Episode Title: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Guest: Stacey Dooley
Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 293 of Off Menu, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome the renowned broadcaster, author, and writer Stacey Dooley to their magical Dream Restaurant. The premise of the show remains true to its essence: guests are invited to curate their ultimate dream meal by selecting their favorite starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink.

Guest Introduction: Stacey Dooley

Ed Gamble introduces Stacey Dooley as a "wonderful broadcaster," while James Acaster playfully teases her multi-faceted career, highlighting her roles as an author and writer. Stacey shares her excitement about her latest book, "Sorry, Yes: Conversations with Remarkable Mothers", which compiles heartfelt letters from mothers across the UK to their children.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [06:00]: "The premise is, like, really straightforward. It's loads of letters from mums all over the UK and they write a letter to their kids."

Discussion Highlights

Stacey's New Book and Motherhood

Stacey delves into the inspiration behind her book, emphasizing the importance of diverse maternal experiences. She explains how she sought genuine, varied perspectives from different mothers to avoid the pitfalls of a single narrative.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [07:00]: "If it had been sort of focused solely on my experience, it wouldn't have been, like, massively representative."

Experiences at Disney

The conversation shifts to Stacey's family experiences at Disney, particularly highlighting her daughter Minnie Dooley's wonderment at meeting Minnie Mouse. Stacey shares amusing anecdotes about navigating character interactions and the challenges of maintaining a child's excitement.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [08:10]: "She just could not believe that she was stood opposite Minnie Mouse. And it was actually beautiful seeing all the kids or whatever. Like so made up."

The Dream Menu

Stacey takes center stage to unveil her dream meal, meticulously selecting each course with personal significance and culinary delight.

Starter: Anchovies on Toast

Stacey chooses anchovies on toast from Copenhagen, praising their perfection and aesthetic presentation. She elaborates on her preference for thick, luxurious anchovies and their impeccable preparation in Copenhagen's culinary scene.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [22:17]: "I love anchovies on toast from Copenhagen. It's the perfect, perfect starter."

Main Course: Italian Pasta Platter

She opts for a sumptuous Italian pasta platter featuring Puttanesca with rigatoni and Cacio e Pepe with spaghetti. Stacey appreciates the balance and richness these dishes bring to the table, highlighting their traditional flavors.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [34:05]: "I could eat three bowls of that and still have room for more."

Side Dish: Truffle and Mushroom Arancini

For her side, Stacey selects truffle and mushroom arancini, admiring their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. She mentions her love for Italian cuisine's ability to blend simplicity with depth.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [46:07]: "Truffle and mushroom arancini are a delight. They add a luxurious touch to the meal."

Drink: Shirley Temple

Choosing a classic non-alcoholic beverage, Stacey picks the Shirley Temple. She appreciates its sweet and refreshing profile, making it a perfect complement to her savory selections.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [51:18]: "I love a Shirley Temple. It's just a lovely, sweet drink that fits perfectly with the meal."

Dessert: Honeycomb Cannoli

Stacey concludes her meal with a unique twist on the traditional cannoli by selecting a honeycomb cannoli. She enjoys the combination of crunchy honeycomb with the creamy filling, adding an extra layer of sweetness to her dessert course.

Notable Quote:

Stacey Dooley [63:52]: "A honeycomb cannoli would be the perfect end to this Italian feast."

A Playful Banter

Throughout the episode, Ed and James engage in light-hearted humor, often teasing each other about food preferences and personal anecdotes. Their camaraderie adds a delightful and entertaining layer to the conversation, making the episode both insightful and enjoyable.

Notable Quote:

James Acaster [02:38]: "If Stacey Dooley says the secret ingredient which we have deemed to be unacceptable, we'll have to keep. We will have to kick her out of the dream."

Conclusion

Episode 293 of Off Menu masterfully blends meaningful discussions about motherhood and personal experiences with the whimsical task of crafting a dream menu. Stacey Dooley's selections reflect her love for Italian cuisine, her appreciation for simplicity, and her desire to create memorable dining experiences. Ed Gamble and James Acaster ensure the conversation remains engaging through their signature humor and genuine interactions, offering listeners both inspiration and entertainment.

Final Notable Quote:

Ed Gamble [67:46]: "Thank you very much for listening. We'll be back next week with another off menu podcast."

For those seeking a blend of heartfelt conversation and culinary creativity, this episode with Stacey Dooley is a must-listen!