Show 361, February 22, 2020: Tom Bergin’s, Los Angeles – Executive Chef Erik Punzalan – Part One

Erik Punzalan of Tom BerginsTom Bergin’s located on S. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles (just south of Wilshire Blvd) is a landmarked institution. Also famous as the “House of Irish Coffee.” Opened in 1936 it holds one of the area’s longest continuously running liquor licenses. It even has its own parking lot – a true, but convenient, rarity in Los Angeles these days.

It’s had its ups and downs since the 2nd owner in its long history sold the establishment in 2011. Last year it was threatened with certain demolition but the new, astute property owners listened to the outpouring of community support and has reopened it under the culinary guidance of Chef Erik Punzalan (ex-Firefly.) We’ll meet him.

Tom Bergin’s is also known for the shamrocks (inscribed with names) covering most walls and the ceiling. The shamrocks, over the years, were awarded to loyal customers. Of course, many celebrities from Hollywood and professional sports are among the recipients of a coveted shamrock.

Show 361, February 22, 2020: Tom Bergin’s, Los Angeles – Executive Chef Erik Punzalan – Part Two

Erik Punzalan of Tom BerginsTom Bergin’s located on S. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles (just south of Wilshire Blvd) is a landmarked institution. Also famous as the “House of Irish Coffee.” Opened in 1936 it holds one of the area’s longest continuously running liquor licenses. It even has its own parking lot – a true, but convenient, rarity in Los Angeles these days.

It’s had its ups and downs since the 2nd owner in its long history sold the establishment in 2011. Last year it was threatened with certain demolition but the new, astute property owners listened to the outpouring of community support and has reopened it under the culinary guidance of Chef Erik Punzalan (ex-Firefly.)

As of March 1st it’s Dinner Wednesday thru Sunday (closed on Monday & Tuesday) and opening @ 11:00 a.m. on Sunday for Brunch and then serving continuously until 1:00 a.m. To streamline service guests order at the oval bar and a server efficiently brings your meal to you.

The food is elevated Irish pub food that is both tasty and fairly priced. A generous portion of Shepherd’s Pie (short rib, seasonal veggies, Reggiano, mashed potatoes and gravy) goes for $14. A standout dessert is the Dutch Apple Pie (baked in-house) with housemade Bailey’s Ice Cream.

Of course the ample bar is well stocked with Irish Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon & American Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Tequila, Gin and Rum. For something different in a cocktail try the Paloma. It’s Altos Blanco or Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, grapefruit bitters, grapefruit soda and Tajin rim.

We continue our conversation with Chef Erik Punzalan.

Show 165, March 26, 2016: Ted Bassetti, General Manager, Cape Seafood and Provisions

Ted BassettiWhen industry veterans and partners Chef Michael Cimarusti, Craig Nickoloff and Donato Poto collaborate on a food venture you expect nothing but the very best. This is the same team that created the uber-successful Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood.

Newly launched from this prominent culinary group is Cape Seafood and Provisions, a sustainable seafood market, on N. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles.

Cape Seafood and Provisions aims to provide guests with sustainable wild-caught whole fish, and custom filets, in addition to a variety of prepared items including housemade stocks and sauces, and grab-and-go dishes such as chowder and lobster rolls. For those who prefer turf over surf, the shop will also carry natural and USDA Prime steaks and chops from West Coast Prime Meats (Brea, California), which also supplies product to Providence and Connie and Ted’s.

With Cape Seafood and Provisions, we look forward to sourcing the seafood people cook in their homes, and to further educate guests about what types of fish are safe to buy,” says Cimarusti. “If clients can’t find what they want in the shop, I will do my best to procure it within 48 hours,” he adds, provided it aligns with the shop’s sustainable prerequisites.

Cape Seafood and Provisions will offer the freshest seafood available from sustainable fisheries, sourced locally when possible. Daily selections may include sustainably caught whole, filleted, and portioned fish, East and West Coast oysters, live spot prawns, crabs, lobsters (when in season), clams and mussels, scallops, live uni (in season) and cleaned uni in trays, fresh and frozen shrimp and squid, and imported and domestic caviar.

The market will also sell a selection of “under-appreciated” species of fish, most notably California Groundfish such as Chuckleheads, Vermillion Snappers, Sheepshead, and Rock Cod, whose populations have recently been restored through fisheries management and Marine Protected Areas.

General Manager Ted Bassetti reels in all the fresh 411 for us.

 

Show 4: October 27, 2012: Melting Pot Food Tours Part One

When it comes to entertaining and engaging food walking tours in Los Angeles no one does it better than Melting Pot Food Tours!

Thai Town MarketSisters and co-founders Lisa and Diane Scalia are L.A. natives and lifelong residents of Italian heritage who truly “live to eat.” Lisa, a caterer and private tour guide, and Diane, a professional chef (BarComida in Redondo Beach,) cookbook author, and food writer, together have over 25 years of combined experience in the hospitality business.

Current tours are Farmers Market – 3rd Street, Old Pasadena, and L.A. Latin Spice. It all started in 2008 with the Original Farmers Market Tour at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles.
Melting Pot’s newest addition is Chef Jet Tila’s Flavors of Thai Town Tour. This is an incredible VIP experience all the way. When Travel Channel’s Tony Bourdain brought his “No Reservations” crew to Los Angeles he selected Chef Jet, the honorary Mayor of Thai Town, to guide him through the area. Since then visiting journalists and prominent chefs have prevailed upon Jet to escort them through Thai Town on the same trail. Now this enhanced, ultimate insider’s experience is available to a select group of savvy food tourists on a very limited basis.

Show 4: October 27, 2012: Melting Pot Food Tours Part Two

When it comes to entertaining and engaging food walking tours in Los Angeles no one does it better than Melting Pot Food Tours!

Thai Town FoodSisters and co-founders Lisa and Diane Scalia are L.A. natives and lifelong residents of Italian heritage who truly “live to eat.” Lisa, a caterer and private tour guide, and Diane, a professional chef (BarComida in Redondo Beach,) cookbook author, and food writer, together have over 25 years of combined experience in the hospitality business.

Current tours are Farmers Market – 3rd Street, Old Pasadena, and L.A. Latin Spice. It all started in 2008 with the Original Farmers Market Tour at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles.
Melting Pot’s newest addition is Chef Jet Tila’s Flavors of Thai Town Tour. This is an incredible VIP experience all the way. When Travel Channel’s Tony Bourdain brought his “No Reservations” crew to Los Angeles he selected Chef Jet, the honorary Mayor of Thai Town, to guide him through the area. Since then visiting journalists and prominent chefs have prevailed upon Jet to escort them through Thai Town on the same trail. Now this enhanced, ultimate insider’s experience is available to a select group of savvy food tourists on a very limited basis.