Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Ep 298: James Norton (in partnership with Dexcom)

·1 hr 24 min·5 clips

James Norton admits he'll move tables twice and change his order, terrified of getting his dream meal wrong.

Ed Gamble and James Acaster introduce the episode, noting it's in partnership with Dexcom and features actor James Norton. Norton expresses anxiety about choosing his perfect meal due to his perfectionist personality. He discusses his habit of changing restaurant orders and manipulating dining companions to try their food. The hosts explore how this perfectionism contrasts with his acting philosophy, where he values embracing mistakes. Norton and Gamble bond over both being type 1 diabetics, sharing experiences with Dexcom continuous glucose monitors, including using them during performances. Norton chooses sparkling water and bread with three butters as his initial items. He opts for a dozen oysters from Colonsay as a snack loophole. For his starter, he switches from a planned lobster bisque to asparagus with the world's best olive oil, Parmesan, and a tiny scotch egg. His main course is wood-grilled fish on a Jamaican beach, inspired by a trip to Goldeneye. Side dishes include a green salad and chips with vinegar, ketchup, and backup mayonnaise. He selects a natural pet nat wine, Casa Belfi Bianco Frizzante. Throughout, Norton reveals personal quirks like carrying Tabasco everywhere and his approach to leftovers. The episode blends food discussion with diabetic management insights, actor anecdotes, and comedic banter.

As heard by us

James Norton turns his fantasy meal into a precise, funny hunt for the best of everything.

James Norton's Off Menu visit settles into a comic portrait of a guest who treats the dream restaurant like a once-only chance to get everything exactly right.

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Why you'd press play

You want James Norton's dream dinner to turn into a funny little quest for the best parmesan in the world.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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