Tag Archives: benefit

Show 621, March 22, 2025: Masters of Taste – Generous Plates Benefit with Chef Bret Thompson

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Bret Thompson of Pez Coastal Kitchen

“Due to the devastating impact of the Los Angeles wildfires, Masters of Taste has made the difficult decision to postpone the highly anticipated 8th Annual Masters of Taste event. However, in the spirit of resilience, generosity, and community, Masters of Taste is proud to introduce Generous Plates – A Benefit for Union Station Homeless Services, a one-night-only premier dining experience set to take place on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, in the iconic Locker Rooms at the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl!”

“This exclusive event will offer guests an intimate and immersive dining experience featuring Two Exquisite Five-Course Tasting Menus created by some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated Culinary Masters, including Chef Bret Thompson of Pez Coastal Kitchen. Accompanied by premier selections of Spirits, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from top-tier Beverage Masters, and Delectable Desserts from L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, this night promises to be an unparalleled culinary journey.”

Masters of Taste Alum Culinary Master Bret Thompson is our guest previewing all the deliciousness of his 5-course Tasting Menu.

Show 615, February 8, 2025: Chefs Love L.A. Benefit with Organizer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

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Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

“On Thursday, February 27th at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills there is a culinary spectacular benefit happening for World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care showcasing a one-of-a-kind lineup of acclaimed celebrity chefs. It’s one-night only featuring a sumptuous 8-course meal paired with premium wines. It’s organized by Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions. Everyone is graciously donating their time so 100 per cent of the ticket price goes directly to support the good works of World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care.”

The evening’s stellar chefs’ brigade includes culinary all-stars Daniel Boulud, William Bradley (Addison,) Jonathan Waxman, Curtis Stone and Sherry Yard. High profile local chefs of note in the kitchen are Suzanne Goin, Josiah Citrin, Katianna and John Hong, Jonathan Club’s Andreas Roller and Michael Cimarusti. The Host Chefs are Ryan Wilson, Lawry’s Chief Executive Officer, and Jon Wood, Lawry’s Director of Culinary. L.A’s ultimate foodie, Phil Rosenthal, is the evening’s host and his Foundation is the generous Title Sponsor. Community Heroes involved with Fire Relief are also being honored.

The evening is totally sold out with a long waiting list. (Donations are still most welcome.) Brad Metzger joins us to share the incredible story about how this grass-roots Benefit came together so quickly and the important missions of the benefiting World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care.

Show 615, February 8, 2025: Chefs Love L.A. Benefit with Tiffany Stith of Lawry’s Restaurants

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Tiffany Stith of Lawry's Restaurants

“On Thursday, February 27th at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills there is a culinary spectacular benefit happening for World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care showcasing a one-of-a-kind lineup of acclaimed celebrity chefs. It’s one-night only featuring a sumptuous 8-course meal paired with premium wines. It’s organized by Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions. Everyone is graciously donating their time so 100 per cent of the ticket price goes directly to support the good works of World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care.”

The evening’s stellar chefs’ brigade includes culinary all-stars Daniel Boulud, William Bradley (Addison,) Jonathan Waxman, Curtis Stone and Sherry Yard. High profile local chefs of note in the kitchen are Suzanne Goin, Josiah Citrin, Katianna and John Hong, Jonathan Club’s Andreas Roller and Michael Cimarusti. The Host Chefs are Ryan Wilson, Lawry’s Chief Executive Officer, and Jon Wood, Lawry’s Director of Culinary. L.A’s ultimate foodie, Phil Rosenthal, is the evening’s host and his Foundation is the generous Title Sponsor. Community Heroes involved with Fire Relief are also being honored.

The evening is already totally sold out with a long waiting list. (Donations are still most welcome.)

Tiffany Stith, Lawry’s Chief Operating Officer, joins us to share how Lawry’s became involved as the host venue for the ambitious Chefs Love L.A. Benefit.

Show 542, September 9, 2023: Chef Bill Bracken, Culinary Director and Founder, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove Part One

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Bill Bracken of Brackens Kitchen

“Hungry Games 6.0 benefiting the worthy activities of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is back better and bigger than ever before. The Hungry Games event benefits the less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California! Please join Chef Bill Bracken and Bracken’s Kitchen at their very own busy kitchen on Thursday, September 14th 2023 at 5:30 p.m. for a wonderful evening together! It will be full of great food, fun, and of course, friendly competition.” The defending champion, Chef Michael Rossi (The Beach Club, Santa Monica,) will be there. This year’s ambitious fundraising goal is a cool $500,000.

“Come hungry for some yummy hors d’oeuvres, incredibly delicious meals, and beverages that you will love as the chefs battle for first place! Guests help vote for their favorites throughout the night. The Pinch Me! band returns to play some incredible live music!”

“As Bracken’s Kitchen celebrates their tenth anniversary of serving healthy and delicious meals to those in need, the Bracken’s Kitchen Team is humbled by and grateful for what they have been able to accomplish. Bracken’s Kitchen is still striving to meet the needs of their community – after pandemic high numbers of 1.7 million meals in 2020 and 2021, they served 1.5 million meals last year, 2022. For 2023, Bracken’s Kitchen is on pace to serve 2 million meals in and around Orange County. In addition to their community feeding program, they are in the middle of their third culinary training class helping those in need with a hand up out of poverty.”

Culinary Director of Bracken’s Kitchen, Bill Bracken, joins us with whisk in hand.

Show 542, September 9, 2023: Chef Bill Bracken, Culinary Director and Founder, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove Part Two

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Bill Bracken of Brackens Kitchen

“Hungry Games 6.0 benefiting the worthy activities of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is back better and bigger than ever before. The Hungry Games event benefits the less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California! Please join Chef Bill Bracken and Bracken’s Kitchen at their very own busy kitchen on Thursday, September 14th 2023 at 5:30 p.m. for a wonderful evening together! It will be full of great food, fun, and of course, friendly competition.” The defending champion, Chef Michael Rossi (The Beach Club, Santa Monica,) will be there. This year’s ambitious fundraising goal is a cool $500,000.

“Come hungry for some yummy hors d’oeuvres, incredibly delicious meals, and beverages that you will love as the chefs battle for first place! Guests help vote for their favorites throughout the night. The Pinch Me! band returns to play some incredible live music!”

“As Bracken’s Kitchen celebrates their tenth anniversary of serving healthy and delicious meals to those in need, the Bracken’s Kitchen Team is humbled by and grateful for what they have been able to accomplish. Bracken’s Kitchen is still striving to meet the needs of their community – after pandemic high numbers of 1.7 million meals in 2020 and 2021, they served 1.5 million meals last year, 2022. For 2023, Bracken’s Kitchen is on pace to serve 2 million meals in and around Orange County. In addition to their community feeding program, they are in the middle of their third culinary training class helping those in need with a hand up out of poverty.”

Culinary Director of Bracken’s Kitchen, Bill Bracken, continues with us.

Show 542, September 9, 2023: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Benefits for Maui Strong (Newport Beach)

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JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar

“The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar presents MAUI STRONG, a fundraiser on Sunday, September 17 at its waterfront location in Newport Beach to benefit the Maui Strong Fund. Guests will have the opportunity to attend a “Maui Strong Tasting Event” from 2 to 5 p.m. and “Taste of Hawaii Dinner” from 5 to 8:30 p.m., both supporting relief efforts through the Maui Strong Fund, organized by the Hawai’i Community Foundation and committed to distributing 100% of funds donated to local aid groups who are responding to community needs.”

“We have hosted many fundraising events, but this one is near and dear to our hearts, as many of us at The Winery have a deep connection to Maui,” commented JC Clow, Founding Partner at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, who revealed that the restaurants have raised approximately $599,300 to date for various charities. “The goal of the event is to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the fires in Maui by raising significant funds for the Maui Strong Fund.”

“Tickets for both MAUI STRONG events are limited and a portion of each ticket is tax-deductible. Tickets for the “Maui Strong Tasting Event” from 2-5 p.m. are $150 per guest and may be purchased in advance online. The “Taste of Hawaii Dinner” from 5-8:30 p.m. is $175 per guest and reservations may be made by calling 949-999-6622 or online.”

The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar’s Managing Partner, JC Clow, is our guest providing all the details.

Show 443, September 18, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Bracken’s Kitchen presented their annual benefit, The Hungry Games 4.0 on Thursday evening, September 9th to benefit the less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California. Chef Andrew was one of the participating chefs. We’ll get the wrap-up report.

As his own remembrance of 9/11 Chef Andrew ran in, and completed, the annual Surf City Marathon (25th running) in Huntington Beach on September 11th. Love of Country was the resounding theme. He shares some observations…

Show 441, September 4, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery. Genuine concerns remain…

Bracken’s Kitchen is presenting their annual benefit, The Hungry Games 4.0, on Thursday evening, September 9th to benefit the less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California. Chef Andrew is one of the participating chefs. Perhaps some lobster and crab at his station…?

Bottled hot sauce is everywhere these days and there seems to be more brands entering the marketplace all the time. What goes into creating a quality, shelf-stable hot sauce? We’ll “Ask the Chef.” Chef Andrew shares a basic hot sauce recipe. It’s about flavor as well as the heat.

Show 327, June 8, 2019: Caroline Styne, Lucques Restaurant Group – Preview of the 10th Annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Benefit on Sept 14th

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Caroline StyneDelightful and delicious, the upcoming 10th Annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade brings superstar chefs and mixologists to Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, September 14th to lend their support to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and battle against childhood cancer. The celebrity chefs and mixologists participating come from landmark establishments from all across the country.

Hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne along with Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat), this fun-loving and family friendly afternoon at UCLA features one-of-a-kind food and libation samplings. Guests will get to meet the celebrity chefs behind the dishes and taste award-winning, fine-dining cuisine from across the country. With a record-breaking total of close to $1.5 million raised in 2018, this benefit’s impact only continues to grow for all kids with cancer. It’s become the premier food & wine benefit in the greater Los Angeles area.

Co-Founder of the L.A. Benefit, Caroline Styne of the Lucques Restaurant Group, joins us with a tempting preview.

Show 313, March 2, 2019: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at the 6th Annual OC Chef’s Table (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessnes.” It takes place at The Disneyland Hotel.

Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

“Today in Orange County alone, there are more than 32,000 children that are homeless or unstably housed in cars and motels. An excess of 55,000 homeless individuals reside in Southern California alone.”

“The non-profit organization, Illumination Foundation, was founded in 2007 with the sole mission to break the cycle of homelessness. From its start, Illumination Foundation has focused on providing permanent housing solutions, along with emergency housing for families in dire need, recuperative care centers for homeless individuals recovering from hospital care, and a cadre of mental and physical health services, career counseling and placement, children’s resource centers for tutoring and healthy socialization and more.”