Show 373, May 16, 2020: Restaurateur Christy Vega, Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks

Christy Vega of Casa VegaThe enduring Casa Vega is a landmark Mexican restaurant that has been operating in the San Fernando Valley for almost 64 years. It’s located on the familiar Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks and is one of the longest running, continuously family-owned restaurants in greater Los Angeles. Rafael “Ray” Vega opened Casa Vega in 1956 after being inspired by the success of his parents’ earlier restaurant, Café Caliente, which was on Olvera St. and operated throughout the 1930’s. Casa Vega has recently reopened for take-out via advance order online or by telephone.

Casa Vega is now open from 12 Noon – 8 p.m. daily. Initially, guests can order directly by phone (818-788-4868) or online via the Casa Vega website. Guests can pick up from their cars – Casa Vega staff will place orders in the trunk or backseat as they wait in the restaurant’s driveway off Ventura Blvd.

Favorites on the take-out menu include Combination Plates and Street Tacos, both served with rice and beans, Taquitos de Juan (chicken flautas), Burritos, four different Family Trays, Chips, Guacamole, Salsa, Kids Meals, and more. In addition to beer and wine, Casa Vega offers its Classic Margarita in a single serving mason jar with ice, ready to drink for $7. Other margarita variations are available for $7-9. The Classic Margarita is also available in a half gallon size for $30.

“Over the years, Casa Vega has remained, at its core, much the same as my father’s original vision,” says Christy Vega. “The menu continues to reflect the offerings originally presented some 64 years ago with slight alterations that speak to today’s culinary tastes. From the menu, to the dim ambiance of the dining room, to the staff—many of which have been with our team for decades—Casa Vega is a testament to my father and the wonderful history he has created. I look forward to continuing to uphold his legacy of service, authentic traditions, and most of all, the love and adoration that emanates throughout every corner of the restaurant and inspires our clients to return time and time again.

Proprietress Christy Vega pours the Classic Margaritas for us.

Show 169, April 30, 2016: El Chavo’s (Silver Lake) Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Matt LandesCinco de Mayo is pretty much a non-event in Mexico but it’s now a huge celebration in the United States. Might possibly have something to do with all the Mexican beer and tequila sold for the festivities.

One of the bigger Cinco de Mayo fiestas in Los Angeles will be staged at Silver Lake’s El Chavo on May 5th from 4:00 p.m. to close.

Lots of satisfying food and drink including Mezcal and Mexican cerveza. Look for the street tacos and corn.

Matt Landes from Cocktail Academy (one of the event organizers) is with us to provide all the festive details.

Show 142, October 17, 2015: Quebec Street Food Association and Montreal’s Festival YULEAT

Grumman 78 Food Truck in Montreal at the Yuleat FestivalGourmet food trucks are the norm in California these days but the evolution (and legalization) in Montreal and Quebec Province, Canada was a much more recent development. Quality trucks there prepare such eye-popping delicacies as foie gras poutine (Au Pied de Cochon) which is an incredible item !

The co-founders of the very organized Quebec (Canada) Street Food Association (Guy Vincent Melo & Gaelle Cerf) are with us to report on the recent developments. They also coordinated the food elements at the recent YULEAT Festival over Labor Day Weekend at the Old Port of Montreal. The Festival attracted some 100,000 guests.

The very best of Quebec’s food trucks were serving their signature items there. A truck was even baking pizzas to order from a wood-burning oven!

Canadian culinary celebrities including “Cooking Channel’s” Chef Chuck Hughes were in attendance doing cooking demos or on panels.

Gaelle is a partner in the pioneering food truck, Grumman 78. This was the first food truck in Montreal. They specialize in street tacos using soft tortillas. Their most popular is the bahn mi taco! That’s a culinary mash-up for the ages…The original inspiration came as a result of the partners 2010 visit to Cabo San Lucas.

Sign-up on the YULEAT website for their newsletter to keep tabs on the upcoming 2016 event which should return over Labor Day Weekend.

Show 86, August 30, 2014: Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Taco

Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish TacosIt’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco housed in a historical building that was Orange’s first Hotel. Co-founder Wing Lam joined us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

Raymond Martin is the new executive chef for Wahoo’s. New on the menu are Street Tacos, a Kale Kai Salad, and Wahoo’s Wings.

Opening soon is a long-in-the-works Wahoo’s location at Honda Center. It’s where the original Team Store (now relocated) was.

August 30: Kedric Francis, Shirley Chung, Wing Lam, The Palm, Nadia G, Brad A. Johnson, Haven Gastropub

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Kedric Francis and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Executive Chef Shirley Chung of TWENTY Eight
Segment Three: Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Segment Four: Bruce Bozzi, Jr., of the Palm
Segment Five: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part One
Segment Six: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part Two
Segment Seven: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County and Los Angeles Registers
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub and Provisions, Orange

Kedric Francis and Andy HarrisGuest Host Kedric Francis of The Orange County Register Magazine & Coast Orange County Magazine and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

The always debonair Kedric Francis, our dashing man about Orange County, is the Executive Editor of both publications.

You’ll remember the always opinionated Chef Shirley Chung (Las Vegas – based) as a finalist in Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” She is opening a modern Chinese restaurant in Irvine at the end of September.

It’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action in a restored bungalow on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Co-founder Wing Lam joins us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

The Palm Restaurant, known for classic steakhouse fare, has been an institution in West Hollywood since its launch in 1975. That location is closing at the end of September. In early November a new, 6,000 square foot Palm will begin welcoming guests in Beverly Hills.

Chef-comedienne Nadia G. is widely known as the creator and host of “Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen,” a brand defining series for Cooking Channel and the first ever online show to successfully transition from the internet to primetime. Her new primetime Cooking Channel series is “Bite This.” The always unpredictable Nadia G. is our guest.

Brad A. Johnson is the James Beard award-winning restaurant critic for both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Register. Brad is back with us this week to talk about sushi and his favorites in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He’ll also preview an intriguing piece he’s writing for the Orange County Register Magazine on the new wave of Italian restaurants.

Five years ago Haven Gastropub opened on S. Glassell St. in Old Towne Orange during the Orange International Street Festival. That Festival attracts some 500,000 guests for the three-days. Executive Chef Greg Daniels is with us to talk about their five-year anniversary.

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

Shirley ChungYou’ll remember the always opinionated Chef Shirley Chung (Las Vegas – based) as a finalist in Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

Prior to her ride to fame on “Top Chef” she held the Executive Chef position at China Poblano by Jose Andres at The Cosmopolitan.

Chef Shirley is opening a modern Chinese restaurant in Irvine at the end of September. “I like my cuisine to tell a story,” commented Chef Shirley, who has developed the innovative menu of sharable plates for TWENTY EIGHT. “My inspiration for this menu is reflective of my childhood years in Beijing, my past experiences, and my travels, all of which have inspired me to push the envelope.”

“In addition to the menu of modern Chinese specialties, diners can look forward to an enticing Dim Sum and Small Plates menu, a full bar with a focus on craft cocktails, and private dining options for both large and small gatherings.”

Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish TacosIt’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Co-founder Wing Lam joins us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

Raymond Martin is the new executive chef for Wahoo’s. New on the menu are Street Tacos, a Kale Kai Salad, and Wahoo’s Wings.

Opening soon is a long-in-the-works Wahoo’s location at Honda Center.

The Palm Beverly HillsThe iconic Palm Restaurant in West Hollywood will close and lock its doors for the last time on September 30th after almost 40 years. The better news is that their new 6,000 square foot restaurant seating 185 guests will debut at in Beverly Hills at 267 N. Canon Dr. in early November.

“Serving its classic steakhouse cuisine and generous “Palm-size” portions since 1975, The Palm in West Hollywood is equally famous for the caricatures of its celebrity customers and the entertainment industry power players that adorn its walls.”

“This Palm has been here for almost 40 years, and while we are sad to leave our home on Santa Monica Blvd., we are excited to be opening a new Palm just a few minutes away in Beverly Hills,” said Bruce Bozzi, Jr., great-grandson of Pio Bozzi, who, with John Ganzi, co-founded The Palm in 1926. “Through four generations, we have followed a simple recipe for success that focuses on making our guests feel that they belong at The Palm. We look forward to continuing that tradition in our new location.”

Nadia GChef-comedienne Nadia G. is widely known as the creator and host of Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen,” a brand defining series for Cooking Channel and the first ever online show to successfully transition from the internet to primetime. She also hosts an original online design series, “Sick Kitchens,” and is the author of two bestselling cookbooks.

Her new primetime Cooking Channel series is Bite This.” It’s a fusion of food, travel and comedy following Nadia as she travels the nation featuring the coolest chefs and finding hidden gems and signature flavors in each city – from Los Angeles to Harlem and the Bronx, to Louisville to Nashville, Chicago and more.

The always unpredictable Nadia G. is our guest.

“Nadia G. rocked your kitchen, now it’s time to rock your city! We’re hitting the road, G-style.” The first city visited for “Bite This” was Los Angeles.

“First up : Badmaash – An outrageous Indian-fusion Poutine with Chicken Tikka at this downright bad ass downtown gastropub.”

“Next up, the freshest and tastiest Lobster Roll you can find West of the Rockies at Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica.”

“Finally, the G and the crew is off to Father’s Office where they’ll meet Chef Sang Yoon and taste the Office Burger – a burger so good that it was names “best burger in the world.” PSST. Insider info : They’ll also unveil for the first time EVER Sang Yoon’s latest tasty creation : The Patricia Melt.”

Photography by Brad A JohnsonBrad A. Johnson is the James Beard award-winning restaurant critic for both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Register.

Brad is back with us this week to discuss sushi and his favorites places to enjoy the preparation in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He’ll also preview an intriguing piece he’s writing for the Orange County Register Magazine on the new wave of Italian restaurants.

Greg Daniels of Haven GastropubFive years ago Haven Gastropub opened on S. Glassell St. in Old Towne Orange during the Orange International Street Festival. That Festival attracts some 500,000 guests for the three-days. Executive Chef Greg Daniels is with us to talk about their five-year anniversary.

Thursday, September 4th marks the actual 5-Year anniversary. Within minutes of the original opening guests were 3-deep at the long bar. It hasn’t stopped…

On Thursday, September 4th Haven Gastropub will be celebrating with one of their most impressive line-ups of craft beers on tap to date. There will be specials on signature items throughout the day. ($5 Haven Burgers, anyone ?).

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Kedric Francis and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Executive Chef Shirley Chung of TWENTY Eight
Segment Three: Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Segment Four: Bruce Bozzi, Jr., of the Palm
Segment Five: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part One
Segment Six: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part Two
Segment Seven: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County and Los Angeles Registers
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub and Provisions, Orange

Show 54, December 28, 2013: Deborah Schneider, Executive Chef & Partner, solita tacos & margaritas

Deborah SchneiderExecutive Chef Deborah Schneider is the acclaimed author of five well-received cookbooks (a sixth is on the way) and a partner in the highly regarded SOL Mexican Cocina on the Bay in Newport Beach (and in Scottsdale.) Over the years she has become the go-to authority on the cuisine and libations of Baja California and, more recently, other culinary regions of Mexico. One of her specialties is the tasty street food of Baja. Do I hear Street Tacos?

Newly opened this week is Chef Deb’s latest venture, solita tacos & margaritas, facing a pocket park and fountain in Huntington Beach’s Bella Terra Center. It’s a neighborhood-casual Mexican spot with an authentic food experience representing the most appreciated culinary aspects from the coast of Baja and other culinary regions of Mexico Chef Deb has visited and researched extensively.

“What makes solita so unique is that we incorporated a wood grill like so many we have enjoyed in Mexico, and created a menu around it that offers fresh, simple preparations made with seasonal ingredients,” explains Chef Deb.

The bar takes an equally fresh approach to traditional Mexican libations. All margaritas are made with 100 per cent blue agave tequilas and the fruit used is all fresh. The only sweetener in the beverages is agave.

December 28: Top Food Trends for 2014, Solita Tacos and Margaritas, Yamashiro, Brock Radke, The Winery

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Deborah Schneider, Executive Chef & Partner, solita tacos & margaritas
Segment Three: Brock Kleweno, General Manager & Executive Chef, Yamashiro Hollywood Part One
Segment Four: Brock Kleweno, General Manager & Executive Chef, Yamashiro Hollywood Part Two
Segment Five: Brock Radke, Food Editor, Las Vegas Weekly
Segment Six: Food Trends for 2014 Part One
Segment Seven: Food Trends for 2014 Part Two
Segment Eight: JC Clow, Managing Partner, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

Good news…No long lines and absolutely nothing to take back on this Saturday’s show. It’s just incredibly tasty entertainment for the ears with the usual assortment of great guests.

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show. This week we’re taking a look back and also looking forward to 2014. Hollywood, millions of redevelopment dollars later, is again a dining and entertainment hot spot and we’re chatting with the energetic Executive Chef of the historic Yamashiro about what’s new on the menu there. Our ultimate Las Vegas insider, Brock Radke, is with us talking about his favorite new restaurants of the year. What’s trending in food for 2014? Chef Jet and Producer Andy share their revealing thoughts.

Happy New Year to all and wishing our loyal listeners all the very best in dining adventures in 2014! Get out there…

Deborah SchneiderExecutive Chef Deborah Schneider is the acclaimed author of five well-received cookbooks (a sixth is on the way) and a partner in the highly regarded SOL Mexican Cocina on the Bay in Newport Beach (and in Scottsdale.) Over the years she has become the go-to authority on the cuisine and libations of Baja California and, more recently, other culinary regions of Mexico. One of her specialties is the tasty street food of Baja. Do I hear Street Tacos?

Newly opened this week is Chef Deb’s latest venture, solita tacos & margaritas, facing a pocket park and fountain in Huntington Beach’s Bella Terra Center. It’s a neighborhood-casual Mexican spot with an authentic food experience representing the most appreciated culinary aspects from the coast of Baja and other culinary regions of Mexico Chef Deb has visited and researched extensively.

“What makes solita so unique is that we incorporated a wood grill like so many we have enjoyed in Mexico, and created a menu around it that offers fresh, simple preparations made with seasonal ingredients,” explains Chef Deb.

The bar takes an equally fresh approach to traditional Mexican libations. All margaritas are made with 100 per cent blue agave tequilas and the fruit used is all fresh. The only sweetener in the beverages is agave.

A Hollywood landmark, Yamashiro, celebrates their 100th birthday in 2014. If you haven’t been there in awhile it’s time to perhaps take another look.

Brock Kleweno of YamashiroBrock Kleweno, the energetic Executive Chef and General Manager, joins us to talk about the rich history of the spot and the new commitment to fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. There is lots more than fresh sushi to merit your attention here.

If you think Yamashiro Hollywood is the spot to just take out-of-town guests for a classic cocktail and the view you may just want to change your opinion after listening to Chef Brock.

Chef Brock personally does a lot of sourcing of his menu ingredients at the area Farmers Markets and actually operates a nighttime Farmers Market @ Yamashiro. May will mark their 5th year of hosting a Farmers Market there on Thursday evenings which has become quite a popular destination on its own drawing some 800 to 1,000 guests each Thursday night during the season.

One of Chef Brock’s signatures dishes is a Wagyu beef steak cooked at a very high temperature on a salt rock and presented with flair at the table. It finishes cooking at the table. Other standouts are the ceviche prepared with local sustainable fish and his take on Hawaiian poke.

They are also serious about the bar at Yamashiro. They prepare all the classic cocktails with style plus contemporary libations. They have some fun with the Manhattan as well as a fresh take on the Mai Tai (which was originally created in California.) They also do a standout version of the classic Moscow Mule served in the proper chilled copper mug which actually originated in Hollywood!

Brock Radke of Las Vegas WeeklyIf you’re looking for action New Year’s Eve then Las Vegas is always a festive party with real fireworks. Our insider in Las Vegas, Brock Radke, joins us to talk about the newly launched Container Park development in Downtown (with unusual shops and restaurants) along with a couple of suggestions for great New Year’s Eve dining. Brock is the Food Editor for Las Vegas Weekly.

Catch Brock’s special year-end column in Las Vegas Weekly on-line naming his 13 best new restaurants in Las Vegas for 2013. The intriguing selections are both on and off The Strip!

Chef Jet Tila host of the SoCal Restaurant ShowThinking about Food Trends for 2014 ? We have…Just for fun Chef Jet and Producer Andy have put together their lists of Top Trends in Food for the New Year.

Each developed their list without consulting the other. Also the items will not be discussed between Chef Jet and Producer Andy before air. That’s live radio…I’m sure there will be a few surprises.

 

 

 

JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and BarJC Clow is the standout Managing Partner of The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar in the District in Tustin. 2014 will mark their 7th year of operation.

The Orange County Concierge Association has just awarded them the distinction of “Restaurant of the Year.” The news is actually more significant than that. This is the 3rd time in six years that this prestigious award has been earned by them ! That’s a wow.

If you’re looking for a non-stuffy, sophisticated and elegant New Year’s Eve celebration The Winery has two seatings that are reasonably priced and designed for the comfort of the guests. The Winery’s goal on New Year’s eve is never to pack the house!

The second seating is a four course menu from Chef Yvon, live entertainment and party favors.

JC caps 2013 off by updating us on the new Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar coming to Newport Beach by Valentine’s Day in 2014. It’s right on the Bay.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Deborah Schneider, Executive Chef & Partner, solita tacos & margaritas
Segment Three: Brock Kleweno, General Manager & Executive Chef, Yamashiro Hollywood Part One
Segment Four: Brock Kleweno, General Manager & Executive Chef, Yamashiro Hollywood Part Two
Segment Five: Brock Radke, Food Editor, Las Vegas Weekly
Segment Six: Food Trends for 2014 Part One
Segment Seven: Food Trends for 2014 Part Two
Segment Eight: JC Clow, Managing Partner, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar