Podcast Summary: “Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster” – Episode 267: Danny Dyer

Release Date: October 16, 2024
Host: Plosive
Guests: Comedians Ed Gamble, James Acaster, and special guest Danny Dyer

1. Introduction

In Episode 267 of "Off Menu," hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome Danny Dyer to their whimsical Dream Restaurant. The premise of the show involves guests selecting their ideal meals, encompassing a starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink, thereby crafting their dream dining experience.

James Acaster (03:15):
"Together, we own a dream restaurant. Every single week, we invite in a guest. So we ask them to choose their favorite starter, main course, dessert, side dish, and drink."

2. Danny Dyer’s Background and Career

Danny Dyer, a beloved figure in British entertainment, shares insights into his illustrious career. Renowned for roles in "EastEnders" and "Football Factory," Dyer discusses his latest project, "Rivals," a Disney Plus show based on a Jilly Cooper novel.

Danny Dyer (07:46):
"I’ll play a character called Freddie Jones, who is the richest one in it. It’s all about regional television and the rivalry within that."

Dyer highlights his admiration for co-stars like David Tennant and Alex Hassell, emphasizing the ensemble’s talent and the show's exciting narrative.

James Acaster (04:22):
"Rivals is the new Disney Plus show based on a Jilly Cooper book. Danny is in Rivals."

3. Exploring Danny’s Dream Menu

a. Starter: Prawn Cocktail with a Twist

Danny opts for the classic prawn cocktail, enhanced with a sprinkle of paprika to add a posh flair. He enjoys dipping crab sticks into the Mary Rose sauce, adding a personal touch to this traditional starter.

Danny Dyer (27:10):
"I do like a prawn cocktail. I love that Mary Rose sauce, a bit of paprika involved in that as well."

b. Main Course: Whole Leg of Roast Lamb

For the main course, Danny chooses a substantial leg of roast lamb, a dish that holds nostalgic value for him. He describes his method of roasting the lamb simply with lemon, pepper, and salt, allowing the natural flavors to shine.

Danny Dyer (33:02):
"I love a leg of lamb... I always find that the lamb one sort of sticks to the taters more because obviously put a lamb in first."

c. Side Dish: Chip Shop Chips with Curry Sauce

Danny's side dish selection includes traditional chip shop chips paired with rich curry sauce. He emphasizes the importance of using quality chip shop-style chips to complement the curry's flavors.

Danny Dyer (48:25):
"There's something about it. It's got to be the right chips and all. It needs to be a chip shop chip."

d. Dessert: Knickerbocker Glory

For dessert, Danny reminisces about childhood favorites and selects the Knickerbocker Glory, a nostalgic and indulgent treat that symbolizes his fond memories of simpler times.

Danny Dyer (64:51):
"I've gone for something again. Going back to my youth. Cuz I think food's a lot to do with nostalgia. And it would have to be a Wimpiece. Knickerbocker Glory."

e. Drink: Ice-Cold Lager

To wash down his meal, Danny chooses an ice-cold lager, specifically preferring brands like Stella and Carlsberg. He shares anecdotes about achieving the perfect beer temperature and his love for the refreshing taste.

Danny Dyer (55:06):
"Well, it's got to be lager because I just love it. I love it so much."

4. Personal Anecdotes and Humorous Stories

Throughout the episode, Danny shares numerous personal stories, blending humor with relatable experiences:

• Career Challenges: Danny recounts the frustrations of winning a BAFTA without receiving physical recognition, highlighting the complexities of fame.

  Danny Dyer (44:30):
  "I thought, there's a few on the table. So... I didn't get one."

• Parenting and Cooking: He humorously discusses his efforts to cater to his children's picky eating habits, using gadgets like air fryers to prepare separate meals.

  Danny Dyer (35:30):
  "So I don't want to cook them the same thing, which is the beauty of an air fryer."

• EastEnders Memories: Reflecting on his time in "EastEnders," Danny talks about repetitive scenes and the challenges of portraying the same character emotions repeatedly.

  Danny Dyer (52:30):
  "And I remember I got... I think I got banged up in prison."

• Food Dislikes: Despite his varied menu choices, Danny expresses a strong aversion to pesto-flavored couscous, emphasizing his selective taste preferences.

  Danny Dyer (61:56):
  "My worst nightmare is pesto flavored couscous."

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Ed Gamble and James Acaster reflect on Danny's detailed and humorous contributions to his dream menu. They express appreciation for his candidness and the entertaining stories he shared.

James Acaster (74:32):
"And I think we got a lot more than we bargained for. So many details about Danny's life."

Ed Gamble (75:00):
"Fantastic episode. Don't forget to watch Rivals on Disney. That is out now. Go watch it. Sounds brilliant."

Danny humorously notes that his "trotters" (pig's feet) were mentioned but not included in the final menu, closing the episode on a light-hearted note.

Danny Dyer (75:13):
"So, I love it very much. But if you haven't got kids, there's no rush."

Notable Quotes

• Danny Dyer (02:44):
  "Dad works in B2B marketing. He came by my school for Career Day and said he was a big ROAS man. My friends still laugh at me to this day."

• James Acaster (05:02):
  "Speaking of doing it to the top level, Rivals."

• Danny Dyer (10:38):
  "So I love it, man. It's a great thing."

• James Acaster (23:01):
  "It's awful." (Referring to the Hot Chip Challenge)

• Danny Dyer (27:58):
  "So, for the purpose of this gaffe that we're in, you know, the dream scenario, it would probably be like a lobster one."

Final Remarks

Episode 267 offers listeners an engaging blend of culinary preferences, personal anecdotes, and humorous banter with Danny Dyer. His vivid descriptions and relatable stories make the episode enjoyable for both fans of the podcast and those unfamiliar with his work. The episode beautifully encapsulates the essence of "Off Menu," where dream meals serve as a gateway to deeper conversations and laughter.

Disclaimer: All quotes are attributed based on the provided transcript and may be paraphrased for clarity and conciseness.