“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.”
Special Offer: At Checkout type “Andy26” in Promo Code Box for a Discount.
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.
“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.”
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.”
Special Offer: At Checkout type “Andy26” in Promo Code Box for Discount.
“Orange County’s favorite celebration of premium spirits is back — and this year, whiskey is sharing the spotlight. The OC WhiskeyFestival (& 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. 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.
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. There is a difference in flavor and texture from the Maine variety. Both are great examples of the joy of fresh domestic seafood properly prepared. Spiny’s are incredible split in half and grilled on an open flame. That’s definitely some good eating!
Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies athis Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.
I really apologize for this but there was a major meltdown in the Control Room at AM 830 KLAA on Saturday morning and, sadly, only the first and second segments survived in their entirety. We’re only posting the Links to the segments that were recorded.
We previewed the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival (later in the show) coming up on September 25th and 26th. (Those segments are lost.) Producer Shelby Russell surprised us with a special offer for discounted tickers.
Special Offer: At Checkout type ANDY26 in Promo Code Box for Discount.
“The 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week returns this Sunday, September 13th with twenty plus restaurants participating. The Restaurants will feature special Burger Offers during eight-day Dine-in Event from September 13th to 20th. Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as a variety of local restaurants will offer unique, over-the-top burgers and value-priced burger offers when the 6th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns September 13-20, 2026. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25. Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special $5 Burger Week Menu just for dogs.” ISM Brewing on the Promenade in Long Beach is one of the returning Burger Week’s participants. Proprietor Ian McCall joins us with a preview.
”The 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week returns this Sunday, September 13th with twenty plus restaurants participating. The Restaurants will feature special Burger Offers during eight-day Dine-in Event from September 13th to 20th.”
“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a juicy treat once again as a variety of local restaurants will offer unique, over-the-top burgers and value-priced burger offers when the 6th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns September 13-20, 2026. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25.”
“Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special $5 Burger Week Menu just for dogs.”
“Organized by Axiom Productions LLC, who are behind some of the most popular culinary events Long Beach, organizers stated that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants.” “With the current economic challenges, restaurants continue to struggle, and the 6th annual city-wide Long Beach Burger Week will help increase restaurant sales and guest counts in September,” organizer Qiana Mafnas stated. “And hey, it’s still summertime, and who doesn’t love a good burger?”
“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured burgers delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food trucks to visit.”
ISM Brewing on the Promenade in Long Beach is one of Burger Week’s returning participants Proprietor Ian McCall joins us with a preview.
ISM has created the Fiorentino for Burger Week. It’s a 5 oz. beef patty topped with griddled mortadella and a bright cabbage salad dressed with confit shallot oil, toasted pistachios, lemon oil, Dijon, and mayo served on a toasted brioche bun.
“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a juicy treat once again as a variety of local restaurants will offer unique, over-the-top burgers and value-priced burger offers when the 6th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns September 13-20, 2026. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25.”
“Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special $5 Burger Week Menu just for dogs.”
“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured burgers delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food trucks to visit.”
Chef Stephen has created the Pastrami Waygu Smash Burger for Burger Week. It’s a pair of wagyu smash patties, two slices of swiss cheese, hand sliced RC Provisions (supplier to the best Jewish Delis) brisket pastrami, creamy coleslaw, Russian dressing and presented on a buttered toasted brioche bun.
“On July 26th, Team USA 2027 competed in the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans, Louisiana, alongside esteemed culinary teams representing eight countries from across North, Central, and South America. Following an intense five-and-a-half-hour competition, Team USA captured Gold, marking the fourth time that Team USA has taken first place at the Bocuse d’Or Americas. They are now preparing for the Bocuse d’Or Finals in January 2027 in Lyon, France. Led by Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto and Commis Tyler Higson, with Head Coach Chef Mathew Peters, and Jury Member Chef Robert Sulatycky, Team USA completed the competition’s two signature challenges, the platter theme and the theme on a plate.” Chef Vincenzo takes a break from training to join us.
“It’s about here…”Ready for LA Chef Con 2026? An eagerly-anticipated event for the chef and restaurant community with great networking opportunities. Come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food & drinks. LA Chef Conference 2026 presented by OpenTable + Slang and produced by BMRS Hospitality Recruitment, is the well-established, top-shelf gathering for chefs and restaurant professionals in the heart of Los Angeles. This year’s event takes place Monday, October 5th atCity Market Social House in Downtown LA. 15% of all ticket sales will benefit the Independent Hospitality Coalition.” The concluding event at LA Chef Con is the celebratory and festive Cocktail Party from 5 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President, Culinary for Wolfgang Puck Catering joins us with the salivating preview. The key culinary dream team from WPC will be cooking for this.
“Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, The Pastry World Cup, is recognized as the most prestigious Pastry Competition in the World.
Born from the vision of legendary chef Gabriel Paillasson in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie was created with the support of the French M.O.F. association and the French Pastry Chefs Federation, to elevate pastry to its highest artistic expression.
Every two years in Lyon, France, the world’s finest pastry chefs gather to represent their nations in a celebration of craftsmanship without equal.
With 52 countries competing and more than 200,000 visitors attending the Finale, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie stands as the most prestigious event in international pastry.” Team USA 2027 will be competing in Lyon. All of the team members volunteer their time to represent the USA. Joining us with the overview of the Pastry World Cup is Chef Donald Wressell, The Training & Operations Director for Team USA 2027 and Chef En-Ming Hsu, a previous Gold Medalist at the World Pastry Cup where she served as the United States Pastry Team’s Captain in 2001.
“Every day at Bracken’s Kitchen based in Garden Grove, they see the difference a meal, an opportunity, and a little kindness can make. Hungry Games 9.0 is their biggest fundraiser of the year, with a goal of raising $600,000 to help fuel their community feeding, food rescue, and culinary training programs across Southern California. On Thursday, September 10, Bracken’s Kitchen is bringing their community together for a night of incredible food, live music from Super Deluxe, and a little friendly competition, all for a cause close to our hearts. Every ticket, sponsorship, and dollar raised brings Bracken’s Kitchen closer to their goal and helps them continue feeding the need.”
Founder and Chef Bill Bracken joins us with an exclusive preview.
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 is sharing his very timely American Gravy Substack piece, “How to Eat Better for Less.”
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“On July 26th, Team USA 2027 competed in the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans, Louisiana, alongside esteemed culinary teams representing eight countries from across North, Central, and South America. Following an intense five-and-a-half-hour competition, Team USA captured Gold, marking the fourth time that Team USA has taken first place at the Bocuse d’Or Americas. They are now actively preparing for the Bocuse d’Or Finals in January 2027 in Lyon, France.”
“Led by Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto and Commis Tyler Higson, with Head Coach Chef Mathew Peters, and Jury Member Chef Robert Sulatycky, Team USA completed the competition’s two signature challenges, the platter theme and the theme on a plate.”
“The platter theme highlighted ingredients and preparations inspired by a national tribute, requiring competitors to present a composition featuring halibut fillet with a tomato and shrimp garnish, a sweet corn garnish, and a sauce Choron. Team USA’s plate theme centered on a bone-in ribeye paired with brisket, sour cherries, sweet potato gnocchi and Royal Kona coffee beans into the dish.”
“This is an incredible honor, not just for Tyler and I, but for everyone who has believed in and supported this team,” said Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto. “Winning Gold at the Americas is an unforgettable moment and we are proud to represent the United States. Now we are focused on what it will take to compete at the Finals in Lyon”.
Chef Vincenzo takes a break from his intense Chef Vincenzo takes a break from his intense training regimen to join us. Commis Tyler Higson will join us at a future date. regimen to join us.
