Restaurant People

Members Clubs

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.

Martinis

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.

Long Lines

Why Do We Wait? The Psychology of Restaurant Lines
Hannah and Bryan talk about New York’s situationship with restaurant lines and explore what compels New Yorkers to sweat it out in 95-degree heat just to try a pizza roll or a caviar lobster roll. Hear from Willa Moore, NYC staff writer at Infatuation, who shares her rulebook for deciding which lines are actually worth it. Then play a rapid-fire round of “How Long Would You Wait?” with Willa rating wait-worthiness at NYC’s line-laden eateries. Whether you’re a “line person” or someone who’d rather starve than queue, you’ll gain insights into topics you didn’t even know you wanted to know about.
The social psychology of waiting: why lines feel like exclusivity badges
Restaurant hype cycles: what drives buzzy openings and influencer culture 
How NYC diners really feel: is the line about the food, the flex, or just vibes?

Burgers

Burgers: delicious, nostalgic, and endlessly photogenic. But are they also tyrants of the modern restaurant menu? In this sharp, funny, and surprisingly existential podcast debut Hannah Albertine and Bryan Kim dive deep into America’s obsession with burgers and what that means for diners, chefs, and the dining culture at large. Tune in for thoughtful burger philosophy, hot takes, and a telling game where the hosts evaluate popular eateries like Bernie’s (NYC), Dudley Market (LA), and Zuni Cafe (SF) and dare to ask Is That Restaurant Good… or Do They Just Serve a Burger? Visit TheInfatuation.com to explore guides, reviews, and the infamous burger rankings.

This is Restaurant People From Infatuation

Restaurant People is a show for people who eat at restaurants sometimes. Infatuation restaurant critics Hannah Albertine and Bryan Kim chat through why every burger in America (and beyond) is smashed now, how small plates make us feel, and why on earth the host won’t seat you if your party isn’t complete. We’ll talk to chefs like they’re ordinary humans, air grievances, applaud our favorite meals, and let you in on our review and guide processes. Most importantly, we’ll give recommendations for how to make the most of dining in your city.