We all know the word and at least four people who fit the category, but what does being a foodie actually mean in 2025? And why is it a “banned word” in Infatuation’s style guide? In this episode of Restaurant People, Hannah and Bryan talk with Mike Chau a.k.a. FoodBabyNY and co-host of How Long Gone Jason Stewart about the sub-categories of obsessive diners, social media’s impact on restaurants, and whether or not foodies need a rebrand.

Can food be art? Of course it can. But when does innovation work, and when does it taste like an ego play? In this episode of Restaurant People, Infatuation Editor-In-Chief Arden Shore joins Hannah and Bryan to discuss the genre of restaurants serving dishes like “spaghetti squash, passionfruit” for $21. What makes “interesting food” interesting, and who is it for? This episode is for diners who demand more from their small plates, and don’t go to restaurants just to be full.

This episode is for diners who demand more from their small plates, and don’t go to restaurants just to be full. We’re talking about quote-unquote “interesting food,” or the quirked-up combinations of ingredients and techniques that may never have been seen before. Can food be art? Of course it can. But when does self-consciously “interesting food” work and when do ego dishes fall flat?

What goes into great restaurant service? In this episode of Restaurant People, Bryan and Hannah are joined by former Hillstone server (and current sommelier and hospitality expert) Steven Bono to discuss the BTS of service, fine dining vs. neighborhood spots, and the one question you should never ask your server.

In this episode of Restaurant People, recorded live at EEEEEATSCON Chicago, Bryan and Hannah are joined by the Infatuation Chicago team to discuss what makes a restaurant “fun,” what fun even means, and the dive bar where you might just be able to find Michael Shannon.

“Where should I go for my birthday this year?” It’s the dining dilemma the Infatuation team gets asked about on a near-daily basis. The stakes may be high, but we can help. In this episode of Restaurant People, Hannah and Bryan run through everything they think makes for a perfect birthday dinner. Yes to karaoke and hot pot. No to gowns and fine dining. Look within and find out what type of birthday celebrator you are, how to not make your friends hate you, and more.

Have you ever paid $60 for a total of nine gently poached shrimp? Or are you a financially responsible person on whom your family relies? In this episode of Restaurant People, Hannah and Bryan settle in with Infatuation Senior Editor Jonathan Smith for an exhaustive investigation of America’s sweetheart, and the silliest food imaginable: shrimp cocktail. It’s cold shrimp. It’s ketchup and horseradish. We can’t get enough.

Members clubs are operating behind closed doors all around the country, serving dinner rolls in red basements or sushi high in the sky. They’re secretive, they attract big deal chefs and bigger deal clientele, and they will kick you out for taking pictures of Jodie Foster. When is access to these private restaurants or parties worth the fee? In this episode, Hannah and Bryan assess the current “it” members clubs and the restaurant arms race to partner with them.

Do you like martinis…or just the idea of martinis? Bryan thinks you don’t actually enjoy the taste. Hannah knows you do. In this episode, we clash on that iconic, endlessly customizable cocktail. We dissect the fun and frankly gross martini trends, gin people vs. vodka people, and even the ‘tini lifestyle. But is the martini actually a good cocktail? Listen and find out.