Dine & Dish

Welcome to Dine & Dish, the podcast hosted by Michele DiMeo, the Restaurant Diva. Join Michele as she dives into the heart of hospitality, service, and the restaurant world, sharing stories, trends, and insights from chefs, restaurateurs, and industry insiders and leaders. From dining culture and behind-the-scenes tales to tips for guests and professionals alike, Dine & Dish celebrates the art, passion, and joy of great food and exceptional service. Whether you're a foodie, a hospitality professional, or simply love a good story from the table, this is your front-row seat to the world of dining — with a little diva flair.

Dine & Dish is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 50 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Dine & Dish, a business show with 50 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Dine & Dish

  Wine Pairing Without the Rules | Maria The Wine Blonde | Dine & Dish Podcast

  Aug 19, 202645 min

  Welcome to Restaurant Diva’s Dine & Dish Podcast , hosted by Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva . In this episode, Michele sits down with Maria Valetta, Maria The Wine Blonde , for a fun and approachable conversation about wine, food pairing, restaurants, travel and the stories behind the bottle . Wine doesn’t have to be intimidating—and Maria is here to prove it. We’re breaking down traditional wine-pairing “rules,” exploring unexpected combinations, and talking about how the right wine can completely transform a meal. In this episode: What wine pairs best with steak? What should you drink with pizza? Does pasta automatically mean Italian wine? Champagne vs. Prosecco Red wine vs. white wine How to confidently order wine at a restaurant Does expensive wine actually taste better? Wine regions and unforgettable travel experiences Old World vs. New World wines The people and stories behind great wines Wine trends worth trying—and ones we may be ready to leave behind The Restaurant Diva Lightning Round! Maria also shares how wine connects us to food, travel, culture and each other —and why you don't have to be a wine expert to enjoy a great bottle. Whether you're a longtime wine lover or someone who simply wants to feel more confident ordering wine at dinner, this episode is for you. The best wine isn't necessarily the most expensive bottle. It's the one you enjoy with great food and great people. Pour yourself a glass and DINE, WINE & DISH with us! Subscribe to Restaurant Diva Dine & Dish for conversations with chefs, restaurateurs, CEOs, entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders, wine experts and fascinating personalities shaping the worlds of food, restaurants, travel and hospitality. #WinePairing #FoodAndWine #MariaTheWineBlonde #WineLovers #WineForBeginners #WineEducation #WineTips #WineTravel #WineTasting #RestaurantDiva #DineAndDishPodcast #MicheleDiMeo #RestaurantPodcast #HospitalityPodcast #FoodPodcast #WomenInWine 00:00 — Meet Maria the Wine Blonde 02:12 — From Food to Wine 08:14 — Wine Pairing Rules—and When to Break Them 12:02 — Choosing Wine Without Intimidation 15:56 — Does Wine Price Equal Quality? 22:25 — The Story Behind “The Wine Blonde” 26:23 — Vineyard Travel and Wine Experiences 30:48 — What’s Happening in Wine Right Now 37:18 — Lightning Round: Screw Caps 41:16 — Favorite Wines, Rosé, and the Wrap-Up

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  Dine & Dish

  Dine & Dish | Restaurant Employment Law: Legal Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands | Doug Plass

  Aug 12, 202648 min

  Welcome to Restaurant Diva’s Dine & Dish Podcast , hosted by Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva , featuring leaders and experts shaping the restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode, Michele sits down with Doug Plass , an employment law attorney, former chef, and former restaurant manager, to uncover the legal mistakes that can expose restaurants to costly fines, employee claims, and lawsuits. Because Doug has worked both inside restaurants and in employment law, he understands the real-world challenges operators face. He explains complex restaurant labor laws in a practical way and shares steps owners can take to reduce risk, protect employees, and build stronger workplace systems. In this episode: Restaurant employment law risks every operator should understand Tip credits, tip pooling, and manager participation Wage-and-hour compliance and accurate recordkeeping Off-the-clock work, side work, and overtime concerns How to receive, document, and investigate employee complaints Child labor rules for restaurant employees under 18 HR policies and management training that reduce legal exposure The documentation restaurants need before problems arise Whether you own one restaurant, operate multiple locations, manage a franchise, or lead an hospitality team, this conversation provides practical guidance for creating a more compliant and professional workplace. Employment laws vary by jurisdiction, so this episode is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice regarding a specific situation. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva’s Dine & Dish Podcast for conversations about restaurant operations, leadership, franchising, profitability, innovation, employment practices, and hospitality growth. #RestaurantEmploymentLaw #RestaurantLaw #EmploymentLaw #RestaurantOwner #TipPooling #LaborLaw #HRCompliance #RestaurantManagement #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:43 Doug’s transition from the restaurant industry to employment law 03:40 The importance of in-person learning and education 05:36 Unique staffing challenges in restaurants 07:34 Legal pitfalls in restaurant hiring practices 09:48 Tips, tip pooling, and tip credits explained 14:40 Documenting tips and maintaining compliance 19:32 Exempt vs. non-exempt employee classifications 24:43 Common wage-and-hour violations and lawsuits 29:40 Handling employee complaints and investigations 34:41 Franchisee responsibilities and legal risk 39:47 Practical advice for restaurant owners to stay compliant 44:46 Resources and contact information for legal help 46:39 Final advice and closing remarks

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  Dine & Dish

  Dine & Dish | Behind the Story: Production, Art & the Courage to Remove the Mask | Erica Bergsmeds

  Aug 5, 202637 min

  Every unforgettable production, work of art, hospitality experience, or successful brand begins with one thing—a powerful story. On this episode of Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast , host Michele DiMeo welcomes Erica Bergsmeds —producer, creative visionary, and contemporary artist—for an inspiring conversation about creativity, storytelling, authenticity, and the many ways art shapes how we experience the world. As an accomplished producer, Erica has spent her career bringing ideas to life behind the scenes, helping transform creative visions into meaningful experiences. Today, she is also making her mark in the contemporary art world through her latest exhibition and her stunning collection of digital artwork on aluminum , where technology and fine art merge to create bold, modern pieces. At the heart of the conversation is Erica's powerful "Masked" series. The teddy bear masks featured throughout the collection symbolize the personas we wear in everyday life—especially in today's social media-driven world. Behind every carefully curated image often lies a deeper story, hidden emotions, and the authentic person waiting to be seen. Together, Michele and Erica explore what happens when we remove those masks and embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and genuine human connection. They also discuss how storytelling influences every industry—from art and media to hospitality, branding, and entrepreneurship—and why the most memorable experiences always begin with authenticity. In This Episode Erica's career as a producer and creative storyteller Her latest art exhibition and artistic evolution The innovation behind her digital artwork on aluminum The inspiration and meaning behind the "Masked" series Social media, identity, and the personas we create The role of storytelling in production, branding, and business Creativity, leadership, and collaboration How vulnerability creates deeper connections Why authenticity is the foundation of unforgettable experiences Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, hospitality professional, marketer, creative leader, or simply someone who appreciates meaningful conversations, this episode offers inspiration for anyone looking to create work that truly connects with people. #EricaBergsmeds #MaskedSeries #DigitalArt #ArtOnAluminum #ContemporaryArt #CreativeVisionary #Storytelling #ProducerLife #CreativeLeadership #MediaProduction #Authenticity #BehindTheMask #WomenInArt #WomenInMedia #HumanConnection #HospitalityLeadership #BrandStorytelling #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva #MicheleDiMeo 00:00 — Welcome to Dine and Dish 01:04 — Erica’s Creative Journey 02:45 — How Michele and Erica Met 03:50 — The Story Behind “Masked” 07:42 — Storytelling Through Art, Film, and Hospitality 10:05 — Creating an Exhibition 13:50 — Film Production and Personal Branding 16:13 — Returning to Acting 19:44 — AI, Creativity, and Authenticity 26:19 — Building Emotional Connection Through Art 28:30 — Rapid-Fire Questions 31:44 — The Next Project: “Unfiltered” 33:22 — Favorite Places and Creative Advice 35:31 — Where to Find Erica

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  Episode #42

  Dine & Dish Podcast | Hospitality Marketing Secrets: Building a Global Brand with Scott Eddy

  Jul 29, 202651 minS1

  Welcome to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast , where hospitality leaders, restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators share the ideas shaping the future of restaurants, hotels, travel, and hospitality. In this episode, Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva , sits down with globally recognized hospitality influencer, travel expert, and marketing strategist Scott Eddy (@MrScottEddy) to explore how branding, social media, and authentic storytelling are transforming the hospitality industry. Scott has partnered with leading hospitality brands around the world and shares valuable insights on creating memorable guest experiences, building trust online, leveraging AI, and using digital marketing to grow restaurants, hotels, and travel businesses. In this episode: The future of hospitality and travel Social media strategies that build loyal audiences Hospitality branding that creates lasting guest experiences Building an authentic personal brand How AI is reshaping hospitality marketing Storytelling that drives engagement and business growth Marketing ideas every restaurant, hotel, and hospitality brand can implement today Whether you're a restaurant owner, hotel executive, marketer, entrepreneur, travel professional, or hospitality leader, this episode delivers practical insights to help you strengthen your brand and stand out in today's competitive marketplace. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast for weekly conversations with hospitality leaders, restaurant innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. #HospitalityMarketing #ScottEddy #TravelMarketing #HospitalityLeadership #GuestExperience #RestaurantMarketing #HotelMarketing #PersonalBranding #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva 00:00 — Welcome to Dine and Dish: Catching Up with Scott Eddy 01:07 — From Investment Banking to Hospitality Marketing 04:33 — Building Relationships Through Social Media 10:17 — Venice, Luxury Camping, and Travel Stories 16:03 — Why Hospitality Marketing Starts with the Guest Experience 21:30 — Personal Branding, Consistency, and Authenticity 26:45 — Choosing the Right Social Platforms for Business 29:23 — AI, Discoverability, and the Future of Marketing 38:06 — Luxury Travel Trends and Changing Guest Expectations 40:22 — The Future of Hotels, Restaurants, and Community 46:25 — Lightning Round: Favorite Travel Experiences 49:37 — Final Takeaway: Bring Kindness Online

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  Episode #41

  Dine & Dish Podcast | Leadership, Franchising & Growth with California Tortilla's Mike Dolinger

  Jul 22, 202650 minS1

  Welcome to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast , where hospitality leaders, restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, chefs, and innovators share the ideas shaping the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode, Michele DiMeo, The Restaurant Diva , sits down with Mike Dolinger , Vice President of Development & Operations at California Tortilla , to discuss what it really takes to build, operate, and grow a successful restaurant brand. Mike's background includes leadership roles with California Tortilla, Caribou Coffee, Glory Days Grill, and other multi-unit restaurant organizations. Together they explore: Restaurant operations that create consistency Leadership strategies that build high-performing teams Franchising and sustainable restaurant growth Why catering has become a major revenue opportunity Managing third-party delivery while protecting profitability The restaurant KPIs every operator should monitor Lessons learned from leading multi-unit restaurant operations Whether you're an independent restaurant owner, franchisee, multi-unit operator, hospitality executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can use to improve operations, grow sales, and build stronger teams. Subscribe to Restaurant Diva's Dine & Dish Podcast for weekly conversations with hospitality leaders, restaurant innovators, franchise executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. #RestaurantOperations #RestaurantLeadership #CaliforniaTortilla #RestaurantBusiness #RestaurantFranchising #HospitalityLeadership #RestaurantManagement #DineAndDishPodcast #RestaurantDiva #FoodserviceIndustry 00:00 — Welcome to Dine and Dish: Meet Mike Dolinger 01:01 — From Restaurant Jobs to an Exxon Franchise 05:15 — Why Systems Create Successful Operators 06:19 — Mike’s Role at California Tortilla 08:31 — Building a Strong Brand Through Franchisee Selection 14:30 — Maintaining Operational Consistency as You Scale 16:46 — The People-Operations-Sales-Profit Framework 22:34 — Hiring, Training, and Retaining Great Teams 28:22 — Protecting Brand Standards Through Franchisee Relationships 33:23 — Advice for Aspiring Franchise Owners 36:53 — Revenue Streams: Catering, Delivery, and Third-Party Sales 44:22 — Lightning Round: Loyalty and Personalized Marketing 45:59 — Why Catering Is an Underrated Growth Driver 47:40 — Final Takeaway: Put People and Culture First 49:48 — Closing Remarks

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