Show 106, January 17, 2015: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s rich (but mostly guilt-free) show

Chef Anthony Jacquet of the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove in Los Angeles was one of three talented North American Chefs to be chosen by the Taiwan Tourism to participate in Taste Taiwan 2014. The lucky chefs were hosted to an exclusive eight-day culinary adventure to Taiwan. Chef Anthony was inspired to then create a dish from his trip which is highlighted on The Whisper menu as a special for this month. Diners who enjoy this dish also have the chance to win roundtrip airfare to Taiwan on EVA Air.. Chef Anthony returns with an update.

Maison Giraud in Pacific Palisades opened its doors in 2011. The unpretentious restaurant and bakery reflect the life and experiences of master French Chef Alain Giraud (ex-Michel Richard’s Citrus.) Chef Giraud welcomes his guests to dine on fine French food in a friendly, family setting. You can see him every Wednesday morning shopping at The Santa Monica Farmers Market where he is a long-time fixture. Giraud arrived in Los Angeles in 1988 and joined Michel Richard at Citrus as Chef de Cuisine. Together they elevated Citrus to the ranks of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. Chef Alain is our guest.

Troy Johnson is San Diego Magazine’s colorfully opinionated Food Critic and Editor-at Large. Troy joins us to discuss his recent cover story on “Baja. The Best Food, Wine, Beer, Music, And More.” Johnson will also update us on what’s on the horizon of significance in San Diego dining for 2015.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), Golden State of Cocktails, and Dewar’s present “King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard,” a very special edition of Touring the Cocktail: MOTAC Los Angeles. The presentation is set for Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Los Angeles. Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Philip Dobard is Vice President of the SoFAB Institute, home of The Museum of the American Cocktail. Both Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard join us to preview the intriguing “King Cocktail in Story and Song.”

Chef Eric Greenspan of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire is back with us. We’ll get an update on the prime time run of his new series, “Eric Greenspan is Hungry” for the National Geographic Channel which just completed its initial run and is available “On Demand” on cable. Starting on Sunday, Jan. 18th Chef Eric is launching a Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Pop Up at Westfield Century City through the end of March 2015.In Century City there will also be some exclusive menu items for Greenspan’s first West L.A. outpost.

Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week returns with a renewed and refreshed format this winter, spanning two weeks of scrumptious dining possibilities from Monday, January 19th to Sunday, February 1st, 2015. Diners have the opportunity to enjoy special price fixed menus at lunch or dinner priced to represent a great value. Some restaurants are offering special Newport Beach Restaurant Week cocktails to pair with their special menus. Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach (the marketing arm of the Newport Beach Restaurant Association) is with us to preview all the tasty morsels.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Show 106, January 17, 2015: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine

Troy JohnsonWith live radio you really never know what’s going to happen until it does. We had Troy Johnson ready to go and then when he was on-the-air his cell phone dropped.

We tried to get him back for the balance of the segment. With a minute to go we finally did.

Troy is one of the regular judges on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games. During the live segment Troy was in a caravan of cars in Northern California led by Guy Fieri (on the way to his ranch.) They are now in production of Season 3 of “Guy’s Grocery Games” produced in Santa Rosa.

While we were trying to connect with Troy we previewed Chef Gary Arabia’s upcoming segment on next Saturday’s show. The celebrity caterer to the stars has just launched the ambitious GC Marketplace on Cahuenga Blvd. W. near Universal Studios.

Show 106, January 17, 2015: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Continues…

Troy JohnsonTroy Johnson, San Diego Magazine’s colorfully opinionated Food Critic and Editor-at Large, continues.

He also pens the San Diego Food News Blog available on the San Diego Magazine’s Website. You also know him as a regular judge on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games now in Season 2.

Is foie gras now returning to San Diego area restaurants as it is in Los Angeles and Orange County? We’ll get Johnson’s thoughts on foie gras.

Earlier in the month Troy launched a thoughtful, multi-part series on San Diego Magazine’s blog, “Thoughts on Foie Gas.” It’s a worthwhile read.

In the December issue of San Diego Magazine Johnson profiled his top ten new restaurants in San Diego. In the number one position is Richard BlaisJuniper & Ivy and number two is Ironside Fish & Oyster also in Little Italy. The full reviews of both are on San Diego Magazine’s Website

January 17: Anthony Jacquet, Alain Giraud, Troy Johnson, Dale DeGroff, Eric Greenspan, Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anthony Jacquet, Executive Chef, Whisper Restaurant & Lounge
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Alain Giraud, Maison Giraud
Segment Four: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part One
Segment Five: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part Two
Segment Six: Mixologist Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard of SoFAB Institute
Segment Seven: Chef Eric Greenspan
Segment Eight: Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s rich (but mostly guilt-free) show

Chef Anthony Jacquet of the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove in Los Angeles was one of three talented North American Chefs to be chosen by the Taiwan Tourism to participate in Taste Taiwan 2014. The lucky chefs were hosted to an exclusive eight-day culinary adventure to Taiwan. Chef Anthony was inspired to then create a dish from his trip which is highlighted on The Whisper menu as a special for this month. Diners who enjoy this dish also have the chance to win roundtrip airfare to Taiwan on EVA Air. Chef Anthony returns with an update.

Maison Giraud in Pacific Palisades opened its doors in 2011. The unpretentious restaurant and bakery reflect the life and experiences of master French Chef Alain Giraud (ex-Michel Richard’s Citrus.) Chef Giraud welcomes his guests to dine on fine French food in a friendly, family setting. You can see him every Wednesday morning shopping at The Santa Monica Farmers Market where he is a long-time fixture. Giraud arrived in Los Angeles in 1988 and joined Michel Richard at Citrus as Chef de Cuisine. Together they elevated Citrus to the ranks of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. Chef Alain is our guest.

Troy Johnson is San Diego Magazine’s colorfully opinionated Food Critic and Editor-at Large. Troy joins us to discuss his recent cover story on “Baja. The Best Food, Wine, Beer, Music, And More.” Johnson will also update us on what’s on the horizon of significance in San Diego dining for 2015.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), Golden State of Cocktails, and Dewar’s present “King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard,” a very special edition of Touring the Cocktail : MOTAC Los Angeles. The presentation is set for Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Los Angeles. Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Philip Dobard is Vice President of the SoFAB Institute, home of The Museum of the American Cocktail. Both Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard join us to preview the intriguing “King Cocktail in Story and Song.”

Chef Eric Greenspan of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire is back with us. We’ll get an update on the prime time run of his new series, “Eric Greenspan is Hungry” for the National Geographic Channel which just completed its initial run and is available “On Demand” on cable. Starting on Sunday, Jan. 18th Chef Eric is launching a Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Pop Up at Westfield Century City through the end of March 2015.In Century City there will also be some exclusive menu items for Greenspan’s first West L.A. outpost.

Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week returns with a renewed and refreshed format this winter, spanning two weeks of scrumptious dining possibilities from Monday, January 19th to Sunday, February 1st, 2015. Diners have the opportunity to enjoy special price fixed menus at lunch or dinner priced to represent a great value. Some restaurants are offering special Newport Beach Restaurant Week cocktails to pair with their special menus. Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach (the marketing arm of the Newport Beach Restaurant Association) is with us to preview all the tasty morsels.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Anthony JacquetChef Anthony Jacquet of the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove in Los Angeles was one of three talented North American Chefs to be selected by Taiwan Tourism to participate in Taste Taiwan 2014. The lucky chefs were hosted to an exclusive eight-day culinary adventure to Taiwan.

Chef Anthony was inspired to then create a dish from his trip which is highlighted on The Whisper menu as a special for this month. It’s a Berkshire Pork Belly Bun with housemade hoisin sauce, pickled Fresno peppers, five-spice candied peanuts, and a fried quail egg.

Diners who enjoy this dish at Whisper Lounge this month also have the chance to win roundtrip airfare to Taiwan on EVA Air.

The chefs’ eight-day tour of Taiwan was filmed and edited into an informative 30-minute documentary. The documentary follows the on-the-go chefs as they indulge in Taiwan’s finest restaurants and experience the island’s fresh produce markets and street foods, among other culinary adventures.

Chef Anthony returns with an update.

Alain GiraudMaison Giraud in Pacific Palisades opened its doors in 2011. The unpretentious restaurant and bakery reflect the life and experiences of master French Chef Alain Giraud (ex-Michel Richard’s Citrus.) Chef Giraud welcomes his guests to dine on fine French food in a friendly, family setting.

You can see him every Wednesday morning shopping at The Santa Monica Farmers Market where he is a long-time and familiar fixture. Giraud arrived in Los Angeles in 1988 and joined Michel Richard at Citrus as Chef de Cuisine. Together they elevated Citrus to the ranks of the country’s most celebrated restaurants.

Since then Alain has been the executive chef at Lavande, a fondly remembered French Provencal restaurant at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. He was the opening executive chef in 2002 at the high profile and much written-about Bastide on Melrose Place in West Hollywood. Before opening Maison Giraud, Alain was the opening executive chef at Anisette, an ambitious French brasserie located in the landmark Clocktower Building in Santa Monica.

Maison Giraud hosts a gourmet oyster bar on the first Thursday of each month conducted by Master Ecailler Christophe Happillion. On the fourth Thursday of each month is the Four Star Dinner (7-courses) showcasing the talents of a prominent Guest Chef.

Foie gras is back on the menu at Maison Giraud.

Chef Alain Giraud is our guest.

Troy JohnsonTroy Johnson is San Diego Magazine’s colorfully opinionated Food Critic and Editor-at Large. He also pens the San Diego Food News Blog available on San Diego Magazine’s Website. You also know him as a regular judge on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games now in Season 2.

Previously he also wrote and hosted Food Network’s “Crave.” This was a fast-moving food and travel show.

Troy joins us to discuss his recent cover story on “Baja. The Best Food, Wine, Beer, Music, And More.” Johnson will also update us on what’s on the horizon of significance in San Diego dining for 2015.

Is foie gras now returning to San Diego area restaurants as it is in Los Angeles and Orange County? We’ll get Johnson’s thoughts on foie gras.

Dale DeGroffThe Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), Golden State of Cocktails, and Dewar’s present “King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard,” a very special edition of Touring the Cocktail: MOTAC Los Angeles. The presentation is set for Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Los Angeles.

Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Hear how Dale became “King Cocktail,” how he went from L.A’s Hotel Bel-Air to New York’s Rainbow Room, why he and a group of like-minded craft cocktail pioneers established MOTAC, and colorful tales of events along the way.

Philip Dobard is Vice President of the SoFAB Institute, home of The Museum of the American Cocktail.

Enjoy classic standards performed live by Dale and Philip and sip signature cocktails featuring Dewar’s True Scotch and prepared from recipes by MOTAC Advisory Board members Julian Cox, Josh Goldman, Michael Neff, and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson. Admission includes a selection of gourmet appetizers courtesy of Casey’s Irish Pub.

Both Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard join us to preview the intriguing “King Cocktail in Story and Song.”

Eric GreenspanChef Eric Greenspan of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire is back with us. We’ll get an update on the prime time run of his new series, Eric Greenspan is Hungry for the National Geographic Channel, which just completed its initial run (six episodes) and is available “On Demand” on cable. We’ll also chat about his experience with the six-hour National Geographic series, “Eat – The Story of Food,” aired in 2-hour installments over 3 nights. Chef Eric was prominent in all the episodes.

Starting on Sunday, Jan. 18th Chef Eric is launching a Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Pop Up at Westfield Century City (2nd level of the Dining Terrace) through the end of March 2015. In Century City there will also be some exclusive menu items for Greenspan’s first West L.A. outpost. Think the Westfield Melt on sourdough with Muenster cheese, red onion, short rib, tomato and garlic aioli.

Dine Newport Beach Restaurant WeekDine Newport Beach Restaurant Week returns with a renewed and refreshed format this winter, spanning two weeks of scrumptious dining possibilities from Monday, January 19th to Sunday, February 1st, 2015. Diners have the opportunity to enjoy special price fixed menus at lunch or dinner priced to represent a great value. Some restaurants are offering special Newport Beach Restaurant Week cocktails to pair with their special menus.

New price points on menus available to offer something for everyone and every occasion. Lunch – $10, $15, $20, and $25. Dinner – $20, $30, $40, and $50.

“Newport Beach Restaurant Week will showcase a variety of unique dining experiences and cuisines ranging from American favorites to authentic ethnic fare and formal fine dining to hip and sandy-feet -casual,” notes Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach.

Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach (the marketing arm of the Newport Beach Restaurant Association) is with us to preview all the tasty morsels.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anthony Jacquet, Executive Chef, Whisper Restaurant & Lounge
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Alain Giraud, Maison Giraud
Segment Four: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part One
Segment Five: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part Two
Segment Six: Mixologist Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard of SoFAB Institute
Segment Seven: Chef Eric Greenspan
Segment Eight: Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week

Show 53, December 21, 2013: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris

What's Cooking with Jet Tila and Travis RodgersThanks for all the supportive words about “What’s Cooking with Travis and Chef Jet Tila” heard just after 7:50 a.m. on Friday morning on AM 830 KLAA as part of “The Travis Rodgers Show.” Travis is taking a well-earned Holiday break. The segment will return just after 7:50 a.m. on Friday, January 4th. The previous features are all available for your listening pleasure within the “Media” area of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” Website.

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show. Highlights are Susan Feniger talking about her new Mud Hen Tavern on the site of the former Street in Hollywood, Troy Johnson, the Food Critic of San Diego Magazine, and Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey (from San Diego) who is opening an ambitious restaurant on The Sunset Strip.

Show 53, December 21, 2013: Troy Johnson, Editor-at-Large & Food Critic of San Diego Magazine

Troy JohnsonTroy Johnson, the Food Critic of San Diego Magazine, represents the enthusiastic new breed of youthful restaurant journalists with a point-of-view.

You perhaps remember him on Food TV from his Cooking Channel series, “Crave.” He’s also one of the regular judges on Food Network’s new Sunday evening “Guy’s (Fieri) Grocery Games.”

There is a lot happening on the San Diego restaurant scene. The big noise is that chef and restaurateur Richard Blais is leaving his base in Atlanta to open Juniper & Ivy in the Little Italy area of San Diego. It will seat 200 when open so this is an ambitious project! Chef Blais is probably best known nationally for his multiple seasons on Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

In addition to his reviews in San Diego Magazine, Troy also writes about restaurant comings and goings in San Diego County.

December 21: Troy Johnson, Got Kosher, Aaron Fry, Susan Feniger, Brian Malarkey, Brian Malarkey,

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Troy Johnson, Editor-at-Large & Food Critic of San Diego Magazine Part One
Segment Three: Troy Johnson, Editor-at-Large & Food Critic of San Diego Magazine Part Two
Segment Four: Alain Cohen of Got Kosher Café & Bakery, Los Angeles
Segment Five: Aaron Fry, Honeymoon Dining in Maui
Segment Six: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger of The Border Grills and Mud Hen Tavern
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Brian Malarkey of Enlightened Hospitality Group, San Diego Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Brian Malarkey of Enlightened Hospitality Group, San Diego Part Two

Update on the benefit at The Church Key on Sunday, December 8th to aid the unfortunate victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The evening raised $10,000 which will get into the proper hands to support the relief effort. This event came together very quickly so kudos to all involved!

What's Cooking with Jet Tila and Travis RodgersThanks for all the supportive words about “What’s Cooking with Travis and Chef Jet Tila” heard just after 7:50 a.m. on Friday morning on AM 830 KLAA as part of “The Travis Rodgers Show.” Travis is taking a well-earned Holiday break. The segment will return just after 7:50 a.m. on Friday, January 4th. The previous features are all available for your listening pleasure within the “Media” area of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” Website.

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show. This week we’re sending the well-deserved love to our listeners in San Diego. Troy Johnson, the Restaurant Editor of San Diego Magazine is with us to share what’s new in San Diego. We’ll also talk with “Top Chef” alum Brian Malarkey of Enlightened Hospitality. He’s bringing one of his successful San Diego restaurant concepts to the Sunset Strip.

Troy JohnsonTroy Johnson, the Food Editor of San Diego Magazine, represents the new breed of youthful restaurant journalists with a point-of-view. It’s, fortunately, not an elitist approach and Troy aims to make restaurant-going accessible for all.

You perhaps remember him on Food TV from his Cooking Channel series, “Crave.” He’s also one of the regular judges on Food Network’s new Sunday evening “Guy’s (Fieri) Grocery Games.”

There is a lot happening on the San Diego restaurant scene. The big noise is that chef and restaurateur Richard Blais is leaving his base in Atlanta to open Juniper & Ivy in the Little Italy area of San Diego. It will seat 200 when open so this is an ambitious project! Chef Blais is probably best known nationally for his multiple seasons on Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey (of Bravo’s “Top Chef” & ABC’s “The Taste”,) a multiple concept restaurant operator in San Diego, is bringing his Herringbone concept to The Mondrian Hotel on The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood in early 2014. Troy talks about Chef Brian’s history in San Diego and what his establishments are all about. The original Herringbone is in La Jolla.

The Headquarters, a new development in Downtown San Diego with destination restaurants is creating a lot of attention. Nancy Silverton’s Pizzeria Mozza from Hollywood is one on the anchor tenants there already attracting lots of buzz. It’s the former Police Department Headquarters and there is even an original cell preserved for visitors to see.

Avant Restaurant in San DiegoAfter a long run (opened in 1968) as a high-end destination restaurant of celebration El Bizcocho at the Rancho Bernardo Inn has been reborn as the more contemporary Avant. San Diego star chef Gavin Kaysen was an alum of El Bizcocho. He’s now overseeing all the Café Bouluds for Daniel Boulud in New York!

Troy notes that the Hatch Design Group worked on a $2.5 million budget to create the new space. “The mercy killing of El Bizcocho clears the way for a new era at Avant” is the title of Troy’s recent review in San Diego Magazine.

If you think Tunisian fare is the same as the foods of Morocco then you perhaps need a refresher course. No eating with the fingers or belly dancers here. It’s actually more Mediterranean and North African fare.

Alain Cohen of Got Kosher Cafe and BakeryAlain Cohen of Got Kosher Café & Bakery located in Los Angeles Borscht Belt on Pico Blvd. joins us to give a quick education. Don’t let the “Kosher” part or the name scare you. The Jews were in Tunisia before Muhammad or the rise of Islam.

The tasty Merguez sausage with harissa appetizer is house-made.

One of Got Kosher’s specialties is “Shwar-guez.” It’s their take on schwarma. It’s ground beef seasoned with their merguez sausage spices and grilled on a schwarma pit.

Tunisian Couscous is also a popular specialty. The versions are Couscous au Poulet, Couscous Masson (with braised beef and beef meatballs,) Couscous Royal ( with chicken, beef, lamb brochettes and merguez,) and Vegetarian Couscous.

They also house-bake some incredible varieties of challah

It’s Christmas / New Year’s Holiday vacation time and that means a lot of getaways to Maui. We have a mouth-watering Lahaina dining report from an informed, recent visitor.

Aaron Fry just returned from his glorious honeymoon in Maui. Aaron is a master bartender as well as a senior Board Operator right here at AM 830 KLAA. We’re turning the microphone around on him this morning.

Fleetwoods on Front StreetAaron and his new bride enjoyed a couple of visits to Fleetwood’s on Front Street in the heart of Old Lahaina. The second level of the 10,000 square foot establishment affords an incredible ocean view and there is live music nightly. The principal is Mick Fleetwood, the well-know rock drummer. When he’s not touring he spends most of his time on Maui.

Although it’s a casual setting they are equally serious about their food. The chef advisor is Scott Leibfried (who you’ll remember as one of the two sous chefs for Gordon Ramsay on Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”) Chef Scott continues with the project.

Look for “Today’s Local Fish” and the 10 oz. Grilled Filet with Big Island Hamakua Mushrooms as standout dishes.

Maui Brewing Company CoCoNut PorTeRAaron is a craft beer aficionado so also on his Maui menu was a stop at the celebrated brewpub of the Maui Brewing Co. This is the most successful craft brewery in The Islands and quite a story. Their only “problem” is that they can’t keep up with demand on The Mainland. They can their most popular styles and they are available in California. One of their signature brews is their award-winning CoCoNut PorTeR. The brewpub features some seasonal styles only available on Maui.

The food is seriously good, too, and a big attraction for locals. They even make their own salad dressings. You can’t go wrong with their pizzas or the Kalua Pork Sliders.

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernChef Susan Feniger of Border Grill and Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales” fame is back with us to talk about the revamping of Susan Feniger’s Street in Hollywood. It’s been refurbished as the Mud Hen Tavern. The concept is more of a comfortable neighborhood bar and restaurant where regulars can come and hang out more than one time per week.

As with Street the Executive Chef and Partner is Kajsa Alger. Some of Street’s classic favorites remain on the menu including Kaya Toast. A rotating collection of sixteen craft beers is available on tap.

Susan enthusiastically recommends the Hangover Burger with a fried egg and bacon and the decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding for dessert. Also there are plenty of offerings for the vegetarian-inclined.

Brian MalarkeyYou know Chef Brian Malarkey from “Top Chef: Season 3, Miami” on Bravo and Season 1 of ABC’s “The Taste.” In real life he’s also a highly successful restaurateur in San Diego (and Scottsdale and Austin) with major financial backing.

In a bold move he’s bringing an expanded Herringbone (La Jolla) to The Mondrian on the fabled Sunset Strip in January. After a major gut-rehab it’s replacing the pricey Asia de Cuba at this hip & happening boutique luxury hotel. The panoramic 180 degree view from the restaurant toward the coast, now improved, is pretty spectacular. He’s responsible for all foodservice at The Hotel including in-room dining and functions.

The food is Herringbone’s own “Fish Meats Field” cuisine. A favorite is Pork Belly with wood roasted sunchokes, manila clams, and calvados and green apple jus.

Executive Chef Brian Mararkey of Enlightened Hospitality Group encores for a second segment. His growing collection of restaurants, with a San Diego base, includes Searsucker, Herringbone (La Jolla and January opening in West Hollywood,) Gabardine, and Green Acre.

Chef Brian has cooked in Los Angeles previously. Very early in his professional career he was in the kitchen at Michel Richard’s Citrus.

Chef Brian very honestly explains how he paid his dues during his 20s and 30s before becoming the executive chef at The Oceanaire Seafood Room in San Diego. That eventually led to his casting on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” He’s surprised that so many young people graduating from culinary schools think they can just walk into being celebrities on food TV without a proper foundation.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Troy Johnson, Editor-at-Large & Food Critic of San Diego Magazine Part One
Segment Three: Troy Johnson, Editor-at-Large & Food Critic of San Diego Magazine Part Two
Segment Four: Alain Cohen of Got Kosher Café & Bakery, Los Angeles
Segment Five: Aaron Fry, Honeymoon Dining in Maui
Segment Six: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger of The Border Grills and Mud Hen Tavern
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Brian Malarkey of Enlightened Hospitality Group, San Diego Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Brian Malarkey of Enlightened Hospitality Group, San Diego Part Two