Highlights of this episode include unpacking why fine dining isn’t really about the food — it’s about intention, restraint, and a carefully choreographed experience that starts long before the first course hits the table. We’ll touch on the history of fine dining, explain how the Michelin Guide became the gold standard (and why stars are harder to earn than they look), then spend most of the episode grilling Amanda about her recent night at The French Laundry - what to expect, how to prepare, and how not to feel out of place. It’s a fast, fun, slightly unhinged ride designed to make your next “fancy dinner” feel a lot less intimidating.