In this episode, Ray reacts to a viral Substack post asking, "What if we just got rid of fine dining?" and to the reactions to it. He also discusses policy demands from the National Restaurant Association, how less alcohol consumption is hurting restaurants, and how Rao's gained success as a CPG sauce brand.

Links:

Khushbu Shah's Original Substack Article

Max Shapiro's Substack Response

NY Times Alcohol Article

National Restaurant Association Policy Demands

Rao's Success (Food Dive)

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In this episode, Justin and Ray break down how influencers are impacting restaurants and the closure of 'Iris', the famous floating restaurant. They then react to René Redzepi stepping down from Noma, and the fallout from this. Finally, they discuss Heston Blumenthal's closure, Travis Kalanick's food venture, and the Anthropic AI industry report.

Links:

Influencers Ruining Restaurants

Iris Closes

Iris Instagram Post (Tatler)

René Post

Noma Workplace Transparency Site

Paul Kaufmann Post

NY Times Noma Reporting

Heston Blumenthal Steps Away

Atoms (Travis Kalanick)

Anthropic Report

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In this episode, Ray explains why the "genius chef" model hurts restaurants and causes burnout. He also covers potential Costco tariff refunds, some new seafood environmental designations, and gives advice to a chef.

Links:

Costco Tariff Refunds

Monterey Bay Seafood Watch

Reddit Advice

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In this episode, Justin and Ray react to Noma's response to the allegations of creating a physically violent, intimidating, and degrading workplace. They also explain why this response represents a broader issue in the food industry and what they believe will happen next.EDITING NOTE: Incorrect facts in the opening F1 monologue have been edited out, Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian driver who unfortunately passed

Links:

Our first episode on the Noma situation

NY Times article

Jason Ignacio White's IG

René Redzepi IG

Noma IG

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In this episode, Justin breaks down why the "Restaurant Monologue" is wearing down customers, and what to do instead. They also discuss if you can trust Michelin, give advice on kitchen "lifers", and react to The Infatuation's Eleven Madison Park Review.
#chefs #restaurant #michelinguide #elevenmadisonpark

Audio Note: Ray's Audio had some connection issues, and gets better around minute 28.

This video contains copyrighted material used under the principles of fair use as defined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. The content is used for purposes such as commentary, criticism, education, and analysis. All clips are used in a transformative manner, with original commentary and insights added to provide new meaning and context.

Credit to The Infatuation for the reaction video

Retire The Restaurant Monologue

Reddit Advice

Can You Trust Michelin?

Vicinity California

Lielle LA

EMP Review

Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

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In this episode, Ray breaks down the Presidential Glyphosate Executive Order, and how it could impact a crucial Supreme Court ruling. He also discusses the impact a blizzard can have on restaurants, growing GLP-1 use, Domino's unlikely success, and further clarifies why he left fine dining.

Links:

Bayer Cites Trump Executive Order

What To Know About Glyphosate

Washington Post Roundup Coverage

Executive Order Filing

NY Times Blizzard Coverage

GrubStreet Blizzard Coverage

GLP-1 Eligibility Expands

Domino's Winning

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In this video, Justin and Ray break down the Noma Abuse Scandal of 2026. They share the allegations, explain why these problems persist in the food industry, and discuss what can be done about them. #noma #chefs #foodindustry #linecook #michelin #worlds50best

Links:

• Jason Ignacio White (microbes_vibes) Instagram

• Justin’s Andrea Correa (YouTube)

• Noma Abuse Story 1 (World’s 50 Best)

• Noma Abuse Story 2 (The Independent)

• Noma Abuse Story 3 (The Times)

  
  

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In this video, Ray breaks down the success McDonald's saw after lowering its prices and the rise in Bourdain trading card prices over the past few months. He also gives advice to a chef on Reddit and covers other breaking news in the food industry. #chef #restaurant #food #cooking #mcdonalds

Links:

• McDonald’s Wins on Prices (Bloomberg)

• McDonald’s Value Victory Lap

• Chef Reddit Advice

• Bachan’s Sold (Marzetti deal)

• Wendy’s Closing Stores (Bloomberg)

• National Restaurant Association 2026 Outlook

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In this episode, Justin and Ray break down the biggest restaurant openings of 2026. They also discuss the pricing-to-value issue that is affecting restaurants, some breaking news in the food industry, and answer a comment left by you all in the community!

Links:

• Most Exciting Restaurant Openings 2026 (Bloomberg)

• Wine Spectator New Restaurants 2026

• Toronto Restaurant Closures (Toronto Life)

• America’s Culinary Cup (CBS)

• Miso ‘Flippy’ Bot (QSRweb)

• PepsiCo Cost Reductions (Bloomberg)

• Impossible Foods CEO Steps Down

  
  

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In this episode, Ray breaks down the McKinsey food industry report and what you need to know for 2026. He also covers the ROI for Michelin coming to a city, how Gen Z is ditching "Diet" soda, how smaller food brands are winning, and more. #chefs #restaurant #linecook #foodindustry

Links:

• McKinsey Restaurant Report (2026)

• Dining Out Issues (Food & Wine)

• ROI on MICHELIN (Colorado)

• Gen Z Ditches “Diet” Soda (Bloomberg)

• Small Brands Stand Out in Grocery

• SF Chronicle Chef Story

  
  

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In this episode, Justin and Ray break down the $1,500 per person Noma pop-up coming to LA, and why it actually makes sense. They also discuss feeding your staff during a shift, the rise of the Co-Chef trend, and Square's new "Neighborhoods" feature. #noma #la #chef #chefreacts

This video contains copyrighted material used under the principles of fair use as defined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. The content is used for purposes such as commentary, criticism, education, and analysis. All clips are used in a transformative manner, with original commentary and insights added to provide new meaning and context.Credit to Detroit 75 Kitchen for the reaction videoLinks:

• Noma’s LA Pop-Up

• The Rise of the Co-Chef

• Square “Neighborhoods” Restaurant Tool

• Let Your Staff Eat for Free (YouTube)

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