Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster - Episode 271: Olga Koch

Released on November 13, 2024

Introduction and Welcome (02:43 - 05:00)

In Episode 271 of "Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster," the hosts warmly welcome Czech comedian and foodie Olga Koch to their dream restaurant. They express excitement about Olga's presence, highlighting her vibrant personality and passion for culinary delights.

Creating Olga Koch's Dream Menu

The core of the episode revolves around Olga crafting her ideal meal, selecting her favorite dishes across various courses. The conversation is lively, filled with humor and insightful discussions about food preferences and experiences.

1. Starter: Prawn Cocktail (05:00 - 35:00)

Olga begins by selecting a Prawn Cocktail as her favorite starter. She emphasizes her preference for "massive tiger prawns" served with a red horseradish-heavy cocktail sauce, differentiating it from the typical British versions that use creamy mayo-based sauces.

• Olga Koch (10:22): "I want it in the old-fashioned style, with big prawns and horseradish red sauce."

Ed and James humorously debate the practicality and aesthetics of prawn cocktails, discussing aspects like prawn size and the ideal sauce consistency.

• James Acaster (34:09): "I hate it when they say that, but I'm hoping for everything you just said apart from the mistress thing."

Olga also touches upon the cultural significance of prawn cocktails in Britain, portraying them as symbols of affordable luxury.

2. Main Course: Lamb from Zanid (35:00 - 50:00)

Transitioning to the main course, Olga shares her journey from being a vegetarian for seven years to rediscovering her love for meat. A pivotal moment for her was dining at Zanid, a Somali restaurant in Whitechapel, where she enjoyed a melt-in-your-mouth lamb dish that profoundly impacted her culinary preferences.

• Olga Koch (48:17): "The lamb at Zanid is one of the most delicious things. It melts in your mouth and speaks for itself."

She reminisces about her grandmother's influence, particularly dishes like bishbarmak from Kazakhstan, blending cultural heritage with personal taste.

3. Side Dish: Shopska Salad (50:00 - 65:00)

For her side dish, Olga opts for the Shopska Salad, expressing a strong preference for the Bulgarian version over the traditional Greek salad. She praises Bulgaria’s approach of grating feta cheese into the salad, enhancing the texture and flavor integration.

• Olga Koch (60:09): "The Bulgarian Shopska salad grates the feta, allowing every bite to have a little feta treat. It's genius."

Ed and James engage in a playful debate about the merits of the Bulgarian vs. Greek versions, appreciating Olga's culinary insights.

4. Drink: Black Currant Sparkling Water and Kvass (65:00 - 84:00)

Olga selects Black Currant Sparkling Water as her preferred beverage, admiring its sophisticated packaging and balanced flavor. She also introduces Kvass, a traditional Russian bread drink, commending its unique taste that blends slight sweetness with breadiness.

• Olga Koch (43:40): "Kvass tastes like bread soda. It's subtly sweet and pairs perfectly with any meal."

The conversation delves into the nuances of European sodas and the importance of balancing sweetness in drinks, highlighting Olga’s refined palate.

5. Dessert: Golden Gay Time Ice Cream Cake (84:00 - 95:00)

For dessert, Olga cannot resist the iconic Australian ice cream, Golden Gay Time. She shares her enthusiasm for its texture and flavor, even boasting about her matching Golden Gay Time tattoos with friends.

• Olga Koch (79:10): "Golden Gay Time is the perfect ice cream. It's a magical symphony of flavors and textures."

The hosts discuss various ice cream experiences, including unique flavors from Australia and personal preferences, cementing Olga’s love for rich, indulgent desserts.

Additional Anecdotes and Stories

Throughout the episode, Olga shares humorous and heartfelt stories from her childhood, particularly revolving around her grandmother's quirky food-related fear tactics.

• Olga Koch (51:03): "My grandma would say eating too many sweets would make your butthole stick together. It was a form of body horror story to make me eat less."

These anecdotes add depth to Olga's character, showcasing how early experiences shape her current culinary preferences and aversions.

Banter and Humorous Interactions

The episode is peppered with playful banter between the hosts and Olga. Topics range from the absurdity of eating competitions to the intricacies of grating feta cheese without causing a culinary disaster.

• James Acaster (73:30): "Imagine eating a lamb shoulder with a hydraulic press. That's some next-level cuisine."

Such interactions not only entertain listeners but also highlight the camaraderie and dynamic chemistry among the hosts and guest.

Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Ed and James express their gratitude to Olga for sharing her delightful and adventurous menu. They encourage listeners to check out Olga's upcoming shows and social media for more of her comedic and culinary endeavors.

• James Acaster (86:28): "Thank you so much to Olga for coming in. Do check out Olga's social media for details of gigs she's doing."

The hosts wrap up with their signature humor, leaving listeners both entertained and inspired by Olga Koch's unique approach to creating her dream meal.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Olga Koch (10:22): "I want it in the old-fashioned style, with big prawns and horseradish red sauce."

• James Acaster (34:09): "I hate it when they say that, but I'm hoping for everything you just said apart from the mistress thing."

• Olga Koch (48:17): "The lamb at Zanid is one of the most delicious things. It melts in your mouth and speaks for itself."

• Olga Koch (60:09): "The Bulgarian Shopska salad grates the feta, allowing every bite to have a little feta treat. It's genius."

• Olga Koch (79:10): "Golden Gay Time is the perfect ice cream. It's a magical symphony of flavors and textures."

• Olga Koch (51:03): "My grandma would say eating too many sweets would make your butthole stick together. It was a form of body horror story to make me eat less."

Conclusion

Episode 271 featuring Olga Koch offers a delightful blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and passionate discussions about food. From her extravagant starter choices to heartfelt stories from her childhood, Olga provides listeners with an engaging and mouth-watering journey through her culinary preferences. Ed and James adeptly guide the conversation, ensuring an entertaining and insightful experience for all who tune in.