Podcast Summary: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster - Episode 282: Ellie Taylor

Release Date: March 12, 2025

In Episode 282 of "Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster," host James Acaster welcomes the multifaceted comedian and actress Ellie Taylor to their whimsical Dream Restaurant. The episode, rich with humor, personal anecdotes, and creative culinary discussions, offers listeners an engaging journey through Ellie’s favorite dishes and her vibrant career.

1. Welcome and Introduction

[05:43] James Acaster:
"Welcome, Ellie, to the Dream Restaurant."

James Acaster sets the stage by introducing Ellie Taylor, commending her work on popular shows like "Ted Lasso" and her appearance on "Celebrity Gladiators." The hosts express their excitement about having Ellie as their guest, highlighting her dynamic presence and comedic prowess.

[05:45] Kristen:
"Wow, it's smaller than I thought."

The team humorously remarks on the Dream Restaurant’s intimate setting, emphasizing the personalized experience awaiting Ellie.

2. Ellie Taylor’s Upcoming Tour: "Palavering"

Ellie delves into her upcoming stand-up tour titled "Palavering," which is scheduled to commence in April. The hosts engage in playful wordplay, linking the tour’s name to Pavlov and Pavlova, creating a humorous blend that underscores Ellie's creative approach to comedy.

[04:03] James Acaster:
"Palavering starts in April. Go to ellietaylorcomedy.com for tickets."
(Timestamp adjusted for contextual flow)

Ellie emphasizes the uniqueness of her tour title and encourages listeners to attend, showcasing her dedication to her craft.

3. Crafting the Dream Menu

The heart of the episode revolves around Ellie selecting her dream meal from the restaurant's magical menu, guided by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. The discussion is structured into distinct courses, each revealing Ellie's personal tastes and playful quirks.

a. Pre-Drink Selection

Ellie opts for a sophisticated start with a double vodka Diet Coke (VDC) paired with Robinson's Fruit and Barley Orange and a Kia Royale. The conversation highlights her preference for maintaining classiness while injecting humor about her drink choices.

[16:18] Kristen:
"Double VDC, Diet Coke brewing in it. It's been my favorite drink since I was 16."
[16:30] James Acaster:
"Make it a bit cheeky."

b. Starter

Ellie chooses croquetas from Jose's accompanied by jamon and Comté cheese, reflecting her love for Spanish and French culinary delights. The discussion evolves into a light-hearted debate about ideal accompaniments and portioning rules.

[30:10] Kristen:
"I want croquetas from Jose. I also want jamon and Comté on the side."
[30:35] James Acaster:
"A good sauce to croquetas ratio is essential."

c. Main Course

Her main course selection is rigatoni with Phil's Special Sauce, a humorous creation that symbolizes the duo's ongoing banter about the authenticity and quality of homemade versus restaurant dishes. Ellie reflects on her love for Italian cuisine while jesting about never finding pasta better than homemade.

[41:08] Kristen:
"My favorite cuisine in the world is Italian. I love Italian food."
[41:25] James Acaster:
"Fresh pasta at home is unbeatable."

d. Side Dishes

Ellie's side dish includes an amusing combination of French bread with salted butter, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, and potato skins reminiscent of TGI Fridays. The hosts engage in playful tactics about portion sizes and sharing etiquette, emphasizing the social aspect of dining.

[25:39] Kristen:
"I want some lovely, garlicky aioli with my croquetas."
[31:08] Elliet Taylor:
"Let them share freely to avoid awkwardness."

e. Desserts and Drinks

For dessert, Ellie selects a chocolate milkshake from the Boathouse at Shelley Beach, paired with Betty Crocker's icing, reflecting her sweet tooth and fond memories associated with specific treats. The conversation ventures into nostalgic territories, discussing favorite childhood cereals and the joy of indulging in favorite desserts.

[50:10] Kristen:
"My pudding is a chocolate milkshake from the Boathouse at Shelley Beach."
[54:41] James Acaster:
"Yorkshire puddings are fantastic when paired with good gravy."

4. Anecdotes and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, Ellie shares personal stories that add depth to her culinary choices. From living at the prestigious Langham Hotel due to a visa mishap to amusing tales about her experiences on TV shows, Ellie’s narratives provide listeners with a glimpse into her life beyond the stage.

[10:29] Kristen:
"I lived at the Langham for a week like a rock star."
[22:00] Ellie Taylor:
"I have barley water in the foyer to keep things fresh."

The hosts and Ellie engage in humorous exchanges about everyday situations, such as grocery shopping and the quirks of different culinary traditions, enhancing the episode’s relatable and entertaining nature.

5. Humorous Banter and Interactions

The episode is peppered with witty exchanges and comedic improvisations between James Acaster and Ellie Taylor. From creating fictional characters like Nina Comte, the cheese ventriloquist to debating the merits of various cereals, the chemistry between the hosts keeps the conversation lively and engaging.

[36:16] Ellie Taylor:
"Nina Comte would be a good character, talking to different cheeses."
[37:18] Kristen:
"Do a ventriloquist with a French accent without moving your lips!"

These moments underscore the light-hearted and improvisational spirit of the podcast, making it enjoyable for both fans and newcomers.

6. Concluding the Dream Meal

As the meal selection concludes, Ellie successfully navigates the Dream Restaurant’s offerings without opting for the dreaded Pavlova, adhering to a playful rule set by the hosts. The final menu encapsulates her preferences and the humorous tone of the episode.

[79:40] James Acaster:
"Thank you so much for coming to the Dream Restaurant, Ellie."
[80:03] Ellie Taylor:
"Goodbye, everyone."

The episode wraps up with fond farewells and a reiteration of Ellie’s tour details, encouraging listeners to attend her "Palavering" stand-up shows.

7. Notable Quotes

• Ellie Taylor [05:58]:
  "I feel like I've seen her loads of watching all these shows that she's on."

• James Acaster [10:11]:
  "I love doing that. If I'm eating alone, sitting at the bar is good."

• Ellie Taylor [36:34]:
  "Nina Comte would be my new cheese ventriloquist act."

• Kristen [51:06]:
  "My favorite breakfast cereal of all time doesn't exist anymore. It was Kellogg's Start."

8. Final Thoughts

Episode 282 of "Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster" featuring Ellie Taylor is a delightful blend of humor, personal insights, and culinary creativity. Through engaging dialogues and amusing anecdotes, Ellie offers listeners a taste of her favorite dishes and shares glimpses into her life as a comedian and actress. The episode not only highlights the unique concept of the Dream Restaurant but also reinforces the camaraderie and wit that define the podcast.

Whether you’re a fan of Ellie Taylor, James Acaster, or simply enjoy inventive and humorous discussions about food, this episode serves as a scrumptious treat that’s both entertaining and memorable.