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On this episode Abel and Paul drive through America's favorite red headed franchise, Wendy's. Named after the daughter of Wendy's founder and deity, Dave Thomas, this national chain answers the questions – where's the beef? and fresh over frozen? A great product from a great man, Dave Thomas's legacy lives on. The episode starts off with a recap of Paul's recent trip to Miami where he continued his education on local/ global food systems, social gastronomy, and sustainability. FAIR WARNING if you don't care about making the a better place and find this boring skip to (15:00). The boys shift their attention to Kanye's theatre of the absurd and discuss his recent hijacking of conservative values. Is Kanye a disillusioned elitist megalomaniac with no real connection to the people? Is this just garbage performance art? What are the Kardashians laced with? Do you miss the old Kanye? DO YOU HAVE THE ANSWERS, SWAY???? (16:00-35:00)FOOD TALK: As a palate cleanser from Kanye the boys discuss their most recent experience at Wendy's and their historical connection to this burger chain. Getting their summer bodies ready, Abel and Paul gorge on Dave's Doubles, BACONATERS, Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, nuggets, and frosty dairy desserts. As always, they give their final copper lunch box rating (36:00-1:05:00)

On this episode Abel and Paul EAT MOR CHIKEN at America's greatest chicken sandwich establishment, Chick Fil A. Everyday is the Sabbath at this nationwide chain, where chicken sandwiches with buttery soft buns and crispy waffle fries are the blessings. The boys start off discussing the dusty beige cardigan of rappers’ newest self-righteous album, K.O.D. aka King of Diamonds, aka Koreans Own Delis, aka Kendrick Or Drake (are both significantly better). The boys have a one-sided debate on J Cole the rapper and his fans. Are STANS unreasonable people? Are Kanye STANS worse that J Cole worshippers? At what point do you stop idolizing other men/women? – are all asked on the pod (0:00-45:00) The conversation takes a quick shift to the very exiting NBA playoffs before food talk (45:00-50:00)FOOD TALK: BWAK BWAK CHIKEN CHIKEN… BWAK BWAK CHIKEN HEAD. This week the boys review Chik fil a – the perfect chicken sandwich – and give their final review before the question of the week. QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Is it ok for Asian people to say the “N” wor….? NO! Even if its in a rap so..? NOOOOOOO! (50:00-1:20:00)

Join Abel and Paul for this episode of RIML Recess – Expert Reviews from Non Experts/ Food for thought without the FOOD Shhhhhhh...... possible spoiler alerts.......On this episode Abel and Paul review "A Quiet Place", Directed by and Starring John Krasinski. Moving on from Dunder Mifflin, Jim and his real life wife and costar Emily Blunt must stay silent to survive in a post apocalyptic new world. They and their onscreen children tread lightly to avoid being hunted by audiophilic extraterrestrials. How long would you last when silence equals survival? This thriller has the RIML boys on the edge of their seats and leaning in closer. Come take a listen. 

Rikrea chhn thmei! On this episode the Abel and Paul celebrate Laos/Khmer/Thai New Year with no frills Laotian food from Padaek in Falls Church, VA. The boys are back from hiatus after Abel returns from his adventures in Vietnam. Abel recounts his experience in the this proud South East Asian country and shares his perspective on Vietnamese food, culture, and society. The boys look into the country's past and ask, how did they get to this point today? $1 bowls of Pho, motos, and the impact of Communism are all on the table in this weeks episode(0:00-50:00). FOOD TALK: The boys review Thip Khao's modest sister restaurant, Padaek (formerly known as Bangkok Golden). Abel and Paul swim in fish sauce while chowing down on Laotian classics including Tam Muk Houng G, Knap, and Nam Khao. As always they give their final Lunchbox review – 100% accurate 100% authentic (51:00-1:27:00)

Abel and Paul take a quick break while Abel explores the beautiful country of Vietnam

On this episode Abel and Paul are joined by Sarat from Contemplation Cafe. The boys chow down on America's most iconic food (burgers) at Shake Shake. The brainchild of legendary New York restauranteur, Danny Meyer, Shake Shack offers impressively consistent burgers, fries, shakes, and more to patrons around the world. The boys start off with the most important event of the month and possibly the most exciting sports tournament of the year, March Madness. The boys bust off their brackets and talk NCAA. Should college athletes be paid? How else can one afford crab legs? (28:00) "Khaliq, Ramel, Pharrell in the house"...The conversation shifts to Sarat Obama's recent trip back to his motherland, India. The three talk all things India and provide the most in depth explanation of the country's history and culture that you can find. Lexis Nexis? ProQuest? Google Scholar? NO! Trust the experts at Rice In My Lunch Box (47:00).FOOD TALK: The boys breakdown the leaders of mid tier burger chains and compare Shake Shack against the rest. Do Californian's know burgers or should they just stay vegan? Do you want your buns stacked with meat from five guys? Find out when the boys give their final rating (1:29:00)

On this episode the Abel and Paul exceed their daily caloric intake at The Cheesecake Factory. This American chain restaurant, founded in 1978, offers a bible sized menu of classic comfort foods from across the globe. Once crowned as the "Worst Restaurant in America" by Men's Health magazine (2010), The Cheese Cake factory stands 200+ restaurants strong. With international locations in Dubai, Puerto Rico, and Shanghai this chain serves as a diplomatic institution for American value(s). If you come at the King, you best not miss. This week the boys focus the conversation on 2013's favorite buzzword, Cultural Appropriation. Following accusations of appropriation against Bruno Mars, during a roundtable dialogue called the "Grapevine", Abel and Paul investigate whether this claim has merit.(0:00-35:00) The boys shift the conversation to a similar topic, 2014's favorite buzzword, White Privilege. They discuss the recent PSA's to school children in Canada and ask, "should the blancos apologize every time?"(35:00-45:00)FOOD TALK: The boys risk diabetes at The Cheesecake Factory and try a variety of dishes including Mac and Cheeseburgers, Bang Bang Thai Chicken and Shrimp, and Chicken Maderia. They give their final review before ending the episode with dessert – Question of The Week. Is Netflix and sit by yourself at home in the dark a boring life? (45:00-1:21:00) Find out on this episode. 

On this episode Abel and Paul try the "best pizzas under one roof" and new official pizza of the NFL – Pizza Hut. The boys start off the pod discussing the only man with five NBA Championships and an Academy Award, Kobe Bean Bryant. They reflect on life after basketball for the Black Mamba and reminisce about the good old days, when basketball was rough and men suppressed their feelings (0:00-18:00) The conversation shifts to Kevin Love's recent Players Tribute op-ed on mental health. They talk depression, anxiety, and medication before they discuss Lil Xan. Is 2pac a boring rapper? (NOOOOO). are old hip hop heads salty? (maybe). Should Lil Xan stop doing interviews (yes) (20:00-45:00)FOOD TALK: The boys talk the big three pizza delivery chains starting with the Mozzarella Mussolini, Papa Johns. They try hand tossed, stuffed crust, and pan at Pizza Hut. 

Join Abel and Paul for this episode of RIML Recess – Food for thought without the FOOD. On this edition of RIML Recess, Abel and Paul review Top 5 comedian Chris Rock's newest stand up special – Tamborine. After an almost ten year hiatus, this special presents a more personal look into the maturing comedian's life, tribulations, and lessons. Considered the "alimony tour", this comedic titan validates his contract with Netflix and reminds us all that he's still got it. 

On this episode Abel and Paul get flame broiled with fast food royalty at Burger King. The arch-nemesis of the Golden Arches, long known for their slogan "have it your way", escalates the fast food price wars with their 2 for $6 offering. Plus, CHEESY THOTS are back. Fire, fuego, yoga flame is the theme this week as the boys start off the pod discussing HBO's revamp of Fahrenheit 451. Abel and Paul reflect on the dystopian ideas posited by in Ray Bradbury's literary masterpiece. They dissect modern content consumption, digital inundation,  information echo chambers, and implications for the future of books. Can Hemingway and Dostoyevsky hold their own against Sasha Grey and Emily Ratajkowski? Will bookmarks stay between paper pages or just exist on your browser? (0:00-46:00). The boys drop their hot takes before FOOD TALK. FOOD TALK: This week the boys try BK classics and more recent fan favorites. Does the King still rule or has he long been dethroned? Find out the Lunchbox rating on this week's pod (47:00-1:20:00)

Rant and Review: Black PantherJoin Abel and Paul for this episode of Rant and Review – Expert Reviews from Non Experts. Critical Opinions from Non-critical Thinkers.  SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERTOn this episode of R&R Abel and Paul marvel at the highly anticipated blockbuster, Black Panther. Directed by Ryan Coogler, this on screen adaptation of the comic book series created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (revamped by Ta Nehisi Coates), transports us to the high-tech utopian Kingdom of Wakanda. The fight for Wakanda's future pits newly crowned King T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) against his newly discovered cousin, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). Black Panther has been described as "a love letter to the African diaspora all over the world". This latest triumph in Marvel's broad catalog, presents new heroes for future generations #WakandaForever 

On this episode Abel and Paul make their way to Adams Morgan (never trust a man with two first names) to drink their dinner at Jack Rose (maybe trust a bar with two first names). This modern saloon boasts 2600+ bottles of unique whiskeys on the wall and carefully curated cocktails. Gong-sshee faa-tseye and boo-boo gaoww-shnng you pack of b*tches. Happy Year of the Dog! The boys start of talking Chinese/ Lunar New Years. Old and new traditions are discussed like lion dances, keyboard warriors, and fake outrage. The boys ask several questions: Is "JJ Reddick a Duke White Devil?", "Can you dribble and speak at the same time?", and "what three letter word starts with the pullout method?"(00:00-36:00). Things take a bit of a serious turn when they shift the conversation to the recent tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School, gun policy, and school security (37:00-55:00)FOOD TALK: This week the boys drink more than they eat at Jack Rose in Adams Morgan. They discuss the very important job of bartending and the difference between whiskeys before giving their final lunchbox rating. This week's question? Wait for a shawty or nah? (56:00-1:26:00)Check out fellow content creators Ronnie Sarmiento, @longbeardVA , and Andrew Nguyen, @andrew.ventures .  

On this episode Abel and Paul drive through the Golden Arches for the return of the Macs. They indulge on three variations of an American icon – the Grand MacDaddy, OG Big Mac, and the Mac JR. The boys go SMACK on two all beef* patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun. The boys open the pod with a discussion on Winter Olympics in  Pyeong Chang, North-South Korea. This international event brings together pseudo athletes from across the globe to compete in sub zero "sports" and celebrate unity through athletics. They talk about the youngest gold medalists from the US and wonder what its like when you peak too young. They briefly shift the conversation to having kids early, bad parents, and dreams deferred. They finish Olympics talk by asking questions regarding Paul's position on the sexual spectrum, the homogeneity of Male figure skaters, and what we're allowed to assume (36:00). Before FOOD TALK they discuss the recent movement in the NBA and the upcoming All Star break. Will basketball groupies have a Happy Valentines Day (45:30)? FOOD TALK: The boys talk all things McDonalds, as the fast food king (NOT YOU BURGER KING) brings back the Grand and Junior versions of the Big Mac. They expend their daily caloric intake for purposes of food science and culture while reviewing all three sandwiches. As always, they give each individual sandwich LUNCHBOX rating. Is bigger always better? Or is it the meat to bun ration (pause) that really counts? Find out on this week's RIML (1:19:00). 

Paul and Abel join Sarat on his podcast Contemplation Cafe. The boys bring their usual charm/irreverence in this episode as the conversation spans a variety of topics including: the origin story of RIML, the olympics, North Korea, brainwashing, NBA, cricket, and other random things. The episode was a lot of fun and we hope you enjoy hearing Paul and Abel on the other side of the mics for a change. Check out Contemplation Cafe and show Sarat some love by subscribing and sharing with a friend/family member/enemy/stranger. https://www.contemplationcafepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/contemplationcafepodcast/

Rant and Review: The ForeignerJoin Abel and Paul for this episode of Rant and Review – Expert Reviews from Non Experts. Critical Opinions from Non-critical Thinkers. SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERTOn this episode of R&R Abel and Paul pay tribute to the GOD Jackie Chan and review his most recent film The Foreigner. This on screen adaptation of The Chinaman written by Stephan , Ngoc Minh Quan, a Chinese Nuang chef/ former special forces operative avenges death of his daughter after  a terrorist attack. This movie is led by its compelling story line depicting the longstanding conflict between Ireland and the Britain. Jackie Chan’s is in rare form where his acting comes first and action comes after. Are we seeing the evolution of a childhood hero? Is he Hollywood’s Vince Carter?

On this episode – Abel and Paul investigate Taco Bell's latest addition to their fast food arsenal #NACHOFRIES. The guys provide expert insight on the faux-Mexican restaurant's latest innovation. What do we want? The Ginger? The King? The Clown? No. Yo quiero Taco Bell. The boys start off by recapping the Grammys. They discuss the highlights of the evening and their general thoughts on awards shows. The conversation migrates to the stars of the evening, two musical geniuses under 5'3, Bruno Mars and K. Dot Lamar. They ask the questions, "Does Daddy Yankee's ladies call him Daddy or Papi?" and "What's the difference between Best Song and Best Record?" (18:00). The pod takes a weird and dark turn when they the discuss the recent suicide of former Glee actor and pedophile, Mark Salling (30:00). Before food talk Abel and Paul find their way back to zombie land (38:30). FOOD TALK: Two words TACO BELL. Two more words NACHO FRIES. Abel and Paul discuss their personal relationships with America's Favorite Mexican franchise, ketchup, and the guys' favorite fries. As always, they give their final review. PLUS: Sage advice to the question "when you're a fat teenager, what do you put in the lunchbox to get the box?" (1:24:00).   

On this episode, Abel and Paul head to Logan Circle for Sunday afternoon dim sum at Da Hong Pao. This newer Cantonese restaurant was established by founder of Yum’s II carryout, Jerry Chen and co. While Mr. Chen has been slinging Chinese food in Logan Circle since it was the District's stomping ground for working girls – they broaden their offering with an extensive menu of Chinese bite sized favorites. The boys start off discussing the impending apocalypse after science nerds tell the time of T-two minutes on the "Doomsday Clock". Assuming Abel survives his current battle with Spanish Influenza, they list their action items before impact and imagine what things would be like in their brave new world. They ask the questions, "Would you rather have Amazon Prime or stop global warming" and  "how can such a little finger push a button so big?" (30:40). The guys briefly switch topics to the M.A.G.A. G.O.A.T. aka Giselle's husband aka Mr. Uggs himself, Thomas Brady (39:00).FOOD TALK: For this installment of Brodies that Brunch – the boys go Cantonese style at Da Hong Pao. They lead into a conversation on dim sum by reflecting on the role of the Asian immigrant business in "urban" areas. When they finally get to the food they recount their consumption of freshly steamed shumai, crab balls, and fluffy red pork buns. They finish off the episode with their final Lunchbox rating (1:25:00). 

Join Abel and Paul for this episode of Rant and Review – Expert Reviews from Non Experts. Critical Opinions from Non-critical Thinkers. SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT On this episode of R&R Abel and Paul make their last stop on the Black Mirror train – discussing Season 4 finale "Black Museum". While the boys skip ahead to review the final episode of the new season, they start off the pod by reflecting on some of their favorite moments from other episodes in Season 4. They then shift their focus to "Black Museum", an amalgamation of the show's dystopian themes and converging storylines. What does the Black Museum and National Museum of African American History have in common? Tune in to find out....Monkey Loves You XOXO.  

New Year Same Format! On this episode of the pod Abel and Paul head over to the newly developed DC Wharf to check out Mike Isabella's French dream, Requin. The culinary focal point of the Hoffman-Madison backed waterfront, Requin serves a modern approach to refined French cuisine. The episode starts off with the guys discussing the Aziz Ansari situation. They try their best to MANsplain their perspectives and dissect the idea of consent (20:00). They then take a quick pivot to an actual serial sexual predator, Donald Drumpf. Abel and Paul recap the President's recent remarks on immigration and "$h*t hole countries". They ask the questions "does Donald see things in black and white?", "Is he a Ganguro Girl?", and "how is he actually still the President of a top 5 country?" (31:00). Before the guys get into food talk they recap CES 2018 and delve into one their favorite topics, futurist theories. #ROBOTDOGS #USAINBOLT (48:00)FOOD TALK: Abel and Paul talk all things French food and wonder whose the greatest French chef? Paul Bocuse, Daniel Boulud, or a Rat named Remy? They then recap their very different experiences of Requin and reminisce over river trout crudo, lame duck, and pumpkin ravioli. As always, they give their final determination and rate the restaurant in diamond crusted LUNCHBOXES (1:39:00).

New Year New Format. For the first episode of 2018 Abel and Paul introduce Rant and Review – Expert Reviews from Non Experts. Critical Opinions from Non-critical Thinkers. SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT On the first installment of R&R Abel and Paul reflect on Black Mirror Season 4 Episode 1, USS Callister. The boys first discuss the Black Mirror universe and share their appreciation for futurist theories represented on the silver screen. They then give a review of the episode, USS Callister. This almost short film (76 mins) explores the future of virtual reality, which raises questions on ethics and human rights of digital clones. Other questions asked: Will VR be a place for nerds to dominate their bullies and If you build and infinite world and still don't get laid, was it even worth it? The guys give their review of the episode and look to the future ahead in 2018.