The Restaurant Guys

Vintage episode (2007)The BanterThe Guys kick off the show discussing date night plans that don’t involve food.  Spoiler, there aren’t many.The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys welcome back Nicholas Harary, owner of Restaurant Nicholas. The Guys quip that newborn Nicholas Jr. may start work in the kitchen immediately then they discuss the balance of family and work in a life of hospitality.  The conversation moves Harary's passionate tirade against the state of culinary education and what he’s doing at his place to improve the experience for everyone. The Inside TrackThe Guys have known fellow New Jersey restaurateur Nicholas for years. While he is a culinary school graduate, he speaks out against the current institution and says this about its students.“They’re going to the best schools in the world to learn their craft. They’re getting charged ridiculous amounts of money, but they’re not being prepared to do anything,” Nicholas Harary on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2007Bio Nicholas Harary is an award-winning chef and restaurateur best known for founding Restaurant Nicholas, one of New Jersey’s most acclaimed fine-dining destinations. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Harary earned top honors from The New York Times and Zagat before reimagining his concept into Barrel & Roost, a modern, chef-driven comfort food restaurant in Red Bank. Alongside his wife Melissa, he also runs Nicholas Creamery, offering artisanal small-batch ice cream. Harary is a published cookbook author and passionate about food, family, and hospitality. InfoNicholas’ current restauranthttps://www.barrelandroost.com/Nicholas Creamery https://www.nicholascreamery.com/Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

The BanterThe Guys share some of the cool cocktail experiences they had on their safari the night before.The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys welcome Rajesh Bhardwaj, operator of the first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the U.S. Rajesh talks about cultivating his vision, curating a team to execute it and how he continues to change the landscape of Indian cuisine in the United States. The Inside TrackThe Guys listen as Rajesh shares his vision of creating the unique experience at Junoon.“ We are fusion, but not of tradition or of flavors. We are fusion of technique,”Rajesh Bhardwaj on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2025BioRajesh Bhardwaj is the founder and CEO of Junoon, the acclaimed Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in New York City. A visionary restaurateur, Rajesh has redefined modern Indian dining in the United States. He blends deep cultural roots with a sophisticated, contemporary approach to cuisine and service, earning Junoon international recognition and loyal acclaim.InfoClemente Barhttps://www.clementebar.com/Hawksmoorhttps://www.hawksmoornyc.com/Junoonhttps://www.junoonnyc.com/Jazbahttps://www.jazbanyc.com/Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

This is a TEASER in our Martini Expo seriesInside Track The Restaurant Guys were invited to be the official podcasters of The Martini Expo. They spent the day sipping and chatting with the greatest makers, stirrers and shakers on the planet!GuestsJoe Magliocco is the president of Michter’s Distillery, where he has been instrumental in reviving the historic American whiskey brand. His company is involved in creating eco-sustainable Farmer’s gin.Dale DeGroff known as “King Cocktail,” is a legendary bartender, author, and educator known for reviving the craft of the classic cocktail. Dale is a James Beard Award winner and founding president of the Museum of the American Cocktail.David Wondrich is a cocktail historian, author, and James Beard Award winner recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on drinks and drinking culture. Robert Simonson, co-founder of The Martini Expo and The Mix with Robert Simonson, is an award-winning journalist and author who writes about cocktails. He has authored several acclaimed books, including The Martini Cocktail. Mary Kate Murray, co-founder of The Martini Expo and The Mix with Robert Simonson, is a drinks writer and event producer. Her career spans communications and media where she shares a deep love for the communal spirit of drinking.Lisa Laird Dunn is the ninth-generation family member behind Laird & Company, America’s oldest licensed distillery and the historic producer of Laird’s Applejack. Info Martini Expo 2025 https://martiniexpo.com/David's book The Comic Book History of the Cocktail The Mix with Robert Simonson https://robertsimonson.substack.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

Inside TrackThe Restaurant Guys were invited to be the official podcasters of The Martini Expo. They spent the day sipping and chatting with the greatest makers, stirrers and shakers on the planet!GuestsWilliam Elliott is the bar guru and creative force behind Brooklyn’s legendary Maison Premiere. Rising from opening-team bartender to Managing Partner & Executive Bar Director, he helped guide Maison to a James Beard Award and international acclaim. Known for blending theatrical flair with obsessive precision, he helped launch sister concept Sauvage and co-authored The Maison Premiere Almanac.Tim Cooper is a veteran NYC bartender-turned spirits advocate—serving as Director of Advocacy for Fords Gin in the U.S. garnering Best Brand Ambassador Spirited Award. With over 20+ years in the beverage world, he’s worked behind the stick, built beverage programs, consulted, and now brings the brand to life in the U.S. market.Sarah Morrissey is a seasoned NYC bartender renowned for her innovative approach to classic cocktails, particularly the martini. At Le Veau d’Or, she reimagined the martini by incorporating high-proof Old Raj gin, fino sherry-based La Copa Extra Seco vermouth, and orange bitters, served alongside a salty vermouth sidecar featuring dirty ice and Vichy Catalan mineral water highlighting her as a key figure in NYC's cocktail scene.Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

This was recorded at the Martini Expo 2025Inside TrackThe Restaurant Guys were invited to be the official podcasters of The Martini Expo. They spent the day sipping and chatting with the greatest makers, stirrers and shakers on the planet!GuestsIntro with Robert Simonson, co-founder of The Martini Expo, creator and writer for The Mix with Robert Simonson,  and a James Beard Award–winning drinks writer for The New York Times. He authored  The Martini Cocktail, one of the definitive modern works on the world’s most iconic drink.__________Salvatore Calabrese, “The Maestro,” is one of the world’s most celebrated bartenders. Creator of the iconic Breakfast Martini and the Duke’s Martini, author of best-selling cocktail books, he’s spent over 40 years shaping modern mixology.__________Liam Davy is a seasoned bar leader and the driving force behind Hawksmoor’s beverage programs. With roots in London’s cocktail scene and a two-decade career under his belt, he’s risen through roles at Milk & Honey and Match Bar.__________Charlotte Voisey is a leading mixologist and the Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. She began behind the bar as an award-winning bartender (UK Bartender of the Year, Mixologist of the Year), continued as a brand ambassador for Hendrick’s gin until her current role at TotC Foundation. Inside TrackThe Restaurant Guys were invited to be the official podcasters of The Martini Expo. They spent the day sipping and chatting with the greatest makers, stirrers and shakers on the planet!InfoThe Mix with Robert Simonsonhttps://robertsimonson.substack.com/Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

This is a Vintage Selection from 2013The BanterThe Guys tell a tale of someone being bamboozled. The question is, who?The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys are joined by cocktail historians Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller who share stories from their book The Deans of Drink and where you can go today to see a Harry Johnson bar. They tell of their experiences renovating Musée des Vins et des Spiritueux.The Inside TrackThe Guys were thrilled to have Jared and Anistatia on the show and found they all enjoy a little wordplay.Anistatia: We would not have cocktail shakers if it hadn't have been for the Germans bringing in the doppel foss backer. Francis: I thought that was just when you saw someone who looked a lot like someone else. Jared: If you see one that looks a lot like another one, that would be the doppel foss backer's doppelganger. Jared Miller & Anistatia Brown on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2013BioJared Brown and Anistatia Miller are the award-winning duo behind Mixellany Limited, publishers of influential cocktail and spirits books. They’ve co-authored more than 30 titles.Beyond writing, they created the Mixologist journal series, and contribute to leading publications such as Imbibe. Brown also serves as master distiller at London’s pioneering Sipsmith Gin, and together they’ve consulted on award-winning spirits worldwide.InfoMuseum of the American Cocktail -https://www.southernfood.org/motacMusée des Vins et des Spiritueux-http://www.euvs.org/en/Jared & Anistatia’s sitemixellany.comSubscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

The BanterThe Guys discuss whether a cheeseburger is a composed dish. What do you think?The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys are joined by Dylan Trotter. Dylan shares anecdotes from his unique childhood, his journey into the culinary world, and the challenges and excitement of keeping his father’s legacy alive through pop-ups and potential new ventures.The Inside TrackThe Guys are grateful that Charlie Trotter was so supportive of the early iteration of The Restaurant Guys. They enjoyed sharing their memories of Charlie and talking about Dylan’s rebellious phase.Mark:  I ran to the restaurant business because that's what rebels did when we were kids. They ran to the restaurant business because they were rebelling against everything else. Your rebellious stage, you were trying to run away from the restaurant business, but couldn't make it happen.Dylan: No, couldn't make it out…but that was really what I needed and I had a great time in the kitchen.Dylan Trotter on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2025BioDylan Trotter is the son of the late chef and restaurateur Charlie Trotter. As a teen he worked in his father’s business at Trotter’s To Go in Chicago and later El Bulli in Spain.After Charlie Trotter’s restaurant closed in 2012 and his passing in 2013, Dylan gradually stepped into preserving and honoring his father’s legacy. Dylan led efforts to revive Charlie Trotter’s namesake restaurant in Chicago. In 2025 he created pop-up events and restored much of the original space—while preparing for a full reopening.InfoTo find out about upcoming events charlie-trotters.comFollow Dylan on IG https://www.instagram.com/dyltrot/Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

This is  TEASER of a Vintage Selection from 2005The BanterThe Guys talk about their restaurant philosophy and how cultivating a team of people who share your vision is what will sustain you. However, Francis does not share Mark’s vision of going to a Cub’s game.The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys are thrilled to have Charlie Trotter on the show to talk about excellence, foie gras and a restaurant that he had planned to open in New York that never came to fruition.The Inside TrackThe Guys have been fans of Charlie’s for a long time yet did not fully realize their similar attitudes on experiential dining.“ The vision we've had here has been to try to deliver an experience where the food part of it, the service part of it, the wine and beverage part of it, and the ambiance all add up to something greater than the sum of the parts.So with myself as the chef-operator obsessing about food, almost to the point where it's perverse, I still don't even think that food is the most important part of the dining experience,” Charlie Trotter on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2025 BioCharlie Trotter opened Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant in 1987. Twice it received two Michelin stars. He closed it in 2012. Restaurant Charlie in Las Vegas received the Michelin Guide One Star Award. He opened other concepts such as a high-end delicatessen store and a seafood restaurant in Mexico.He received the James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Award for his philanthropic work.Trotter was the host of the 1999 PBS cooking show The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter.InfoCharlie’s Book (mentioned in the show)Lessons in Excellence from Charlie Trotterby Paul ClarkeGuest Chef Dinner Series at Charlie Trotter’s 2025 https://www.charlie-trotters.com/If you’d like to hear the full 2009 conversation, listen here:https://www.restaurantguyspodcast.com/episode-26-charlie-trotterOur PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

This is a Vintage Selection  from 2011The BanterThe Guys discuss fast food marketing including one which makes them wonder how we became the rat pressing the button in the lab experiment.The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys hear from John Mariani how politics, models and the mob impacted the world adopting the now ubiquitous Italian food. From Italian fine dining to Chef Boyardee we learn the rich history of the rise of what some believe to be the best cuisine on the planet!The Inside TrackThe Guys operate an Italian-American restaurant named after Mark’s grandmother who enjoyed filling his belly. John: So the Italian immigrant woman in American, quite literally became empowered. To become the best cook on her block, the one whose meatballs were renowned in the neighborhood whose Sunday red sauce, tomato sauce was better than anybody else's. And to take pride in being able to fatten up your kids and your husband and to show the abundance of the American way of life.That's what Italian American food is all about Mark: … and grandchildren. John Mariani on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2011BioJohn Mariani is an acclaimed food and wine writer, historian, and author of more than a dozen books, including The Dictionary of Italian Food and Drink and How Italian Food Conquered the World. For 35 years he was the food and travel correspondent for  Esquire and a wine critic for Bloomberg News for a decade. He is known for his insightful commentary on dining, culture, and culinary history. His work has earned him awards, acclaim and recognition as one of America’s leading voices on food and wine. For over 20 years he has written his own newsletter Mariani’s Virtual Gourmet.  InfoJohn’s website where you can read his current newslettershttps://johnmariani.com/John’s BookHow Italian Food Conquered the WorldJohn MarianiSubscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast

The BanterThe Guys discuss the movement in the wine industry to market wine as a lifestyle product. Do folks want to choose wine based on what’s on the bottle or what’s in the bottle?The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys chat with Max Tucci, third-generation restaurateur of the iconic Delmonico's in New York. They delve into the rich history of Delmonico's, discussing its significance from the Gilded Age to today and the culinary innovations that originated there. Max shares touching stories about his family's legacy and the importance of hospitality which he carries into his new venture Tucci.The Inside TrackThe Guys and Max, all seasoned restaurateurs, understand that while there are many moving pieces in a dining experience, there is really only one thing that matters.“Here's one thing, and you guys get it. At the end of the day, people aren't gonna remember the music. They're not gonna remember if the cocktail was perfectly chilled. They're not gonna remember if this steak was medium rare, but they're gonna remember how they were treated,” Max Tucci on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2025BioMax Tucci is an award-winning producer, host, and author, best known for carrying forward the legacy of New York City’s iconic Delmonico’s restaurant. Max is also the author of The Delmonico Way: Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant that Made New York. His podcast, Max & Friends, began as a radio show in 2008 and became a podcast. It’s currently on hiatus.InfoMax Tucci (find his restaurants, book and show)https://thedelmonicoway.com/Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comFollow us on Instagram @restaurantguyspodcast