Show 540, August 26, 2023: NAM Coffee, Anaheim, with Founder Vince Nguyen Part One

Vince Nguyen of NAM Coffee

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.”

“Vince spent his early childhood in Pleiku, a city known for its coffee, tea, and honey farms. He remembers drinking Vietnamese coffee from quite a young age. And when he was twelve, Vince got first-hand experience working at his mom’s coffee stand in Saigon, where the family moved. She was a single mother who worked long hours to provide for the family. Now, years later, Vince is proud to build off what he learned from that coffee stand and continue his family tradition of entrepreneurship.”

“When Vince moved to Orange County, California to pursue a career in fashion, he was frustrated by the lack of Vietnamese coffee that had the familiar flavors he grew up with. So he went out looking for a source, and luckily met NAM’s fantastic partner who is a third-generation farmer. NAM’s Arabica and Robusta beans come from a family farm on Langbiang mountain in Da Lat, a highland region famous for its scenic vistas and fertile soil.”

“When first developing the NAM roasts, Vince paid careful attention to all of the tiny details that go into achieving perfection. For example, NAM roasts premium, light Robusta beans at lower temperatures for longer periods of time to ensure that every bean gets a nice coat of oil and a lasting, vibrant aroma. NAM guarantees that their products are organic with no additives like corn starch or chicory. NAM offers both Arabica and Robusta blends, spotlighting the diversity and sophistication of Vietnam’s agricultural prowess.”

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend (30% Robusta & 70% Arabica) in hand.

Show 540, August 26, 2023: NAM Coffee, Anaheim, with Founder Vince Nguyen Part Two

Vince Nguyen of NAM Coffee

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.”

“Vince spent his early childhood in Pleiku, a city known for its coffee, tea, and honey farms. He remembers drinking Vietnamese coffee from quite a young age. And when he was twelve, Vince got first-hand experience working at his mom’s coffee stand in Saigon, where the family moved. She was a single mother who worked long hours to provide for the family. Now, years later, Vince is proud to build off what he learned from that coffee stand and continue his family tradition of entrepreneurship.”

“When Vince moved to Orange County, California to pursue a career in fashion, he was frustrated by the lack of Vietnamese coffee that had the familiar flavors he grew up with. So he went out looking for a source, and luckily met NAM’s fantastic partner who is a third-generation farmer. NAM’s Arabica and Robusta beans come from a family farm on Langbiang mountain in Da Lat, a highland region famous for its scenic vistas and fertile soil.”

“When first developing the NAM roasts, Vince paid careful attention to all of the tiny details that go into achieving perfection. For example, NAM roasts premium, light Robusta beans at lower temperatures for longer periods of time to ensure that every bean gets a nice coat of oil and a lasting, vibrant aroma. NAM guarantees that their products are organic with no additives like corn starch or chicory. NAM offers both Arabica and Robusta blends, spotlighting the diversity and sophistication of Vietnam’s agricultural prowess.”

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of District One blend in hand.

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 490, September 10, 2022: Preview of “Tastemakers of Orange County” with OCAPICA’s Sora Tanjasiri and Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan

The 6th Annual Tastemakers of Orange County celebrating the 25th Anniversary of OCAPICA is set for Wednesday, Sept. 14th at 6 p.m. at the Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Tastemakers of Orange County is a culinary event celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander inspired cuisine created by distinguished chefs throughout Orange County. Proceeds from the event go to support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and anti-asian racism.”

OCAPICA’s Sora Tanjasiri (Board Member) and participating chef Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan join us with all the mouthwatering details.

Show 486, August 6, 2022: Anne Marie Panoringan, The Voice of OC’s Food Columnist Part One

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday.

Anne Marie joins us in-studio to talk about her recent evening at possibly the ultimate Orange County dining experience at 21 Royal at The Disneyland Resort with 11 other enthusiastic foodie guests at a princely $1,250 per guest inclusive. Additionally we’ll highlight some of her recent columns and preview her upcoming August 12th column.

“Imagine hosting an extraordinary dinner party for 12 guests in the heart of Disneyland Park, in a private residence once envisioned by Walt and Lillian Disney as a secluded family retreat and a luxurious oasis in which to host celebrities and dignitaries. Some five decades later, the Disneys’ vision has been realized in this one-of-a-kind and truly unforgettable epicurean experience at 21 Royal.”

Show 457, January 8, 2022: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist Part One

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to profile a handful of her newly discovered restaurants in the OC in 2021, her “Five Wishes for 2022” and a look ahead at some noteworthy restaurant openings in the OC in 2022 on the horizon.

We’ll lastly get a tantalizing preview of Anne Marie’s next Voice of OC column which publishes on Thursday, January 14th. Anne Marie will share some of her favorite new dining spots of 2021.

Show 457, January 8, 2022: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist Part Two

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to profile a handful of her newly discovered restaurants in the OC in 2021, her “Five Wishes for 2022” and a look ahead at some noteworthy restaurant openings in the OC in 2022 on the horizon.

Anne Marie also chats about her recent dining experiences at the new Tableau at South Coast Plaza from Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee. Would you believe a flaky croissant with Kimchi, Fontina, Pork Belly and SPAM?

We’ll lastly get a tantalizing preview of Anne Marie’s next Voice of OC column which publishes on Thursday, January 14th. Anne Marie will share some of her favorite new dining spots of 2021.

Anne Marie Panoringan continues with us.

Show 453, November 27, 2021: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater LA Part One

Farley Elliott at the KLAA Studios

Farley Elliott is the always well-informed Senior Editor of Eater LA, covering the daily restaurant news beat in greater Los Angeles and, more recently, in Orange County. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks. His work appears nationally in the online, print, and digital video space. He’s also the guy from that Tiny Hamsters Eating Tiny Burritos video.

Farley joins us to discuss how restaurants are regrouping as the COVID -19 crisis mitigates and restaurants reopen with new challenges. Eater LA has also made a conscious decision to increase their coverage of the vibrant Orange County dining scene. Where is the evolving SoCal restaurant business headed? We’ll ask Farley.

Farley also provides some standout dining recommendations in the Santa Ynez Valley and discusses the revamping of the former 101 Coffee Shop in Hollywood as the Clark Street Diner and the launch of the first branch of the iconic Eastside Italian Deli in Los Feliz.

Show 453, November 27, 2021: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater LA Part Two

Farley Elliott at the KLAA Studios

Farley Elliott is the always well-informed Senior Editor of Eater LA, covering the daily restaurant news beat in greater Los Angeles and, more recently, in Orange County. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks. His work appears nationally in the online, print, and digital video space. He’s also the guy from that Tiny Hamsters Eating Tiny Burritos video.

Farley joins us to discuss how restaurants are regrouping as the COVID -19 crisis mitigates and restaurants reopen with new challenges. Eater LA has also made a conscious decision to increase their coverage of the vibrant Orange County dining scene. Where is the evolving SoCal restaurant business headed? Farley provides his insight.

Farley also provides some standout dining recommendations in the Santa Ynez Valley and discusses the revamping of the former 101 Coffee Shop in Hollywood as the Clark Street Diner and the launch of the first branch of the iconic Eastside Italian Deli in Los Feliz.

Show 450, November 6, 2021: MJ Hong, Culinary Instructor & Recipe Developer – The One-Pan College Cookbook

Cookbook Author MJ Hong

The One-Pan College Cookbook: 80 Easy Recipes for Quick, Good Food is from (Orange County-based) recipe developer and culinary instructor MJ Hong. “Graduate from instant ramen and make delicious one-pan meals. Cooking can be a great way to explore new foods, develop new kitchen skills, and save yourself time and money.”

“With The One-Pan College Cookbook, any college student or beginner cook can make nutritious, easy one-pan recipes―no prerequisite required. These dorm-friendly dishes also provide the cooking skills and tips every student will use well beyond undergrad. In addition to easy recipes all made in one pan, you’ll find meal planning tips and creative ideas to make the most out of ingredients and leftovers to save time and money.”

“Save money and shop smart with guidance for stretching your dollar and navigating the grocery store like a pro. Each chapter includes a few recipes that serve one, but most of the recipes produce two servings, either for two people or to have leftovers. And occasionally a recipe makes enough for four people, making it perfect for sharing with friends (not to mention making great leftovers).”

The recipes are a mix of lighter dishes as well as some more filling comfort foods including: Breakfast; Snacks and

“The recipes are a mix of lighter dishes as well as some more filling comfort foods including: Breakfast; Snacks and Small Bites; Burgers, Sandwiches and Other Handhelds; Meatless Mains; Seafood and Poultry; Pork and Beef and Desserts.”

MJ has graciously shared her original recipe for Thai-Inspired Lettuce Wraps with us. “Fresh and tangy flavors paired with crunchy vegetables make for a satisfying bite in these refreshing lettuce wraps.

MJ Hong joins us with a skillet securely in hand.