Episode Summary: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster – Ep 273: Rose Matafeo (Christmas Special)

Release Date: December 11, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 273 of "Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster," hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome the versatile New Zealand comedian, writer, director, and actor Rose Matafeo for a festive Christmas special. The episode delves into Rose's culinary preferences, her experiences in the comedy world, and personal anecdotes, all woven into the unique "dream menu" format that the podcast is renowned for.

Guest Introduction

[06:15] Ed Gamble:
"Welcome, Rose, to the Dream Restaurant. I'm so happy to be here, guys."

Rose brings her vibrant personality to the table, and the hosts express their admiration for her accomplishments, including her award-winning show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

[04:52] James Acaster:
"Rose did a brilliant show called Horn Dog at the Edinburgh Fringe. It won the Edinburgh Comedy Award."

Dream Menu Discussion

The core of the episode revolves around crafting Rose's dream Christmas meal, encompassing her favorite starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink. Each course is explored with humor, personal insights, and cultural references.

1. Starter: Japanese Wax Figurine of Lettuce

[26:00] Rose Matafeo:
"I don't believe in starters. Starters are a stuffy remnant of restaurant culture where it's like, oh, I have my little starter and then I have a full meal."

Contrary to Rose's initial skepticism about traditional starters, Ed proposes a unique and artistic starter: a Japanese wax figurine of lettuce. This choice reflects Rose's appreciation for aesthetic presentation and innovative culinary art.

[27:13] Ed Gamble:
"I'm choosing wax now. I can't answer any more questions."

2. Main Course: Yum Cha Experience

[32:00] Rose Matafeo:
"I think I like eating food having lots of different options. Yum Cha is perfect because it's small bits of every single delicious thing."

Yum Cha, a traditional Chinese brunch involving a variety of small dishes served with tea, is selected as Rose's main course. The discussion highlights the communal and diverse nature of Yum Cha, emphasizing shared experiences and the joy of sampling multiple dishes.

[34:10] Ed Gamble:
"Yum Cha with the full trolley service is something that in New Zealand is still a massive thing."

3. Side Dish: Potato Trolley with Varieties

[53:09] Rose Matafeo:
"If I'm gonna say I don't believe in starters, do I have to say I don't believe in sides?"

Potatoes take center stage as the chosen side dish, with a trolley offering various preparations—from dauphinoise to crispy roast potatoes. The hosts engage in a playful debate over the best potato dishes, showcasing their passion for this versatile ingredient.

[57:03] James Acaster:
"Very thin French fries is four."

4. Dessert: Australian Women's Weekly Cake Book Creations

[69:10] Rose Matafeo:
"I want the train, I want the Dolly Varden, I want the numbers, I want. Definitely want the pool."

Incorporating nostalgia, Rose selects desserts inspired by the iconic Australian Women's Weekly Cake Book, featuring imaginative creations like the Dolly Varden cake and pool cake. These whimsical cakes not only evoke childhood memories but also add a playful twist to the meal.

[70:14] Ed Gamble:
"It's like every mother in the 90s had it. You would get a cake from that book like the pool cake or the train cake."

5. Drink: Spider (Coke with Ice Cream)

[62:52] Rose Matafeo:
"So drink Spider means a Coke with ice cream in it, which we call it a spider in New Zealand because it melts like a spider."

Rose opts for a nostalgic and indulgent drink—a Coke float, affectionately known as a "Spider" in New Zealand. This choice balances sweet flavors with a touch of fondness for childhood treats.

[63:02] James Acaster:
"Coke floats at the City Diner in Edinburgh are the best."

Personal Stories and Insights

Beyond the culinary exploration, the episode weaves in personal narratives and lighthearted banter among the hosts and Rose.

Silent Acid Reflux Discussion

[23:35] Rose Matafeo:
"I have been recently diagnosed with silent acid reflux at the tender age of 32, which is a form of acid reflux where I don't get heartburn, but it goes all the way up, and it has given me mild laryngitis for years now."

Rose shares her recent health diagnosis, leading to a candid conversation about silent acid reflux, its symptoms, and lifestyle adjustments. The hosts express empathy and offer humorous takes on managing the condition.

[25:51] Rose Matafeo:
"I have to stop eating late and figure out what my triggers are."

Thoughts on Food Reviews

The trio engages in a humorous yet insightful discussion about the dynamics of food reviews, particularly focusing on Google Reviews. They touch upon themes like consistent negative reviews attributing to specific staff members and the impact of smear campaigns.

[08:30] Ed Gamble:
"I read Google reviews for comfort at night and aggregate some sort of scoring or review from all the ones I read."

[10:43] James Acaster:
"It's like the Zodiac Killer giving himself away."

Escape Rooms Adventures

James and Ed recount their adventures conquering escape rooms in various cities, highlighting both successes and humorous setbacks.

[66:11] Ed Gamble:
"We did some in Wellington too. We went to an escape room complex with three different themed rooms."

[67:59] James Acaster:
"We ticked them all off, but James didn't enjoy one because it made him feel stupid."

Rose’s Comedy and Projects

Rose discusses her latest comedy special, "On and On and On," which is a taped version of her live shows over the past year. She reflects on her creative process, preferring stand-up without excessive visuals to maintain authenticity.

[13:03] Rose Matafeo:
"It's just me talking, and it turns out that might not be that interesting. This is the worst promo."

Additionally, Rose touches upon her role in "Junior Taskmaster," highlighting her versatility and commitment to her craft.

[13:31] Rose Matafeo:
"Junior Taskmaster is on right now."

Cultural Differences in Christmas Dinners

A significant portion of the episode explores the contrast between New Zealand and British Christmas traditions. Rose describes a New Zealand Christmas meal that's a "mishmash" of warm and cold dishes, reflecting the summer season during Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere.

[48:28] Rose Matafeo:
"At Christmas time in New Zealand, it's summer. We're talking summer salads, glazed ham, lamb, roast potatoes, and jellies."

Ed and James share their preferences, debating the merits of traditional roast dinners versus lighter, more varied meals.

[49:45] Ed Gamble:
"I prefer going all meat all day. Absolute nightmare, gastronomically."

[52:52] Ed Gamble:
"We have ham for breakfast—glazed ham with eggs and toast."

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Rose finalize her dream menu, blending creativity with personal tastes. They reflect on the joy of sharing meals, cultural traditions, and the importance of food in bringing people together.

[81:18] Ed Gamble:
"Thank you very much for coming to the Dream Restaurant and bringing so many trolleys with you."

[82:31] Rose Matafeo:
"You can go and watch my special Horn Dog, though."

The episode ends on a festive note, with the hosts wishing listeners a Merry Christmas and hinting at future specials.

[83:21] Ed Gamble:
"Merry Christmas, everyone. We'll see you next week."

Notable Quotes

• Rose Matafeo [26:00]:
  "I don't believe in starters. Starters are a stuffy remnant of restaurant culture."

• Ed Gamble [27:13]:
  "I'm choosing wax now. I can't answer any more questions."

• James Acaster [10:43]:
  "It's like the Zodiac Killer giving himself away."

• Rose Matafeo [23:35]:
  "I have been recently diagnosed with silent acid reflux at the tender age of 32."

• Ed Gamble [08:30]:
  "I read Google reviews for comfort at night and aggregate some sort of scoring or review from all the ones I read."

Final Thoughts

This Christmas special episode of "Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster" offers a delightful blend of humor, heartfelt conversations, and culinary creativity. Rose Matafeo's participation adds a fresh dynamic, making it an engaging listen for both new and existing fans of the podcast. Whether you're a foodie, a comedy enthusiast, or someone looking for festive inspiration, this episode serves up a hearty helping of entertainment.