Show 545, September 30, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Congratulations on the selection of Chef Stefani De Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle to be Team USA 2025 representing the United States. They will now go on to represent the United States at the 2024 Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection. This selection event will determine the finalists for the 2025 Bocuse d’Or, the prestigious biennial international culinary competition in Lyon, France. Chef Stefani De Palma of Team USA 2025 joins us.

Michelle Grow, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce’s Director of Marketing is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She just had the very special experience of being a part of the annual Hatch Chile Festival over Labor Day Weekend in Hatch, NM. Then she was off to Australia to learn about R2E2 and Calypso Mangoes. Michelle is our guest to recap her recent global produce adventures.

“On Monday, October 30, 2023, LA Chef Conference returns in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC)’s Culinary Arts Pathway in Downtown Los Angeles and Presenting Sponsor OpenTable, benefitting Regarding Her, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. The all-day event will include panel conversations led by industry experts, live cooking demos throughout the day, an after party and the LA Chef Con Food Festival Lunch spread out among the school’s five new state of the art teaching kitchens. This year’s program and panel line-up features LA-based industry professionals including Caroline Styne of AOC, James Beard Award Winner Justin Pichetrungsi, LA TimesBill Addison, Ruth Reichl, Keith Corbin of Alta Adams, and out-of-town industry notables such as 3-star Michelin Chef William Bradley (Addison Del Mar), Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable) and Ti Martin of Commander’s Palace (New Orleans.)” Joining us with all the details of LA Chef Conference 2023 are Producer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and Chef Jerry Vachon, Chef Instructor / Department Chair – Culinary Arts and Professional Baking, Los Angeles Trade-Tech College. Also joining us is Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gosset, who is one of the Chef Mentors for the newly launched LA Chef Conference / LATTC Mentorship Program.

“Located in beautiful Suisun Valley adjacent to Fairfield, BackRoad Vines Winery and Venue is dedicated to bringing back the traditional “Old School” art form of wine making. Their approach to handcrafting unique and distinctive wines has developed through experience and taking time to smell the wines. Plan a visit to the ‘backroads’ and enjoy a glass of wine in the tasting room or lunch on the patio. BackRoad Vines specializes in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends. The winery also features two bocce ball courts and a small creek just a short walk from the tasting room. Summer and fall events are very popular and may include bocce ball league and tournaments, wood-fire pizza nights at The Landing, or live music.” Proprietress Jody Anselmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is BackRoad Vines Winery.

Charcoal SUNSET (newly launched) is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals. Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal SUNSET is an everyday dining spot. (This is the sister restaurant to the original Charcoal VENICE in Los Angeles.) Chef Josiah takes a break from tending the embers to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew has previously discussed the Fast Act in California that regulates fast-food chains. It has been repealed but returned, rewritten and modified. Of particular concern (among other aspects) is the creation of a Fast Food Wage Council. Chef Andrew explains.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 545, September 30, 2023: LA Chef Conference 2023 Preview with Brad Metzger and Chef Jerry Vachon, LATTC

Jerry Vachon of Los Angeles Trade Technical College

“On Monday, October 30, 2023, LA Chef Conference returns in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC)’s Culinary Arts Pathway in Downtown Los Angeles and Presenting Sponsor OpenTable, benefitting Regarding Her, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. The all-day event will include panel conversations led by industry experts, live cooking demos throughout the day, an after party and the LA Chef Con Food Festival Lunch spread out among the school’s five new state of the art teaching kitchens.”

“This year’s program and panel line-up features LA-based industry professionals including Caroline Styne of AOC, James Beard Award Winner Justin Pichetrungsi, LA TimesBill Addison, Ruth Reichl, Keith Corbin of Alta Adams, and out-of-town industry notables such as 3-star Michelin Chef William Bradley (Addison Del Mar), Gavin Kaysen and Ti Martin of Commander’s Palace.”

Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

“The primary aim of this year’s 2023 LA Chef Conference is to build a bridge between students and the vibrant restaurant industry in LA. To progress towards this goal, the partnership has created the first ever LA Chef Con / LATTC Mentorship program, offering 5 students the opportunity to win $1,000 and be paired up for one year of mentorship with this year’s esteemed industry experts: Susan Feniger, Chef / Co-Owner at Border Grill, Socalo, BBQ Mexicana and Pacha Mamas; Keith Corbin, two-time James Beard nominee and Executive Chef / Owner of Alta Adams; Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef at Spago Beverly Hills; Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants. Inc; or Ari Rosenson, VP Food & Beverage Operations at Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group.”

Joining us with all the details of LA Chef Conference 2023 are Producer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and Chef Jerry Vachon, Chef Instructor / Department Chair – Culinary Arts and Professional Baking, Los Angeles Trade-Tech College.

September 30: Stefani De Palma, Hatch Chile Festival, LA Chef Conference, BackRoad Vines Winery, Josiah Citrin

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Stefani De Palma, Team USA for Bocuse d’Or 2025
Segment Three: Hatch Chile Festival Recap with Michelle Grow, Marketing Director, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce
Segment Four: LA Chef Conference 2023 Preview with Brad Metzger and Chef Jerry Vachon, LATTC
Segment Five: LA Chef Conference 2023 Preview with Pastry Chef Della Gossett, Spago Beverly Hills & Producer Brad Metzger
Segment Six: Village 360 and BackRoad Vines, Suisun Valley / Fairfield with Proprietress Jody Anselmo
Segment Seven: Chef Josiah Citrin – Launch of Charcoal Sunset, West Hollywood
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

Congratulations on the selection of Chef Stefani De Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle to be Team USA 2025 representing the United States. They will now go on to represent the United States at the 2024 Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection. This selection event will determine the finalists for the 2025 Bocuse d’Or, the prestigious biennial international culinary competition in Lyon, France. Chef Stefani De Palma of Team USA 2025 joins us.

Michelle Grow, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce’s Director of Marketing is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She just had the very special experience of being a part of the annual Hatch Chile Festival over Labor Day Weekend in Hatch, NM. Then she was off to Australia to learn about R2E2 and Calypso Mangoes. Michelle is our guest to recap her recent global produce adventures.

On Monday, October 30, 2023, LA Chef Conference returns in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC)’s Culinary Arts Pathway in Downtown Los Angeles and Presenting Sponsor OpenTable, benefitting Regarding Her, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. The all-day event will include panel conversations led by industry experts, live cooking demos throughout the day, an after party and the LA Chef Con Food Festival Lunch spread out among the school’s five new state of the art teaching kitchens. This year’s program and panel line-up features LA-based industry professionals including Caroline Styne of AOC, James Beard Award Winner Justin Pichetrungsi, LA Times’ Bill Addison, Ruth Reichl, Keith Corbin of Alta Adams, and out-of-town industry notables including 3-star Michelin Chef William Bradley (Addison Del Mar), Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable) and Ti Martin of Commander’s Palace (New Orleans.) Joining us with all the details of LA Chef Conference 2023 are Producer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and Chef Jerry Vachon, Chef Instructor / Department Chair – Culinary Arts and Professional Baking, Los Angeles Trade-Tech College. Also joining us is Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gosset, who is one of the Chef Mentors for the newly launched LA Chef Conference / LATTC Mentorship Program.

Located in beautiful Suisun Valley adjacent to Fairfield, BackRoad Vines Winery and Venue is dedicated to bringing back the traditional “Old School” art form of wine making. Their approach to handcrafting unique and distinctive wines has developed through experience and taking time to smell the wines. Plan a visit to the ‘backroads’ and enjoy a glass of wine in the tasting room or lunch on the patio. BackRoad Vines specializes in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends. The winery also features two bocce ball courts and a small creek just a short walk from the tasting room. Summer and fall events are very popular and may include bocce ball league and tournaments, wood-fire pizza nights at The Landing, or live music. Proprietress Jody Anselmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is BackRoad Vines Winery.

“Charcoal SUNSET (newly launched) is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals. Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal SUNSET is an everyday dining spot. (This is the sister restaurant to the original Charcoal VENICE in Los Angeles.) Chef Josiah takes a break from tending the embers to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew has previously discussed the Fast Act in California that regulates fast-food chains. It has been repealed but rewritten. Of particular concern (among other aspects) is the creation of a Fast Food Wage Council. Chef Andrew explains.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Chef Stefani De Palma

Congratulations on the selection of Chef Stefani De Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle to be Team USA 2025 representing the United States. They will now go on to represent the United States at the 2024 Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection. This selection event will determine the finalists for the 2025 Bocuse d’Or, the prestigious biennial international culinary competition in Lyon, France.

“The selection event under the auspicious of the Ment’or Foundation was held September 3rd at The Culinary Institute of America’s Copia campus in Napa, California where three teams convened to cook for 5 hours and 30 minutes. The competition followed the Bocuse d’Or format, with the chef candidates creating two presentations, a “theme on a platter” with Snake River Farms American Kurobuta Bone-In Pork Rack, accompanied by a “starter” dish and two garnishes, as well as a “theme on a plate,” incorporating a choice of summer squash from The Chef’s Garden and zucchini or sweet corn from Cooks Company Produce. They plated ten portions on serving ware courtesy of Steelite. The chefs were evaluated on the overall harmony of flavors in the dish, the presentation of the platter and plate, the techniques employed and overall kitchen skills.”

“We witnessed the extraordinary talent of American young chefs during this competition. The winners of the National Selection begin Team USA’s road to Lyon, where they will compete at one of the most esteemed international culinary gatherings,” said Chef Thomas Keller, Ment’or co-founder and President. “We promised Chef Paul Bocuse to realize his dream of the United States placing on the podium at the Bocuse d’Or and continue that promise with Mentor’s commitment to mentoring new generations. Special thanks to all who have supported this cause, including the judges and sponsors.”

Head Chef Stefani De Palma of Team USA 2025 joins us.

Michelle Grow of Melissa's World Variety Produce

Michelle Grow, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce’s Director of Marketing is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She just had the very special experience of being a part of the annual Hatch Chile Festival over Labor Day Weekend in Hatch, NM. Then she was off to Australia to learn about R2E2 and Honey Gold Mangoes. Michelle is our guest to recap her recent global produce adventures.

As any true New Mexican will tell you, there’s hot chile and then there’s Hatch chile, and boy is it worth celebrating! This annual harvest festival over Labor Day Weekend in the “Chile Capital of the World” (that’s Hatch, New Mexico) includes chile roasting, food and craft vendors, fun for the kids, a carnival, and entertainment provided by local businesses. Over 40,000 chile loves attend annually which is a lot bigger than the population of Hatch estimated at 1,500! Last year was the 50th Anniversary of the Hatch Chile Festival.

“The Aussies are very picky about mangos, so only the best varieties are grown. The Calypso® mango is an Australian favorite; the bright, beautiful shades of red and yellow stand out in any produce department. With a unique pink blush, smaller seed, and juicy, fiber-free flesh, Calypso® mangos are perfectly beautiful and perfectly delicious. Melissa’s brings these beauties into the states just in time for Christmas… or Chrissy, as they say in Australia.”

“You can identify R2E2s from Australia by their lemon-yellow flesh and orange-red blush. Both Calypso® and R2E2s are perfect for smoothies, salads, salsas, and treat-yourself moments”

Jerry Vachon of Los Angeles Trade Technical College

“On Monday, October 30, 2023, LA Chef Conference returns in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC)’s Culinary Arts Pathway in Downtown Los Angeles and Presenting Sponsor OpenTable, benefitting Regarding Her, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. The all-day event will include panel conversations led by industry experts, live cooking demos throughout the day, an after party and the LA Chef Con Food Festival Lunch spread out among the school’s five new state of the art teaching kitchens.”

“This year’s program and panel line-up features LA-based industry professionals including Caroline Styne of AOC, James Beard Award Winner Justin Pichetrungsi, LA TimesBill Addison, Ruth Reichl, Keith Corbin of Alta Adams, and out-of-town industry notables such as 3-star Michelin Chef William Bradley (Addison Del Mar), Gavin Kaysen and Ti Martin of Commander’s Palace.”

Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

“The primary aim of this year’s 2023 LA Chef Conference is to build a bridge between students and the vibrant restaurant industry in LA. To progress towards this goal, the partnership has created the first ever LA Chef Con / LATTC Mentorship program, offering 5 students the opportunity to win $1,000 and be paired up for one year of mentorship with this year’s esteemed industry experts: Susan Feniger, Chef / Co-Owner at Border Grill, Socalo, BBQ Mexicana and Pacha Mamas; Keith Corbin, two-time James Beard nominee and Executive Chef / Owner of Alta Adams; Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef at Spago Beverly Hills; Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants. Inc; or Ari Rosenson, VP Food & Beverage Operations at Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group.”

Joining us with all the details of LA Chef Conference 2023 are Producer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and Chef Jerry Vachon, Chef Instructor / Department Chair – Culinary Arts and Professional Baking, Los Angeles Trade-Tech College.

Then, Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef of Spago Beverly Hills and a chef participant in the inaugural LA Chef Con / LATTC Mentorship program joins us along with Conference Producer Brad Metzger continuing.

Jody Anselmo of Back Road Vines

“Located in beautiful Suisun Valley adjacent to Fairfield, BackRoad Vines Winery and Venue is dedicated to bringing back the traditional “Old School” art form of wine making. Their approach to handcrafting unique and distinctive wines has developed through experience and taking time to smell the wines.”

“Plan a visit to the ‘backroads’ and enjoy a glass of wine in the tasting room or lunch on the patio. BackRoad Vines specializes in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends. The winery also features two bocce ball courts and a small creek just a short walk from the tasting room. Summer and fall events are very popular and may include bocce ball league and tournaments, wood-fire pizza nights, or live music.”

The Landing restaurant at Village 360 serves Lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Think Creole Salmon with seasonal woodfired veggies, quinoa, black beans, cilantro with a honey chipotle aioli. Desserts from their accomplished in-house pastry chef (ex-Bouchon Yountville) are a bonus. Dinner is Friday only from 5 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested.

Proprietress Jody Anselmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is BackRoad Vines Winery.

Josiah Citrin of Melisse

Charcoal SUNSET (newly launched) is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals. Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal SUNSET is an everyday dining spot.” (This is the sister restaurant to the original Charcoal VENICE in Los Angeles.)

“Josiah Citrin is a culinary expert and veteran of Los Angeles’s gourmet dining scene, with more than 30 years of experience. He is chef and owner of Santa Monica, California’s Mélisse Restaurant. In December of 2019, Chef Citrin reopened the reimagined Mélisse restaurant as two distinct concepts- Citrin, a high-end ala carte dining experience that won one Michelin Star in 2022, and Mélisse, a 14-seat tasting menu, which won two Michelin Stars in 2021 and 2022. His culinary philosophy, “In Pursuit of Excellence” sets the standard for all his concepts, whether fine-dining or casual.”

Over Labor Day Weekend at the CIA Copia Campus in Napa, Chef Citrin was a member of the distinguished jury panel of Ment’or Foundation selecting Team USA 2024 to compete in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon, France in early 2025.

Chef Josiah takes a break from tending the embers to join us.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew has previously discussed the Fast Act in California that regulates fast-food chains. It has been repealed but rewritten. Of particular concern (among other aspects) is the creation of a Fast Food Wage Council. Chef Andrew explains.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Stefani De Palma, Team USA for Bocuse d’Or 2025
Segment Three: Hatch Chile Festival Recap with Michelle Grow, Marketing Director, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce
Segment Four: LA Chef Conference 2023 Preview with Brad Metzger and Chef Jerry Vachon, LATTC
Segment Five: LA Chef Conference 2023 Preview with Pastry Chef Della Gossett, Spago Beverly Hills & Producer Brad Metzger
Segment Six: Village 360 and BackRoad Vines, Suisun Valley / Fairfield with Proprietress Jody Anselmo
Segment Seven: Chef Josiah Citrin – Launch of Charcoal Sunset, West Hollywood
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 169, April 30, 2016: Culinary Arts Department, Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Steve KasmarFor 90 years the respected culinary program at Los Angeles Trade Tech College in Downtown Los Angeles has provided practical, affordable culinary training at an incredible value! They do wonders with limited resources.

On May 14th Trade Tech’s culinary program is hosting a festive evening which benefits scholarships for the Culinary Arts Program of L.A. Trade Technical College. Culinary Arts Program Chair, Chef Steven Kasmar and Chefs’ Toys Mike Krepistman (Steering Committee Board) join us with the appetizing 411.

Individual tickets are available for $95 which includes admission, food, a bag of casino chips, and two drink tickets. Your support goes a long way toward helping Trade Tech’s hard-working and motivated students afford the valuable education they receive at bargain fees at Trade Tech.

Chef Steve Kasmar also directs the busy catering operation at Trade Tech run by students. They regularly cook for dignitaries including the current Mayor of Los Angeles. On the menu for May 14th are duck confit tacos, lamb shank ravioli, and vegan chili. Also, an assortment of standout sweet goodies from the highly regarded baking and pastry department.

The evening will also honor S.E. Rykoff & Co., the legendary L.A.- based restaurant and foodservice supplier. They were acquired by what is now US Foodservice a number of years ago but they were a local landmark for 50 years. Their fondly-remembered slogan on the highly visible truck fleet was the memorable : “Enjoy life – eat out more often.”

 

January 12: Robert Wemischner, Josef Centeno, Deborah Schneider, Javier Plascencia

Podcasts

Segment One: Robert Wemischner, cookbook author, pastry chef, and culinary instructor Part One
Segment Two: Robert Wemischner, cookbook author, pastry chef, and culinary instructor Part Two
Segment Three: Josef Centeno, owner/executive chef of baco mercat and Bar Ama in Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Four: Deborah Schneider, executive chef and partner, SOL Mexican Cocina, Newport Beach
Segment Five: Chef Javier Plascencia of Mision 19, Tijuana’s superstar celebrity chef and culinary goodwill ambassador for the food and wines of Northern Baja
Segment Six: Chef Javier Plascencia of Mision 19, Tijuana’s superstar celebrity chef and culinary goodwill ambassador for the food and wines of Northern Baja (Continued…)

We’re cooking and baking with tea and then talking about a promising new Tex-Mex establishment in Downtown LA, with some flair from a young chef who does it his way. We’re then on to Newport Beach Restaurant Week and finally a taste of Northern Baja!

Robert WemischnerAcclaimed pastry chef and culinary educator Robert Wemischner has always been intrigued by the flavor potential of ingredients, from turmeric to tea and from cumin to coffee.

He is the author of four well-received cookbooks, including his most recent effort, The Dessert Architect. For the last 18 years he has headed the respected baking and pastry program for Los Angeles Trade-Tech College in Downtown Los Angeles.

Chef Bob joins us to present Tea 101 and guidance on cooking and baking with tea.

He also shares his delectable recipe for Chocolate Assam Tea Torte which he served at the “Getting Our Just Desserts” Benefit for C-CAP last November.

Josef Centeno

Josef Centeno is part of a group of risk-taking, young chefs who are going out on their own and making names for themselves. He created quite a splash when he designed the original menu and concept for Lazy Ox Canteen in Little Tokyo in Downtown LA.

After that was up and running he ventured out on his own in a more urban area of Downtown and launched baco Mercat at the corner of 4th & Main. He even makes his own soft drinks there from quality ingredients.

In December he debuted his 2nd Downtown spot, Bar Ama, which is a tribute to his Grandmother’s style of Tex-Mex food.

Newport Beach Restaurant Week is January 18th to 27th. Participating restaurants have special pricing for lunch and/or dinner. It’s a chance to experience the best in Newport Beach dining at very affordable prices.

Deborah SchneiderDeborah Schneider, the executive chef & partner of SOL Mexican Cucina joins us to tell us about what SOL is doing for Restaurant Week.

One of the most prominent and distinguished chefs cooking in Mexico today is Javier Plascencia who makes his home in Tijuana. He’s cooked for Mexico’s president, Felipe Calderon. His family also has a fine restaurant on the US side of the Border in Bonita.

Javier PlascenciaChef Javier is also an unabashed cheerleader for the foods and premium wines of Baja. The finest wines in Mexico come from the region and are just now finding their way into US distribution channels.

Last year when Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel’s “No Reservations” visited Northern Baja, Javier was a prominent part of this at his latest venture, Mision 19.

On Monday evening, January 14th Chef Javier has recruited the best chefs and winemakers in Northern Baja to join him in preparing a 7-course, wine-paired meal at Romesco as a benefit for the San Diego Chapter of The American Institute of Wine and Food.

It’s sold out with a waiting list but this is a chef you should really know.

Podcasts

Segment One: Robert Wemischner, cookbook author, pastry chef, and culinary instructor Part One
Segment Two: Robert Wemischner, cookbook author, pastry chef, and culinary instructor Part Two
Segment Three: Josef Centeno, owner/executive chef of baco mercat and Bar Ama in Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Four: Deborah Schneider, executive chef and partner, SOL Mexican Cocina, Newport Beach
Segment Five: Chef Javier Plascencia of Mision 19, Tijuana’s superstar celebrity chef and culinary goodwill ambassador for the food and wines of Northern Baja
Segment Six: Chef Javier Plascencia of Mision 19, Tijuana’s superstar celebrity chef and culinary goodwill ambassador for the food and wines of Northern Baja (Continued…)