Show 553, November 25, 2023: The B8kery by Selanne and 10th Anniversary of Selanne Steak Tavern, Laguna Beach Part One

Rebekah Eastman of the B8kery by Selanne at the KLAA Studios

The B8kery by SelanneLaguna Beach’s newest bakery is located just steps from sister restaurant Selanne Steak Tavern.

“The bakery beckons both locals and newcomers with its array of offerings that include decadent sweet treats and house-made breads created by Rebekah Eastman, who previously worked as pastry chef at Bourbon Steak, Chef Michael Mina’s restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.” Rebekah also is the newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef for Selanne Steak Tavern. Rebekah Eastman is our guest with rolling pin at the ready and joined by Selanne Steak Tavern’s Executive Chef, Vincent Terusa. (Selanne Steak Tavern is celebrating 10 years of welcoming discriminating guests this year and Chef Vince has been there since the beginning.)

“This airy, inviting neighborhood shop with its cheerful white and pink interior, floor to ceiling windows, Sips & Sweets neon wall sign and charming decorative touches features a scrumptious array of pastries and breads. The B8kery by Selanne has a large glass case tempting visitors with Glazed Strawberry Bang Pies; Blueberry Streusel Muffins; Gluten Free Donut Muffins; Banana Nut Muffins; Berries and Cream and Almond Croissants; Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies; cookies, cupcakes and more delectable confections. In addition, The B8kery features hot and cold coffees made with artisanal Caffe Luxxe of Southern California-famed coffee beans.”

Selanne Steak Tavern, located at 1464 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, opened in November 2013 (celebrating its 10th Anniversary) and is owned by Hockey Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne and local Orange County businessman Kevin Pratt. Housed in a reimagined 1934 historic home along the Pacific Coast, it is an upscale contemporary steak house with an upstairs dining room, downstairs tavern and bar area, a wine room for more intimate dining and two patios for alfresco dining.”

“The restaurant supports local farms and fisheries that practice sustainability and humane practices. Menus feature the finest of steaks and seafood served with a variety of accompaniments enhanced by herbs from the restaurant’s herb garden. Along with its carefully selected California-focused wine list, craft signature cocktails are created from quality farmers’ market produce, homemade mixers and top-notch shelf spirits.”

Show 553, November 25, 2023: The B8kery by Selanne and 10th Anniversary of Selanne Steak Tavern, Laguna Beach Part Two

Vince Terusa of Selanne Steak Tavern

The B8kery by SelanneLaguna Beach’s newest bakery is located just steps from sister restaurant Selanne Steak Tavern.

“The bakery beckons both locals and newcomers with its array of offerings that include decadent sweet treats and house-made breads created by Rebekah Eastman, who previously worked as pastry chef at Bourbon Steak, Chef Michael Mina’s restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.” Rebekah also is the newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef for Selanne Steak Tavern. Rebekah Eastman continues as our guest with whisk at the ready and is again joined by Selanne Steak Tavern’s Executive Chef, Vincent Terusa. (who has been there since the opening 10 years ago.)

“This airy, inviting neighborhood shop with its cheerful white and pink interior, floor to ceiling windows, Sips & Sweets neon wall sign and charming decorative touches features a scrumptious array of pastries and breads. The B8kery by Selanne has a large glass case tempting visitors with Glazed Strawberry Bang Pies; Blueberry Streusel Muffins; Gluten Free Donut Muffins; Banana Nut Muffins; Berries and Cream and Almond Croissants; Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies; cookies, cupcakes and more delectable confections. In addition, The B8kery features hot and cold coffees made with artisanal Caffe Luxxe of Southern California-famed coffee beans.”

Selanne Steak Tavern, located at 1464 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, opened in November 2013 (celebrating its 10th Anniversary) and is owned by Hockey Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne and local Orange County businessman Kevin Pratt. Housed in a reimagined 1934 historic home along the Pacific Coast, it is an upscale contemporary steak house with an upstairs dining room, downstairs tavern and bar area, a wine room for more intimate dining and two patios for alfresco dining.”

“The restaurant supports local farms and fisheries that practice sustainability and humane practices. Menus feature the finest of steaks and seafood served with a variety of accompaniments enhanced by herbs from the restaurant’s herb garden. Along with its carefully selected California-focused wine list, craft signature cocktails are created from quality farmers’ market produce, homemade mixers and top-notch shelf spirits.”

Show 530, June 17, 2023: Anne Marie Panoringan , Award-Winning Food Journalist Part Two

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is now Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist and other well-respected publications.

Anne Marie continues with us in-studio for her regular bi-monthly visit to now discuss Orange County restaurant news of note. South Orange County restaurants are in the news including the revived Royal Hawaiian (Tiki Bar extraordinaire) in Laguna Beach and the launch of the long-anticipated Truly Pizza in Dana Point helmed by acclaimed pizzaiolos with international credentials.

Show 486, August 6, 2022: Chef Michael Rossi, Partner, Zeytoon, Laguna Beach

Michael Rossi of the Ranch Restaurant and Saloon

We’ve followed the career of acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Rossi since his days as Chef de Cuisine with Chef Andrew Sutton (Culinary Director for Disneyland Resort) at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian. Most recently Chef Rossi was the founding Executive Chef of The Ranch in Anaheim and demonstrated that a premium steakhouse could also be a distinguished, destination fine-dining restaurant.

Last year Chef Michael and his brother, David (an accomplished pastry chef), formed a partnership (Gateway) with Ed and Gabbi Patrick (Gabbi’s and Chaak) to develop and manage restaurants. The first venture is a reworking of Zeytoon in Laguna Beach. Added is rooftop dining and a wine bar.

In the works for Old Towne Orange is Cypress, A Baja-Mediterranean concept being created from scratch.

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

Show 454, December 4, 2021: Chef and Partner Amar Santana, Broadway by Amar Santana, Vaca and the Hall Global Eatery

Amar Santana

Orange County’s resident celebrity chef is Amar Santana of Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, Vaca in Costa Mesa, and The Hall Global Eatery at South Coast Plaza. Chef Amar is best known nationally as the runner-up in a very close competition in Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13 and then returning as an elite judge for Season 18 in Portland. In Orange County he was the opening executive chef of the highly praised Charlie Palmer’s at Bloomingdale’s at South Coast Plaza working with GM (and now partner) Ahmed Labbate.

His first solo restaurant with business partner and restaurateur Ahmed Labbate was Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach. Just in time for the Holidays, Broadway has undergone a refurbishment and kitchen redo. “Inspired by the theaters in New York City, award-winning Chef Amar Santana alongside restauranteur Ahmed Labbate create an atmosphere at Broadway where the food becomes the main show. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the creativity of Chef Amar Santana and his version of Modern Cuisine of The Americas. It features top quality ingredients, with a focus on local farms who can provide the menu’s seasonal requirements.” Think Grilled Smoked Pork Chop with braised collard greens, ham hock, apple butter and sauce charcuterie.

Chef Amar joins us to provide all the details on Broadway’s refurbishment and what’s in store for the Holidays at his restaurants.

Show 432, July 3, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery which remains a genuine concern.

Chef Andrew gives us his insider’s perspective on how the restaurant business is bouncing back from the pandemic. What will change? Right now it’s a matter of trying to hang on to your existing staff.

He also reports on the progress of his new ambitious Save the Brave Burger” fundraiser to benefit Veterans with PTS. Participating SoCal Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Laguna, Tustin, Brea and Irvine.

Show 425, May 15, 2021: Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco Part One

Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco is collaborating with Three Sticks Wines on two, back-to-back tasting events in Long Beach and Newport Beach under the name of Rose on the Road.

Three Sticks will be pouring a celebratory selection of their latest wines (including the newly released 2020 Castenada Sonoma Coast Rose) at the Wahoo’s Fish Taco locations in Long Beach (May 20th from 5 to 7:00 p.m.) and Newport Beach (May 21stfrom 3 to 5:00 p.m.) as founder and chef, Wing Lam, cooks up his famous grilled fish tacos with spicy oven-roasted salsa on the patio. Tickets are limited.

Chef Wing Lam co-founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco in 1988 (with his two brothers) and the enterprise has grown to over 60 locations throughout California. A fresh and tasty fusion of Brazilian, Asian, and Mexican fare, Wahoo’s is best known for their signature fish tacos that pair perfectly with the newly released 2020 Castenada Rose.

Chef Wing graciously shares his recipe for Fish Tacos with Oven-Roasted Salsa.

Wing Lam is our guest spatula in hand.

Show 425, May 15, 2021: Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco Part Two

Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco is collaborating with Three Sticks Wines on two, back-to-back tasting events in Long Beach and Newport Beach under the name of Rose on the Road.

Three Sticks will be pouring a celebratory selection of their latest wines (including the newly released 2020 Castenada Sonoma Coast Rose) at the Wahoo’s Fish Taco locations in Long Beach (May 20th from 5 to 7:00 p.m.) and Newport Beach (May 21stfrom 3 to 5:00 p.m.) as founder and chef, Wing Lam, cooks up his famous grilled fish tacos with spicy oven-roasted salsa on the patio. Tickets are limited.

Chef Wing Lam co-founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco in 1988 (with his two brothers) and the enterprise has grown to over 60 locations throughout California. A fresh and tasty fusion of Brazilian, Asian, and Mexican fare, Wahoo’s is best known for their signature fish tacos that pair perfectly with the newly released 2020 Castenada Rose.

Chef Wing graciously shares his recipe for Fish Tacos with Oven-Roasted Salsa.

Show 375, May 30, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host & Slapfish Restaurant Group

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style PizzaOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants as dine-in now slowly returns. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Takeout packaging is now of concern because its everywhere and used in much greater volume. Is it finally becoming more green and recyclable? How about affordability?

Slapfish is a fast- casual restaurant concept. Is the future installing take-out windows or drive-thrus?

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 374, May 23, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Chef Andrew will conclude his revealing commentary on 3rd Party Delivery Services for restaurants and explain why he suggests you tip the delivery driver in cash. The City of L.A. is going to cap 3rd Party Delivery fees until the Covid 19 crisis is abated. Is there an unexpected potential downside to this ?

It’s the start of the eagerly anticipated Summer Grilling Season. Chef Andrew has some meaty tips for the backyard master of the grill. How often should you clean the grill?

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.