Show 563, February 3, 2024: Executive Chef Doug Rankin, Bar Chelou, Pasadena

Doug Rankin of Bar Chelou

Bar Chelou is Pasadena’s first true neo-bistro, a casual, convivial space that is both a distillation of Chef Doug Rankin’s broad gastronomic interests and a deeply personal expression of his individualistic style. ‘Chelou’ (French slang for ‘strange’ or ‘unexpected’) is both the name and unifying theme of the restaurant, which draws from a range of culinary traditions and service styles to create something personal, novel and fun. The restaurant is located within the historic Pasadena Playhouse complex.”

Standout dishes include “Carrots,” a salad with coconut dressing, lime leaf, peanuts and shoestring potatoes, and Rainbow Trout with corn rice and garlic chive pil-pil.

Chef Doug Rankin takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Show 521, April 15, 2023: Juliet Restaurant in Culver City with General Manager Charles Phillips

Charles Phillips of Juliet

Juliet, the new seafood-forward, Parisian-inspired restaurant and patio in Culver City, Los Angeles, is now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. From the team behind the popular restaurants Margot and Norah, Juliet is an ode to the way Parisians are dining now. The bright French-inspired menu highlights seasonal ingredients and seafood from Southern California, and is complemented by a curated wine list of French producers, classic cocktails, and an interactive bar side cart with exclusive offerings dedicated to Champagne and Martinis. Envisioned by AD 100 Designer Jeremiah Brent, Juliet is a timeless, 120-seat restaurant featuring a striking walk-up bar and communal wooden table, and floor-to-ceiling iron doors leading to a 1,500 square-foot shaded terrace.”

“Dinner includes dishes like Huitres, oysters with cucumber and trout roe; Moules Persillade, chilled mussels and sauce verte; Poisson Cru, sliced amberjack, meyer lemon ponzu and chili oil; Tarama, salt cod dip with breakfast radish; Salade D’endives, with endives, walnuts, grapes and roquefort; Cigares de Confit de Canard, duck confit “cigars” with sauce valois; La Morue, black cod, dashi butter, sea beans, radish, with sauce poured tableside; and Cotes d’Agneau, grilled lamb chops, olives and fennel pollen. Desserts include Assiette de Fromage, a selection of cheese; Chocolat Chaud, Parisian hot chocolate; Gâteau au Fromage, creme fraiche cheesecake with passion fruit gelee; and Madeleines au Beurre Noisette, brown butter madeleines and salted honey chantilly.”

“The breakfast menu includes Crêpes Suzette with citrus, grand marnier and chantilly cream; Pain au Champignons with mushroom & truffle confiture and poached eggs; and Croque Madame with smoked ham, green chile bechamel and a sunny side egg; while lunch offers dishes like Carpaccio de Thon, tuna carpaccio, olives and tonnato; Aubergine Roti, roasted eggplant, white soy, and sesame; and Omelette Classique, organic pasture raised eggs, comte, and market greens.”

“Juliet is a collaboration between restaurateur Rohan Talwar of IB Hospitality (Norah, Margot), and Joseph Miller and David Fishbein of Runyon Group (Platform). They’re joined by IB Hospitality Chef and Culinary Director Michael Williams, Chef Jason Gonzales, Director of Hospitality Bruce Childress and General Manager Charles Phillips, who pride themselves on providing welcoming hospitality and creating a unique guest experience.”

General Manager Charlie Phillips joins us with a plate of brown butter madeleines in hand.

Show 513, February 18, 2023: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part One

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House Brasserie, the award-winning brasserie helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, celebrated its 1st Anniversary last December. In its first year, Butcher’s House garnered critical acclaim as the ‘2022 Restaurant of the Year’ by Orange Coast Magazine and earned coveted recognition in the Orange County Register’s ‘75 Best Restaurants’ list. The restaurant, now in its second year, has introduced a new menu that artfully juxtaposes the antique craft of butchery with contemporary French dining.”

“Butcher’s House celebrates cuisine du terroir, focusing on wood-fired steaks, dry-aged, and butchered in-house. Classic and contemporary converge on Offer’s new menu as time-honored techniques intersect with his inspirations from the avant-garde dining culture of modern France. The new menu is complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine program offering guests an exploration through the various growing regions of France.”

“If you were to visit France today, you’d find that restaurants shaping the modern dining scene focus on simple, good food served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. That is what we’re creating at Butcher’s House,” adds Offer. “Simply prepared dishes allow the quality and seasonality of ingredients to take center stage. There is beauty in simplicity, and my style of cooking reflects that.”

“New-to-the-menu starters include a woodfire-grilled Rustic Carpaccio with thinly sliced thyme and garlic-marinated filet with Gribiche sauce; and a Burrata with grilled acorn squash topped with basil, olive oil, and saba. Accompaniments like Ratatouille and duck-fat Roasted Potatoes serve as classic complements to Offer’s selection of Butcher’s Choice cuts, while playful options like Butcher’s Fries are topped with pork belly and melted raclette cheese. Dishes like the Merguez Boulette (beef & lamb marinated with traditional spices) and the signature Butcher’s Burger with dry-aged beef, confit onions, and Comté cheese provide a glimpse into France’s contemporary dining scene. Offer’s hometown is celebrated in traditional dishes like the Toulouse Sausage, while his classical French training shines through dishes like Duck Confit, a slow-cooked duck leg marinated in duck fat served with Cassoulet-style beans.”

“To complement his new dinner menu, Offer also launched a new wine program that expertly explores France’s most illustrious growing regions. A curated list features everything from elegant Champagnes and bold grand cru Burgundies to robust blends from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Southern Rhone.  In 2023 guests can look forward to a monthly series of multi-course wine-paired dinners exploring each growing region and its unique cuisine du terroir. Offer has tapped special co-hosts and wine experts to guide guests with tasting notes for each region.”

Butcher’s House is located at SoCo in Costa Mesa (3321 Hyland Ave. Ste. D) and is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and weekend brunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Chef Jeoffrey Offer joins us with antique clever in hand.

Show 513, February 18, 2023: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part Two

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House Brasserie, the award-winning brasserie helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, celebrated its 1st Anniversary last December. In its first year, Butcher’s House garnered critical acclaim as the ‘2022 Restaurant of the Year’ by Orange Coast Magazine and earned coveted recognition in the Orange County Register’s ‘75 Best Restaurants’ list. The restaurant, now in its second year, has introduced a new menu that artfully juxtaposes the antique craft of butchery with contemporary French dining.”

“Butcher’s House celebrates cuisine du terroir, focusing on wood-fired steaks, dry-aged, and butchered in-house. Classic and contemporary converge on Offer’s new menu as time-honored techniques intersect with his inspirations from the avant-garde dining culture of modern France. The new menu is complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine program offering guests an exploration through the various growing regions of France.”

“If you were to visit France today, you’d find that restaurants shaping the modern dining scene focus on simple, good food served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. That is what we’re creating at Butcher’s House,” adds Offer. “Simply prepared dishes allow the quality and seasonality of ingredients to take center stage. There is beauty in simplicity, and my style of cooking reflects that.”

“New-to-the-menu starters include a woodfire-grilled Rustic Carpaccio with thinly sliced thyme and garlic-marinated filet with Gribiche sauce; and a Burrata with grilled acorn squash topped with basil, olive oil, and saba. Accompaniments like Ratatouille and duck-fat Roasted Potatoes serve as classic complements to Offer’s selection of Butcher’s Choice cuts, while playful options like Butcher’s Fries are topped with pork belly and melted raclette cheese. Dishes like the Merguez Boulette (beef & lamb marinated with traditional spices) and the signature Butcher’s Burger with dry-aged beef, confit onions, and Comté cheese provide a glimpse into France’s contemporary dining scene. Offer’s hometown is celebrated in traditional dishes like the Toulouse Sausage, while his classical French training shines through dishes like Duck Confit, a slow-cooked duck leg marinated in duck fat served with Cassoulet-style beans.”

“To complement his new dinner menu, Offer also launched a new wine program that expertly explores France’s most illustrious growing regions. A curated list features everything from elegant Champagnes and bold grand cru Burgundies to robust blends from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Southern Rhone.  In 2023 guests can look forward to a monthly series of multi-course wine-paired dinners exploring each growing region and its unique cuisine du terroir. Offer has tapped special co-hosts and wine experts to guide guests with tasting notes for each region.”

Butcher’s House is located at SoCo in Costa Mesa (3321 Hyland Ave. Ste. D) and is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and weekend brunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. For more information, connect with Butcher’s House on Instagram at @jeoffreyoffer and @butchershouseoc.

Chef Jeoffrey Offer joins us for a 2nd segment with antique clever securely in hand.

Show 492, September 24, 2022: Restaurateurs Buddy Foy, Jr. and Jennifer Foy, Chateau Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Florida Part One

Buddy Foy of Chateau on the Lake

Restaurateurs Buddy and Jennifer Foy operate a pair of establishments in two different states. The Chateau On The Lake is located in Bolton Landing, New York on Lake George and the Chateau Anna Maria (launched in late December of 2020) is at the Waterline Villas and Marina Resort (An Autograph Collection property) on Anna Maria Island, FL.

“The Chateau On The Lake sits on lakefront property on Lake George in Bolton Landing, NY and serves seafood, organic meats and lamb. The restored 1800s private home now serves as the site of one of the Top Hundred Restaurants in America.”

“The Foy’s second location on picturesque Anna Maria Island is an interpretation of the Chateau brand with a Southern twist. Chateau Anna Maria’s cuisine is “French Inspired with Italian portions.” Jennifer Foy is first-generation Italian, which means everyone must have enough portions. Chateau Anna Maria serves fresh fish, Colorado and Iowa Beef, and other chef selections. The Foys invite you to explore your palette and indulge in their fresh ingredients, attention to detail, cleanliness, and atmosphere.”

“Buddy is French and Irish, which means having a great wine collection which is a pleasant distraction for Buddy.” Chateau Anna Maria is open for breakfast, a small lunch menu, weekend brunch and full dinner service.

“The Foys travel often visiting Jen’s family in Italy. They also love traveling domestically. The Foys know how much it means to have great food plus a great experience during traveling and bring that goal of hospitality to their Chateau guests.”

The newest Florida effort, Chateau Sarasota, is aiming for a November opening.

For more background on the two generations of Foys in the restaurant business in New York and Florida catch their popular Food Network series, “Summer Rush” or their You Tube series, “Foy Rush.”

Buddy and Jennifer Foy join us from Anna Maria Island.

Show 492, September 24, 2022: Restaurateurs Buddy Foy, Jr. and Jennifer Foy, Chateau Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Florida Part Two

Restaurateurs Buddy and Jennifer Foy operate a pair of establishments in two different states. The Chateau On The Lake is located in Bolton Landing, New York on Lake George and the Chateau Anna Maria (launched in late December of 2020) is at the Waterline Villas and Marina Resort (An Autograph Collection property) on Anna Maria Island, FL.

“The Chateau On The Lake sits on lakefront property on Lake George in Bolton Landing, NY and serves seafood, organic meats and lamb. The restored 1800s private home now serves as the site of one of the Top Hundred Restaurants in America.”

“The Foy’s second location on picturesque Anna Maria Island is an interpretation of the Chateau brand with a Southern twist. Chateau Anna Maria’s cuisine is “French Inspired with Italian portions.” Jennifer Foy is first-generation Italian, which means everyone must have enough portions. Chateau Anna Maria serves fresh fish, Colorado and Iowa Beef, and other chef selections. The Foys invite you to explore your palette and indulge in their fresh ingredients, attention to detail, cleanliness, and atmosphere.”

“Buddy is French and Irish, which means having a great wine collection which is a pleasant distraction for Buddy.” Chateau Anna Maria is open for breakfast, a small lunch menu, weekend brunch and full dinner service.

“The Foys travel often visiting Jen’s family in Italy. They also love traveling domestically. The Foys know how much it means to have great food plus a great experience during traveling and bring that goal of hospitality to their Chateau guests.”

The newest Florida effort, Chateau Sarasota, is aiming for a November opening.

For more background on the two generations of Foys in the restaurant business in New York and Florida catch their popular Food Network series, “Summer Rush” or their You Tube series, “Foy Rush.”

Buddy and Jennifer Foy continue the conversation with us from Anna Maria Island.

Show 485, July 30, 2022: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part One

Lincoln Carson of Mes Amis

Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson takes a break from the kitchen and is our guest.

“Rooted in French style and technique and brought to life through local ingredients and purveyors from around the world, Carson’s broad menu is an invitation for any occasion. Carson’s contemporary take on classic brasserie fare encourages guests to convene for a casual weeknight bite, while large format entrees inspire group gatherings. Pristine offerings from an expansive raw bar include East and West Coast Oysters and Maine Scallop Crudo, with plates such as Chicory Salad with fourme d’ambert, citrus, walnut, and Steak Tartare with “everything lavash” showcasing California interpretations of traditional French dishes.”

“Entrees include Steak Frites, French Onion Burger with raclette and caramelized onions, Smoked Liberty Duck, and Niman Ranch Country Pork Chop with crispy brussels sprouts. Large format presentations such as 45-Day Dry Aged Prime Ribeye with potato-onion rolls and Whole Roasted Pasture Chicken further nod to everyday French favorites. Carson’s pastry expertise is revealed in whimsical renditions of classic French desserts including Chocolate Soufflé with chartreuse verte; Pavlova with rose geranium and Harry’s Berries strawberries; and Gateaux St. Honoré with pecan mousseline, puff pastry and caramel.”

“Designed to complement Carson’s menu, the beverage program features a comprehensive wine list of predominantly French and Californian producers, along with thoughtfully selected wines by the glass. Cocktail offerings named in honor of Mes Amis’ photography collection of Old Hollywood scenes and icons include the Safari Party with London dry gin, Lillet Blanc, Gran Classico Bitter, bubbles, lemon and thyme, as well as Happy Birthday No. 35 with rye whiskey, Dubonnet Rouge, herbs de Provence and bitters. An extensive range of classic and eclectic champagne offerings lends further levity to the Mes Amis experience with nightly selections presented tableside on a roving champagne cart.”

“Mes Amis is open for dinner service with plans to debut brunch in the months ahead. Being open 7 nights is also in the future plans. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with reservations available 7 days in advance on Resy.”

Show 485, July 30, 2022: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part Two

Lincoln Carson of Mes Amis

Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson continues as our guest.

“Rooted in French style and technique and brought to life through local ingredients and purveyors from around the world, Carson’s broad menu is an invitation for any occasion. Carson’s contemporary take on classic brasserie fare encourages guests to convene for a casual weeknight bite, while large format entrees inspire group gatherings. Pristine offerings from an expansive raw bar include East and West Coast Oysters and Maine Scallop Crudo, with plates such as Chicory Salad with fourme d’ambert, citrus, walnut, and Steak Tartare with “everything lavash” showcasing California interpretations of traditional French dishes.”

“Entrees include Steak Frites, French Onion Burger with raclette and caramelized onions, Smoked Liberty Duck, and Niman Ranch Country Pork Chop with crispy brussels sprouts. Large format presentations such as 45-Day Dry Aged Prime Ribeye with potato-onion rolls and Whole Roasted Pasture Chicken further nod to everyday French favorites. Carson’s pastry expertise is revealed in whimsical renditions of classic French desserts including Chocolate Soufflé with chartreuse verte; Pavlova with rose geranium and Harry’s Berries strawberries; and Gateaux St. Honoré with pecan mousseline, puff pastry and caramel.”

“Mes Amis is open for dinner service with plans to debut brunch in the months ahead. The eventual goal of 7 nights for dinner is also in the plans. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with reservations available 7 days in advance on Resy.”

Show 428, June 5, 2021: Liz Ostoich, Owner, Farm, La Plaza, Palm Springs Part One

Liz Ostoich of Farm and Tac/Quila in Palm Springs

FARM (reconceived in 2016 under new ownership) is a traditional Provencial-style restaurant in downtown Palm Springs in the historic Plaza, tucked away from traffic. The culinary team has taken care to create a menu comprised of traditional European dishes, brimming with locally sourced produce and artisanal meats. In true Provencial-style, the weekly changing prix fixe dinner menu (available Friday through Tuesday) is served at a relaxed pace so you may enjoy your evening at Farm.” It’s three courses (with selections in each course) plus an Amuse Bouche and a refreshing Palate Cleanser presented before the Entree. Reservations are needed for Dinner.

Breakfast and Lunch with an a la care menu are offered daily on a walk-in basis. Think an extensive selection of Sweet & Savory Crepes, Omelettes, Brioche French Toast, Greenery and Sandwiches.

“The experience at Farm is like being transported to the South of France. When you come and dine with us, you can expect an extraordinary sensory experience; from our garden-like patio seating, our beautiful bouquet of floral landscaping, to our incredible authentic menu comprised of the freshest ingredients, you will be wowed at every turn.”

“Enjoy a meal on our patio and take in the ambiance of being out of the city. We prepare all our items as you order. No freezers, no microwave, and our kitchen staff works hard to prepare each dish with the utmost care!”

Owner Liz Ostoich typically journeys to France twice a year for menu inspiration.

Owner Liz Ostoich joins us.

Show 428, June 5, 2021: Liz Ostoich, Owner, Farm, La Plaza, Palm Springs Part Two

Liz Ostoich of Farm and Tac/Quila in Palm Springs

FARM (reconceived in 2016 under new ownership) is a traditional Provencial-style restaurant in downtown Palm Springs in the historic Plaza, tucked away from traffic. The culinary team has taken care to create a menu comprised of traditional European dishes, brimming with locally sourced produce and artisanal meats. In true Provencial-style, the weekly changing prix fixe dinner menu (available Friday through Tuesday) is served at a relaxed pace so you may enjoy your evening at Farm.” It’s three courses (with selections in each course) plus an Amuse Bouche and a refreshing Palate Cleanser presented before the Entree. Reservations are needed for Dinner.

Breakfast and Lunch with an a la care menu are offered daily on a walk-in basis. Think an extensive selection of Sweet & Savory Crepes, Omelettes, Brioche French Toast, Greenery and Sandwiches.

“The experience at Farm is like being transported to the South of France. When you come and dine with us, you can expect an extraordinary sensory experience; from our garden-like patio seating, our beautiful bouquet of floral landscaping, to our incredible authentic menu comprised of the freshest ingredients, you will be wowed at every turn.”

“Enjoy a meal on our patio and take in the ambiance of being out of the city. We prepare all our items as you order. No freezers, no microwave, and our kitchen staff works hard to prepare each dish with the utmost care!”

Owner Liz Ostoich typically journeys to France twice a year for menu inspiration.

Liz also owns (with her husband Mark) the nearby Tac/Quila. It’s their take on elevated Jalisco style cuisine with specialty tequilas and mezcals.

Owner Liz Ostoich continues with us.