The Bar Benjamin Taste Test

In this all-star episode, Jordan eats at LA's recently three Michelin star awarded Providence for the first time, while joined by a very single, lonely and Instagram unverified Shapiro and blast from the Air Jordan past, Mushroom Max.

In this all-star episode, it was the height of Covid, so Jordan jumped on a video call with Andrew and Michelle Muñoz of Moo's Craft Barbecue to discuss their origin story and upcoming transition from pop-up concept to brick and mortar - a destination that is now, fours years later, widely considered the best Texas barbecue restaurant in Los Angeles.

Jordan and Max answer audience questions covering the new LA Times 101 list, Diet Coke food pairings, favorite ice creams, under $100 sake and whiskey, Max has many thoughts on an Addison review, Jordan has thoughts on a Matū Kai review, Birdie G's new menu items, Sushi Park dying, Los Angeles Michelins are coming, Peckerman vs. Chacey Boy, a Father's Day Tale of The Chubby, and when discussing his weight loss regimen, Max finally comes clean.

The podcast was written about this week and the fellas have thoughts, Jordan went on another podcast and was forced into an awkward situation with a group of LA food media types, a past beef is re-visited and most likely re-invigorated, and podcast gold is discussed. Plus Sean Brock is coming, Salt Bae is outta here, Angler's sundae is kinda back, Bay Cities definitely isn't, a real Saint James Iced Tea moment, the New York Times and Jordo have the same plan, a prelude to the new 101 talk, and Max oddly receives a Father's Day gift.

Jordan finally visited LA legend, Dal Rae Restaurant for the first time to soak up all the old school steakhouse vibes while trying their infamous pepper steak and a tableside dessert in the cozy, friendly confines of Pico Rivera. Then, Max was scheduled to try a new restaurant for the first time and cover it on the pod, but he bailed on his plans because of a "meltdown," and Jordan investigates.

Jordan and Max are joined by the Jiro Dreams of Sushi man himself, David Gelb, to talk the new season of Chef's Table and all the legends, being a Hollywood hired gun, and passion within the culinary world. Plus, Max lists his five least favorite Chef's Table restaurants to David's disgust, Jordan has ideas for future Chef's Table seasons, Jamie Oliver vs. Emeril Lagasse, A-listers at Saffy's, whatever happened to Wolvesmouth, TK again, and the problem with food criticsm.

Jordan and Max answer questions from the audience covering the Thomas Keller French Laundry incident and his bong move, rip Gigi's and the saddest closure, Baby Bistro thoughts, Max hates a few restaurants, Costco shrimp, guys named Kim, bartenders loving and hating Jordo, no frills options, bringing restaurants back from the dead, a Sunset Strip debate, wine list value navigation and poison budgets, cheese on cheesesteaks and another Jerry G request, how to handle a hairy 3 Michelin star dessert, ai restaurant support, are the fellas pricks in the DM or not, NBA predictions, more Sphere talk, ketchup and food rules, not being allergic to dairy in Los Angeles, and Memorial Day eating advice.

Booze podcasting continues inside the newly opened Bar Benjamin where Jordan and Max sip a ton of cocktails to let the audience know what exactly can be expected from the newest watering the head destination to hit Los Angeles, and all questions are answered, and all drinks are explained by Ben, Kate, Jared, Chad, and Jason aka team Bar Benj. Plus, despite Jordan being an alcohol expert, he is somehow schooled once again, and the fellas enjoy some exclusive bites to the Benjmain universe that can only be enjoyed inside the Melrose Penthouse. 

The fellas are blowing serious blood alcohol levels on this booze episode as they talk LA's newest bar, and Jordan lists the definitve top ten adult liquids, but the only thing Max agrees with is the dishonorable mention. Then, Bubbles provides insights into his five favorite traditional cocktails, and the list is validated by everyone's favorite trivia game. And once Shapiro's bonafides are established, the recently released North America's 50 Best Bars list is expertly scrutinized.

Jordan and Max review a recent trip to Smorgasburg where Max received his first lesson in the chicken shawarma wrap that Los Angeles has been loving to inhale lately. It was also Max's first trip down to the 'burg on a Sunday afternoon, and it was perfect food festival weather, undercooked di Reccos, eating like a SNL Conehead, unsolicited advice rules, and parking lot weed smoke. Then, Jordan sits down with Chef Yaz and Farhad from Miya Miya, the masterminds behind the chicken shawarma wrap that's got the city eating like true Jordanians, and they talk steakhouse origins, In-N-Out influences, how they f*cked Jordo, secret menu moves, and a Miya Miya restaurant is on its way to West LA.