
Advertise on podcast: The Restaurant Guys
Rating
5from
This podcast has
185 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
The Restaurant GuysExplicit
No
Date created
2024/07/17
Latest episode
2026/02/05
Average duration
46 min.
Release period
4 days
Description
The Restaurant Guys is one of the original food and wine podcasts, launched in 2005 by restaurateurs Mark Pascal and Francis Schott. With roots as a daily radio show, the podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, bartenders, winemakers, authors, and hospitality professionals—offering the inside track on food, cocktails, wine, and restaurant culture. New episodes and vintage conversations—because the best stories, like the best bottles, age well. Expect insightful, opinionated, and entertaining conversations about food, wine, and the finer things in life. Contact: [email protected]
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Check latest episodes from The Restaurant Guys podcast
Neal Rosenthal on Globalization and the Future of Wine
2026/02/05
This is a Vintage episode from 2005.
Why This Episode Matters
How globalization began reshaping wine style, taste, and production in the early 2000sWhy market pressure and critical consensus can lead to homogenized winesThe tension between wines made for place versus wines made for approvalWhat is lost when tradition and restraint give way to international samenessA timeless argument for authenticity, terroir, and consumer responsibilityThe Banter
Mark Pascal and Francis Schott open the show reflecting on recent dining experiences and a private screening of Mondo Vino as a lens into the changing wine world.
The Conversation
Neal Rosenthal, one of America’s most influential wine importers, joins Mark and Francis to examine the impact of globalization on the wine industry. The conversation explores how powerful markets and critics shape production decisions, often at the expense of regional character. Rosenthal celebrates wines that express place, and challenges consumers to protect them.
Timestamps
02:13 – Mondo Vino and the globalization debate
11:01 – Globalization’s impact on wine style
14:00 – Consumer responsibility in the wine market
15:44 – The homogenization of wine
21:22 – Sustainable agriculture and authenticity
28:40 – Ageability and identifying quality wines
35:54 – Wrap-up
Bio
Neal Rosenthal is an American wine importer and founder of Neal Rosenthal Selections, known for championing small, family-run producers and wines that express terroir.
Info
Neal's company www.rosenthalwinemerchant.com/
Mondovino (2004) on Tubi
https://tubitv.com/movies/506270/mondovino?start=true&tracking=google-feed&utm_source=google-feed
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Bartenders Matter: Ryan Foley on Legacy, Craft, and the Future of the Bar
2026/02/03
Why This Episode Matters
Bartenders are central to hospitality cultureIndustry legacy plays a critical role in preserving bar professionalism Non-alcoholic cocktails require intention, balance, and structureThe future of the bar depends on respecting craft while adapting to changeThe Banter
Mark Pascal and Francis Schott open the show riffing on old-school hospitality, handwritten reservation books, and whether pencil-and-paper elegance can survive the modern restaurant world.
The Conversation
Ryan Foley shares his perspective on bartending as a profession shaped by history, mentorship, and responsibility. The discussion traces the legacy of his father, Ray Foley, founder of the Bartender Hall of Fame, and examines how Bartender Magazine has long served as an advocate for bartenders and bar culture. Together, they explore how foundational skills intersect with the modern craft cocktail movement—and why non-alcoholic cocktails deserve the same respect as their spirited counterparts.
Timestamps
00:00 – Talk of analog reservation taking becoming trendy
9:50 – Ryan Foley joins /Bartender Magazine and bartender advocacy
22:30 – The Bartender Hall of Fame
35:36 – How bartending skills and expectations have evolved
42:38 – Ryan’s book Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Dummies
53:24 – Non-alcoholic cocktails and building drinks with intention
1:00:00 – Wrap Up 80s Drinks
Bio
Ryan Foley is a hospitality industry publisher whose family owns Bartender Magazine and Bartender.com, continuing a legacy of advocacy for bartenders, bar culture, and the craft behind the bar.
Info
Website: https://www.bartender.com
For the Fuzzy Navel and Cold Brew Martini recipes, email [email protected]
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
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Gabrielle Hamilton: Blood, Bones & Butter and a Life in Food
2026/01/29
This is a Vintage episode from 2011.
Episode Description
Mark Pascal and Francis Schott open the show with reflections on family vacations and the waning of independent restaurants where distinctive dishes are still made in-house.
They are joined by Gabrielle Hamilton, chef and longtime owner of Prune in New York City, for a candid conversation about her memoir Blood, Bones & Butter and the experiences that shaped her life in food. Gabrielle reflects on her upbringing, her restless teenage years traveling and cooking, and the path that ultimately led her to the kitchen.
The discussion explores the pressure of culinary fame and wealth, and why authenticity and independence have always mattered more to Gabrielle than attention. Insightful, opinionated, and timeless, this episode captures a chef—and an industry—at a pivotal moment.
Timestamps
00:00 – Opening banter: travel, family, and restaurant culture
09:18 – Gabrielle joins the conversation
17:08 – Early life, travel, and formative experiences
27:57 – Prune: food, philosophy, and hospitality
33:10 – Iron Chef, fame, and closing thoughts
Guest Bio
Gabrielle Hamilton is the chef and longtime owner of Prune, the influential New York City restaurant. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Blood, Bones & Butter, which chronicles her life, travels, and uncompromising relationship with food.
Guest Information
Book: Blood, Bones & Butter
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Noah Rothbaum: The Whiskey Bible and the Real History of Whiskey
2026/01/27
The Banter
Mark Pascal and Francis Schott return to the restaurant floor with stories about hospitality as a lifelong condition—why you never stop working the room, why saying “goodnight” at lunch still feels natural, and how unusual guests and moments are part of the job. The Guys share a truly unsettling encounter with a guest who can’t eat meat and reflect on why restaurant life is a magnet for stories you can’t make up.
The Conversation
The Guys sit down with Noah Rothbaum, spirits writer and author of The Whiskey Bible, to talk about how whiskey’s real history has been buried under decades of marketing and myth. Noah explains his goal of writing a book that welcomes casual drinkers while still rewarding experts—and why deep research often reveals stories far better than the legends.
They explore how whiskey nearly vanished in the 1970s, how the modern revival took shape, and why understanding the backstory makes every drink more meaningful.
The Inside Track
This episode covers the turning points that shaped today’s whiskey world, including:
Booker Noe and Elmer T. Lee’s role in creating small batch and single barrel bourbonWhy barrel differences were once hidden—and are now celebratedHow regional whiskey styles actually differWhy adding water or ice is part of the tradition, not a weaknessProhibition’s long shadow Bio
Noah Rothbaum is the author of The Whiskey Bible, editor-at-large for Bartender Magazine, spirits editor for Men’s Journal, founding editor-in-chief of Liquor.com, a fellow of the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, and a Kentucky Colonel. His work has earned awards from the James Beard Foundation, Tales of the Cocktail, and the American Library Association.
Info
Noah's book
The Whiskey Bible: A Complete Guide to the World's Greatest Spirit
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
TEASER! Melissa Hamilton (Saveur) on Community Feasts and Food Culture *V*
2026/01/22
Episode Description
This is a Vintage Selection from 2005. Chef, author, and Saveur editor Melissa Hamilton joins the Restaurant Guys to talk about community feasts, food culture, and the role shared meals play in bringing people together. The conversation centers on the joy of cooking for one another.
The Banter
Mark and Francis reflect on restaurant culture in the mid-2000s, touching on critics, clever reviews, and the era of the snooty maître d’—setting the stage for a broader discussion about how food and restaurants were experienced at the time.
The Conversation
The Guys welcome Melissa Hamilton, chef turned food writer and editor at Saveur. Melissa discusses community feasts, collaborative cooking, and how shared meals shaped restaurant culture and food writing in the early 2000s. The conversation explores food as a social act, the importance of gathering around the table, and how publications like Saveur supported these ideas.
The Inside Track
The Guys share why Melissa’s restaurant has long been one of their favorites and how her work bridges the restaurant world and food writing.
Guest Bio
Melissa Hamilton is a chef, author, and food writer who served as an editor at Saveur magazine. With experience in both kitchens and publishing, she brought a thoughtful, community-focused perspective to food storytelling in the early 2000s.
Timestamps
00:00 – Episode Start
03:30 – Restaurant Reviews in the Mid-2000s
08:40 – Melissa Hamilton Joins the Conversation
12:40 – What’s Great about Saveur Magazine
15:15 – Community Feasts and Dinner Parties
22:00 – Cohesive Articles and Themes in Saveur
35:00 – Wrap Up with an Amusing Ad
Info
Ruth Reichl episode of The Restaurant Guys
https://www.restaurantguyspodcast.com/2390435/episodes/17591435-ruth-reichl-critic-in-disguise-v
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Traveling Well: Wine, History, and a Cautionary Tale
2026/01/20
Episode Description
Mark Pascal and Francis Schott share stories from recent travels through Ireland and Austria on this travel food podcast, exploring wine, history, and memorable restaurant experiences along the way. From pub culture and historic cities to standout meals abroad, the episode ends with a cautionary tale from a marina restaurant in Florida—and what it reveals about hospitality.
The Conversation
Francis recounts his journey through Ireland and Austria, including visits with family and friends in Belfast, Dublin, and Vienna. He shares observations on pub culture, regional dining, wine, and historic landmarks, along with practical travel tips for Austria. The discussion highlights how context, culture, and the small details intersect when you travel well.
The Inside Track
Mark shares a cautionary tale from a marina restaurant in West Palm Beach, underscoring why location alone doesn’t guarantee good hospitality. The episode closes with lessons on service, expectations, and what truly makes a restaurant worth returning to.
Timestamps
00:00 – Vacations in January
03:30 – Ireland: Homey Pubs to Luxury Hotels
7:40 – Ireland: Historic Sites While Traveling
16:10 – Austria: The Place and People
21:35 – Austria: Wine and Dining Recommendations
32:40 – A cautionary tale from West Palm Beach
Info
Ireland
Mrs. O’s
Bar at the Merchant Hotel
https://www.themerchanthotel.com/
Austria
Hotel Topazz & Lamée
https://www.hoteltopazzlamee.com/
Vinothek
https://www.vinothek1.at/
Heunisch & Erben
www.heunisch.at
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Mary Ann Esposito on Authentic Italian Cooking Before It Was Cool *V*
2026/01/15
This is a Vintage Selection from 2005
Episode Description
Mary Ann Esposito, pioneering host of PBS’s Ciao Italia, the longest running cooking show, joins the Restaurant Guys to discuss authentic Italian cooking before it was trendy. The conversation explores traditional Italian cuisine, regional cooking, food television, and how Italian food in America drifted from its roots.
The Banter
The Restaurant Guys open with a candid—and humorous—discussion of dieting culture in America, demonized foods, and what happens after a few months of eating sausage and whipped cream.
The Conversation
The Guys welcome Mary Ann Esposito, the host of PBS’s Ciao Italia and one of the earliest voices of authentic Italian cooking on American television. Mary Ann reflects on teaching traditional Italian cuisine, the foundations of regional cooking, and how Italian-American food evolved away from its origins. She also shares practical insights on bringing authenticity back into everyday cooking—without turning weeknight dinner into a chore.
The Inside Track
Mark and Francis reconnect with Mary Ann, recalling a memorable visit at their New Brunswick, NJ restaurant in 2005. They revisit her long-running culinary tours to Italy—and discover she’s still hosting them in 2026—proving that some food traditions don’t just endure, they keep evolving.
Timestamps
01:12 – What’s Wrong with a Pasta Dinner?
02:07 – Bad Diet Trends and Misunderstood Italian Food
06:35 – Mary Ann Esposito and Family Recipes
12:15 – The Cuisine of Sicily and Regional Italian Cooking
20:00 – The Quest for the Perfect Cannoli
24:30 – Preserving Authentic Italian Cuisine
29:30 – Finding Time to Cook Well at Home
32:00 – Leaving a Legacy in Food
Bio
Mary Ann Esposito is the longtime host of PBS’s Ciao Italia and a leading voice in Italian cooking in America. An award-winning author and teacher, she has spent d
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Tim McKirdy on Kitchens, Cocktail Culture, and Cooking with Booze
2026/01/13
From kitchens around the world to cocktail media, why it’s time to talk about cooking with booze
The Conversation
In this episode of The Restaurant Guys Podcast, hosts Mark Pascal and Francis Schott head to Brooklyn to record at the new studio of Tim McKirdy.
Tim McKirdy shares his unconventional career path, from cooking in kitchens in London and Buenos Aires to becoming an influential writer in drinks journalism at VinePair, where he hosted the popular Cocktail College podcast. The conversation dives into Tim’s newest project, Sauced, a podcast he co-hosts with Sother Teague, dedicated to cooking with booze and and building cocktails that are designed for the dinner table, not just the bar.
Along the way, the Guys dig into shifting restaurant culture, the evolution of kitchen environment and why food goes with drink and drink goes with food. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, practical insights, and plenty of New York City restaurant and bar recommendations from people who live this stuff daily.
If you care about food media, modern mixology, or the intersection of kitchens and cocktails, this episode is a must-listen.
Bio
Tim McKirdy is a former chef turned drinks journalist and podcast host. After cooking professionally in London and Buenos Aires, he joined VinePair, where he hosted the popular Cocktail College podcast and was managing editor. He now co-hosts Sauced with Sother Teague, exploring cooking with booze & drinking with food.
Info
Sauced Podcast
https://sauced.supercast.com/
The Restaurant Guys on Cocktail College
https://vinepair.com/cocktail-college/episode-200-special/
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & recording in Brooklyn
02:30 – Tim McKirdy’s early cooking career abroad
25:20 – From chef to VinePair and Cocktail College
41:48 – Launching Sauce
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
How Great Wine Programs Get Built — and How They Serve Everyone (Chris Goodhart) *V*
2026/01/08
This is a Vintage Selection from 2005
Ever wonder how great restaurant wine lists actually come together — and why some completely miss the mark?
The Banter
The Guys tell stories of their “glamorous” lives being restaurateurs that (surprisingly) involves more plumbers than they ever expected.
The Conversation
In this episode, The Restaurant Guys are joined by Chris Goodhart, wine buyer for Keith McNally’s restaurants in New York City, to talk about what really goes into building a wine program that serves both adventurous drinkers and everyday guests.
Chris shares stories from the floor, how he balances budgets with taste, and the quiet pressures behind the scenes when a bottle selection can make or break a dining experience.
The guys also dig into a fascinating moment in time: the impending smoking ban, how it changed drinking culture, and what restaurants had to rethink overnight — from bar traffic to wine styles that suddenly tasted different without smoke in the room.
The Inside Track
The Guys catch up with friend Chris Goodhardt and have a thoughtful, practical, and full of the kind of perspective you only get from people who live inside restaurants.
Timestamps
00:00 — Setting the stage: running restaurants in 2005
09:18 — What’s it like to run a wine program
15:00 — Building wine lists for various venues
20:00 — Chris’ opinion of The Michelin Guide in NYC
26:20 — How to take the pretentiousness out of the wine experience
32:40 — Corks and Screw Tops
35:27 — How Smoking Bans Change the Way People Drink
Bio
Chris Goodhart is a veteran New York City wine buyer, working for Keith McNally’s restaurant group, known for building thoughtful, guest-friendly wine programs that balance discovery, value, and hospitality.
Info
Keith McNally’s Balthazar, etc.
https://balthazarny.com/
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Why Everyone’s Talking About California Whiskey (Jeff Duckhorn)
2026/01/06
California whiskey isn’t just a trend — it’s challenging bourbon’s throne.
First, The Guys talk about recent dining experiences including being escorted into a bar, and too much salt.
Then, The Restaurant Guys meet up in-person with Jeff Duckhorn, Head Distiller at Redwood Empire, to talk about why West Coast whiskey tastes different, ages differently, and is suddenly showing up on serious back bars.
Jeff breaks down how climate impacts the barrel, why blending is a true craft, and what separates marketing myths from reality. They taste through several Redwood Empire expressions — talking flavor, structure, and where American whiskey is headed next.
If you love whiskey, restaurants, or hearing masters talk shop… pour yourself a dram and enjoy.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
Meet your hosts Mark and Francis, and get a preview of today’s guest, Jeff Duckhorn from Redwood Empire Whiskey.
01:57 – Restaurant Talk: Salt, Service, and Industry Insights
The hosts share stories about recent restaurant experiences, the importance of salt in food, and challenges with the right amount of attention.
13:46 – Whiskey Deep Dive with Jeff Duckhorn
Jeff joins the show to discuss why California is a great place for whiskey and what makes Redwood Empire unique.
21:19 – Blending, Transparency, and the Art of Whiskey
A look at the blending process, sourcing, and why transparency matters in the modern whiskey world.
30:53 – Tasting & Technicals: Bottled in Bond, Rye, and More
The team tastes through several whiskeys, explains “bottled in bond,” and explores unique mash bills and flavors.
49:41 – Reflections, Stories & Closing
Jeff’s journey from accountant to distiller, industry stories, and a final toast.
Bio
Jeff Duckhorn is the Master Distiller at Redwood Empire Whiskey in California, where he oversees blending and production across the brand’s growing lineup. At Redwood Empire, he’s helped develop a style that leans int
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Behind the Glass with Eric Asimov: The Rise of American Whiskey & Counterfeit Wine *V*
2026/01/01
This is a Vintage Selection from 2007
The Banter
The Guys discuss food psychology. When it comes to the containers used for fruit juice to M&Ms, size matters.
The Conversation
The Restaurant Guys talk with Eric Asimov, wine and spirits writer for the New York Times, about rye whiskey. He details its history, resurgence and highlights some of the excellent choices on the market at the time. You won’t believe the 2007 prices! They also bring awareness to counterfeit wines and how some places are selling more old Bordeaux than was ever made.
The Inside Track
The Guys and Eric talk of a great use for rye–in cocktails.
“Rye is a whiskey with a very different sensation from a smooth sweet-ish bourbon. It's much more jangly and it comes alive in your mouth. If you've had Szechuan peppercorns in a Chinese dish, and you get that dancing feeling on the tongue, that's precisely what you get with rye,” Eric Asimov on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2007
Info
Eric Asimov
https://www.nytimes.com/by/eric-asimov
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
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Charlie Palmer on What It Really Takes to Build a Great Restaurant *V*
2025/12/30
This is a Vintage Selection from 2005
The Banter
The Guys talk about the new concept (in 2005) of podcasting and answer some listener questions about sweet corn and sweet looks.
The Conversation
The Restaurant Guys are joined by Charlie Palmer shortly after he opened Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, CA. They talk risk, vision, sourcing relationships, and why Healdsburg was worth betting on long before it became a national dining hotspot. Charlie shares his take on how to keep soul in a restaurant built for travelers and locals.
The Inside Track
The Guys have been admirers of Charlie for years. (Francis even got to be a wine angel for him in Vegas!) They talk about the lengths they all go for their guests to get them the best possible experience.
“The only hope that I have is that the diner understands that. Because I think sometimes a lot is taken for granted. But if the diner is educated as to how far we go to get things that are really good for them. It’s amazing!” Charlie Palmer on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2005
Info
Charlie Palmer
https://www.charliepalmer.com/
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
How Fine Dining Works at the Top of the World (The Restaurant Guys)
2025/12/23
The Conversation
The Restaurant Guys talk about fine dining at the Arctic Circle. They discuss delicacies like reindeer and seal, and highlight the restaurant's enormous wine list! Naturally their conversation includes their comedic banter (and a comparison of Mark to a tiny reindeer) in this special Christmas episode.
Info
Jeffrey Merrihue’s article
https://open.substack.com/pub/xtremefoodies/p/huset-a-gourmet-miracle-within-the?r=dvua6&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Huset Restaurant
https://www.huset.com/
New Brunswick New Year’s Eve
https://www.newbrunswicknewyearseve.com/
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Who ELSE Was at Food & Wine Classic - Charleston? (Maneet Chauhan, Carrie Morey, Robert F. Moss)
2025/12/18
This is one of the two shows recorded on location at the Food & Wine Classic - Charleston 2025.
Maneet Chauhan
The Restaurant Guys welcome ball of fire Maneet Chauhan, accomplished chef, restaurateur and two-time winner of Tournament of Champions. They discuss the beauty of street food and the myth of authentic Indian cuisine. Hear what she has to say when people complain she doesn’t make dishes like their grandmom.
Carrie Morey
Carrie Morey of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit joins The Guys biscuits in hand. She tells the story of her shop and some tips on how to make a great biscuit that the Guys say is the best they’ve ever had!
Robert F. Moss
Robert F. Moss is a restaurant critic, author and Contributing Barbecue Editor for Southern Living magazine, the latter is a title that makes The Guys envious. Robert delves into the regional variations and history of barbecue. He talks about the responsibility of a restaurant reviewer along with some tweaks he would like to make to Michelin Guide of the South.
Info
Maneet
https://www.maneetchauhan.com/
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits
https://calliesbiscuits.com/
Robert’s site
https://robertfmoss.com/
Robert’s Substack
https://substack.com/@robertfmoss
Robert’s article about the Michelin Guide in Southern Living
https://www.southernliving.com/michelin-south-the-whole-story-11844636
Restaurant Guys show from Big Apple BBQ
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2390435/episodes/17439027
Champagne mentioned
Ace o
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Who Was at Food & Wine Classic - Charleston? (Ivy Odom, James London, Hunter Lewis)
2025/12/16
This is one of the two shows recorded on location at the Food & Wine Classic - Charleston 2025.
Our Guests
Ivy Odom
The Restaurant Guys catch up with Ivy Odom, Senior Lifestyle Editor at Southern Living Magazine, at the Food & Wine Classic - Charleston. They talk about bourbon, recipes, bacon fat, and how those support her passion for Southern cooking and hospitality.
James London
James London of Charleston’s Chubby Fish and Seahorse stops by for a chat. Chubby Fish received a mention in the Michelin Guide and spot on The All-Time Eater 38. James describes the democratic method for procuring a table at Chubby Fish and the distinctive service once you are seated. With an eye to the future, James outfitted his new bar Seahorse with the hope we can still get cocktails there in 20 years.
Hunter Lewis
Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine magazine, shares his perspective on the evolving culinary landscape, the importance of in-person events, and the blend of digital growth to facilitate storytelling. He offers the best hedge against AI domination: human interaction.
Info
Ivy’s book
https://www.ivyodom.com/cookbook
Ivy @ Southern Living
https://www.southernliving.com/author/ivy-odom
James’ place
https://www.chubbyfishcharleston.com/
Hunter @ Food & Wine
https://www.foodandwine.com/
Thursday, February 5 Michter's Whiskey Tasting
http://stageleft.com/event/2-5-26-michters-whiskey-tasting/
Wednesday, February 25 Martinelli Wine Dinner
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/
Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/restaurant
Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/
Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/
To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys
Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]
**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe
Podcast reviews
Read The Restaurant Guys podcast reviews
Brian Gallagher 90 2025/08/23
Great listen
Always enjoy hearing about the finer things in life
Kitty71cr 2025/01/01
New year’s at stage left
Have come for 9 years for New Years good food best Service !! Great fireworks!!
kingcocktail 2024/08/09
Restaurant Guys
Listening to The Restaurant Guys is the next best thing to hanging out with Francis and Mark at their restaurants in New Brunswick (Stage Left Steak a...
PMDI 2024/07/28
Great podcast
So happy they have resurrected this Podcast…..
Great listen from guys who own two great restaurants!!
GHillen 2024/07/27
The Restaurant Guys are Back with a Vengeance!!
Glad to see they are back doing what they do. The insight I have learn every time still amazes me. Looking forward to more of these.!
davork 2024/07/26
Excellent insiders view of the industry
People who visit restaurants, may think they know how restaurants tick, but Francis and Pascal take us behind the veneer on a wide range of topics.
S...
TheMightyOiBaF 2024/07/25
Always a learning experience.
The best way to learn about something is through someone who is passionate about the things they’re teaching you. Few people are better teachers, espe...
Kevin Kretz 2024/07/25
They're back!
I enjoyed listening to Mark and Francis years ago on the radio and on the web (were they even called podcasts yet?). Great guests and interesting i...
RarebitJTB 2024/07/25
The Restaurant Guys Have nailed it.
I listened to their episodes 10 years ago when they started podcasting, which was also when I got my start in fine dining, with them, but I am so very...
17thBri 2024/07/24
No Shame in Anthony Bourdain!
We miss the late, intelligent, talented, and raw Anthony Bourdain! He was so honest about the restaurant business and the life of a chef. Not only in ...
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