Pepperoni Pizza Dreams: food whispers for sleep

If you've been listening for a while, you might know that I love sandwiches—and that this obsession inspired me to start an Italian hero popup a few years ago. So, it should come as no surprise that I'm devoting an entire episode to one of my favourite sandwiches: the classic tuna melt. Tonight, I'll be helping you drift off by slowly and softly reading the menus for restaurants kno...

Tonight, we spare no expense as we indulge in unforgettable meals at celebrated fine dining restaurants. In this episode, I'm helping you doze off by slowly and softly reading menus from Marilena in Victoria, British Columbia (which also happens to be one of my favourite restaurants for a special night out), and Le Bernardin in New York City. Support the show If the podcast has been helping y...

Tonight, I'm helping you drift off by slowly and softly reading the Red Lobster menu during the restaurant's most shell-ebrated time of the year: Lobsterfest! The world's biggest seafood restaurant chain has launched a lineup of new lobster dishes alongside familiar favourites for its beloved annual event. And of course, those flaky, buttery Cheddar Bay Biscuits are on the menu too....

This week, we're exploring campus dining at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) . It's one of the most highly ranked college dining programs in America, with food so good they even have their own cookbook . Served between lectures, after long afternoons, and late into the evening, these meals fuel more than 15,000 students a day. In this episode, I'm helping you drift o...

The nostalgic coziness of the American diner continues. In Part 2, I'm helping you doze off by slowly and softly reading menus from more classic diners across the US, featuring familiar comfort foods like pancakes, tuna melts, and milkshakes. In this episode, I read menus from Max & Helen's in Los Angeles, NYC's Golden Diner , and Dove's Luncheonette in Chicago. Support the...

Tonight, we’re checking in for a very quiet stay at one of New York City’s most iconic luxury hotels. Past the revolving door and golden lobby, up the tiled elevators and down softly carpeted hallways, a service cart covered in a crisp white tablecloth glides quietly toward your room. Outside, the city is abuzz—but there’s no need to go anywhere at all because in this episode, I’m helping you drif...

Happy New Year! I'm so happy to be back after an extended break. I hope the holidays were good to you, and that 2026 brings us all plenty of rest and restorative sleep. On that note: tonight, we’re rising high above the city streets, into the ambient dining rooms of some of the world’s tallest towers. Here, with breathtaking panoramas and twinkling city lights below, the sweeping views are ju...

Tonight, we’re wandering into the warm, wood‑panelled world of Dublin’s classic pubs. With perfectly poured pints and hearty plates like beef and Guinness stew and fish & chips, we’re settling in for a taste of Ireland’s beloved pub fare. In this episode, I’ll help you drift off by slowly and softly reading menus from three popular Dublin pubs: Devitt's of Camden Street , The Stag's...

Tonight, we’re pairing french fries with fishnets. Enter Portland, Oregon: where strip clubs are as eccentric as the city itself and the food they're dishing up is surprisingly good (yes, actually!). With dozens of strip clubs to choose from, you can find a perfectly grilled steak or vegan burrito served alongside a front-row seat to adult entertainment—any night of the week. In this episode,...

This week's episode has no chill: I'm bringing the heat (and hopefully the sleeps) with Nashville hot chicken. Slathered in a cayenne pepper paste, the spicy bird burns so good it's been a staple in Tennessee's Music City for nearly 100 years. Tonight, I'm helping you drift off by slowly and softly reading menus from three of Nashville's best hot chicken restaurants:...

Tonight, we’re blending beats and bites with Rifflandia's Supper Club . In this episode, I'm helping you drift off by slowly and softly reading menus from the Supper Club at Rifflandia Music Festival in Victoria, British Columbia. While the multi-day festival is best known for its incredible lineup, foodies will find heaps to feast on at Rifflandia, too. With unlimited bites and a menu t...

Tonight, we’re leaving behind the noise and crowds of the airport terminal and retreating into the quiet comfort of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges . With plush seating, complimentary food and drinks, and a relaxed vibe that feels worlds away from the gate, these lounges offer low-key luxury that elevates the pre-flight experience. In this episode, I'm helping you drift off by slowly an...

In this episode, we’re stepping into two of London's most iconic and luxurious shopping sanctuaries: Harrods and Selfridges . And with more than 40 restaurants, cafés, and bars between them, these department stores aren't just about shopping—they're where fashion meets fine dining. From elegant afternoon teas to carefully curated seasonal menus, the dining is every bit as refined as...

Summer's in full swing and I got that dog in me! Franks, links, weenies, red hots, wieners, glizzies—I love 'em all. Tonight, I'm helping you drift off by slowly and softly reading menus from two legendary hot dog institutions: Pink's (Los Angeles, California) and Superdawg (Chicago, Illinois). Support the show If the podcast has been helping you sleep, consider rating or revie...

Tonight, we're getting cozy with Kiwi café culture. I’ve been itching to record an episode about Auckland cafés for a while now—and this week I finally sat down to do it, with a strong flat white and a quiet afternoon to myself. In this episode, I'm helping you fall asleep by slowly and softly reading menus from three of the city's most popular cafés: Bestie , Chuffed , and Blue . S...

I've been thinking about doing a shopping mall episode for some time now and when it came down to choosing one, I decided to go big. Really big. The Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States: the massive complex is big enough to hold 32 Boeing 747s or seven Yankee Stadiums. In addition to housing several big attractions (an aquarium, a theme park!), the mall is home to hundreds...

It's officially summer, and tonight we're cooling off with the season's sweetest treat: ice cream. In this episode, I'm helping you chill out (see what I did there?!) by slowly and softly reading menus from three popular scoop shops: Salt & Straw , Van Leeuwen , and Earnest Ice Cream . Support the show If the podcast has been helping you sleep and you'd like to support...

Mention Chicago pizza and most people think deep dish. But locals will tell you that the city's best pizza is actually the lesser-known tavern-style pie. The battle for top pizza, however, is a debate for a different show. Tonight, we're not playing favourites—in this episode, I'm helping you sleep by slowly and softly reading menus from three popular Chicago pizzerias: Milly's...

In this episode, we’re exploring Seattle’s food scene—after dark. As you settle in and unwind, I’ll gently lull you to sleep by slowly and softly reading late-night menus for night owls. Together, we’ll burn the midnight oil at three of Seattle’s most beloved after-hours eateries: the iconic Beth’s Cafe , the purposefully-tacky Dino’s Tomato Pie (their website is a real trip!), and wallet-friendly...

If you've been enjoying the podcast and want to support the show, you can buy me a coffee (or pepperoni pizza!) at BuyMeACoffee.com/PepperoniPizzaDreams . Your support will help pay for the many costs of producing the podcast and keep the show going! National Barbecue Day was May 16th and no one does BBQ better than the Lone Star State. In tonight's episode, I'm helping you fall asl...

Donna: it was one of the most popular names for girls in the 1950s. These days, it's not often you meet a Donna IRL. Restaurant Donna's, though, are having a moment... and, it also happens to be one of my all-time favourite names. Tonight, I'm helping you drift off to sleep by slowly and softly reading menus from three Donna's: Toronto Donna's , L.A. Donna's , and Sea...

I've been thinking about recording a Montreal episode for a while now: the city has a thriving Italian community—and by extension—a rich culinary scene with some of the best Italian food in the country. Tonight, I'm helping you fall asleep by slowly and softly reading menus (in English and French) from two popular Italian eateries: Bossa and Elena . Send me a text or voicemail—I love hea...

Tonight, we're going off the rails! In this episode, I'm helping you snooze by slowly and softly reading menus from Amtrak's onboard dining service . We're getting cozy in first class from Chicago to San Francisco on the iconic California Zephyr —and tucking in to their traditional dining menu , complete with a 3-course dinner. Menu #2 is served onboard the Texas Eagle , a 1,30...

Tonight, we're taking a moment to appreciate one of life's most underrated pleasures: dining alone. This small—sometimes daunting—act of independence and self-care can be deeply fulfilling and a reminder that sometimes, the best company is your own. And while you can eat alone pretty much anywhere, the NYC restaurants whose menus I'll be reading in this episode— Minetta Tavern , Ha&...

Tonight, we're visiting three Washington, D.C. museums—and their restaurants! In this episode, I'm helping you fall asleep by slowly and softly reading menus from: Immigrant Food at Planet Word, Bread Furst Café at The Phillips Collection, and Mitsitam Cafe at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Send me a text or voicemail—I love hearing from you! Support the s...