Where’s the best free restaurant bread in America?
Summary
Atlantic writer Katie Weaver investigates the quest for America’s best free restaurant bread, blending historical context with a crowdsourced survey. She interviews celebrities like Stephen King and analyzes data from chains like Red Lobster and Cheesecake Factory. The search culminates in identifying the bread at Park and Le Diplomate as the winner, while weaving in personal reflections on her late father and the emotional resonance of small, complimentary pleasures.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and listener support intro
Katie Weaver's quest for the best free bread
History of free bread in restaurants
Mid-roll advertisements
Surveying the public and celebrities
Chain restaurants and statistical analysis
Mid-roll advertisements
The winner: Park and Le Diplomate
Personal connection and father's memory
Outro, credits, and final sponsor
Listen ad-free on Castria