Controlling the Table

Amuse Booze: 20% Martini

In Episode 20 of Flavorphiles, Tanner and Jerry explore the power dynamics shaping modern hospitality — from tipping culture to food journalism to the way television has redefined what we think kitchens look like. 

We begin with a listener question that sparked a bigger debate: if someone tips $40 on a $500 bill, and the server balks, who’s in the wrong? That conversation opens the door to the economics of service, why 20% has become the standard, whether tipping should disappear altogether, and why even industry leaders like Danny Meyer ultimately returned to the system they tried to replace.

From there, we’re joined by a writer from The Dallas Morning News to discuss the evolving role of food journalism. In a world increasingly dominated by influencers and algorithms, where does food journalism fit and how does that affect resturants? We also discuss Food Competition TV, how it differes from real restaurant cooking and why cocktail compeition shows haven't captured audiences in the same way. 

Finally, a look at food news: Snoop Dogg's credit card declines in a restaruant, hot peppers are the new "it" additive to bird seed, a 2 Michelin star chef gets a bad health score, and some listeners questions.