Podcast Summary: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster featuring Jonny Pelham

Episode Information

• Title: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
• Guest: Jonny Pelham
• Release Date: August 13, 2025
• Description: Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite special guests into their magical restaurant to each choose their favorite starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink. Ever wanted to eat your dream meal? It's time to order Off Menu.

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

The episode begins with Ed Gamble creatively describing the podcast's unique culinary concept, emphasizing humor and friendship. James Acaster introduces himself and co-host Ed Gamble, welcoming Jonny Pelham, an acclaimed and natural stand-up comedian, to the Dream Restaurant.

Notable Quote:

• James Acaster [05:23]: "Welcome, Johnny Pelham, to the Dream Restaurant. We've been expecting you for some time."

2. Setting the Stage: The Secret Ingredient

Ed and James reveal the secret ingredient for this episode is "Johnny Cakes." They playfully explain that if Jonny mentions this ingredient during his menu choices, he would be humorously "kicked out" of the Dream Restaurant. This sets a light-hearted and playful tone for the episode.

Notable Quote:

• Ed Gamble [03:48]: "But if he says an ingredient that we have predicted pre agreed upon, he will be kicked out of the dream restaurant."

3. Jonny Pelham’s Dream Menu

a. Starter: Spaghetti Carbonara

Jonny shares his love for spaghetti carbonara, recounting a memorable experience from his 18th birthday in Florence. He describes a carbonara so exceptional that it set an unrealistic standard for him, leading to a humorous reluctance to order it again.

Notable Quote:

• Jonny Pelham [26:00]: "I was in Florence. I had a carbonara that was so delightful that it sort of ruined food for me for the next 15 years."

b. Main Course: Curry from Habibs, Bradford

Reflecting his roots, Jonny chooses a curry from Habibs in Bradford as his main course. He praises the restaurant's consistent quality and the vibrant flavors, highlighting dishes like lamb makani and vegetable rogan josh that cater to his family's diverse tastes.

Notable Quote:

• Jonny Pelham [36:00]: "It's such good curry. It's just like a vibrant pink that doesn't exist in nature and I don't really like because it's really sweet. But this one... it's just like the nicest curry I've ever had."

c. Side Dish: Fish Pakora

Jonny opts for fish pakora as his side dish, describing them as light, perfectly fried, and bursting with flavor. He shares anecdotes about his father's humorous attempts to change orders, leading to delightful chaos.

Notable Quote:

• Jonny Pelham [48:00]: "They're really like, blow your head off. Good. My dad ordered. He changed the order about three years ago. That was commotion everywhere."

d. Drink: Margarita from 20 Stories High, Manchester

Jonny selects a margarita from "20 Stories High" in Manchester, adding a whimsical twist by desiring to enjoy it while overlooking London. This choice sparks playful improvisation among the hosts about the impossibility and humor of such a scenario.

Notable Quote:

• Jonny Pelham [58:34]: "I do love a margarita. Didn't really get into margaritas until about five years ago."

e. Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding

For dessert, Jonny chooses sticky toffee pudding, reminiscing about his childhood when microwaving and indulging in multiple puddings provided comfort and joy. He humorously reflects on how this treat became a nostalgic favorite.

Notable Quote:

• Jonny Pelham [63:00]: "It's the thing I eat. And also when I was... the thing is life gonna be okay."

4. Anecdotes and Storytelling

a. The Blazing Bangladeshis Gang

Jonny reveals his past as a member of a school gang called the "Blazing Bangladeshis," humorously detailing his efforts to blend in and the cultural dynamics within the group. This story provides insight into his social experiences and comedic material.

Notable Quote:

• Jonny Pelham [40:00]: "I was a founding member. We were actually recruiting. People were leaving. I was in the core group."

b. Therapy Techniques and Family Influence

The conversation delves into therapy techniques, influenced by Jonny's parents being therapists. They discuss empathetic listening and emotional affirmation, with Jonny sharing humorous takes on how these methods played out in his interactions.

Notable Quote:

• Ed Gamble [13:18]: "The main one is, this is true. If you ask, you know, like empathic listening or emotional listening..."

5. Host-Guest Interactions and Humor

Ed and James engage in playful banter with Jonny, particularly around the concept of "Johnny Cakes" and the secret ingredient rule. Their improvisational humor creates a dynamic and entertaining atmosphere, blending culinary discussions with comedic sketches.

Notable Quotes:

• James Acaster [53:35]: "Johnny Carbonara sounds like quite the character."
• Ed Gamble [54:08]: "Johnny Carbonara, thank you so much for coming on the off menu podcast."

6. Concluding the Menu

The hosts summarize Jonny's dream meal, highlighting each course and adding humorous commentary about the practicality and imagination behind the choices. They express admiration for Jonny's unique selections and the stories behind them.

Notable Quote:

• James Acaster [73:07]: "I'm going to read your menu back to you now, Johnny, see how you feel about it."

7. Final Remarks and Farewell

Ed and James wrap up the episode by reiterating their appreciation for Jonny Pelham's participation. They encourage listeners to attend his shows, especially highlighting his presence at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Notable Quote:

• Ed Gamble [78:36]: "Go and see Johnny's show. Very, very funny man. Thank you very much for listening."

8. Notable Themes and Insights

• Nostalgia and Food: Jonny's stories illustrate how certain foods can hold deep emotional significance and influence personal tastes long-term.

• Cultural Integration: His experience with the "Blazing Bangladeshis" highlights themes of cultural blending and the humorous side of fitting into diverse social groups.

• Therapy and Communication: The discussion on therapy techniques underscores the importance of empathetic listening and emotional affirmation in personal relationships.

• Humor in Everyday Life: The exchange about secret ingredients and improvisational jokes showcases the hosts' ability to blend culinary topics with stand-up comedy seamlessly.

Conclusion

This episode of Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster offers a delightful blend of personal anecdotes, culinary preferences, and humor. Jonny Pelham's engaging storytelling, combined with the hosts' witty interactions, creates an entertaining and insightful listening experience for both fans and newcomers alike.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been omitted to focus solely on the interactive and content-rich portions of the episode.