Podcast Title: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Episode: Ep 290: Daisy Ridley
Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction

In Ep 290 of Off Menu, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome the talented actress Daisy Ridley to their whimsical Dream Restaurant. Known for her iconic roles in Star Wars and the upcoming Sky Original Cleaner, Daisy brings her unique perspective to the show as she navigates through her dream meal selections.

Scheduling Shenanigans and the Secret Ingredient

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted discussion about scheduling mishaps involving the producer, Benito, leading to Daisy's appearance being moved unexpectedly. The hosts humorously emphasize their commitment by stating, "There are not many guests I would cancel a day of relaxing for," highlighting their excitement about having Daisy on the podcast ([07:18]—Ed Gamble).

As customary, the hosts introduce a "secret ingredient" that, if chosen by the guest, would result in them being kicked out of the Dream Restaurant. This week's secret ingredient is rabbit, a nod to Daisy's role as Cottontail in the Peter Rabbit film. Given Daisy's vegan lifestyle, it’s unsurprising that she avoids this ingredient:

James Acaster (07:37): "And this week the secret ingredient is Rabbit."

Daisy Ridley’s Dream Starter

Daisy faces a delightful dilemma when choosing her starter. She prefers the bean dish—a savory option featuring butter beans in a creamy sauce, complemented by crusty sourdough bread for dipping. Additionally, she mentions the impossible cigars from Crossroads in LA, showcasing her appreciation for innovative vegan cuisine:

Daisy Ridley (25:04): "So I have two options here. One is...[description of the bean dish]... butter beans in a creamy sauce."

Main Course: Sausage and Mash with a Vegan Twist

For the main course, Daisy opts for a classic sausage and mash. However, being vegan, she selects plant-based sausages paired with mashed potatoes, peas, and a drizzle of vegan butter and bisto gravy from a nostalgic red carton:

Daisy Ridley (31:10): "Saussage and mash with bisto gravy and peas."

The hosts engage in playful banter about the presentation and portion sizes, reflecting Daisy's emphasis on comfort and tradition.

Side Dishes: Crisp Brussels Sprouts and Maple Miso Carrots

Daisy’s choices for side dishes are both flavorful and plant-based. She selects crispy Brussels sprouts, aiming for that perfect crunch, and maple miso garlicky carrots, which add a sweet and savory dimension to her meal:

Daisy Ridley (43:42): "I'd say Brussels, but I also have started doing these carrots very recently that are a maple miso garlicky."

The hosts express genuine interest in her cooking techniques, with Ed exclaiming, "I can’t wait to watch it again," upon hearing about her innovative carrot preparation ([44:47]—Ed Gamble).

Dessert: Lemon Polenta Cake with Vegan Lemon Curd Ice Cream

For dessert, Daisy reminisces about her mother's hedgehog cakes but introduces a sophisticated twist with a lemon polenta cake paired with vegan lemon curd ice cream. This combination reflects her love for baking and her ability to create delectable vegan desserts:

Daisy Ridley (58:20): "So my mum used to make us hedgehog cakes... This is nigella cake. It's a lemon polenta cake that is so tasty."

The hosts commend her baking prowess, with Ed humorously noting, "That's a film," in response to Daisy’s skilled dessert descriptions ([63:01]—James Acaster).

Dream Drink: Lychee Martini

Daisy chooses a lychee martini as her dream drink, preferring it for its sweetness and balance:

Daisy Ridley (52:42): "I'd go for a lychee martini."

Ed and James engage in a comedic exchange about the drink's strength and Daisy's allergy to wine, adding a playful layer to her selection.

Additional Conversations and Insights

Throughout the episode, Daisy shares anecdotes about her experiences on Bake Off, her vegan lifestyle, and her approach to cooking for others. She reflects on the emotional connection she has with food and how it symbolizes home and shared moments:

Daisy Ridley (31:10): "Food for me is so emotional and home signifying that."

The hosts also delve into light-hearted topics such as wedding experiences, cooking mishaps, and the challenges of managing dishwashers, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging atmosphere.

Conclusion

Ed and James wrap up the episode by thanking Daisy Ridley for her delightful participation and sharing her carefully curated dream menu. They reflect on the engaging conversation and the unique insights Daisy brought to the Dream Restaurant, leaving listeners both entertained and inspired to think about their own dream meals.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Gamble (07:18): "There are not many guests I would cancel a day of relaxing for."
• James Acaster (07:37): "And this week the secret ingredient is Rabbit."
• Daisy Ridley (25:04): "So I have two options here... butter beans in a creamy sauce."
• Daisy Ridley (58:20): "So my mum used to make us hedgehog cakes... This is nigella cake. It's a lemon polenta cake that is so tasty."
• Daisy Ridley (52:42): "I'd go for a lychee martini."

This episode of Off Menu offers a delightful blend of culinary dreams, personal anecdotes, and the charming rapport between the hosts and guest, Daisy Ridley. Whether you're a foodie, a fan of Daisy, or simply enjoy witty banter, this episode serves up a satisfying listen.