Montaigne

In this episode of Off Menu, James Acaster and Ed Gamble welcome musician Montaigne (real name Jess) to their dream restaurant, where they explore her new album 'It's Hard To Be A Fish' and craft a full vegan dream menu. The conversation unfolds with playful banter, personal reflections, and deep dives into music, identity, and food. Montaigne shares how the album emerged from a breakup, estrangement from her parents, and her queerness, using the metaphor of a fish to explore themes of survival, compassion, and fluid identity. The dream menu features sparkling water, focaccia, a vegetable trio of leek, fennel, and celeriac, a lentil bolognese made by her partner, blackened carrots, a spicy Bloody Mary, and a vegan tiramisu from Smith & Daughters. The episode is rich with humor, self-awareness, and heartfelt moments, including reflections on Australian culture, veganism, and the absurdity of life—like throwing fettuccine at walls to test doneness or imagining a Truman Show within a Truman Show. The hosts celebrate Montaigne’s artistry while poking fun at their own quirks, ending with a warm appreciation for her music and a reminder to support independent artists through Bandcamp and Patreon.