Show 550, November 4, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Katianna Hong, Yangban, Arts District, DTLA Part One

Katianna Hong of the Yangban Society

Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather.  The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.”

“While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday. Serving dinner each evening, the restaurant recalls a Night Market with a curated playlist rotating through early-aughts hip-hip and the option to order a la carte or participate in a Yangban-style prix fixe menu”

“One year in, the genre-defying Korean-American culinary ‘conversation’ re-emerged after a transformative one-month overhaul of the space, revealing an ‘intentional evolution’ of the highly acclaimed restaurant. Featuring a full-service (more comfortable) dining room, and updated food and beverage programs, the concept remains at its core a modern Korean-American dining concept, rich in self-exploration, as told through the lens of seasonal California ingredients and set in a warm, communal environment.”

“The new phase of Yangban aims to offer guests the deeply personal dishes that convey the Chefs’ distinct perspective and upbringings as Korean Americans which they’ve become known for, but further embellished to highlight their nuanced culinary approach and usher in the next chapter for both the Hongs and Los Angeles’ rich Korean dining scene.”

Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a bowl Matzoh Ball Mandu stuffed with Grandma Sindy’s matzoh ball with chicken broth and shmaltz.

Show 550, November 4, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Katianna Hong, Yangban, Arts District, DTLA Part Two

Katianna Hong of the Yangban Society

“Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather. The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.”

“While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday. Serving dinner each evening, the restaurant recalls a Night Market with a curated playlist rotating through early-aughts hip-hip and the option to order a la carte or participate in a Yangban-style prix fixe menu”

“One year in, the genre-defying Korean-American culinary ‘conversation’ re-emerged after a transformative one-month overhaul of the space, revealing an ‘intentional evolution’ of the highly acclaimed restaurant. Featuring a full-service (more comfortable) dining room, and updated food and beverage programs, the concept remains at its core a modern Korean-American dining concept, rich in self-exploration, as told through the lens of seasonal California ingredients and set in a warm, communal environment.”

“The new phase of Yangban aims to offer guests the deeply personal dishes that convey the Chefs’ distinct perspective and upbringings as Korean Americans which they’ve become known for, but further embellished to highlight their nuanced culinary approach and usher in the next chapter for both the Hongs and Los Angeles’ rich Korean dining scene.”

Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a plate of Yangban Cheesecake (with a coconut biscuit and brown butter crust, coconut cream and local strawberry jam) at the ready.

Show 124, May 30, 2015: C-CAP Los Angeles’ Eric Boardman & Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza

Eric BoardmanEric Boardman continues his coverage of C-CAP’s 2015 Scholarship Awards for L.A. County.

“Hard work, good grades, and a lot of broken eggs paid off for Hannah Chang of Hoover High School and Jose Gordillo of Manual Arts High School, who both received full-tuition scholarships in Culinary Arts. Jose will attend the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY and Hannah Chang will study at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI come fall. Isabel Castro of Carson High School received the Art Institute National Scholarship.

Bricia LopezBricia Lopez, the engaging co-owner (with her brother and sister) of Guelaguetza in Koreatown is back with us. On May 4th she was in Chicago at The James Beard Foundation Awards at the Lyric Opera to receive the America’s Classics Award. This is an especially noteworthy honor as the Award for Guelaguetza was the only Beard Award received by a Southern California chef or restaurant this year.

The America’s Classic Award is an honor given to regional establishments, often family-owned, that are treasured for their quality food, local character, and lasting appeal.

Guelaguetza, founded by Fernando Lopez in 1994, is the center of Oaxacan life in Los Angeles, and the setting for countless quinceaneras, weddings, and anniversaries. A sprawling restaurant located in Koreatown, it features live music on a bandstand every night. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant attracts both homesick Oaxacans and foodies in search of honest Oaxacan foods.

We’ll hear about her once-in-a-lifetime adventures in Chicago with her Family (including dinner at Paul Kahan’s The Publican) and alongside the true luminaries of the food world. Perhaps a bit of Champagne enjoyed along the way…

 

Show 48, November 16, 2013: Chef Chris Oh and Ted Kim of Seoul Sausage Co. in West Los Angeles

Seoul SausageA little over a year ago those three wild & crazy, youthful Korean-Americans (Ted and Yong Kim and Chef Chris Oh) opened the Seoul Sausage Co. in Little Osaka, West Los Angeles. They are known for melding distinctive Korean flavors into American sausages. Their other signature item is the “flaming balls.” Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) with corn bread is another specialty.

Seoul Sausage Co. opened right after the three partners won Season 3 of Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race. First prize was a cool $50,000 and the new food truck they took across the country on the series. It’s affectionately known as “Big Mama.” The “Flaming Balls” was a dish (think giant Korean suppli with dipping sauces) created by necessity in an intense competition on “Great Food Truck Race.”

The (always entertaining) Seoul Sausage Co. guys are with us to talk about the sweet ride that has been the last year. The lines are still out the door.

There’s more…Young, Ted, and Chef Chris also have some exciting news to share with the listening audience. It’s a “SoCal Restaurant Show” exclusive…

November 16: Seoul Sausage, Taps Fish House, Linda Burum, The Lobster, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, A Restaurant, Front Porch Pops

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Chris Oh and Ted Kim of Seoul Sausage Co. in West Los Angeles
Segment Three: Joe Manzella, proprietor of TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea and Corona, and The Catch in Anaheim
Segment Four: Linda Burum, food journalist & contributor to Los Angeles Magazine and L.A. Weekly
Segment Five: Collin Crannell, Executive Chef of The Lobster
Segment Six: Jay Isais, Senior Director of Coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Segment Seven: Jon Blackford, Executive Chef of A Restaurant, Newport Beach
Segment Eight: Erin Whitcomb, POPrietor of Front Porch Pops

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

CBTL by the Coffee Bean and Tea LeafIt’s National Espresso Day on Saturday, November 23rd. To celebrate our friends at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will be featuring a Black Friday promotion.

The CBTL, the single serve beverage system from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, will be part of a special promotion from November 29 through December 1, 2013. Enthusiasts can purchase one CBTL Single Serve Machine and get a second CBTL Single Serve Machine (of equal or lesser value) free!

Seoul SausageA little over a year ago those three wild & crazy, youthful Korean-Americans (Ted and Yong Kim and Chef Chris Oh) opened the Seoul Sausage Co. in Little Osaka, West Los Angeles. They are known for melding distinctive Korean flavors into American sausages. Their other signature item is the “flaming balls.” Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) with corn bread is another specialty.

Seoul Sausage Co. opened right after the three partners won Season 3 of Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race. First prize was a cool $50,000 and the new food truck they took across the country on the series. It’s affectionately known as “Big Mama.” The “Flaming Balls” was a dish created by necessity in an intense competition on “Great Food Truck Race.”

The (always entertaining) Seoul Sausage Co. guys are with us to talk about the sweet ride that has been the last year. The lines are still out the door.

There’s more…Young, Ted, and Chef Chris also have some exciting news to share with the listening audience. It’s an exclusive…

Joe Manzella of Taps Fish House and Brewery and the CatchRestaurateur Joe Manzella is the proprietor of TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea and Corona, and The Catch in Anaheim on Katella near Angel Stadium.

Joe is also a lifelong sandwich fan and a history buff. He’s traveled the country researching regional favorites. Working with his executive chef he’s launched the “Famous 50” sandwich program. Each week a different regional favorite is showcased at both TAPS in Brea and The Catch in Anaheim. Thus far the Famous 50 has included favorites including lobster roll, Mama Manzella’s meatball sub, muffuletta, Chicago Italian Beef, and the Cubano.

According to Manzella to reach true sandwich nirvana five critical points must be met. He shares them with us on the show. One clue…All his bread comes from star baker Dean Kim at the OC Baking Co. in Orange.

Linda BurumLinda Burum is a well-known food journalist who currently contributes to Los Angeles Magazine and LA Weekly.

Linda is just back from a trip to Taipei, Taiwan where she did a bit of restaurant research.

Linda reports on her dining adventures there and mentions where you can get some of these same signature dishes locally.

Executive Chef Colin Crannell of the Lobster in Santa MonicaThe guests still think of Executive Chef Collin Crannell of The Lobster in Santa Monica as the “new” chef even though he’s been there four years. He has serious fine dining background going back to Joachim Splichal’s Patina and luxury hotels.

Of course he’s a lobster specialist. There is even a lobster ravioli on the menu with Santa Monica farmer’s market vegetables. He also does some pretty wonderful thinks with steak.

Chef Crannell impresses with soup, too.

The Lobster is located at the top of the entrance to the historic Santa Monica Pier. It’s an incredible ocean view. The restaurant proudly defies the notion that if you offer a great view you can probably get away with serving mediocre food.

It’s National Espresso Day on Saturday, November 23rd.

Jay Isais of the Coffee Bean and Tea LeafJay Isais, Senior Director of Coffee for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf joins us to chat about creating the perfect cup of espresso. There is a lot more to this than you may imagine.

To get you into the Holiday Spirit our friends at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will be featuring a Black Friday promotion.

The CBTL, the single serve beverage system from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, will be part of a special promotion from November 29 through December 1, 2013. Enthusiasts can purchase one CBTL Single Serve Machine and get a second CBTL Single Serve Machine (of equal or lesser value) free!

Jon Blackford of A RestaurantWhat is now the popular A Restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach is a classic dining spot dating back to 1926. A few years ago new, local ownership completely restored the place to its current ageless steakhouse atmosphere. It’s handsome with a very popular bar.

Jon Blackford is the executive chef. His charge is to continue to serve great steaks but also elevate the rest of the menu. Believe it or not he loves market fresh vegetables and amazes with beets.

He impresses with creative charcuterie and cheese plates and house-made grilled sausages.

Erin Whitcomb of Front Porch PopsErin Whitcomb’s Front Porch Pops were the hit of the Orange International Street Fair in Old Town Orange over Labor Day Weekend. They were being enjoyed everywhere on the Festival site. The pops are handmade in small batches.

Tangy Lemon Cream was the first frozen novelty sold back in 2010.

Erin’s Pop Philosophy:

  • We use real fruit and fresh dairy to make our pops.
  • Our pops are handcrafted by our staff using our own recipes.
  • You’ll never find artificial colors, flavors, or high–fructose corn syrup in our pops. Ever.
  • We use locally grown, organic produce whenever we can. We sell our pops at farmer’s markets and take great pride in saying, “The plums from that farmer over there are in this popsicle right here!”

New to the line (and just in time for the Holidays) are small batch pies. The crust is hand-rolled.

A colleague described him as “passionate, dedicated, creative, stubborn, tough, great vision, and healthy.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Chris Oh and Ted Kim of Seoul Sausage Co. in West Los Angeles
Segment Three: Joe Manzella, proprietor of TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea and Corona, and The Catch in Anaheim
Segment Four: Linda Burum, food journalist & contributor to Los Angeles Magazine and L.A. Weekly
Segment Five: Collin Crannell, Executive Chef of The Lobster
Segment Six: Jay Isais, Senior Director of Coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Segment Seven: Jon Blackford, Executive Chef of A Restaurant, Newport Beach
Segment Eight: Erin Whitcomb, POPrietor of Front Porch Pops

Show 2: October 13, 2012: Seoul Sausage Part One

Here’s an inspirational story for you. Three, energized  young Korean-Americans (brothers Yong & Ted Kim and their chef, Chris Oh) join forces to sell Korean style sausages at Street Festivals in L.A. Word of mouth catches on quickly and long lines form at each new festival. By happenstance they audition for Season 3 of Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race.” They had no previous experience running a food truck.  Unbelievably they are accepted and compete in a grueling cross-country seven week marathon starting in Long Beach, CA. At the finale the L.A. guys reign supreme. They win a cool $50,000 and the brand new food truck.

It all of that wasn’t enough on Oct. 6th they opened their retail sausage emporium (eat in or take-out) in West L.A.’s Little Osaka. Scion also build them a slick, street-legal, custom mobile grilling machine that needs to be seen to fully appreciated. Wow!