Show 322, May 4, 2019: Socalo’s & Border Grill’s Chef / Partner Susan Feniger

The 13th Annual Vegas Uncork’d is back on The Strip in Vegas on May 10th, 11th & 12th. A standout event for Uncork’d the night of May 11th is A Smokin’ Good Time with Susan Feniger” at Border Grill at Mandalay Bay.

“Border Grill’s Co-Founder Susan Feniger and Executive Chef Mike Minor are bringing the heat at an epic BBQ party with a Mexican twist. Join the Border Grill chefs, Andy Baraghani of Bon Appetit, and host Whembley Sewell, Executive Editor of them, for a smokin’ good time on the outdoor patio of Border Grill at Mandalay Bay as variety of meats, plant-based proteins, and veggies get smoked, grilled, and slow-cooked to perfection at interactive stations.”

“Guests will experience a mouthwatering feast of mesquite pulled pork tortas, fried chicken tacos, slow-smoked Texas-style brisket, spare ribs, house-smoked tofu with habanero BBQ sauce, Impossible sliders, all the fixins’ and much more. Also, the famous burnt ends burrito from BBQ Mexicana, a new quick service eatery from Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at Mandalay Bay Resort.”

“Top it all off with local craft beer pairings from CraftHaus brewery, barrel-aged cocktails, smoked spirits, fire pits, and live music by The All-Togethers.”

Chef Susan and Border Grill are also part of Friday evening’s Grand Tasting at the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace and Saturday afternoon’s Picnic at the Park at Park MGM.

Chef Susan joins us with a tempting preview.

Show 320, April 20, 2019: Preview of C-CAP’s 2nd Annual Full Circle Benefit at Redbird with Barbara Fairchild

Barbara FairchildThe Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is presenting their 2nd Annual Full Circle Benefit dinner at Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles on Thursday evening, April 25th featuring a culinary brigade of celebrity guest chefs.

“Celebrating our C-CAP students and the wonderful chefs who mentor and inspire them, giving them the tools and experience they need to succeed and come Full Circle.”

The evening is hosted and coordinated by Chef Neal Fraser and featuring celebrated chefs Monti Carlo (Food Network personality,) Josiah Citrin (Openaire and Charcoal Venice,) Sandra Cordero (Gasolina,) Duff Goldman (Charm City Cakes,) C-CAP alumnus Anthony Greco (Lukshon & Father’s Office,) Kyle Johnson (Bourbon Steak), Antonia Lofaso (Scopa, Black Market and Dama), Nicole Rucker (Fiona,) C-CAP alumnus Dustin Trani (J. Trani’s Ristorante,) and more.

C-CAP Council L.A.’s Chairperson, Barbara Fairchild (former Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine,) joins us with all the salivating details of the Cocktail Reception in the calming lower gardens at Redbird and seated Dinner & Live Auction upstairs at Redbird and seated Dinner & Live Auction upstairs at Redbird.

A limited number of “Reception Only” tickets have just been released. At $100 per guest it’s a real bargain. The 90-minute Reception features a delectable selection of hors d’oeuves, free-flowing No 1 Cuvee Methode Traditionelle sparkling wine from New Zealand, Pinks Rose from Hitching Post Wines, premium craft beers from El Segundo Brewing Co., and signature handcrafted cocktails by Anthony Greco, C-CAP Alumnus (Lukshon) highlighting Greenbar Tequila and Ford’s Gin

Show 263, March 3, 2018: Karen Kaplan, Food Journalist, Open Faced – Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World

Karen KaplanFood journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion.

There are tartines of France, bruschette and crostini of Italy, montaditos and tomato toasts of Spain, smorrebrod of Scandinavia, butterbrote of Germany, butterbrodi of Russia,molletes of Mexico as well as sandwiches and toasts of Britain and the U.S.  There are traditional recipes, reinterpretations of classics, and original creations based on the flavors, ingredients and/or specialties associated with the country at hand.

Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today.

This is an indispensable little cookbook for those who love single-slice sandwiches as much as Karen does, and for those who would like to learn more about this unique food trend-one that has a storied global gastronomic past, and an increasingly popular place in today’s culinary vernacular. Some of the recipes are rustic and some refined, some simple and some sophisticated, but all are easy to make and ideal for weekday cooking or weekend entertaining.

Karen Kaplan is a freelance writer, editor, translator and recipe developer. She was on staff at Bon Appétit Magazine for twenty years and concurrently was the restaurant critic for the LAWeekly for seven years and the host and producer of The Audible Feast on KCRW radio station for seven years. She was also a consultant for culinary websites and food-based reality television shows, a contributor to food and travel magazines and newspaper sections, and was a writer, editor, translator and recipe editor for many cookbooks.

She holds Le Grand Diplômed’EtudesCulinaires from La VarenneEcole de Cuisine, has a B.A. in Comparative Literature and taught at USC and UCLA. She lives in Studio City, California.

Author Karen Kaplan joins us.

Show 258, January 27, 2018: Barbara Fairchild, Food Journalist, Author & Chairperson, C-CAP L.A. Council

Barbara FairchildBarbara Fairchild, a distinguished member of the The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage and the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine, has a new volunteer assignment to add to her full schedule. Barbara is Chairperson the C-CAP L.A.’s Council. We’ll meet her and chat about C-CAP’s upcoming Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on Friday evening, February 9th in the private dining rooms at Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles.

Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles is the Host Chef for the upcoming C-CAP Los Angeles Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on February 9th. Chef Neal has assembled an impressive group of celebrity chefs to join him for the stellar evening.

It’s 6:30 p.m. for the Cocktail Reception featuring a specialty libation created by mixologist Devon Espinosa of Sunset & Vinyl and also a C-CAP alum. The grand, five-course premium wine & craft beer-paired Dinner (and the Live Auction) is set for 7:30 p.m. The MC is Billy Harris.

The A-List chef brigade stars Host Chef Neal Fraser, Josiah Citrin (Melisse), Ben Ford (Ford’s Filling Station), Ray Garcia & Ivan Marquez (Broken Spanish), David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post), Jason Neroni (Rose Cafe), Amar Santana (Vaca & Broadway by Amar Santana), Michael Voltaggio (ink.well) and Sherry Yard (iPic Entertainment).

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Food Journalist Barbara Fairchild (formerly Editor, Bon Appetit Magazine)

Barbara FairchildFor adventurous travelers Cuba is definitely on their minds. The former, long-time Editor of Bon Appetit Magazine, Barbara Fairchild, was just there with a small group for 7 days, on a self-organized excursion. Barbara will give us a genuine food journalist’s perspective on the food and accommodations in Havana and Trinidad. You’ll be surprised…

Barbara s observes that she really enjoyed the quality and varieties of food she sampled in Cuba. She only had one disappointing meal in the entire time she was there!

In Havana she stayed at the Hotel Parque Central and toured the landmark Hotel Nacional. They mainly dined at the paladares which are entrepreneurial restaurants and more representative of the local fare.

A visit to the historic Hotel Nacional (as seen in “The Godfather”) for a tour and visit to the Buena Vista Social Club show is highly recommended.

No credit cards accepted in Cuba. Barbara cautions you to be prepared with cash.

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Food Journalist Barbara Fairchild (formerly Editor, Bon Appetit Magazine) Continues…

Barbara FairchildFor adventurous travelers Cuba is definitely on their minds. The former, long-time Editor of Bon Appetit Magazine, Barbara Fairchild, was just there with a small group for 7 days, on a self-organized excursion. Barbara will give us a genuine food journalist’s perspective on the food and accommodations in Havana and Trinidad. You’ll be surprised…

Outside of Havana, Barbara’s group visited Trinidad de Cuba and Cienfuegos. The accommodations there were in well-maintained Casa Particulares. These are Cuba’s version of Bed & Breakfast establishments.

One thing to keep in mind about Cuba is that Wi-Fi and internet access is spotty at best. Service can be intermittent, even in the luxury hotels.

Show 108, January 31, 2015: Kristine Kidd’s Gluten-Free Baking

Kristine KiddCookbook author Kristine Kidd was previously the distinguished food editor at Bon Appetit magazine for 20 years. Her eighth book is Gluten-Free Baking.

Her childhood celiac disease resurfaced recently and this book (and the prior Weeknight Gluten Free) are a result of her glorious experimentation in the kitchen. The new book features 80 recipes that are naturally gluten-free and just as tempting and tasty as traditional baked goods.

After adopting a gluten-free diet due to an intolerance, Kristine gave up bread and many pastries because the gluten-free options were coarse, dry, and lacking in flavor. She set out to work developing recipes in her own kitchen, exploring an array of gluten-free whole grains with the goal to create treats with great flavor and texture.

She focused on slightly sweet, protein rich sorghum flour; earthy buckwheat flour; millet; oats; quinoa; and almond meal and began baking delicious breakfast pastries like scones and fresh berry muffins, holiday desserts like sweet spiced pumpkin pie, and artisanal breads like olive and sage flatbread and whole-grain walnut bread. Her personal success mastering these ingredients in the kitchen led to writing Gluten-Free Baking.

 

Show 100, December 6, 2014: The Grand Central Market

Adele YellinThe historic Grand Central Market (GCM) has been an icon in Downtown Los Angeles since 1917. It celebrates the cuisines and cultures of all Angelenos. In the last two years, under the watchful eye of The Market’s proprietress, Adele Yellin, an impressive transformation has begun.

The best of the ethnic heritage food merchants (Tacos Tumbras A Tomas & Sarita’s Pupuseria) have been retained while exciting new food concepts (appealing to a younger generation of sophisticated foodies) have opened. The first wave of these spots was G&B Coffee and Sticky Rice (which has since expanded into a 2nd location there.) Mark Peel (ex-Campanile) has a seafood concept on the horizon.

The Market is now open later hours for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Foot traffic at The Grand Central Market has increased…This year Bon Appetit Magazine named the GCM as one of the “Ten Best New Restaurants of The Year.” Adele Yellin took the chef/proprietors of Tacos Tumbras A Tomas and Wexler’s Deli to New York for the bash in New York celebrating the issue.

Show 89, September 20, 2014: Barbara Fairchild, Food, Restaurant and Libation Journalist

Barbara FairchildJournalist Barbara Fairchild spent over 30 years with Bon Appetit Magazine. She was their long-time Editor. Barbara is a member of The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America.

She is the Travel and Restaurant Editor for GrapeCollective.com

Barbara was just in Nashville and, of course, partook of the local dining scene. We’ll get her report on what’s of note, morsel by tasty morsel. She highlights Jonathan Waxman’s (NY’s Barbuto) new restaurant there, Adele’s.

Barbara also enjoyed Rolf and Daughters in Germantown which serves new American cooking. Also high on her list is Chef Sean Brock’s Nashville branch (Rutledge Hill) of his well-know Charleston restaurant, Husk. It’s redesigned southern food.

For dessert Barbara suggests the incredible “from scratch” flavors served at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams which just arrived in Nashville from their flagship in Columbus, OH last year.

May 3: Sherry Yard, Jesse Barber, Nan Kohler, Barbara Fairchild, Yvon Goetz

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part One
Segment Three: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef Jesse Barber of Barnyard Venice
Segment Five: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part One
Segment Six: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part Two
Segment Seven: Barbara Fairchild, Restaurant & Travel Editor, grapecollective.com, editor, writer, speaker and consultant
Segment Eight: Chef Yvon Goetz, Chef & Partner, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tustin and Newport Beach

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Multiple James Beard Award-winning Pastry Chef Sherry Yard is familiar to the listening audience of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” Her work-in-progress is the ambitious revival of the Helms Bakery in Los Angeles on the border with Culver City.

She will tell us all about her exciting new position as Corporate Vice President of the Culinary Division of iPic Theaters. Watching a movie on the big screen should be a deluxe experience with food to match !

There is a relatively new hidden gem of a very personal farm-to-table restaurant in Venice. That’s Barnyard Venice. Come hungry and prepare to be pleasantly surprised and also well-taken care of.

Nan Kohler, the Managing Partner of Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, is back for an encore. This time she’ll also be speaking about gluten-free.

Barbara Fairchild, the well-traveled Restaurant & Travel Editor for grapecollective.com is back with us to share some inspired restaurant finds from her recent travels both in Europe and in The States.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin has a new location on the Bay in Newport Beach. It’s a “wow” of a spot!

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

Sherry YardRenowned pastry chef and best-selling cookbook author Sherry Yard spent close to 20 years with Wolfgang Puck. She also has been awarded two prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards! On May 5th in New York City Sherry is being inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America. It’s an elite group…

In late 2012 she left Spago to realize a dream project with Sang Yoon. That’s the reopening (and revamping) of the fondly remembered Helms Bakery in Los Angeles on the border of Culver City.

She has just stepped into the newly created position of Corporate Vice President of Culinary Direction for iPic Theaters.

Their new state-of-the-art Westwood complex has just opened. Locally-sourced gourmet food is now on the menu for the luxury movie viewing experience.

She also somehow finds the time to actively serve on both the National and L.A. Boards of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. (C-CAP.)

The iPic Theaters menu for Westwood even includes Helms Treats. There are premium signature cookies and even frozen novelties!

On the ground floor there is an Italian restaurant (Tanzy) open to the public for lunch and dinner.

Sherry Yard was on hand Sunday, April 25th on Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills to observe the cutting of Chef Donald Wressell’s breathtaking birthday cake for the 100th Anniversary of the City of Beverly Hills. Chef Donald is the corporate chef for Guittard Chocolate Co. Sherry has created incredible desserts for the Oscars and was truly impressed with the incredible results. 15,000 slices of deliciousness were served!

Adding a needed basement to the Helms Bakery (where there was none before) has delayed the project. Sherry is now looking at a 2015 launch.

Jesse Barber of Barnyard VeniceBarnyard Venice (opened in 2012) is a bit of a find housed in an old cottage on Pacific Avenue. It’s rustic and comfortable.

Chef Jesse Barber, an alum of the kitchen at Tasting Kitchen, is the menu-maker. Earlier in his career he worked with Thomas Keller at both The French Laundry and Bouchon. He’s put together an ever changing menu with an emphasis on local ingredients. He’s a regular at the Santa Monica Farmers Markets and that’s the basis for his menu which changes almost daily.

His grilled octopus is a standout.

Ramen Tuesday is at the bar.

Nan KohlerNan Kohler is the Managing Partner of Grist & Toll – An urban Flour Mill in Pasadena. She has extensive background in baking.

Nan discusses her take on celiac disease and the growing need for gluten-free products.

On Sunday, May 4th Chef Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union is cooking a dinner in conjunction with Grist & Toll. Union uses many of their products including their polenta which is a favorite of Chef Jet’s.

Chef Kalman will incorporate Grist & Toll’s whole-grain milled fresh flours into five courses. The price is $85 per guest.

Nan explains how the flours produced by Grist & Toll differ from the commercial enriched flour that goes into plain white bread. A lot of the nutritional value is surprisingly lost with the processing of conventional enriched flour.

Nan is also starting to offer baking classes.

Barbara FairchildIt’s a pleasure to welcome food journalist Barbara Fairchild back to the show. She is an editor, writer, speaker and consultant. She was the long-time Editor of Bon Appetit Magazine before the publication relocated to New York.

Her newest position is Restaurant & Travel Editor for grapecollective.com.

Based on her recent travels Barbara has restaurant finds for us from both London and Paris.

Yvon Goetz of the Winery Restaurant and BarThe Winery Restaurant & Bar at the District in Tustin has created quite a splash over the last six years. All that was missing was an ocean view.

Newly arrived on the Bay in Newport Beach is the 2nd location for The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. Partner/ Executive Chef Yvon Goetz is overseeing the kitchen here, too. It’s dinner only at present. Lunch will be coming on the weekends. Chef Yvon is our guest.

The new Winery brings the same distinctive experience as its flagship location in The District in Tustin. This one strives to make the guest feel like they have been transported to a relaxing getaway in Napa or Sonoma. This escape features ocean views from the second-story dining room and breathtaking bar.

The menu here is a bit more seafood centric. Some of the fish (Opah, Ono, and Mahi Mahi) +is flown in from Hawaii daily.

“The major difference with this location will be the stunning views of the waterfront and boat access. We anticipate endless possibilities, with something to suit every palate,” said JC Clow, Managing Partner of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. Three private docks are available for guests to arrive via the Marina.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part One
Segment Three: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef Jesse Barber of Barnyard Venice
Segment Five: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part One
Segment Six: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part Two
Segment Seven: Barbara Fairchild, Restaurant & Travel Editor, grapecollective.com, editor, writer, speaker and consultant
Segment Eight: Chef Yvon Goetz, Chef & Partner, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tustin and Newport Beach