Show 677, May 2, 2026: Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) L.A. Annual Gala Preview with Lisa Fontanesi, National Program Director

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Adam Bell

Lisa Fontanesi of Culinary Careers Program at Manhattan Beach Food and Wine

Set for Friday evening, May 15^th is the Culinary Careers Program’s 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser celebrating an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence.

“The evening is celebrating the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys.

The night begins with rooftop cocktail hour at Sunset followed by a elegant multi-course, premium wine-paired seated dinner and program, in the historic Jonathan Club’s Grand ballroom. The Jonathan Club is an exclusive, members-only private club where the 1932 L.A. Olympics were born.”

Designing the sumptuous repast are an all-star lineup of C-CAP alumni chefs including “Top Chef” alum Amar Santana of Vaca, Anthony Greco of Porto’s and Lasheeda Perry, Food Network Star and known as the Queen of Flavor. Celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame are the evening’s hosts.

“Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co-chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.”

“C-CAP serves communities across Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.”

“C-CAP’s methodology works, and to date has uplifted close to 400,000 students and awarded $73 million in college scholarships. Many of their alumni are enjoying successful careers at award-winning restaurants and 5-star hotels around the globe.”

Representing C-CAP today is Lisa Fontanesi, the National Program Director.

Show 677, May 2, 2026: Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) L.A. Annual Gala Preview with C-CAP Alum Chef Anthony Greco of Porto’s

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Adam Bell

Set for Friday evening, May 15^th is the Culinary Careers Program’s 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser celebrating an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence. The evening is saluting the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys.

Representing C-CAP now is Chef Anthony Greco of Porto’s, a C-CAP Alum and Member of C-CAP’s L.A. Council.

Show 661, January 10, 2026: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Merenda is a neighborhood wine bar and retail wine shop in south Oceanside. The Kitchen cooks with what’s local to the area and takes cues from the mediterranean, serving mezze-style plates and handmade pasta. The wine list highlights small producers, grower champagne, orange wines and chilled reds that feel right by the coast. Merenda is relaxed, flavorful, and meant to be shared.” Merenda is one of the participating restaurants in the upcoming 2nd Annual Swell Plates series in Oceanside running from January 14th to February 11th. Merenda’s featured dish is a classic jambon-beurre paired with a responsibly made Grüner Veltliner. Owners Aaron Crossland and Lauren Crossland-Marr join us to uncork all that is Merenda Wine Bar.

“Bravo’s Top Chef” star Amar  Santana’s long-running Costa Mesa Spanish-inspired concept is now bringing the flavors of Barcelona to DTLA. Blending classic taperia with rustic steakhouse, Vaca celebrates all things Spain with a selection of paellas, a legit jamon program, and cocktails featuring beloved staples like Gin and Tonics and Spanish vermouths. Vaca brings Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía, Sevilla, and the Basque Country to the heart of Los Angeles. The menu ranges from traditional tapas to modern interpretations of classic dishes, respecting both genuine Spanish cooking and Chef Amar Santana’s nature to re-imagine food cultures. With a superior meats program, and a beverage program that combines Spanish drinking culture with modern American cocktailing, VACA delivers an authentic Spanish restaurant experience to the center of Los Angeles.” Proprietors Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate join us.

It’s Dry January and a good opportunity to revisit Restaurateur Russ Bendel of the muti-unit RJB Restaurant Group to discuss his Mocktail program coinciding with Dry January. Russ’ properties include Vine Restaurant & Bar in San Clemente; Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook in Laguna Hills; Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook. in Newport Beach; Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook. and The Pantry in Laguna Beach; Bloom, Restaurant + Bar in San Juan Capistrano and Parlor, Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails in San Clemente. Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook. in Newport Beach is participating in the revived Newport Beach Restaurant Week running from January 15th to January 25th.

Russ Bendel is our guest to talk Mocktails and his special Olea menu for Newport Beach Restaurant Week.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. This week it’s Chef Andrew’s initial discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who really cooks for a living.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 661, January 10, 2026: Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate. VACA DTLA is open

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Adam Bell

““Bravo’s “Top Chef” star Amar Santana’s long-running Costa Mesa Spanish-inspired concept is now bringing the flavors of Barcelona to DTLA. Blending classic taperia with rustic steakhouse, Vaca celebrates all things Spain with a selection of paellas, a legit jamon program, and cocktails featuring beloved staples like Gin and Tonics and Spanish vermouths.”

“VACA brings Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía, Sevilla, and the Basque Country to the heart of Los Angeles. The menu ranges from traditional tapas to modern interpretations of classic dishes, respecting both genuine Spanish cooking and Chef Amar Santana’s nature to re-imagine food cultures. With a superior meats program, and a beverage program that combines Spanish drinking culture with modern American cocktailing, VACA delivers an authentic Spanish restaurant experience to the center of Los Angeles.”

“Located below the lobby level of The Beaudry, VACA is open from Tuesday – Saturday. Lunch service begins on January 13^th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Valet is available via The Beaudry. Additional parking is available in the garage for the Fig @ 7th Shopping Plaza on levels 1, 2 and 3. The access tunnel for Vaca is on level 7 toward the EY Plaza.”

Vaca is one of the participating restaurants in Dine L.A. (January 23rd thru February 6th) with a 3-course Lunch including their signature Paella de Pescado.

Proprietors Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate join us.

January 10: Merenda, Vaca, Russ Bendel on Mocktails

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: Merenda, Vaca DTLA
Hour Two: Vaca DTLA, RJB Restaurant Group, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Merenda in Oceanside with Proprietors Aaron Crossland and Lauren Crossland-Marr. Participating in Swell Plates
Segments Four and Five: Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate. VACA DTLA is open
Segments Six and Seven: Dry January with Restaurateur Russ Bendel
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-host) of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

“Merenda is a neighborhood wine bar and retail wine shop in south Oceanside. The Kitchen cooks with what’s local to the area and takes cues from the mediterranean, serving mezze-style plates and handmade pasta. The wine list highlights small producers, grower champagne, orange wines and chilled reds that feel right by the coast. Merenda is relaxed, flavorful, and meant to be shared.” Merenda is one of the participating restaurants in the upcoming 2^nd Annual Swell Plates series in Oceanside running from January 14^th to February 11^th. Merenda’s dish is a classic jambon-beurre paired with a responsibly made Grüner Veltliner. Owners Aaron Crossland and Lauren Crossland-Marr join us to uncork all that is Merenda Wine Bar.

““Top Chef” star Amar Santana’s long-running Costa Mesa Spanish-inspired concept is now bringing the flavors of Barcelona to DTLA. Blending classic taperia with rustic steakhouse, Vaca celebrates all things Spain with a selection of paellas, a legit jamon program, and cocktails featuring beloved staples like Gin and Tonics and Spanish vermouths. VACA brings Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía, Sevilla, and the Basque Country to the heart of Los Angeles. The menu ranges from traditional tapas to modern interpretations of classic dishes, respecting both genuine Spanish cooking and Chef Amar Santana’s nature to re-imagine food cultures. With a superior meats program, and a beverage program that combines Spanish drinking culture with modern American cocktailing, VACA delivers an authentic Spanish restaurant experience to the center of Los Angeles.” Proprietors Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate join us.

Russ Bendel is our guest to talk Mocktails and his special Olea menu for Newport Beach Restaurant Week.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. This week it’s Chef Andrew’s initial discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Aaron Crossland and Lauren Crossland-Marr of Merenda

Merenda is one of the participating restaurants in the upcoming 2^nd Annual Swell Plates series in Oceanside running from January 14^th to February 11^th. Merenda’s item is a classic jambon-beurre paired with a responsibly made Grüner Veltliner. “Inspired by everyday rituals highlighted in Oceanside Museum of Art’s Future Rituals, the pairing celebrates simple ingredients and Oceanside’s creative community traditions.”

Owners Aaron Crossland and Lauren Crossland-Marr join us uncorking all that is Merenda Wine Bar.

Proprietors Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate join us.

Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook. in Newport Beach is participating in the revived Newport Beach Restaurant Week running from January 15^th to January 25^th. “Olea features exceptionally fresh and seasonal ingredients of the highest quality prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include noteworthy meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked local produce and diverse beverage selections of craft beers, signature craft cocktails and a variety of worldwide wine selections.”

Russ Bendel is our guest to talk Mocktails and his Olea menu for Newport Beach Restaurant Week.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

“This week it’s Chef Andrew’s initial discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living. “Most “kitchen hacks” online are nonsense. If a trick only works once, makes more dishes, or exists just for clicks, it’s not a hack, it’s simply a distraction. What Chef Andrew mentions are small, routine habits chefs use every day because they work, save time and reduce waste.”

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: Merenda, Vaca DTLA
Hour Two: Vaca DTLA, RJB Restaurant Group, Andrew Gruel

Show 603, November 16, 2024: Morocco Travel Adventure with Ahmed Labatte of The Vaca Group

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Adam Bell

For the curious traveler consider a very special fully escorted VIP journey to Morocco from October 29^th to November 11^th, 2025 with a local expert.

“Step into the magical world of Morocco with Broadway By Amar Santana with Village Travel Laguna Beach’s local host Ahmed Labbate (CEO & Partner of The Vaca Group) who is a native from this enchanting land, where every moment is a shimmering gem waiting to be discovered. The Host’s passion is crafting a bespoke Morocco private adventure, meticulously tailored by their local expert and personally approved by Ahmed Labbate who has recently visited every stop on the tour!”

“As guests embark on this journey, picture yourself wandering through the labyrinthine streets of ancient cities, the vibrant markets of Marrakech, and the serene coastal towns that line the Atlantic. Feel the cool breeze atop the Atlas Mountains, and imagine gazing up at the infinite starry expanse of the Sahara Desert.”

On December 10th at Broadway by Amar Santana from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Ahmed will be presenting a comprehensive overview of the 2025 Morocco adventure. A Q & A is part of the gathering.

Restaurateur and Morocco native Ahmed Labbate is our guest with an engaging preview of this incredible Morocco adventure.

Planning on Thanksgiving at Home? Vaca, adjacent to South Coast Plaza, has you covered with Chef Amar Santana’s Thanksgiving Feast To Go. Available for pick-up at either Vaca or Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach.

“Let Top Chef Amar Santana prepare your Thanksgiving dinner for home with robust flavors and generous portions. Begin with butternut squash & banana soup with pistachio crème fraiche. (64 oz), then on to the main event showcasing Mary’s whole roasted, all-natural turkey (14-16 lb.) with all the trimmings: Turkey giblet gravy, orange-scented cranberry sauce, Santana’s famous Italian sausage-cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, bourbon-maple glazed yams topped with candied chestnuts, and green bean & mushroom casserole (sides all 32 oz). Choose from three holiday desserts: pecan pie, pumpkin pie or cheesecake, all freshly-baked. Instructions for warming the dinner will be included.”

“The sumptuous Thanksgiving spread serves 6 to 8 guests. The price is $540 plus tax. Needs to be preordered by November 20^th for pick up on November 27^th from 2 to 4:00 p.m.”

Show 596, September 28, 2024: Tastemakers of Orange County Benefit Supporting The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA)

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Adam Bell

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan Bakers at KLAA Studios

“The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) brings back its always anticipated Tastemakers of Orange County fundraising event on Thursday, October 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than two dozen local chefs will celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islander community and culture by providing guests the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-enjoy setting. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event go to support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and combating anti-Asian racism.”

More than two dozen area celebrity chefs will be participating ranging from Executive Chef Rich Mead of Farmhouse at Rogers Garden to Chef / Restaurateur Amar Santana of Vaca.

“In addition to the food tastings, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy beverages by Brewery X and BondleWines. This fundraiser will feature groovy tunes from a live DJ, a silent auction with luxury experiences and unique items, and an exciting opportunity drawing. Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m.; and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.”

OCAPICA’s long-time Chairperson of the Board, Sora Park Tanjasiri, and participating chef Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Cafe (Seal Beach) and Crema Artisan Bakers (Irvine) join us with all the enticing details.

Show 575, April 27, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Adam Bell

Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her new outlet as Food Columnist for Culture OC and discuss her current columns. Along the way Anne Marie will highlight a fast-growing female-owned artisan bread bakery started in a garage in Laguna Beach, the new Bar Becky in Long Beach and the 10th Anniversary of Watertable at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn.

“Amar Santana, a Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) alum, serves as the Executive Chef and owner at Broadway By Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, and Vaca in Costa Mesa, California adjacent to South Coast Plaza. Born in the Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the US at 13 and began his culinary career at 16. He has been mentored by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including Charlie Palmer, who helped him develop his skills of expressing his passion through food. By combining flavors and culinary traditions from all over the world, Amar provides a truly unforgettable gastronomical experience. Chef Amar was the runner-up on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13 in California and has also competed internationally for the Korean culinary series “Korean Food Battle,” finishing as a finalist.” Amar has also appeared as a judge on more recent seasons of “Top Chef.” For “Top Chef” Season 21 in Wisconsin Amar cameos in one of episode and also appears in “Top Chef: The Dish with Kish” a new behind-the-scenes weekly Bravo commentary series recapping each episode with new host Kristen Kish. Chef Amar Santana is our guest.

It’s that time of the year where we eagerly break bread with Legends Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe to chat about what’s new in salivating food and beverage options at Angel Stadium. This year there are new Casa Modelo stands serving Birria and Veggie Quesadillas. The always popular Brewery X has a host of new menu items. A fresh dessert item that’s already attracting a lot of attention is the crave-worthy Walk Off Waffles (Section 232) featuring decadent Strawberries & Cream Waffles and S’mores Waffles. Chef Dennis Radcliffe takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us along with Pastry Chef L.A. Tracy.

“Las Vegas’ The Feast of Friends is encoring the wildly popular Vegas Unstripped food festival this spring, with a notable new home. This year, the event takes place from 7-10:00 p.m. on Saturday May 18 at the Palms Casino Resort on the Resort Pool Deck conveniently located just off The Strip. Thirty of the city’s most acclaimed and creative chefs will be brought together to present one-night-only original dishes, accompanied by cocktails from many of the city’s best bars, live local entertainers, art activations and more. Tickets are available via TicketSpice. Price has remained at $150 plus fees (and the fees have gone down!). Attendees must be 21+.” Founder and Event Producer Eric Gladstone joins us with all the enticing details. Producer Eric has a very special discount offer for our listeners.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 575, April 27, 2024: Amar Santana, Executive Chef and Proprietor, Vaca at Soth Coast Plaza and Broadway by Amar Santana, Laguna Beach

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Adam Bell

“Amar Santana, a Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) alum, serves as the Executive Chef and owner at Broadway By Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, and Vaca in Costa Mesa, California adjacent to South Coast Plaza. Born in the Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the US at 13 and began his culinary career at 16. He has been mentored by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including Charlie Palmer, who helped him develop his skills of expressing his passion through food. By combining flavors and culinary traditions from all over the world, Amar provides a truly unforgettable gastronomical experience.”

“Chef Amar was the runner-up on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13 in California and has also competed internationally for the Korean culinary series “Korean Food Battle,” finishing as a finalist.” Amar has also appeared as a judge on more recent seasons of “Top Chef.” For “Top Chef” Season 21 in Wisconsin Amar cameos in a pair of episodes and also in “Top Chef: The Dish with Kish” a new weekly Bravo commentary series recapping each episode with host Kristen Kish.

Next Wednesday’s “Top Chef” Season 21, Episode 7 features Chef Amar and Chef Michael Voltaggio as guest celebrity judges. Amar hints it’s something about a concession food favorite at the Milwaukee Brewers home stadium. Do tune-in…

Chef Amar is our guest.

April 27: Anne Marie Panoringan, Amar Santana, Angels Baseball Ballpark Food, Vegas Unstripped

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two and Three: Anne Marie Panoringan, Food Writer, CultureOC.org
Segment Four and Five: Amar Santana, Executive Chef and Proprietor, Vaca at Soth Coast Plaza and Broadway by Amar Santana, Laguna Beach
Segment Six and Seven: Dennis Radcliffe, Executive Chef at Angel Stadium for Legends Hospitality
Segment Eight: Vegas Unstripped at Palms Casino Resort with Founder Eric Gladstone

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her new outlet as Food Columnist for Culture OC and discuss her current columns. Along the way Anne Marie will highlight a fast-growing female-owned artisan bread bakery started in a garage in Laguna Beach, the new Bar Becky in Long Beach and the 10^th Anniversary of Watertable at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn.

“Amar Santana, a Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) alum, serves as the Executive Chef and owner at Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, and Vaca in Costa Mesa, California adjacent to South Coast Plaza. Born in the Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the US at 13 and began his culinary career at 16. He has been mentored by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including Charlie Palmer, who helped him develop his skills of expressing his passion through food. By combining flavors and culinary traditions from all over the world, Amar provides a truly unforgettable gastronomical experience. Chef Amar was the runner-up on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13 in California and has also competed internationally for the Korean culinary series “Korean Food Battle,” finishing as a finalist.” Amar has also appeared as a judge on more recent seasons of “Top Chef.” For “Top Chef” Season 21 in Wisconsin Amar cameos in a pair of episodes and also in “Top Chef : The Dish with Kish” a new weekly Bravo commentary series recapping each episode with host Kristen Kish. Chef Amar Santana is our guest.

It’s that time of the year where we eagerly break bread with Legends Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe to chat about what’s new in salivating food and beverage options at Angel Stadium. This year there are new Casa Modelo stands serving Birria and Veggie Quesadillas. The always popular Brewery X has a host of new menu items. A new dessert item that’s already attracting a lot of attention is the crave-worthy Walk Off Waffles (Section 232) featuring decadent Strawberries & Cream Waffles and S’mores Waffles. Chef Dennis Radcliffe takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us along with Pastry Chef Tracy.

“Las Vegas’ The Feast of Friends is encoring the wildly popular Vegas Unstripped food festival this spring, with a notable new home. This year, the event takes place from 7-10:00 p.m. on Saturday May 18at the Palms Casino Resort on the Resort Pool Deck conveniently located just off The Strip. Thirty of the city’s most acclaimed and creative chefs will be brought together to present one-night-only original dishes, accompanied by cocktails from many of the city’s best bars, live local entertainers, art activations and more. Tickets are available via Vegas Unstripped. Price has remained at $150 plus fees (and the fees have gone down!). Attendees must be 21+.” Founder and Event Producer Eric Gladstonej oins us with all the enticing details.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Along the way Anne Marie will highlight a fast-growing female-owned artisan bread bakery started in a garage in Laguna Beach, the new Bar Becky in Long Beach and the 10^th Anniversary of Watertable at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach under the culinary direction of long-time Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn.

Then as we resume the conversation with Anne Marie she will now chat about her recommended dining options around Angel Stadium and Honda Center.

“Chef Amar was the runner-up on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13 in California and has also competed internationally for the Korean culinary series “Korean Food Battle,” finishing as a finalist.” Amar has also appeared as a judge on more recent seasons of “Top Chef.” For “Top Chef” Season 21 in Wisconsin Amar cameos in a pair of episodes and also in “Top Chef: The Dish with Kish” a new weekly Bravo commentary series recapping each episode with host Kristen Kish.

Chef Amar is our guest.

It’s that time of the year where we eagerly break bread with Legends Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe to chat about what’s new in salivating food and beverage options at Angel Stadium.

This year there are newly created Casa Modelo stands serving Birria and Veggie Quesadillas. Ther always popular Brewery X has a host of new menu items. A new dessert item that’s already attracting a lot of deserved attention is Walk Off Waffles (Section 232) featuring decadent Strawberries & Cream Waffles and S’mores Waffles.

Chef Dennis Radcliffe takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us along with Pastry Chef Tracy.

“Tickets are available via TicketSpice. Price has remained at $150 plus fees (and the fees have gone down!). Attendees must be 21+.”

Ex-Pat Southern California Chefs participating who now reside in Las Vegas include James Trees of Esther’s Kitchen and Bruce Kalman of SoulBelly BBQ.

“Vegas Unstripped is Las Vegas’ only festival by chefs, about chefs, and for the Vegas community. Participating chefs represent the cutting edge of independent talent in Las Vegas, and are challenged to create unique dishes for the night reflecting their culinary passions. The evening is augmented by beverages from Las Vegas’ best local bars, local musicians, local art and more. Created in 2018 as a reaction to the Strip-focused Vegas Uncork’d event (now defunct), Vegas Unstripped initially only invited chefs working off-Strip but now welcomes Vegas chefs regardless of where they cook, offering open submissions. All necessary expenses of the independent chef / restaurateur are covered by event revenue to the extent possible, with net proceeds going to underserved local charities. To date, Vegas Uncorked has donated nearly $30,000.”

Founder and Event Producer Eric Gladstone joins us with all the enticing details.