Ariana Madix, a familiar face from Vanderpump Rules, recently spilled some tea about her time working at SUR, Lisa Vanderpump’s iconic West Hollywood restaurant. In a candid revelation, Ariana admitted that one of SUR’s most popular dishes, the goat cheese balls, was something she couldn’t stand. “I hate the goat cheese balls,” she confessed during an interview on the Two Ts In A Pod podcast with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge. Despite their popularity among diners, Ariana found the dish unappealing, though she didn’t elaborate on why. Fans of the show know those crispy, creamy bites are a menu staple, often raved about by customers, making her dislike a surprising twist
But Ariana didn’t stop at dissing the goat cheese balls. She went on to rank Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants, offering her unfiltered take on the hospitality mogul’s culinary empire. According to Ariana, TomTom, the bar she co-owns with Tom Sandoval and Lisa Vanderpump, takes the top spot. “TomTom is number one for me,” she said, citing its lively atmosphere and unique vibe as key factors. She placed SUR at number two, appreciating its iconic status and consistent buzz, despite her personal distaste for the goat cheese balls. Pump, another Vanderpump hotspot, came in third, with Ariana noting it was a “great spot” but didn’t quite match the energy of her top two picks. Interestingly, she ranked Vanderpump Cocktail Garden in Las Vegas at the bottom, describing it as less exciting compared to the others.
Ariana’s rankings stirred some chatter, especially since Pump has since closed its doors, a fact she acknowledged with a touch of nostalgia. Her comments reflect her deep connection to these establishments, having worked at SUR for years and navigated the drama that came with it, as chronicled on Vanderpump Rules. The rankings also highlight the distinct personalities of each venue, from TomTom’s trendy, masculine energy to SUR’s sultry, Mediterranean-inspired charm.
Beyond her restaurant critiques, Ariana shared insights into her current ventures. She’s gearing up for the opening of Something About Her, the sandwich shop she’s launching with co-star Katie Maloney. The duo has faced delays but is excited to bring their vision to life, with Ariana hinting at a menu that reflects their personal tastes. She also touched on her recent Broadway stint as Roxie Hart in Chicago, calling it a dream come true and a testament to her growing career beyond reality TV.
Ariana’s candidness about SUR’s menu and her bold rankings of Vanderpump’s restaurants have sparked buzz among fans, who are now debating her takes on social media. Whether you’re a fan of the goat cheese balls or curious about how TomTom outshines the rest, one thing’s clear: Ariana Madix isn’t holding back her opinions, and her insights into Lisa Vanderpump’s empire are as juicy as ever.