Podcasts
Hour One: The Lobster, Wife and the Somm
Hour Two: Warson Wine Co., OC Whiskey Festival, Mary Sue Milliken, Andrew Gruel
Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Executive Chef Govind Armstrong, The Lobster, Santa Monica
Segment Four: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival Preview with Christy Lucchese of Wife and The Somm
Segment Five: 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co.
Segment Six: The OC Whiskey Festival with Chris Daily and Leslie Nguyen, Daily Dose Hospitality
Segment Seven: The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America: Los Angeles Preview with Mary Sue Milliken, James Beasrd Foundation Trustee
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House and Show Co-host
Santa Monica’s iconic seafood destination, The Lobster, is celebrating their 27th Anniversary this year. A seafood restaurant has been in this original location for over 100 years. “This legendary seafood restaurant is an internationally recognized dining destination that is as much a part of Santa Monica’s history as it’s neighbor, the Santa Monica Pier. Situated at the intersection of Route 66 and the Pacific Ocean, The Lobster has been a cherished landmark for locals and visitors for decades, offering not only mesmerizing views of the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu coastline but also an award-winning seafood menu under the masterful guidance of acclaimed Chef Govind Armstrong. With Armstrong at the helm, The Lobster is Michelin recognized, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence.” Chef Govind Armstrong takes a break from shucking oysters to join us.
“Festival Founder & Producer Shelby Russell and Culinary Curator & Host Chef Neal Fraser are responsible for the return of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival. Taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, the eagerly anticipated two-night celebration introduces an All-Star Chef Lineup and debut at its exciting new home, westdrift Manhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel.” The Wife & the Somm is one of the Friday night participating restaurants in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Co-owner, Wife, and Pastry Chef Christy Lucchese joins us with rolling pin in hand.
Respected winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine is one of the participating boutique wineries of note in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Paul joins us to pop the cork on all this is Warson Wine.
“Orange County’s favorite celebration of premium spirits is back—and this year, whiskey is sharing the spotlight. The OC Whiskey Festival (& More) returns to The Park in Irvine on Thursday, October 1, bringing together an impressive collection of spirit brands, celebrated local restaurants and interactive experiences for an unforgettable evening. While whiskey remains at the heart of the festival, this year’s expanded event brings spirits of all kinds. Guests will have the opportunity to sample tequila, vodka, gin and more from brands including Teremana Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Nolet’s Gin, with additional brands continuing to join the lineup.” Chris Daily, Beverage Director and Owner of Daily Dose Hospitality and Leslie Nguyen, Chief Designer and Co-Founder of Daily Dose are our guides to The OC Whiskey Festival.
“The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® presented by American Express and Resy brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. The walk-around tasting at The LINE LA on Tuesday evening, October 6th will be an exciting gathering of chefs from the Los Angeles culinary community, with food stations hosted by TasteTwenty chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish Melrose Hill, and many other local notable chefs. Each station will reflect the chef’s signature style and highlight the uniqueness of their restaurant and the Los Angeles culinary community. The tasting will also have beverage stations and other activations from James Beard’s national and local sponsors.” Melissa’s is providing all the fresh produce. Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, Alice B.), a James Beard Foundation Trustee, joins us with the details of Taste America: Los Angeles.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Today Chef Andrew previews the upcoming California Spiny Lobster Season. That’s some good eating!
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Santa Monica’s iconic seafood destination, The Lobster, is celebrating their 27th Anniversary this year. “A seafood restaurant has been in this original location for over 100 years. This legendary seafood spot is an internationally recognized dining destination that is as much a part of Santa Monica’s history as it’s next-door neighbor, the Santa Monica Pier.”
“Situated at the intersection of Route 66 and the Pacific Ocean, The Lobster has been a cherished landmark for locals and visitors for decades, offering not only mesmerizing views of the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu coastline but also an award-winning seafood menu under the masterful guidance of acclaimed Chef Govind Armstrong. With Armstrong at the helm, The Lobster is Michelin recognized, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence.”
“At the core of its menu, fresh lobster is flown in directly from Maine six days a week with no middleman, ensuring patrons enjoy the freshest catch. The menu features some of Los Angeles’ finest California cuisine, including classic menu favorites that Chef Armstrong has added his own special touch, such as: crispy calamari and prawns with garlic anchovy aioli, ponzu and sweet chili sauce; Summer Corn & Lobster Chowder with Smoked Bacon & Croutons; steamed Maine Lobster, with Gloria’s Blue Lake green beans, Weiser Farms heirloom Potatoes and drawn butter; and grilled Maine lobster with fresh herbs, lemon and drawn garlic butter.”
Happy Hour daily from 3 to 6:00 p.m. and all-day on Friday.
Chef Govind Armstrong takes a break from shucking oysters to join us.
“Festival Founder & Producer Shelby Russell and Culinary Curator & Host Chef Neal Fraser have orchestrated the return of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival. Taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, the eagerly anticipated two-night celebration introduces an All-Star Chef Lineup and debut at its exciting new home, westdrift Manhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel.”
“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with two Grand Tasting Celebrations on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”
“Tickets are on sale now for the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine and guests are encouraged to purchase early and begin planning an unforgettable weekend of world-class culinary experiences, exceptional wines and spirits, luxury accommodations, and the relaxed sophistication of beautiful Manhattan Beach. Exclusive Hotel Packages at westdrift Manhattan Beach are also available, inviting guests to stay, sip, savor, and experience Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival all weekend long.”
The Wife & the Somm is one of the Friday night participating restaurants in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Co-owner, Wife, and Pastry Chef Christy Lucchese joins us with her rolling pin in hand.
Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine is one of the participating wineries in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. He’s there pouring both nights. Paul joins us to pop the cork on all this is Warson Wine.
“Paul Warson grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.””
“Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses. There’s so much on the horizon for Warson Wine Company and you can taste for yourself at Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.”
“Orange County’s favorite celebration of premium spirits is back — and this year, whiskey is sharing the spotlight. The OC Whiskey Festival (& More) returns to The Park in Irvine on Thursday, October 1, bringing together an impressive collection of spirit brands, celebrated local restaurants and interactive experiences for an unforgettable evening.”
“While whiskey remains at the heart of the festival, this year’s expanded event brings spirits of all kinds. Guests will have the opportunity to sample tequila, vodka, gin and more from brands including Teremana Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Nolet’s Gin, with additional brands continuing to join the lineup.”
“Whiskey lovers can look forward to pours from an outstanding collection of distilleries and labels, including Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery, WhistlePig Whiskey, Angel’s Envy Kentucky Bourbon, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Jim Beam, among many others.”
“Complementing the spirit tastings will be culinary samples from a growing lineup of restaurants and local favorites, including Bosscat Kitchen, TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar, Miss Mini Donuts, BABA G Mediterranean, Il Fornaio, Lola’s by MFK, FARMHOUSE at Roger’s Gardens, Malfi Coffee and 90 Pacifica Restaurant & Wine Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton. More restaurants, distilleries and spirit partners are being added to the bill daily.”
Chris Daily, Beverage Director and Owner of Daily Dose Hospitality and Leslie Nguyen, Chief Designer and Co-Founder of Daily Dose are our guides to The OC Whiskey Festival.
“The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® presented by American Express and Resy brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. A cohort of chefs, representing 20 markets across the country and known as the TasteTwenty, will host dinners and walk-around tastings spotlighting the breadth and unity of culinary creativity nationwide.”
“The walk-around tasting at The LINE LA on Tuesday evening, October 6th will be an exciting gathering of chefs from the Los Angeles culinary community, with food stations hosted by TasteTwenty chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish Melrose Hill, and many other local notable chefs. Each station will reflect the chef’s signature style and highlight the uniqueness of their restaurant and the Los Angeles culinary community. The tasting will also have beverage stations and other activations from the James Beard Foundation’s national and local sponsors.” Melissa’s is providing all the fresh produce.
Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, Alice B.), a James Beard Foundation Trustee, joins us with the details of Taste America: Los Angeles.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
Today Chef Andrew previews the upcoming California Spiny Lobster Season. That’s definitely some good eating!
Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.
Podcasts
Hour One: The Lobster, Wife and the Somm
Hour Two: Warson Wine Co., OC Whiskey Festival, Mary Sue Milliken, Andrew Gruel
Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Executive Chef Govind Armstrong, The Lobster, Santa Monica
Segment Four: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival Preview with Christy Lucchese of Wife and The Somm
Segment Five: 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co.
Segment Six: The OC Whiskey Festival with Chris Daily and Leslie Nguyen, Daily Dose Hospitality
Segment Seven: The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America: Los Angeles Preview with Mary Sue Milliken, James Beasrd Foundation Trustee
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House and Show Co-host
