeti cooler, our hosts share their personal cooking disasters and clever solutions. Expect plenty of laughs as they recount everything from exploding milk to the mystery of the blackened pecans. Tune in for insider tips, funny stories, and a few surprising twists in the kitchen. Whether you're a Thanksgiving newbie or a seasoned pro, you'll relate to the struggle — and the satisfaction — of creating a memorable holiday meal.

A special Thanksgiving episode, featuring stories of meals that never were, turkeys that never got eaten, and the debut of the infamous Turducken; delve into these three layers of unforgettable holiday stories. Happy Thanksgiving, and tune in while you cook or while you order.

Did Tony really buy half a cow? How did he get it home? How does he store it? How does he eat it? When he says half a cow, does he literally mean half a cow? So many questions for one chef! Don't miss this episode of the Overseasoned podcast; welcome!

In this episode, we talk about must-haves and guilty pleasures, from spices to treats, and the things we miss the most when we're away from home.

What's the most terrifying thing that's happened to you in your restaurant life? Here are some spine-tingling stories involving tax collectors, of course! Welcome to the Overseasoned podcast, recorded from our hometown Reno, Nevada.

What's the ultimate gift for food lovers like us? Heading out on a trip? What should you bring back for me? a keychain? a fridge magnet? We've got the answers in episode 22 of Overseasoned! Catch us on your go-to podcast platform and remember: stay salty!

How far are you willing to go for your furry child? Do you order the same food for them as you do in the restaurant? Today, we're talking about restaurants and dogs. Attention dog lovers, dog petters, and dog not-so-lovers; there might be a hair in the dish in this episode.

A lot of terrible things can happen when you put too much pressure on a rookie food truck team, or when you ask a server who doesn't believe you'll actually eat everything you ordered. Here are some spine-chilling stories from service staff and how to avoid them. This is Overseasoned Podcast.

We continue with more of our trip through Argentina; we'll tell you how we rediscovered our love for Buenos Aires cuisine, and how we ended up making a homemade "Asado" in the Argentinian style.

There are 3 hours left until our flight back to Buenos Aires, and we are an hour and a half away from the airport; the most logical action: we recorded one more podcast episode directly from a wine cellar in the Mendoza wine region in Argentina, at the foot of the majestic Andes.

We ran out of episodes, so as soon as we arrived in Buenos Aires, we recorded this episode, which will be the prelude to the Overseasoned adventure in Argentina. Enjoy it!

Is chicken the most ordered food in restaurants? Is it the most underrated? The most overrated? Is it a must? This episode is about that great invention: chicken.

Everything you always wanted to know about diners—not really, but we definitely know what we are: a food appreciation podcast.

Impossible expectations from people due to cooking shows on TV, challenges of working in the kitchen and in service, the fight for labor rights, and of course, the story of how the hot dog sandwich was created.