Show 559, January 6, 2024: Camphor DTLA with Cyrus Batchan and Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George Part One

Cyrus Batchan of No. 8 Hospitality

“Simplicity, with a touch of refined elegance, reigns at Camphor — A Michelin-starred modern French bistro located in DTLA’s Arts District. The brainchild of owners and operators Sarah Lam and Cyrus Batchan of No.8 Hospitality and helmed by two young, impressively pedigreed Co-Executive Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, Camphor re-imagines the classic bistro experience. The two chefs collaborate to create a unique flavor identity through an unassuming yet nuanced menu with recognizable nods to the duo’s South and Southeast Asian backgrounds and classical French training.” Camphor was unusually awarded a prestigious Michelin Star in its first year of operation which it maintained in 2023.

“Intentionally designed to be a convivial neighborhood restaurant with an urban heartbeat, Camphor takes things back to basics with an unpretentious and enticing menu featuring an array of shareable small plates, heartier mains, scenographic desserts, classic cocktails with a French twist, and an enviable selection of French and European wines to pair.”

“The two chefs collaborate to create a unique flavor identity through an unassuming yet nuanced menu with recognizable nods to the duo’s South and Southeast Asian backgrounds and classical French training. Their talents were cultivated at the Michelin-starred Blue by Alain Ducasse in Bangkok, where the now co-chefs met and worked together for several years under Ducasse himself. Upon first glance at the minimally worded menu, dishes are described in their simplest form, but the flavor profiles and presentation tell a very different story still within the realm of classic French cuisine. George’s love of spices (lovingly transported from his hometown of Kerala on the southwestern coast of India) interplays with the French-leaning menu to create full-flavored dishes with a kick. Boonthankit’s mastery and passion for dessert artistry are on full display at Camphor.”

Our guests for a deep dive into Camphor are Cyrus Batchan (Proprietor) and Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George.

Show 559, January 6, 2024: Camphor DTLA with Cyrus Batchan and Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George Part Two

Lijo George of Camphor LA

“Simplicity, with a touch of refined elegance, reigns at Camphor — A Michelin-starred modern French bistro located in DTLA’s Arts District. The brainchild of owners and operators Sarah Lam and Cyrus Batchan of No.8 Hospitality and helmed by two young, impressively pedigreed Co-Executive Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, Camphor re-imagines the classic bistro experience. The two chefs collaborate to create a unique flavor identity through an unassuming yet nuanced menu with recognizable nods to the duo’s South and Southeast Asian backgrounds and classical French training.” Camphor was unusually awarded a prestigious Michelin Star in its first year of operation which it maintained in 2023.

“Intentionally designed to be a convivial neighborhood restaurant with an urban heartbeat, Camphor takes things back to basics with an unpretentious and enticing menu featuring an array of shareable small plates, heartier mains, scenographic desserts, classic cocktails with a French twist, and an enviable selection of French and European wines to pair.”

Max Boonthanakit of Camphor

“The two chefs collaborate to create a unique flavor identity through an unassuming yet nuanced menu with recognizable nods to the duo’s South and Southeast Asian backgrounds and classical French training. Their talents were cultivated at the Michelin-starred Blue by Alain Ducasse in Bangkok, where the now co-chefs met and worked together for several years under Ducasse himself. Upon first glance at the minimally worded menu, dishes are described in their simplest form, but the flavor profiles and presentation tell a very different story still within the realm of classic French cuisine. George’s love of spices (lovingly transported from his hometown of Kerala on the southwestern coast of India) interplays with the French-leaning menu to create full-flavored dishes with a kick. Boonthankit’s mastery and passion for dessert artistry are on full display at Camphor.”

Camphor’s creative team of Cyrus Batchan and Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George continue with us.

Show 554, December 2, 2023: Chef Eric Bost, Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, Carlsbad, CA Part One

Chef Eric Bost

Jeune et Jolie (Young & Beautiful in French) in Carlsbad is a highly acclaimed, One Star Michelin rated, fine-dining establishment overseen by Executive Chef Eric Bost (ex-Auburn in Los Angeles) and proprietor John Resnick.

“It’s culinary experience celebrating the moment, reimagining French cuisine through the vibrant lens of the Southern California landscape, with a 4-course menu in which guests make their own selections, offered at $115 per person. Reservations are available for dining inside the restaurant or outdoors on the garden patio beneath twinkling stars.”

“For those guests looking for a more casual evening, Jeune et Jolie features “Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at its bar and lounge.”

“Jeune et Jolie is a place to celebrate life’s special occasions, but also a place to celebrate the ordinary.”

Jeune et Jolie’s sister establishment in Carlsbad is the more casual, New American, Campfire. “It’s a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, celebrating the spirit of their name as guests gather around a fire while the kitchen creates honest food to share it with friends.”

“Also led by Chef Eric Bost, Campfire draws inspiration from the coasts, forests, mountains and deserts that make up the vibrant and eclectic landscape of California and provide profoundly distinct flavors, context and emotions, all of which are best captured by getting outside and setting up camp.” A menu highlight are fresh, seasonal vegetables sourced from local family farmers.

Chef Eric Bost takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Show 554, December 2, 2023: Chef Eric Bost, Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, Carlsbad, CA Part Two

Chef Eric Bost

Jeune et Jolie (Young & Beautiful in French) in Carlsbad is a highly acclaimed, One Star Michelin rated, fine-dining establishment overseen by Executive Chef Eric Bost (ex-Auburn in Los Angeles) and proprietor John Resnick.

“It’s culinary experience celebrating the moment, reimagining French cuisine through the vibrant lens of the Southern California landscape, with a 4-course menu in which guests make their own selections, offered at $115 per person. Reservations are available for dining inside the restaurant or outdoors on the garden patio beneath twinkling stars.”

“For those guests looking for a more casual evening, Jeune et Jolie features “Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at its bar and lounge.”

“Jeune et Jolie is a place to celebrate life’s special occasions, but also a place to celebrate the ordinary.”

Jeune et Jolie’s sister establishment in Carlsbad is the more casual, New American, Campfire. “It’s a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, celebrating the spirit of their name as guests gather around a fire while the kitchen creates honest food to share it with friends.”

“Also led by Chef Eric Bost, Campfire draws inspiration from the coasts, forests, mountains and deserts that make up the vibrant and eclectic landscape of California and provide profoundly distinct flavors, context and emotions, all of which are best captured by getting outside and setting up camp.”

In conclusion Chef Eric previews his new projects (with colleague John Resnick) for 2024. It’s a pair of restaurants under one roof: Wildland (all-day neighborhood café and bakery) and Lilo (standalone, 22-seat chef’s table experience.)

Chef Eric Bost takes a another break from his busy kitchens to continue with us.

Show 526, May 20, 2023: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Preview, June 2 to 11

Chef Michael Hung

Restaurant Week returns to Greater Palm Springs June 2-11, 2023. This annual gastronomic event, now in its 15th year, offers residents and visitors 10 days of dining experiences at local restaurants. Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is the perfect time to take a culinary tour to sample the ever-increasing stature of food culture of the nine-city destination. Greater Palm Springs gained the attention of the Michelin guide in 2022 with their first-ever inclusion of area restaurants in the guide’s recommended places to eat. Visit Greater Palm Springs serves as the producing partner of Restaurant Week in collaboration with presenting sponsor Agua Caliente Casinos.”

“More than 80 restaurants will offer custom menus for lunch, dinner or both. Lunch offers will include 2 or more courses/items priced at $15, $25 or $35. Dinner menus include 3 or more courses/items or small plates and cost $39, $49, $59 or $99. New for 2023 is a category for breakfast and brunch as well as a category for special offers. The flexible “special offers” allow restaurants to present specialties, wine pairings and/or supplemental dishes for an additional charge.”

Davis Meyer of the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau

SO.PA at L’Horizon in Palm Springs under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Michael Hung is one of the new participating restaurants. We’ll meet him as well as Davis Meyer, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Visit Greater Palm Springs providing all the salivating details.

“Decadent, refined, and intimate, SO•PA offers a unique alfresco dining experience. Visit the restaurant for dinner in an intimate outdoor setting under the stars as Michelin Star awarded Chef Michael Hung presents the seasonally enticing menu. The elegant, yet relaxed evening includes world class cocktails and a sophisticated yet approachable wine cellar curated by their in-house Wine Spectator awarded Sommelier.” Their Restaurant Week prix-fixe menu is three courses (with two Main Couse options) priced at $59 per guest, plus tax and gratuity.

Show 512, February 11, 2023: Executive Chef Wes Whitsell, Hatchet Hall, Culver City Part One

Wes Whitsell of Hatchet Hall

Hatchet Hall in Culver City (on the border with Los Angeles) is your lively neighborhood restaurant and bar (with a Michelin Star) focusing on the simplicity of quality ingredients, relationships to their farmers, and a relaxed good time.”

“Hatchet Hall specializes in working relationships with local farmers and purveyors to provide the best quality experience for the table. The basis of the restaurant is family — whether it’s your loved ones, farmers, or guests, — we all gather around the same table. The menu changes daily, reflecting the seasons of California and Chef Wes Whitsell’s creativity, purchasing produce with limitation and the idea of keeping things exciting for the staff and guests. The food is simple; not heavily plated or overdone, finding beauty in imperfection.”

“The wine list is regularly updated with limited runs on by the glass options, focusing on the culture and history of the wine as well as the natural wine movement of all organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines. The spirits list is vast, specializing in American Whiskey with expressions and nuances that you’re only able to get from being able to purchase a full single barrel.”

“Raised in a small Texas town, by an avid outdoorsman and farmer, Chef Wes grew up eating what was hunted and gathered in the traditional sense. Before it was a trend, it was Wes’s way of life.”

“Hatchet Hall is a restaurant that aligns deeply with his values. Wes has a strong belief in the integrity of the food he cooks, while never forgetting those early lessons he learned from his own roots: that small Texas town. At Hatchet Hall, he taps into his Southern roots, the live fire component that makes the restaurant so special, while drawing inspiration from his past culinary experiences, his relationships to farmers, and the amazing produce California has to offer.”

Reservations are suggested for Dinner but walk-ins are also graciously accommodated. Brunch on Sunday.

Chef Wes Whitsell takes a break from his busy kitchen to be with us.

Show 512, February 11, 2023: Executive Chef Wes Whitsell, Hatchet Hall, Culver City Part Two

Wes Whitsell of Hatchet Hall

Hatchet Hall in Culver City (on the border with Los Angeles) is your lively neighborhood restaurant and bar (with a new Michelin Star) focusing on the simplicity of quality ingredients, relationships to their farmers, and a relaxed good time.”

“Hatchet Hall specializes in working relationships with local farmers and purveyors to provide the best quality experience for the table. The basis of the restaurant is family — whether it’s your loved ones, farmers, or guests, — we all gather around the same table. The menu changes daily, reflecting the seasons of California and Chef Wes Whitsell’s creativity, purchasing produce with limitation and the idea of keeping things exciting for the staff and guests. The food is simple; not heavily plated or overdone, finding beauty in imperfection.”

“The wine list is regularly updated with limited runs on by the glass options, focusing on the culture and history of the wine as well as the natural wine movement of all organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines. The spirits list is vast, specializing in American Whiskey with expressions and nuances that you’re only able to get from being able to purchase a full single barrel.”

“Raised in a small Texas town, by an avid outdoorsman and farmer, Chef Wes grew up eating what was hunted and gathered in the traditional sense. Before it was a trend, it was Wes’s way of life.”

“Hatchet Hall is a restaurant that aligns deeply with his values. Wes has a strong belief in the integrity of the food he cooks, while never forgetting those early lessons he learned from his own roots: that small Texas town. At Hatchet Hall, he taps into his Southern roots, the live fire component that makes the restaurant so special, while drawing inspiration from his past culinary experiences, his relationships to farmers, and the amazing produce California has to offer.”

Chef Wes Whitsell takes another break from his busy kitchen to continue with us. He has an order of the Anson Mills Cornbread with cheddar, shishito and honey butter at the ready.

Show 508, January 21, 2023: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater Los Angeles Part One

Farley Elliott at the KLAA Studios

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley is the Senior Editor of the widely read Eater LA, covering the daily restaurant news beat in Los Angeles, Orange County and environs. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Find him all over the internet.

The Michelin Guide California was released last December. Chefs consider Michelin recognition to be of great importance. The Guide (now only online) conveys its restaurant awards through a series of recognitions. There are “Stars” awarded for restaurant of distinction in addition to the Bib Gourmands recognizing skillful cooking at an affordable price. Farley has covered the Michelins for years (Michelin is apparently a bit media shy when it comes to interviews) and we’ll discuss all the levels of possible awards and where the funding for the Guides comes from.

Show 508, January 21, 2023: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater Los Angeles Part Two

Farley Elliott

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show and he continues with us. Farley is the Senior Editor of the widely read Eater LA, covering the daily restaurant news beat in Los Angeles, Orange County and environs. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Find him all over the internet.

The Michelin Guide California was released last December. Chefs consider Michelin recognition to be of great importance. The Guide (now only online) conveys its restaurant awards through a series of recognitions. There are “Stars” awarded for restaurant of distinction in addition to the Bib Gourmands recognizing skillful cooking at an affordable price. Farley has covered the Michelins for years (Michelin is apparently a bit media shy when it comes to interviews) and we’ll discuss all the levels of possible awards and where the funding for the Guides comes from.

We’ll also discuss with Farley the revamping (and reopening on February 1st) of the fine dining Angler in the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. It’s a totally new menu and direction.

Happily Eater Los Angeles is devoting more resources to covering the Orange County dining scene. Just last week Eater published their guide to the “15 Best Breakfast Burritos in Orange County.”

Show 503, December 10, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

It’s an abbreviated show on Saturday as we graciously move aside for UC Irvine Men’s Basketball at 11:00 a.m. Please do join us as usual at 10:00 a.m.

The heartiest of congratulations to Hatchet Hall (Culver City) and Yangban Society (DTLA’s Arts District) on being inducted into the California Michelin Guide with their One Star recognitions. Chefs Wes Whitsell and Kat Hong have been previous guests this year on the show. Kudos, also, to the other new One Star establishments in California.

Pyros Wines is the first world-class wine collection exclusively from Argentina’s unique Pedernal Valley; its beauty, untamed nature, and diverse terroir was an inspiration to the late Mijndert Pon, the founder of Bodegas Salentein, when he visited in 2008. Head Winemaker Paula Gonzalez continues to honor the founder’s legacy and vision since starting at the winery in November 2019, using her talent in every step of the winemaking process, from harvest to bottling.” Representing Pyros Wines with us is Matias Bauza Moreno the PR and Marketing Manager for the Luxury Portfolio of Salentein Valle de Uco, the parent of Pyros Wines. “Over the past 21 years Matias has actively participated in the creation, launching and positioning of most of Salentein’s wine brands in Argentina and around the world. He is proud to have played a role in positioning Salentein to be in the Top 5 most relevant premium wineries in the Argentine market and as the 6th largest wine exporter from Argentina.”

Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce is our resident authority on all things fruits and vegetables. His knowledge is incredibly vast and Robert is also a serious home cook. We affectionately refer to Robert as “The Prince of Produce.” It fits… Robert is our guest to highlight the Winter season’s best in produce for use in inspired Holiday cooking. He also shares some fresh ideas in gift baskets that are sure to please. For the season’s best think Organic Crimson Gold Apples, South Africa Baby Pineapples and lots more.

All of this plus extra servings of deliciousness on today’s show.