Ep 8. Lactose Intolerant

In Mystery Diners season 4 episode 8, titled "Lactose Intolerant," restaurant owner Lisa contacts the Mystery Diners team to investigate unusual food changes in her establishment. She's noticed that menu items she doesn't recall adding to her offerings are being served and is worried something isn't right.

Charles Stiles, the show's host and owner of a private investigations company, sends in his undercover team of mystery diners: Brianna, Taylor, and Deanna. They're tasked with visiting the restaurant and pretending to be regular customers, but with a twist: one of them is lactose intolerant.

The restaurant, which specializes in American cuisine, is located in a beach town and has a cozy atmosphere. The Mystery Diners try a few items from the menu, including appetizers, pasta, and main courses. They also order drinks and desserts. It soon becomes apparent that something fishy is going on.

After carefully examining the food and talking to Lisa, the Mystery Diners start to suspect that one of the staff members has been stealing food. Lisa denies knowing anything about it and says that she's been taking her business seriously. She even had cameras installed in the kitchen to monitor the chefs and waitstaff.

Intrigued, the Mystery Diners review the footage and quickly identify the culprit. It's a disgruntled line cook named Marcus, who'll do anything to leave his job at the restaurant. Using his access to the kitchen, he's been stealing food and adding his own creations to the menu.

Some of Marcus's creations include a mac and cheese dish with bacon and lobster, a pork belly sandwich, and a nutella-filled pancake. The Mystery Diners are impressed with the taste but concerned about the safety and legality of adding unauthorized menu items.

To bust Marcus, the Mystery Diners come up with a plan. They place an order for a lactose-free dish, knowing that Marcus doesn't know what that is. When the dish arrives, the Mystery Diners tell Marcus that they suspect it contains milk and would like to see the ingredients list. Marcus doesn't know what to do and admits that he's been stealing ingredients to make his dishes.

When Lisa finds out about Marcus's antics, she's understandably upset. The Mystery Diners recommend that she fires him immediately, considering his actions a serious breach of trust. Lisa takes their advice, and Marcus is shown the door.

The Mystery Diners also suggest that Lisa capitalizes on the popularity of some of Marcus's dishes by introducing them to the menu, but through a proper channel. Lisa agrees, and the mystery is solved.

As always, the episode is full of twists, turns, and surprises. Mystery Diners season 4 episode 8 is a must-watch for foodies and amateur sleuths alike.