Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Episode 283: Anthony Perovsky
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Guest: Anthony Perovsky
Introduction
In Episode 283 of "Off Menu", hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome Anthony Perovsky, a prominent member of the Queer Eye crew, known for his expertise in the food segment of the Fab Five. The episode delves deep into Anthony's culinary passions, his latest project, and his envisioned dream menu, all set within the whimsical confines of the hosts' magical restaurant.
Guest Background and Recent Work
Anthony Perovsky shares insights into his role on Queer Eye, emphasizing the show's focus on teaching guests to cook meaningful dishes that reflect their personal histories. He highlights the heartfelt connections formed during the cooking process, describing it as one of his favorite aspects of the show.
“Every episode will teach the person how to cook a dish that they then recreate at the end for their loved ones as well. It has a lovely heart-to-heart, often in the kitchen as they're cooking.” [02:13]
Anthony also introduces his new show, "Tastes Like Home", now streaming on Disney Plus. The show features celebrity guests like Florence Pugh, James Marsden, Issa Rae, and Justin Theroux, exploring their culinary roots and family histories through food.
“Tastes Like Home is out now on Disney Plus. Loads of celebrity guests, and we're going to learn more about it.” [02:45]
Favorite Dishes and Culinary Preferences
The conversation shifts to Anthony's favorite dishes and his love for comfort foods that evoke nostalgia. Anthony recounts his fondness for cold lasagna, a dish that holds emotional significance for him.
“There is a part of the book where I talk about watching Queer Eye and crying while eating cold lasagna.” [06:14]
James and Anthony discuss the merits of various breakfast options, including soft scrambled eggs and the benefits of sourdough bread, inspired by the Blue Zones documentary Anthony references.
“I have a little slice of that with some good room temp butter, some Maldon flake salt, and then soft scrambled eggs. It's the best way to start a day.” [10:32]
Creating the Dream Menu
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to crafting Anthony's dream menu. Anthony enthusiastically describes each course in meticulous detail, showcasing his deep passion for food.
Starter:
Anthony begins with a nostalgic trip to Montreal, reminiscing about Rotisserie Italienne, a local favorite where he enjoyed dishes like mozzarella in carrozza. This is essentially a trashy white bread slice stuffed with mozzarella, dipped in egg wash, breaded, and fried to a perfect dark brown crust. He envisions it served with a sweet marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper.
“It's kind of like a French toast. It soaks everything up. I want it, like, 30 seconds before it's black. I want a dark brown crust.” [21:29]
Anthony also fantasizes about an arancini, a fried risotto ball stuffed with peas and prosciutto, showcasing his love for versatile and hearty starters.
“I love the idea of sneaking in a sandwich as a starter. Yeah, I think that's great.” [24:10]
Main Course:
The centerpiece is a cheese and charcuterie board overflowing with a variety of high-quality cheeses and meats. Anthony lists favorites like Iberico ham, Etivase Gruyere, Vermont Cloth-Bound Cheddar, Mimolette, and Polish Cabanos. He emphasizes the importance of texture and pairing, suggesting accompaniments like fig jelly, Stilton cheese with dates, and marcona almonds.
“I want some beautiful Iberico ham... with some nice room temp butter, some Maldon flake salt.” [29:11]
Anthony's attention to detail extends to selecting the perfect crackers, olives, and nuts to complement the board, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Side Dish:
Anthony's choice for a side dish is a rich and creamy Mac and Cheese. Inspired by childhood memories, he discusses incorporating a variety of cheeses and ground meats to create a dish that's both comforting and indulgent.
“I love ground beef as much as I love a tomahawk steak. It's such joy.” [42:12]
Dessert:
For dessert, Anthony opts for a sticky toffee pudding drizzled with caramel sauce and accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream. He highlights the importance of achieving the perfect balance between the spongy cake and the rich sauce.
“Sticky toffee pudding is so good. It’s the most tormenting flight I’ve ever taken in my life.” [56:37]
Drink:
Anthony's dream drink is a shrub, a refreshing concoction made from fresh Maine blueberries, mint, apple cider vinegar, and soda water. He discusses experimenting with flavors like lemongrass and persimmon to add tartness and complexity.
“I love a good shrub. They're like, just refreshing and... a bit of tartness.” [47:48]
Personal Anecdotes and Stories
Throughout the episode, Anthony shares personal stories that highlight his relationship with food and how it has shaped his life. He recounts his time in Montreal, the emotional connection he has with certain dishes, and the influence of his family's culinary habits.
“When I came back full circle...” [06:10]
Anthony also discusses his dog, detailing his routine with dog camp, emphasizing the importance of providing a loving environment for his pets, akin to crafting a perfect meal.
“I have a rescue Pit Bull... he gets a walk in the morning for 45 minutes...” [08:17]
Conclusion and Show Promotion
As the episode wraps up, Ed and James express their gratitude towards Anthony for his participation and enthusiasm. They promote Anthony's new show, "Tastes Like Home", encouraging listeners to watch and explore the intricate relationship between food and personal history.
“Thank you for coming to the dream restaurant. Please check out 'Tastes Like Home' on Disney Plus.” [64:24]
The hosts also tease future episodes, hinting at spin-offs and additional content that delves further into culinary adventures and personal narratives.
Notable Quotes
- “Every episode we do, I'm deliberately trying to make you laugh.” — James Acaster [01:50]
- “Tastes Like Home is out now on Disney Plus. Loads of celebrity guests, and we're going to learn more about it.” — Anthony Perovsky [02:45]
- “I cried so hard all the time.” — Anthony Perovsky [06:07]
- “Sticky toffee pudding is so good. It’s the most torturous flight I’ve ever taken in my life.” — Anthony Perovsky [56:37]
- “Better spit in your face than be dead in the eyes.” — Anthony Perovsky [46:34]
Final Thoughts
Episode 283 of "Off Menu" offers a rich exploration of Anthony Perovsky's culinary world, blending humor with heartfelt stories. Listeners are treated to an in-depth look at how food intertwines with personal identity and relationships, all while enjoying the distinct comedic chemistry between Ed Gamble, James Acaster, and their special guest.
For those who haven't tuned in yet, this episode is a delectable treat that blends culinary passion with engaging conversation, making it a must-listen for food enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike.