Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster: Episode 268 Featuring Jessica Hynes

Introduction In Episode 268 of Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, released on October 23, 2024, comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome acclaimed actress, writer, and comedian Jessica Hynes to their whimsical Dream Restaurant. The trio embarks on a delightful culinary journey, exploring Jessica's favorite foods across various courses while sharing personal anecdotes and humorous banter.

Guest Introduction The episode begins with warm introductions, highlighting Jessica Hynes' illustrious career and her recent projects. James Acaster enthusiastically mentions their shared history with the cult classic Spaced and her involvement in the new comedy series, The Franchise.

Jessica Hynes [04:08]: "Jessica Hynes, just national treasure alert. Absolutely. Ring a ding, ding. National treasure."

Starter: Lentil Soup Ed Gamble kicks off the meal by discussing his beloved lentil soup, inspired by a memorable experience in a Syrian restaurant in Budapest. He emphasizes the essential role of lemon in elevating the soup's flavor.

Ed Gamble [27:05]: "My starter, and this isn't as simple as you might think, but it's lentil soup."

Main Course: Artichoke Tempura The conversation transitions to the main course, where Ed shares his passion for artichoke tempura, a dish perfected during lockdown. He describes the meticulous process of selecting high-quality artichokes and the satisfying crunch they add to the meal.

Ed Gamble [38:24]: "It really was artichoke tempura. Why wouldn't you."

Side Dish: Fried Halloumi James Acaster introduces his favorite side dish: fried halloumi paired with sweet chili sauce. The trio humorously debates the merits of various dipping sauces, with Jessica expressing her preference for garlic mayo over sweet chili.

Ed Gamble [49:31]: "Would probably be fried halloumi just comes off the top of my head."

Dessert: Banana Split Despite admitting a lesser sweet tooth, Jessica chooses the classic banana split as her dream dessert. The conversation veers into nostalgic memories associated with the dessert, highlighting its enduring appeal.

Ed Gamble [63:18]: "I love it. Who doesn't?"

Drink: Sparkling Water with Lemon and Lime For drinks, both hosts opt for non-alcoholic choices. Ed favors a sparkling water with a generous squeeze of lemon, while James enjoys alcohol-free Guinness, reminiscing about its rich taste restored during lockdown.

Ed Gamble [56:43]: "I don't drink alcohol. So my dream drink is different because obviously in every situation sometimes it's an alcohol free beer."

Personal Anecdotes and Humorous Banter Throughout the episode, the hosts and Jessica share lighthearted stories, such as Ed's experiences with bulk buying during the pandemic and James's adventures with celery and lemon juice. Their playful interactions, including jokes about script supervisors and mishaps in the kitchen, add a layer of humor and relatability to the conversation.

James Acaster [24:07]: "The Monkeys are in charge of the bus."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts As the meal concludes, the trio reflects on their shared love for diverse cuisines and the joy of crafting the perfect dream menu. Jessica Hynes expresses her appreciation for the engaging discussion and the opportunity to share her favorite dishes.

Jessica Hynes [71:56]: "Thank you so much for coming to the Dream Restaurant, Jessica."

Notable Quotes

• Ed Gamble [14:51]: "Do you ever make pesto with walnuts and parsley and oil and garlic? You don't need... pine nuts. We're so fixated."
• Jessica Hynes [22:15]: "Because sweet chili sauce."

Conclusion Episode 268 of Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster offers listeners an entertaining blend of culinary exploration and comedic flair. Jessica Hynes' delightful participation, combined with the hosts' infectious enthusiasm, makes for a memorable episode that celebrates both food and friendship.