“Introducing Good Karma Dark Chocolateproduced here in Los Angeles. Finally, a healthy food that tastes delicious. Learn from Co-Founder Matthew Jonas about the health benefits and super nutrients found in minimally processed Dark Chocolate and Brewing Cacao.”
“Good Karma Co-Founder Matthew Jonas joins us to talk about their 3 distinct Organic Dark Chocolates, from India, Columbia and Madagascar. Each bar begins with hand roasting of the beans to optimize the naturally occurring personality of the bean and the region where it is grown followed by stone grinding for up to 30 hours to create smooth rich, chocolate liquor. Finally, the liquor is tempered and molded to create delicious tasting bars that each showcases the natural flavors of the beans.”
“Good Karma also produces a 100% Brewing Cacao, a potent morning beverage that delivers all the energy without the jitters, tastes delicious and feeds your body with super nutrients.”
“As the name implies Good Karma not only makes delicious cacao products but are proud to source only ethically and sustainably grown and harvested beans and donate a portion of their profits to communities that share their values.”
“The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) in Corning, NY was established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) as a gift to the nation for the company’s 100th anniversary. The Corning Museum of Glass is a not-for-profit museum dedicated to exploring a single material: glass. Annually welcoming over 300,000 visitors from around the world, the Museum’s campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the top glassworking schools in the world.”
“Glass is a versatile, ancient material that is still being explored and understood by artists, scientists and historians today. The story of glass is a story about art, history, culture, technology, science, craft and design.”
“Over 50,000 objects representing more than 3,500 years of history are included in the Museum’s collection; items range from the portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to contemporary sculpture. The Museum’s highly regarded curators and librarians actively acquire materials; and curators, librarians, educators and artists organize special on-campus and traveling exhibitions; teach; conduct and publish extensive research; host numerous artist residencies and public presentations; and showcase daily demonstrations of contemporary glassworking. The Corning Museum of Glass’ authority on glass art is felt around the world.”
“Guests can learn about the science and technology behind innovations in glass through hands-on exhibits in the science and technology gallery, called the Innovation Center. They can explore the concepts behind optics, vessels and windows and meet the innovators who have changed our world using glass.”
“The Museum brings glass to life through live, narrated glassworking demonstrations. Some of these daily demonstrations take place in a renovated historic glass factory building that contains one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind, with auditorium-style seating for 500.”
“The most recent addition to the Museum, opened in March 2015, is a 100,000-square-foot Contemporary Art + Design Wing which includes a 26,000-square-foot gallery. It is the largest space anywhere dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art in glass.”
“CMoG provides the rare opportunity to experience the medium’s complete and complex history, appreciate its application as an artistic medium, and witness and participate in its creation all in one place. Contemporary artists are taking glass to a new scale, the new wing allows CMoG to showcase these monumental works in an ideal viewing atmosphere.”
“In all of its facets, the Museum is a dynamic institution that continues to actively collect, educate, preserve and share the experience of the art, history, and science of glass.”
CMoG’s Eric Meek (Senior Manager – Hot Glass Programs) joins us to explore all that is Corning Museum of Glass.
“Renowned for its handcrafted wines from professional artisan winemakers who make less than 1,500 cases, its renegade spirit, and rules-breaking ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos, The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure is the only festival to provide Angelenos with the opportunity to be first to discover so many under-the-radar wines, wineries, wine styles, and grape varieties from almost every AVA in the state, including Paso Robles, Sonoma, Napa, Livermore, Mendocino, Santa Barbara County, and, of course, Los Angeles.”
“Once again, we are bringing the best of Wine Country to Los Angeles with a scope of wineries and grape varieties that would take months, or years, of in-person research to find — if you could find them at all,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “At Garagiste, we have done the research for you. With our long history as the home of the micro-winery movement, these wineries now seek us out to get their wines to our audience. Our winemakers love to personally pour their wines for you – not only their artisan takes on fan-favorite wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay – but also the widest array of grapes varieties and styles you will find anywhere. And this is exactly what continues to make the Garagiste Festival such a popular and unique event.”
“The one-day Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure kicks off on Saturday June 22nd at 1:00 pm with an exclusive “Early Access: Rare and Reserve” tasting (only 150 of these Early Access tickets are available) where winemakers pour library, club-only or reserve wines.”
“The main event, the Grand Tasting, is from 2-5 p.m. During the Grand Tasting, local wine bar Vintage Wine + Eats will offer complimentary cheese & charcuterie plates. In addition, samples from artisan vendors will include: BoccaBella Farms Olive Oils and LA’s own Letterpress Chocolates. Bottled water will be provided along with a keepsake crystal logo glass from Stolzle.”
All events take place at Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA. There is plenty of onsite parking and easy access from the 134 and 210 freeways.
Festival Co-Founder Doug Minnick joins us to uncork all that is The Garagiste Festival.
Pizza City Fest Los Angeles is back for its 2nd year of gooey and doughy deliciousness. “Scheduled to take place on April 27-28, 2024, at the iconic L.A. LIVE – nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – this two-day celebration promises an unparalleled experience for pizza aficionados.”
“Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to savor the delectable offerings from Southern California’s premier pizza artisans, all conveniently located in one central hub. Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will celebrate the Southland’s pizza landscape, showcasing the diverse and exceptional talents of the region’s top pizza makers.” Included in the ticket price (both Regular and VIP admissions) are salads, desserts (including ice cream,) and beverages in addition to unlimited tastes of artisan pizza.
“In addition to the formidable list of participating pizzerias, Pizza City Fest Los Angeles has assembled an incredible line-up of chefs, authors and experts who will share both their knowledge and love of pizza in a series of panel discussions and demonstrations throughout the weekend.
The event is also encoring The Collab Lab, featuring one-off collaborations for two hours each day, pairing up chefs, farms or artisan producers with smaller pizza makers.”
“Emmy and 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter Steve Dolinsky has curated another stellar list of pizza makers spanning Southern California – from Santa Barbara to San Diego – adding 13 new entries to the full lineup this year.”
“We’re thrilled to be back in L.A. for our 2nd annual Pizza City Fest!” said Founder Steve Dolinsky. “The pizza scene in Southern California continues to heat up, and so while we’ve brought back a number of the most popular pizzerias from last year, we’ve also found 13 new additions with styles ranging from artisan to Detroit to NYC slices. Our speaker series also brings some of the best-in-class dough pros to L.A. LIVE to share their expertise and students from C-CAP will once again be helping out these chefs during the day as they prepare, bake and serve pizzas straight from the oven.”
Steve puts down his ceremonial pizza peel and joins us.
“Mija Handcraft Kitchen in Culver City is an artisan eatery featuring a variety of modern Mexican fare inspired by the Californian lifestyle. Made with locally-sourced ingredients, all of their made-from-scratch recipes are vibrant, unique, delicious, and oh so bueno!”
“Mija Handcraft Kitchen is now open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Pop champagne with friends, enjoy a refreshing cocktail or celebrate with a special bottle of wine to compliment their modern delicious California Mexican dishes made from local ingredients.
“Chef and owner, Katherine Gonzalez, was raised in Southern Arizona. Her mother’s family migrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, and her father’s family from Spain. Growing up, there was always a pot of beans cooking, freshly made flour tortillas, salsa, and sopas fideo. Every celebration featured warm and delicious comfort food including her mother’s famous tamales, chips, and fresh salsas.”
“Katherine’s love for heritage-inspired dishes began at a young age while cooking with her mama. After years of watching her mother in the kitchen, Katherine began learning how to make her signature tamales, chips, and salsa. Over time, Katherine began to experiment with her family’s recipes to create different flavor profiles. She spent many hours learning the secrets to vibrant and tasty dishes which she is proud to share through Chúla Artisan Eatery in La Quinta and, now, Mija Handcraft Kitchen!”
Chef Katherine takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us with a plate of the signature Mom’s Chilaquiles in hand.
“Mija Handcraft Kitchen in Culver City is an artisan eatery featuring a variety of modern Mexican fare inspired by the Californian lifestyle. Made with locally-sourced ingredients, all of their made-from-scratch recipes are vibrant, unique, delicious, and oh so bueno!”
“Mija Handcraft Kitchen is now open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Pop champagne with friends, enjoy a refreshing cocktail or celebrate with a special bottle of wine to compliment their modern delicious California Mexican dishes made from local ingredients.
“Chef and owner, Katherine Gonzalez, was raised in Southern Arizona. Her mother’s family migrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, and her father’s family from Spain. Growing up, there was always a pot of beans cooking, freshly made flour tortillas, salsa, and sopas fideo. Every celebration featured warm and delicious comfort food including her mother’s famous tamales, chips, and fresh salsas.”
“Katherine’s love for heritage-inspired dishes began at a young age while cooking with her mama. After years of watching her mother in the kitchen, Katherine began learning how to make her signature tamales, chips, and salsa. Over time, Katherine began to experiment with her family’s recipes to create different flavor profiles. She spent many hours learning the secrets to vibrant and tasty dishes which she is proud to share through Chúla Artisan Eatery in La Quinta and, now, Mija Handcraft Kitchen!”
Chef Katherine takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us with a plate of the signature Chula Chip & Salsa Flight at the ready.
“Mike and Rhonda Pollard’sHonoka’a Chocolate Co. is located on the Hamakua coast of the Big Island of Hawai’i at Kahi Ola Mau Farm. Their farm has a rich history in Hamakua district town of Honoka’a. Located mauka (towards Mauna Kea) from Honoka’a in an area known as Ahualoa, the 5 acres the Pollards call home was first purchased by the sugar plantation doctor sometime in the 1920s. They are the fourth resident and keeper of this beautiful property and have transformed it into a working farm.” Two and one-half acres are planted in cacao.
“Starting in January 2018, Honoka’a Chocolate Co. began offering farm tours and tastings of their artisan chocolates that are made right there on the farm. In February of this year most of the production shifted to their new state of the art production facility and retail store on Mamane Street in the heart of Historic Honokaa Town. Honoka’a Chocolate Co has received a total of 29 international awards for their premium chocolates over the last two years.”
“Their current tastings on the farm include five of their signature products, including chocolates from Hawaii as well as other regions from around the world. Guests will experience how a particular region’s climate, soils and terrain affect the taste of the chocolate, “the terroir” as winemakers have so famously coined the term. The state of Hawai’i is the only place in the US where cacao grows fruitfully, some calling it the “North Pole” of the cacao growing region.” The farm tour at Kahi Ola Mau Farm concludes with a visit to their nearby, new production facility located on the main street of historic Honokaa Town.
Mike Pollard is our guide to some of the best chocolate in the World.
We know Chef Ted Hopson from the fondly remembered The Bellwether in Studio City which was an unfortunate victim of the pandemic. The better news is that Chef Ted is now the very busy Vice President at Gourmet Imports in Alhambra.
“Gourmet Imports is a Los Angeles area-based importer and distributor of specialty foods that has been serving Chefs and culinary professionals since 1989. The company was built on a commitment to service, quality and integrity. Gourmet Imports carries over 300 cheeses as well as nearly 2,000 other culinary items including: caviar, charcuterie, pâté, oils, vinegars, chocolate, baking and pastry ingredients and much, much more.”
“Ingredients & traditions matter. Working to preserve & promote them is something Gourmet Imports is deeply passionate about. They believe that food & dining are integral to our social fabric and in these times where nearly everything is synthesized, automated, expedited, and/or truncated, they are thankful to the passionate farmers & artisans that produce the goods that Gourmet Imports carries. They are equally grateful to their clients for their support, for their insistence on authenticity & excellence, and their work to provide experiences around which we can all connect over a shared meal (even if the mid-meal Instagram post has become all but inevitable).”
“On the heels of celebrating its first anniversary, Fountain Valley-based ARTISAN has introduced new hand-crafted pizzas to its celebrated menu. The elevated, fast-casual restaurant and café, a marriage of Orange County-born concepts, 7 Leaves Café and Crema Bakery, has gained a loyal following for its energetic and unique teas, and focused, chef-driven menu of brunch-focused anytime dishes and premium baked goods. Now, the concept takes the same quality ingredients and attention to detail and extends it to an innovative selection of ARTISAN Café Pizza offerings prepared under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Chad Urata.” Chef & Manager Chad Urata takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us with pizza peel in hand.
Georgia’s Restaurant returned “Nana” Gretchen Shoemaker’s mouthwatering Gumbo to their menu at Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchangeand the Anaheim Packing District just in time to celebrate National Gumbo Day on October 12th, 2022 and for the remainder of 2022! Nana Gretchen Shoemaker’s“soul-delicious” signature Gumbo has been a guest favorite since it was first introduced and guests can again savor Nana’s Secret Southern-style Roux featuring Chicken, Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, Crab, and Okra, served over Rice at both locations. To complement this super satisfying meal, guests can also add Soulful Sides such as Collard Greens, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, or Nana Gretchen’s famous Cornbread served with house-made honey butter, while enjoying her fresh Peach Cobbler for the perfect finish. 2nd generation proprietress Nika Shoemaker-Machado (“Nana” Gretchen’s daughter) takes a break from the cornbread muffin pans to join us.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruelthe Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Is ubiquitous Candy Corn (basically just corn syrup and food coloring) really the most popular Halloween candy treat? Chef Andrew weighs in…There is an announced, preliminary deal for Kroger Co. (Ralphs) to buy Albertsons Cos. (Vons and Pavilions.) Kroger’s position is that this will be a wonderful thing for consumers because the combined companies will give them more buying clout and, therefore, decreased costs which will, in theory, be passed on to shoppers. Consumer advocates respectfully disagree. Chef Andrew grocery shops for a big family. He’ll share his thoughts on this possible mega grocery store combination.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“On the heels of celebrating its first anniversary, Fountain Valley-based ARTISAN has introduced new, hand-crafted pizzas to its celebrated menu. The elevated fast-casual restaurant and café, a marriage of Orange County-born concepts, 7 Leaves Café and Crema Bakery, has gained a loyal following for its energetic and unique teas, and focused, chef-driven menu of brunch-focused anytime dishes and premium baked goods. Now, the concept takes the same quality ingredients and attention to detail and extends it to an innovative selection of ARTISAN Café Pizza offerings prepared under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Chad Urata.”
“Each pizza features an artisanal crust that begins with pillowy dough created by award-winning baker Tarit Tanjasiri, owner of Crema Bakery and co-founder of ARTISAN. “While each ARTISAN Café Pizza is baked to order, great care is taken in the preparation of the dough,” explained Tanjasiri, who oversees all of the baked goods served at ARTISAN. “Our ingredients are simple – flour, water, salt, natural starter, and time – the latter being key, as flavor is developed through a 48-hour cold fermentation.””
“Upon entering the 3,000 square-foot restaurant and café, guests are immersed into an environment that revolves around chic European style, reminiscent of a fine Parisian boulangerie, complete with a display of fresh-baked bread and pastries.”
Chef & Manager Chad Urata takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us with pizza peel in hand.
