In a very special episode of Joiners, we start things out by sitting in studio with Donnie Madia. He’s a man who needs no introduction, but in case you’ve been predisposed for a few decades: he’s the James Beard Award-winning powerhouse behind acclaimed institutions like Blackbird, avec, The Publican, The Violet Hour, Big Star, and so much more — and maybe you recognize him from The Bear, where he delivered a powerful monologue that encapsulates the gritty hospitality thesis statement of the city we call home. And in a Joiners first, we take the Gratuity Round out of the studio, doing it live in front of a crowd at a special dinner at Publican Quality Meats prepared by former guest of the pod Rob Levitt, John Manion, and Mindy Segal. This in an episode you don’t want to miss.