Show 472, April 30, 2022: Chef Jet Tila, Food TV Personality, Author and Restaurateur Part Two

Jet Tila at Cochon 555

“Celebrity Chef Jet Tila is a James Beard Award-nominated chef. He’s made appearances as a celebrity chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” “Cutthroat Kitchen,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” “Tournament of Champions III” and more.”

“Jet is Culinary Vice President for Pei-Wei Restaurant Group and co-owns Dragon Tiger Noodle Co. (multiple locations) in Las Vegas. Jet grew up at his Family’s famed Bangkok Market in Los Angeles – the first Thai market in the United States. Jet also serves as the Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine for the Royal Thai government.”

Chef Jet is one of the three chef mentors (along with Bobby Flay) for Food Network’s eight-part “BBQ Brawl” competition series (Season 3) launching on May 9th.

Chef Jet continues with us tongs in hand.

Show 472, April 30, 2022: Chef Jet Tila, Food TV Personality, Author and Restaurateur Part One

Jet Tila at Cochon 555

“Celebrity Chef Jet Tila is a James Beard Award-nominated chef. He’s made appearances as a celebrity chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” “Cutthroat Kitchen,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” “Tournament of Champions III” and more.”

“Jet is Culinary Vice President for Pei-Wei Restaurant Group and co-owns Dragon Tiger Noodle Co. (multiple locations) in Las Vegas. Jet grew up at his Family’s famed Bangkok Market in Los Angeles – the first Thai market in the United States. Jet also serves as the Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine for the Royal Thai government.”

Chef Jet is one of the three chef mentors (along with Bobby Flay) for Food Network’s eight-part “BBQ Brawl” competition series (Season 3) launching on May 9th.

Chef Jet is our guest with authentic Thai Fish Sauce in hand.

Show 326, June 1, 2019: Chef Jet & Ali Tila with 101 Epic Dishes Part One

Jet Tila and a heritage pig at Cochon 555 in 2013Chef Jet Tila and his accomplished pastry chef wife & culinary educator, Ali, are back with us to chat about their exciting, practical 2nd cookbook, 101 Epic Dishes: Recipes That Teach You How to Make the Classics Even More Delicious. The Foreword is unusually authored by Celebrity Chef & Food Network star Bobby Flay.

“Here’s the truth: making food worth savoring and showing off isn’t as difficult as you like to think it is. All it really takes is a solid foundation of cooking techniques, and lucky for you, celebrity chef and self-proclaimed Mr. Miyagi, Jet Tila (collaborating with Ali Tila) is ready to pass all his know-how on to you.”

The cooking Tilas have carefully selected the most essential recipes that pull double duty by tasting delicious and teaching you foundational cooking skills that will easily transfer to other cooking endeavors. Mastering perfect pan-roasted rib-eye steak means both that your dinner is going to be delicious and that you are ready to season and sear other cuts of meat like a pro. Southwestern BBQ and ranch chicken salad helps you build must-have knife skills, and crumbly apple pie will arm you with the ability to make the perfect flaky pie dough that can be used in countless other desserts.

101 Epic Dishes teaches you the most important cooking skills you need to kick your kitchen game up a few notches – all the while whipping up some delicious dishes.

“Every recipe and skill you need to be a great cook.”

Meet Chef Jet & Ali Tila (The Cooking Tilas) at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Saturday afternoon, June 22nd at 3:00 p.m. Jet and Ali will be there presenting and demonstrating recipes from 101 Epic Dishes.

Show 326, June 1, 2019: Chef Jet & Ali Tila with 101 Epic Dishes Part Two

Cookbook Author Ali TilaChef Jet Tila and his accomplished pastry chef wife & culinary educator, Ali, are back with us to chat about their exciting, practical 2nd cookbook, 101 Epic Dishes: Recipes That Teach You How to Make the Classics Even More Delicious. The Foreword is by Celebrity Chef & Food Network star Bobby Flay.

Some featured recipes in 101 EPIC DISHES include:

-BEEF: Perfect Pan-Roasted Rib-Eye Steak; Shortcut Korean BBQ Short Ribs Worth Showing Off; Thick and Creamy Irish Beer Beef Stew

-CHICKEN & POULTRY: Old-School Shake and Fry Buttermilk Fried Chicken; Tender and Crispy Duck Confit; Better-Than-Takeout Orange Chicken

-SEAFOOD: Fried Fish Tacos with Chipotle Crema; Garlicky Lemony Shrimp Scampi; Crispy-Skin Salmon with Lemon-Caper Yogurt Sauce

-RICE, PASTA & PIZZA: Not-as-Hard-as-You-Think Risotto; Perfect-Every-Time Pizza Dough and Pepperoni Pizza; Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

-EGGS & BREAKFAST COOKERY: The Ultimate Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich; Jet’s Famous Fried Chicken and Waffles; Ali’s Coconut Chia Pudding with Almonds and Fresh Berries

-DESSERTS: Grasshopper Brownie Bars; Da Bomb Budino (Italian Salted Caramel Pudding); Burnt Milk Ice Cream

-AND MUCH MORE including Vegetables; Salad and Soup; Sandwiches, Dips and Spreads and Pork!

Meet Chef Jet & Ali Tila (The Cooking Tilas) at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Saturday afternoon, June 22nd at 3:00 p.m. Jet and Ali will be there presenting and demonstrating recipes from 101 Epic Dishes.

Show 276, June 2, 2018: Journalist Andrew Friedman, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll

Andrew FriedmanIf you’re at all fascinated by the story of how American restaurant chefs in the 1970s and 1980s became celebrities then you’ll want to grab food journalist Andrew Friedman’s well-researched, new tome, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll: How Food Lovers, Free Spirits, Misfits and Wanderers Created a New American Profession. It’s a genuine page turner for foodies.

The book transports readers back in time to witness the remarkable evolution of the American restaurant chef in the 1970s and 1980s – from the pioneers behind Chez Panisse, Spago, and other landmarks to the young cooks like Tom Colicchio and Bobby Flay who went on to become household names.

“Told largely in the words of the people who lived it – from writers like Ruth Reichl to chefs like Jeremiah Tower and Jonathan WaxmanChefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll treats readers to an unparalleled 360-degree re-creation of the industry and the times through the perspectives not only of the groundbreaking chefs but also of line cooks, front-of-house personnel, investors, and critics who had front-row seats to this extraordinary transformation.”

Author Andrew Friedman joins us.

August 16: Eric Greenspan, CANstruction, Jason Grilli, LA Food and Wine, PigOut, KTown Night Market, Harlowe

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Chef Eric Greenspan and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Chef Eric Greenspan of Foundation Hospitality Group
Segment Three: Long Beach CANstruction benefiting Food Finders
Segment Four: Halo Reliever Jason Grilli
Segment Five: Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
Segment Six: Pigout 3.0
Segment Seven: KTOWN Night Market & OC Block Party
Segment Eight: Head Barman Chris Amirault of Harlowe, West Hollywood

Guest Host Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan of Foundation Hospitality Group and Producer Andy preview the show.

Besides being all over Food TV (he bested Iron Chef Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America”) Chef Eric Greenspan has made a name for himself in the rarified world of fine-dining. For almost two years he was the executive chef of Joachim Splichal’s highly-acclaimed flagship restaurant, Patina. More recently he created The Foundry on Melrose Ave. In the Fall he returns to Melrose with the eagerly anticipated fine dining, Enclave.

Although Chef Eric Greenspan has created the more casual, Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire, his heart and true passion remains in fine dining. We’ll talk about the future of fine-dining in Los Angeles and get Chef Eric’s perspective. We’ll also preview Chef Eric’s new series for the National Geographic Channel debuting in November.

The first Canstruction Competition is coming to Long Beach on August 21st. The resulting collections of food benefit Food Finders food rescue / food bank. It’s going to be a wild 12 hours benefiting people in need!

The Halos have an ace relief pitcher in Jason Grilli newly arrived in a trade deal with The Pittsburgh Pirates. In Pittsburgh he’s known for The Closer, a 3-decker grilled cheese sandwich using 9 different premium cheeses. Jason is with us live from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas to talk about it.

The 2014 Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival (4th Annual) is once again upon us taking place in Downtown Los Angeles on August 21 -24. This is one of the biggest culinary festivals staged on the West Coast with culinary masters hosting power lunches, cocktail culture merging with some of the finest chefs for spirited dinners, and first –time events such as the “Ultimate Bites of L.A. Challenge” on Opening Night hosted by Graham Elliott and Fabio Viviani.

The 3rd Annual PigOut (benefiting Inspire Artistic Minds) is set for Sunday afternoon, August 24th at the California Scenario in Costa Mesa.

The main attraction will be a 250 pound Templeton Rye Duroc Pig of the Templeton Rye Heritage Pork Project.

The KTown Night Market and Block Party is coming to Angel Stadium on Friday and Saturday, August 22nd and 23rd. It’s 60 plus food trucks and vendors (including the Seoul Sausage Co.) and a large beer garden. Also there will be live music, games and rides. We’ll chat with the co-producer and one of the young founders of the participating Seoul Sausage Co.

Meet Mixologist Chris Amirault of Harlowe, a new bar that’s attracting a lot of attention in West Hollywood. Even his standard cocktails are very special. Chris also creates unusual draft and bottled cocktails.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Eric GreenspanBesides being all over Food TV (he bested Iron Chef Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America”) Chef Eric Greenspan has made a name for himself in the rarified world of fine-dining. For almost two years he was the executive chef of Joachim Splichal’s highly-acclaimed flagship restaurant Patina. More recently he created The Foundry on Melrose Ave. In the Fall he returns to Melrose with the eagerly anticipated fine dining, Enclave.

Although Chef Eric Greenspan has created the more casual, Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire, his heart and true passion remains in fine dining. We’ll talk about the future of fine-dining in Los Angeles and get Chef Eric’s perspective.

We’ll also preview Chef Eric’s new series for the National Geographic Channel debuting in November. Look for Chef Eric on the next two Tuesday evenings in prime time as a chef competitor on NBC’s “Food Fighters” hosted by Adam Richman. In October Chef Eric will part of the celebrity chef episode of Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen hosted by Alton Brown.

Canstruction Long BeachThe first CANstruction Competition is coming to Long Beach on August 21st. The resulting collections of food benefit Food Finders food rescue / food bank. It’s going to be a wild 12 hours benefiting people in need!

Four teams comprised of five prominent local architectural and engineering firms will transform thousands of cans of food into larger than life artistic masterpieces. The structures may be built up to 10’ x 10’ x 10’ and will be comprised of edible canned goods totaling over 7,000 lbs.

The completed structures will be on display to the public from August 22nd through September 2nd.

CANstruction was founded in 1992 to help promote the design community and raise food donations for hunger relief efforts. CANstruction events have been held in over 140 cities worldwide donating over 15 million pounds of canned foods to alleviate the concern of hunger and malnutrition.

Jason GrilliThe Halos have an ace relief pitcher in Jason Grilli, newly arrived in a trade deal with The Pittsburgh Pirates. In Pittsburgh he’s known for The Closer, a 3-decker grilled cheese sandwich using 9 different premium cheeses. Jason is with us live from Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas to talk about it.

Grilli, and partners, are also the Pittsburgh franchisees for the rapidly growing Tom+Chee. This is a grilled cheese and tomato soup shop for the kid at heart. The restaurants mix classic comfort food with fresh ingredients, healthy alternatives, and a flare for the unexpected. In addition to the regular menu there are lots of daily specials.

David BernahlThe 2014 Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival (4th Annual) is once again upon us taking place in Downtown Los Angeles on August 21 -24. This is one of the biggest culinary festivals staged on the West Coast with culinary masters hosting power lunches, cocktail culture merging with some of the finest chefs for spirited dinners, and first–time events such as the “Ultimate Bites of L.A. Challenge” on Opening Night hosted by Graham Elliott and Fabio Viviani.

The star-studded lineup of chefs at LAFW will also include Food & Wine Magazine Best New Chefs, James Beard Award winners, iconic personalities within the culinary arena, as well as Food TV personalities (Scott Conant, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Michelle Bernstein, Michael Chiarello, Nancy Silverton, David Kinch, Michael Cimarusti, Jonathan Waxman, and more.)

Founder David Bernahl of Coastal Luxury Management is our guest.

3rd annual PigOut in Costa MesaThe 3rd Annual PigOut (benefiting Inspire Artistic Minds) is set for Sunday afternoon, August 24th at the California Scenario (Noguchi Gardens) in Costa Mesa.

The main attraction will be a 250 pound Templeton Rye Duroc Pig of the Templeton Rye Heritage Pork Project. Only 25 of these special pigs are in existence.

Chef Mike Puglisi (ex-Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills) of the soon-to-be Electric City Butcher in Santa Ana will be performing a pig deconstruction demonstration.

Koreatown Night MarketThe KTown Night Market and Block Party is coming to Angel Stadium on Friday and Saturday, August 22nd and 23rd. It’s 60 plus food trucks and vendors (including the Seoul Sausage Co.) and a large beer garden. Also there will be live music, games and rides.

Seoul Sausage Co., the Season 3 winners of Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race,” are curating the all-star mobile culinary experience. The 20 food truck lineup includes fan favorites such as Coolhaus, Slangin Corea, and Fluff Ice.

We’ll chat with the co-producer Danny Park and Yong Kim, one of the young founders of the participating Seoul Sausage Co.

Chris AmiraultMeet Mixologist Chris Amirault of Harlowe, a new bar that’s already attracting a lot of attention in West Hollywood. He’s the Head Barman there. This is from the 1933 Group (Oldfield’s Liquor Room and Sassafras.)

Even Chris’ standard cocktails are very special. Chris also creates unusual draft and bottled cocktails. Also of note are the carafe cocktails and the shared punch bowls.

Not easy to order a libation these days with all the tempting options!

“Give me a bottle of bourbon & half a chicken and I’ll take over the world.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Chef Eric Greenspan and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Chef Eric Greenspan of Foundation Hospitality Group
Segment Three: Long Beach CANstruction benefiting Food Finders
Segment Four: Halo Reliever Jason Grilli
Segment Five: Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
Segment Six: Pigout 3.0
Segment Seven: KTOWN Night Market & OC Block Party
Segment Eight: Head Barman Chris Amirault of Harlowe, West Hollywood

Show 70, April 26, 2014: Chef Eric Greenspan (ex-Foundry on Melrose,) Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Continues…

Eric GreenspanThe conversation continues with Chef Eric Greenspan…

Chef Eric Greenspan’s (ex-Foundry on Melrose) long in the works grilled cheese café is now open. It’s Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese located next door to the Melrose Umbrella Co, (the former Foundry location which is now an upscale tavern.)

Chef Eric graciously reveals the three cornerstones of excellence in grilled cheese sandwich making. Surprisingly it starts with “okay” bread.

The Melrose Umbrella Co. (a well-managed bar with specialty cocktails) is now in the front part of the former Foundry on Melrose space. The rear part of the space is being reformatted into a 30 to 40 seat fine dining space by Chef Eric. He promises his refreshed fine dining concept will make a big splash! Fine dining will always remain his focus. Perhaps a Fall opening…

Eric talks about his extensive portfolio of Food Television appearances. He is one of the very few chefs to “reign supreme” over an Iron Chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.” He bested Iron Chef Bobby Flay in “Battle Goose !”

He participates in national pop-ups under the catchy El Nosh Latin / Jewish brand.

April 26: Donald Wressel, Melissa’s Great Pepper Cookbook, Eric Greenspan, Choctal Ice Cream

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Guittard Chocolate Co’s Executive Chef, Donald Wressell
Segment Three: Robert Schueller, The Prince of Produce, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce, Inc.
Segment Four: Chef Jet Tila
Segment Five: Chef Eric Greenspan (ex-Foundry on Melrose,) Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Part One
Segment Six: Chef Eric Greenspan (ex-Foundry on Melrose,) Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Part Two
Segment Seven: Michael Leb, Chief Executive Officer, Choctal Single-Origin Ice Creams
Segment Eight: Test Kitchen Director, Chef Tom Fraker, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

It’s the City of Beverly Hills’ 100th Birthday. It takes a mega-talented pastry chef (and his skilled team) to create and bake a massive edible cake befitting this very special occasion. 15,000 slices will be served.

Peppers are a great addition to almost any dish as they add flavor (and not just heat.) We’ll dive into the just released The Great Pepper Cookbook : The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Cooking with Peppers.

The Corporate Pastry Chef for the Patina Restaurant Group has an incredible story of personal achievement. He’s with us to talk about what it takes to get there.

Chef Eric Greenspan (ex-Foundry on Melrose) is a genuine character and an accomplished chef. He’s now also the maestro of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches!

Crave rich & decadent ice cream? There is a new super premium brand now available locally that both the chocolate and vanilla are single origin.

All of this and lots more incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Donald WressellTwenty five years ago Donald Wressell was then the highly regarded executive pastry chef at The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Chef Donald was responsible for the production of everything from the fresh, buttery croissants to eye-popping wedding cakes. He created a stunning edible birthday cake for Beverly Hills’ Diamond Jubilee celebration. It was a miniature of Beverly Hills’ iconic City Hall. The rest of the cake was 100 sheet cakes. 10,000 slices were served!

It’s now the 100th Birthday of Beverly Hills. Chef Donald is now the executive chef for the Guittard Chocolate Co. How do you possibly top yourself?

For the Century Celebration festivities in addition to the 9-foot tall, 8-foot wide replica of Beverly Hills City Hall there is a miniature replica of Rodeo Dr. with edible shopping bags containing items sold on Rodeo Drive. Talk about artistry…

The cake will weigh some 4,000 pounds and serve 15,000 celebrants. It’s a dark chocolate cake with 150 layers with dark chocolate filling and a white chocolate buttercream frosting.

Look for the cake @ 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27th in front of the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive in the 300 N. block.

It’s all part of Taste Beverly Hills that afternoon.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceOur friends at Melissa’s have done it again. Newly published is Melissa’s “The Great Pepper Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Cooking with Peppers.”

Fresh and dried peppers are a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world and they have gained popularity here in the U.S. recently thanks to the culinary world’s embracement of the vast variety of peppers. Beyond jalapenos, home cooks are now looking to learn more about these flavorful fruits, not just for their heat level, but to cook beyond their comfort zone.

This highly visual and engaging book shows readers how simple it is to use 37 different varieties of peppers.

Robert Schueller, Melissa’s resident produce authority, is our guest.

Carlos EnriquezWhat does it take to become the Corporate Pastry Chef at the highly thought of Patina Restaurant Group? Chef Carlos Enriquez, who learned the basics of pastry in his parents Los Angeles bakery, joins us to explain. It takes more than hard work…

Chef Carlos was part of the opening team of the Paris Hotel on The Strip in Las Vegas. He then moved to Colorado to serve as Executive Pastry Chef for Sky Goble at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver. A year later, Enriquez joined Goble at the Ahwahnee Resort in Yosemite National Park. In 2006 Chef Carlos returned to Las Vegas and worked as Assistant Pastry Chef at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and later at Alex Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas. He was Executive Pastry Chef at Café del Rey in Marina del Rey before joining the Patina Restaurant Group as Corporate Pastry Chef in 2012.

Eric GreenspanChef Eric Greenspan’s (ex-Foundry on Melrose) long in the works grilled cheese café is now open. It’s Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese located next door to the Melrose Umbrella Co, (the former Foundry location.)

Eric won the 2008 Grilled Cheese Invitational in Los Angeles which was the inspiration for the grilled cheese café.

Chef Eric is also the Chef/Owner of The Roof on Wilshire.

Eric talks about his extensive portfolio of Food Television appearances. He is one of the very few chefs to “reign supreme” over an Iron Chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.” He bested Iron Chef Bobby Flay!

He participates in national pop-ups under the catchy El Nosh Latin / Jewish brand.

Choctal Single Origin Ice CreamIt’s ice cream weather. New to SoCal is Choctal – Single-origin Ice Creams. The premium flavors are properly rich and decadent as the name suggests. Michael Leb, Chief Executive Officer, is our guest with all the sinful details.

“Indulgent treats sustainably sourced from the world’s finest indigenous sources.”

“Choctal ice cream is decidedly different because we highlight the different flavor profiles by using:

  • Single-origin chocolate or vanilla from rainforests across the globe.
  • All natural base; no artificial additives.
  • Gluten-free, egg free recipes.
  • Less air for more density.”

Tom FrakerOur friends at Melissa’s have done it again. Newly published is Melissa’s “The Great Pepper Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Cooking with Peppers.”

Keep in mind that cooking with peppers is about adding flavor to food. It’s way beyond just adding heat.

Chef and Melissa’s Test Kitchen Director Tom Fraker is our guest. He tested, and retested, each and every recipe in the book using equipment found in home kitchens.

There is a difference in preparing and using chiles in their fresh and dry forms. Chef Tom will be our informed guide in understanding the nuances.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Guittard Chocolate Co’s Executive Chef, Donald Wressell
Segment Three: Robert Schueller, The Prince of Produce, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce, Inc.
Segment Four: Chef Jet Tila
Segment Five: Chef Eric Greenspan (ex-Foundry on Melrose,) Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Part One
Segment Six: Chef Eric Greenspan (ex-Foundry on Melrose,) Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Part Two
Segment Seven: Michael Leb, Chief Executive Officer, Choctal Single-Origin Ice Creams
Segment Eight: Test Kitchen Director, Chef Tom Fraker, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce

Show 20, March 9, 2013: Chef Anne Burrell, Star of Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America” and “Chef Wanted”

Anne Burrell of Food NetworkYou can’t miss celebrity chef Anne Burrell on Food Network these days. On Thursday nights at 10:00 p.m. PDT she is in Season 2 of “Chef Wanted.” On Sunday nights it’s Season 4 of “Worst Cooks in America” competing against Bobby Flay. She bested him in Season 3 and is, in fact, undefeated on the series!

Anne is a Culinary Institute of America graduate, cooked in Italy for a year, and previously served as a sous chef at Lidia Bastianich’s Felidia in Manhattan. She has also been a cooking school instructor for professionals.

The executive chef finalist, Drew Ison, who was awarded the executive chef post at Mirabelle on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles on the current season of Anne Burrell’s “Chef Wanted” remains in place.