Show 508, January 21, 2023: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater Los Angeles Part One

Farley Elliott at the KLAA Studios

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley is the Senior Editor of the widely read Eater LA, covering the daily restaurant news beat in Los Angeles, Orange County and environs. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Find him all over the internet.

The Michelin Guide California was released last December. Chefs consider Michelin recognition to be of great importance. The Guide (now only online) conveys its restaurant awards through a series of recognitions. There are “Stars” awarded for restaurant of distinction in addition to the Bib Gourmands recognizing skillful cooking at an affordable price. Farley has covered the Michelins for years (Michelin is apparently a bit media shy when it comes to interviews) and we’ll discuss all the levels of possible awards and where the funding for the Guides comes from.

Show 508, January 21, 2023: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater Los Angeles Part Two

Farley Elliott

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show and he continues with us. Farley is the Senior Editor of the widely read Eater LA, covering the daily restaurant news beat in Los Angeles, Orange County and environs. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Find him all over the internet.

The Michelin Guide California was released last December. Chefs consider Michelin recognition to be of great importance. The Guide (now only online) conveys its restaurant awards through a series of recognitions. There are “Stars” awarded for restaurant of distinction in addition to the Bib Gourmands recognizing skillful cooking at an affordable price. Farley has covered the Michelins for years (Michelin is apparently a bit media shy when it comes to interviews) and we’ll discuss all the levels of possible awards and where the funding for the Guides comes from.

We’ll also discuss with Farley the revamping (and reopening on February 1st) of the fine dining Angler in the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. It’s a totally new menu and direction.

Happily Eater Los Angeles is devoting more resources to covering the Orange County dining scene. Just last week Eater published their guide to the “15 Best Breakfast Burritos in Orange County.”

Show 423, May 1, 2021: Ika Taft, Proprietress, More Than Waffles, Encino

The proudly family-owned More Than Waffles located in the Encino Town Center launched in 1975. Since 1998 the established has been owned and operated by the Taft Family. “They specialize in the authentic Belgian Waffle called, “Gaufre.” They are known for their thickness but have a light and airy texture which makes them lower in calories, only 140 calories per waffle. The waffles are made from the finest ingredients and served plain or with a variety of fresh toppings and are accompanied with house-made jam and melted butter. More than Waffles offers some 19 different waffles to choose from, and of course you can create your own.”

“More Than Waffles also offers a full breakfast menu that includes 21 omelets which are served with a Belgian Waffle or home fries, breakfast burritos, crepes, pancakes, various benedicts, hash and much more.”

“Besides breakfast, More Than Waffles offers a full lunch menu including Sandwiches, Salads, Pastas, Chicken Dishes, house-made Soups and juicy Hamburgers (including Vegi Burgers and Turkey Burgers.) More Than Waffles uses a variety of Organic products and offers many healthy and low-calorie dishes for a lighter touch.”

Love is in the air at More Than Waffles. Proprietress Ika Taft (who started there as a server) met her future husband, Greg, at the restaurant. As coincidence would have it Ika’s and Greg’s daughter, Henny, also was introduced to her future husband (Mike) at More Than Waffles. Henny is currently the General Manager of More Than Waffles representing the 2nd generation of caring, hands-on Taft Family stewardship.

Since they only have 17 tables available in their comfortable patio on the lower level of the Encino Town Center Ika suggests getting on their Yelp Waitlist during normal operating hours. If your party is on the list by the 2 p.m. daily close you’re guaranteed attentive & relaxed service even if you’re seated after 2:00 p.m. That’s real hospitality….

More Than Waffles was a beneficiary of Chef Andrew & Lauren Gruel’s “86 Restaurant Struggle” relief fund with support to both the Front and Back of The House Staff there.