Episode Description
Why You Should Listen
- What “closing time” really means — and why restaurants, and their staff, should honor what they promise
- An inside peak at Valentine’s Day operations, ticket flow, and why larger tables can ease pressure on the kitchen
- The Guys react to mass spectrometry and a look at tequila additives
- Egg price spikes, labeling myths, yolk color tricks, and a smart baking tip when extra-large eggs cost less
The Banter
Mark Pascal and Francis Schott kick things off with post–Valentine’s Day reflections and the realities of running a dining room during peak nights. The Guys pull back the curtain on expediting, ticket management, and the small operational decisions diners rarely see. They share how shifting celebrations beyond February 14th can ease pressure on both restaurants and relationships.
The Conversation
The Guys dive into a wide-ranging Inside Track discussion sparked by the @MassSpecEverything channel, exploring mass spectrometry and spirits—from alleged additives in tequila to why common hand-rub tests don’t reveal everything. The talk moves to Coca-Cola lore, including what *really makes Mexican Coke special.
Eggs take center stage as they unpack price spikes linked to bird flu, pasture-raised labeling, feed-driven nutritional differences, and how yolk color can be manipulated. They share a practical tip for bakers: extra-large eggs sometimes cost less than large, but be sure to adjust your recipe!
Finally, Mark and Francis debate what a restaurant’s posted closing time should actually mean and that clear communication and consistent standards define the guest experience long after the meal ends.
Time Stamps
0:00 – The Banter: Valentine’s Day Reflections
6:03 – Tequila Meets the Mass Spectrometer
9:53 – Coca-Cola: Regional Differences & Taste Myths
12:50 – Eggs: Scandal, Prices, Labels & Bargains
23:06 – What “Closing Time” Means to the Restaurant
28:02 – What “Closing Time” Means to
February 25 George Martinelli of Martinelli Winery
https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/
March 12 Anthony Beckman of Balletto Vineyards
https://www.stageleft.com/event/31226-balleto-winemaker-dinner-w-anthony-beckman/
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