Show 551, November 11, 2023: Executive Chef / Partner Suzanne Goin, Dahlia Lounge & Bar, Caldo Verde, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel Part One

Suzanne Goin of the LLucques Group

“This last Summer Dahlia,an intimate cocktail lounge serving Iberian-inspired bites, was added to Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s roster of dynamic dining outlets helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group. The latest outlet joins signature Portuguese-inspired restaurant Caldo Verde on the ground floor and rooftop lounge Cara Cara to complete a trifecta of distinct and immersive dining destinations.”

“Dahlia (named after Mexico’s native flower) offers a space for hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy elevated invocations of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails, focusing on the history and backbone of mixology but using high-end, rare and small-batch liquors. Drinks are created or finished table-side from Dahlia’s Cocktail Cart through which guests can have a bespoke experience, engaging with the “cart tender” and having access to the lounge’s range of iconic and hard to find spirits. Cocktails are served alongside Iberian-inspired bites such as Jamon Iberico Tartine with Braised Leeks and Rodolfe’s Butter; Tinned Ria de Arosa Mussels en Escabeche with Radish, Guindillas and Grilled AOC Boule; and a festive Fondue de Azores with Croutons, Sopressata, Apple and Fennel. The just desserts include Baked Alaska with Blood Orange and Pineapple for dessert.”

Chef Suzanne Goin takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

Show 551, November 11, 2023: Executive Chef / Partner Suzanne Goin, Dahlia Lounge & Bar, Caldo Verde, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel Part Two

Suzanne Goin of the LLucques Group

“This last Summer Dahlia,an intimate cocktail lounge serving Iberian-inspired bites, was added to Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s roster of dynamic dining outlets helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group. The latest outlet joins signature Portuguese-inspired restaurant Caldo Verde on the ground floor and rooftop lounge Cara Cara to complete a trifecta of distinct and immersive dining destinations.”

“Dahlia (named after Mexico’s native flower) offers a space for hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy elevated invocations of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails, focusing on the history and backbone of mixology but using high-end, rare and small-batch liquors. Drinks are created or finished table-side from Dahlia’s Cocktail Cart through which guests can have a bespoke experience, engaging with the “cart tender” and having access to the lounge’s range of iconic and hard to find spirits. Cocktails are served alongside Iberian-inspired bites such as Jamon Iberico Tartine with Braised Leeks and Rodolfe’s Butter; Tinned Ria de Arosa Mussels en Escabeche with Radish, Guindillas and Grilled AOC Boule; and a festive Fondue de Azores with Croutons, Sopressata, Apple and Fennel. The just desserts include Baked Alaska with Blood Orange and Pineapple for dessert.”

Chef Suzanne also previews Caldo Verde’s continuing monthly guest chef dinner series with celebrated cookbook authors and their books, and Thanksgiving Dinner at Caldo Verde with Herb-Roasted Organic Turkey or Vegan Thanksgiving Extravaganza. Both Thanksgiving dining options include a festive assortment of Thanksgiving Desserts from Pastry Chef Irene Widjaya.

Chef Suzanne Goin takes a further break from her busy kitchen to continue with us.

Show 403, December 12, 2020: The Raymond 1886 with Chef Jonathan Quintana and General Manager Andrew Bugreyev Part One

Andrew Bugreyev and Executive Chef Jonathan Quintana of the Raymond 1886The Raymond 1886 (restaurant) is a living example of Pasadena’s colorful past and carries on the city’s great traditions of craftsman architecture and unparalleled hospitality.” Under State of California guidelines The Raymond 1886 is currently open for takeout & delivery of the food menu as well as specialty cocktails.”

“The Raymond 1886 offers an innovative and contemporary menu in a historic setting, featuring the finest quality ingredients and a dedication to superior service.”

“The dining menu showcases their curated classic American cuisine featuring global influences. Utilizing a mix of contemporary and classic cooking techniques, Executive Chef Jonathan Quintana combines familiar ingredients with an exotic flair.”

“Hidden and tucked away inside, guests can celebrate, sip and savor at The Raymond’s internationally acclaimed cocktail bar, 1886. Accompanied by 1886’s signature handcrafted cocktails, their award-winning Wine List features a special selection of domestic and international varietals from both premier and boutique wineries.”

General Manager Andrew Bugreyev and Executive Chef Jonathan Quintana join us.

Show 104, January 3, 2015: Executive Chef Ken Addington, L.A. Chapter

Ken Addington of LA ChapterThe Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles arrived with a bang about a year ago. It’s the renovated former 1927 United Artists office building and adjacent landmark United Artists Theater (which was their magnificent West Coast flagship.) Their destination restaurant is L.A. Chapter along with a coffee bar and three cocktail bars including a very busy rooftop bar and deck with sweeping views of Downtown.

The Ace Hotel’s restored movie palace also hosted the premier of Columbia Pictures“The Interview,” a film very much in the international news. The stars and the director were all there.

It’s traditional American fare prepared with both classic and modern techniques using local and organic ingredients. The executive chef and co-owner is Ken Addington who also oversees the popular Five Leaves in Greenpoint Brooklyn. His business partner in both ventures is Jud Mongell. Many L.A. Chapter dishes are L.A. adaptations of signature Five Leaves items. Chef Ken’s motto is to have a fun place with good food.

How did a prominent Brooklyn chef with a very popular Greenpoint restaurant find his way to Downtown Los Angeles and a much larger food and beverage operation ? The beginnings were that some of the executives of The Ace Hotel group were satisfied patrons of Five Leaves.

Chef Ken Addington joins us.

Show 103, December 27, 2014: David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, The 12 Bottle Bar

David and Lesley Jacobs SolmonsonOpinionated cocktail authorities David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson are back with us with inspired advice on New Year’s Eve libations. They are the authors of The 12 Bottle BarA Dozen Bottles. Hundreds Of Cocktails. A New Way To Drink.

The Solmonsons are going to discuss how to get the hosts out from behind the bar on New Year’s Eve so they can enjoy their own party. We’re perhaps thinking of a spirited punch and champagne cocktail bar.