Podcast Summary: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster – Episode 289: Jeff Goldblum
Introduction
In Episode 289 of Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, titled "Jeff Goldblum," comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome the renowned actor Jeff Goldblum into their whimsical Dream Restaurant. Hosted by Plosive and released on April 23, 2025, this episode delves deep into Jeff's culinary preferences, personal anecdotes, and insights into his multifaceted career, including his latest musical endeavor.
Guest Introduction
The episode kicks off with Ed Gamble enthusiastically welcoming Jeff Goldblum to the Dream Restaurant:
Ed Gamble [08:37]: "We all have that one friend whose opinion we trust on everything…"
Jeff joins Ed and James, bringing his charismatic presence to the conversation. Both hosts express their admiration for Jeff, highlighting his iconic roles in films like Jurassic Park and his unique foray into music.
Jeff Goldblum’s Career and New Album
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Jeff's latest project, his new album:
James Acaster [05:13]: "Jeff Goldblum has an album coming out on the 25th of April on Decca Records. It's called Still Blooming."
Jeff elaborates on his musical journey with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, discussing collaborations with notable artists such as Ariana Grande and Scarlett Johansson:
Jeff Goldblum [10:15]: "We have our fourth album, Still Blooming. There are instrumentals and vocal tracks, including collaborations with Cynthia Erivo and Scarlett Johansson."
The hosts express their excitement about the album, with Ed mentioning:
Ed Gamble [05:28]: "Some really amazing guests on it as well… a whole spell of witches!"
Exploring Jeff’s Food Preferences
The core of the episode revolves around Jeff's dream meal, segmented into clear categories: starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink.
Starter: Ambrosia Custard
Ed Gamble introduces the concept of a "secret ingredient" and reveals that they've chosen ambrosia custard:
Ed Gamble [07:51]: "The secret ingredient is ambrosia custard."
Jeff humorously regrets not revealing it himself:
Jeff Goldblum [70:59]: "I apologized for everything."
This choice ties into Greek mythology, where ambrosia is considered the food of the gods, adding a mythic flair to the dream menu.
Main Course: Seafood Pasta Extravaganza
Jeff expresses his love for seafood and pasta, emphasizing the importance of freshness and flavor:
Jeff Goldblum [55:27]: "I love seafood pasta. Constantly changing bowl of pasta… constellate dishes."
He reminisces about his favorite childhood meals and how his culinary tastes have evolved, leaning towards spicy and well-cooked seafood dishes.
Side Dish: Adventurous Vegetables
The conversation shifts to side dishes, with Jeff showcasing his adventurous palate:
Jeff Goldblum [37:29]: "I like soy sauce, Tabasco sauce, and all kinds of spicy condiments."
He discusses his appreciation for varied textures in vegetables, preferring them well-cooked yet retaining some bite:
Jeff Goldblum [60:05]: "I like asparagus that's not too fibrous… gentle on the palate."
Dessert: Ultimate Dessert Buffet
Desserts take center stage as Jeff's sweet tooth becomes evident. He advocates for a diverse dessert buffet to satisfy any craving:
Jeff Goldblum [66:40]: "I love sorbet and sinfully delightful ice cream."
He shares his experiences with artisanal gelato in Florence, Italy, highlighting his preference for fresh, high-quality ingredients:
Jeff Goldblum [67:03]: "Artisanal gelato with real ingredients is my kind of dessert."
Drink: Spicy Virgin Mary and Mocktails
Jeff, identifying as a non-drinker, prefers sophisticated mocktails, particularly a spicy Virgin Mary:
Jeff Goldblum [64:36]: "I love spicy Virgin Marys without the alcohol."
He appreciates the complexity of flavors and the balance between spice and warmth in his beverages.
Personal Anecdotes and Family Life
Throughout the episode, Jeff shares heartfelt stories about his family, particularly his two sons, River and Charlie. He describes their engaging personalities and their shared love for food and cooking:
Jeff Goldblum [17:03]: "My nine-year-old son River makes me a cup of coffee every day. He's already a handy barista."
He also touches upon his culinary adventures with his wife, Emily, emphasizing the importance of home cooking and family meals.
Insights into Acting and Creativity
Jeff delves into the craft of acting, discussing the nuances of depicting real-life experiences on screen. He reflects on his roles in various films and the interplay between his acting and musical pursuits:
Jeff Goldblum [19:25]: "Acting is about capturing real emotions and translating them through performance."
His collaboration with directors like John M. Chu and experience working on diverse projects provide listeners with a glimpse into his creative process.
Conclusion
As the episode winds down, Ed and James reflect on the delightful conversation with Jeff. They express their gratitude and excitement about his upcoming album:
Ed Gamble [71:58]: "Go and listen to Jeff's album, Still Blooming, out on April 25th."
Jeff humorously remarks on not revealing the secret ingredient, "ambrosia custard," maintaining the playful spirit of the show. The hosts tease potential future guests, indicating the continued charm and unpredictability of the Off Menu podcast.
Notable Quotes
- Ed Gamble [07:12]: "Ambrosia, James, is the food of the gods in Greek mythology..."
- Jeff Goldblum [10:15]: "We have our fourth album, Still Blooming."
- James Acaster [05:13]: "Jeff Goldblum has an album coming out on the 25th of April."
- Jeff Goldblum [37:29]: "I like soy sauce, Tabasco sauce, and all kinds of spicy condiments."
- Jeff Goldblum [55:27]: "I love seafood pasta."
Final Thoughts
Episode 289 of Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster offers a rich and engaging exploration of Jeff Goldblum’s culinary tastes and personal stories. Through laughter, insightful discussions, and mutual admiration, listeners gain a multifaceted view of Jeff, making this episode a standout in the Off Menu series.