Show 677, May 2, 2026: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Adam Bell

Set for Friday evening, May 15th is the always anticipated Culinary Careers Program’s (C-CAP) 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser saluting an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence. The evening is celebrating the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys. “Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co-chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.” Representing C-CAP with us is Lisa Fontanesi, the National Program Director, followed by Chef Anthony Greco of Porto’s, a C-CAP Alum and Member of C-CAP’s L.A. Council.

It’s that time of the year where we eagerly break bread with Legends Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe to chat about what’s new in salivating food and beverage options at Angel Stadium. A returning dessert item that was a smash hit in previous years is the crave-worthy Walk Off Waffles featuring the newly added (and decadent) Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Waffle. (Walk-Off Waffles Section 232, 412, 1st Base Food Court.) Another standout dessert is the Brookie. In the savory area a must-have is the Fried Mortadella Panini along with the Pork Chile Verde Mac & Cheese. Executive Chef for Angel Stadium, Dennis Radcliffe, takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us. He’s accompanied by Chuck Abair, his Executive Sous Chef.

“Created by Chef Rose Previte, Maydan Market is an 10,000-square-foot space inspired by markets from around the world. Designed as a gathering place anchored by a central live-fire hearth, Maydan Market brings diverse gems together under one roof, including Rose’s Middle Eastern restaurant and bar from DC, Maydan, her beloved Compass Rose, as well as various market outposts including Golden Mountain Chicken , Lugya’h by James Beard Award – nominated Poncho’s Tlayudas, and Maléna. Maydan Market also includes Club 104, a rotating residency space, and a Middle Eastern convenience store, Sook, that offers grab and go foods, hard-to-find middle eastern pantry staples and freshly prepared dishes served from the counter. Rooted in the sensory experiences of global marketplaces, Maydan Market encourages guests to wander, taste, and connect. Designed to reflect the cultural and culinary richness of Los Angeles, it offers independent food businesses the opportunity to grow alongside one another in a spirit of discovery, community, and shared tradition.” Chef and Restaurateur Rose Previte joins us to unwrap all that is Maydan Market.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. For the first time in years commercial salmon fishing off the coast of California is again permissible. It’s a short window. Chef Andrew explains the potential impact. Also some tips/strategies for successful Mother’s Day Dining.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

May 2: Culinary Careers Program, Angels Baseball Food, Maydan Market

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: Culinary Careers Gala, Porto’s Bakery, Angel Stadium Eats
Hour Two: Angel Stadium Eats, Maydan Market, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) L.A. Annual Gala Preview with Lisa Fontanesi, National Program Director
Segment Three: Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) L.A. Annual Gala Preview with C-CAP Alum Chef Anthony Greco of Porto’s
Segments Four and Five: Angel Stadium Eats with Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Global and Executive Sous Chef Chuck Abair
Segments Six and Seven: Maydan Market and Maydan Restaurant (West Adams, Los Angeles) with Restaurateur & Chef Rose Previte
Segment Eight: Andrew Gruel, Chef, Restaurateur and Show Co-Host with “Ask the Chef”

Set for Friday evening, May 15^th is the always anticipated Culinary Careers Program’s (C-CAP) 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser celebrating an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence. The evening is celebrating the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys. “Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co-chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.” Representing C-CAP with us is Lisa Fontanesi, the National Program Director.

It’s that time of the year where we eagerly break bread with Legends Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe to chat about what’s new in salivating food and beverage options at Angel Stadium. A returning dessert item that was a smash hit in previous years is the crave-worthy Walk Off Waffles featuring the newly added (and decadent) Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Waffle. (Walk-Off Waffles Section 232, 412, 1^st Base Food Court.) Another standout dessert is the Brookie. In the savory area a must-have is the Fried Mortadella Panini along with the Pork Chile Verde Mac & Cheese. Executive Chef for Angel Stadium, Dennis Radcliffe, takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us. He’s accompanied by Chuck Abair, his Executive Sous Chef.

“Created by Chef Rose Previte, Maydan Market is an 10,000-square-foot space inspired by markets from around the world. Designed as a gathering place anchored by a central live-fire hearth, Maydan Market brings diverse gems together under one roof, including Rose’s Middle Eastern restaurant and bar from DC, Maydan, her beloved Compass Rose, as well as various market outposts including Golden Mountain Chicken, Lugya’h by James Beard Award-nominated Poncho’s Tlayudas, and Maléna. Maydan Market also includes Club 104, a rotating residency space, and a Middle Eastern convenience store, Sook, that offers grab and go foods, hard-to-find middle eastern pantry staples and freshly prepared dishes served from the counter. Rooted in the sensory experiences of global marketplaces, Maydan Market encourages guests to wander, taste, and connect. Designed to reflect the cultural and culinary richness of Los Angeles, it offers independent food businesses the opportunity to grow alongside one another in a spirit of discovery, community, and shared tradition.”

Chef and Restaurateur Rose Previte joins us to unwrap all that is Maydan Market.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. For the first time in years commercial salmon fishing off the coast of California is again permissible. It’s a short window. Chef Andrew explains the potential impact.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Lisa Fontanesi of Culinary Careers Program at Manhattan Beach Food and Wine

Set for Friday evening, May 15^th is the Culinary Careers Program’s 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser celebrating an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence.

“The evening is celebrating the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys.

The night begins with rooftop cocktail hour at Sunset followed by a elegant multi-course, premium wine-paired seated dinner and program, in the historic Jonathan Club’s Grand ballroom. The Jonathan Club is an exclusive, members-only private club where the 1932 L.A. Olympics were born.”

Designing the sumptuous repast are an all-star lineup of C-CAP alumni chefs including “Top Chef” alum Amar Santana of Vaca, Anthony Greco of Porto’s and Lasheeda Perry, Food Network Star and known as the Queen of Flavor. Celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame are the evening’s hosts.

“Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co-chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.”

“C-CAP serves communities across Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.”

“C-CAP’s methodology works, and to date has uplifted close to 400,000 students and awarded $73 million in college scholarships. Many of their alumni are enjoying successful careers at award-winning restaurants and 5-star hotels around the globe.”

Representing C-CAP today is Lisa Fontanesi, the National Program Director.

In the savory area a must-have is the Fried Mortadella Panini along with the Pork Chile Verde Mac & Cheese. There is also the salivating featured Hoffy Hot Dog of the Homestand.

Executive Chef for Angel Stadium, Dennis Radcliffe, takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us. He’s accompanied by Chuck Abair, his Executive Sous Chef.

Maydan, oronounced “MY-dahn,” “MAY-dahn,” or “MI-dan,” is a word used throughout the Middle East, Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. It means the same thing everywhere: a central public meeting place, often in the middle of a city, a space for people to come together as a community to celebrate. Rooted in the sensory experiences of global marketplaces, Maydan Market encourages guests to wander, taste, and connect. Designed to reflect the cultural and culinary richness of Los Angeles, it offers independent food businesses the opportunity to grow alongside one another in a spirit of discovery, community, and shared tradition.

Chef and Restaurateur Rose Previte joins us to unwrap all that is Maydan Market.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

For the first time in years commercial salmon fishing off the coast of California is again permissible. It’s a short window. Chef Andrew explains the potential impact.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: Culinary Careers Gala, Porto’s Bakery, Angel Stadium Eats
Hour Two: Angel Stadium Eats, Maydan Market, Andrew Gruel

Show 644, September 13, 2025: Lisa Fontanesi, Los Angeles Director, Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP)

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Adam Bell

“The Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP), the charitable beneficiary of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders. They provide culinary arts education, job skills, apprenticeships, scholarships, and career opportunities to under-resourced high school students and adults.”

C•CAP students are working in each restaurant booth this evening at Manhattan Beach Food & Wine actively assisting the executive chefs from the participating restaurants. They actually get “billing” at each restaurant station.

C•CAP’s long-time Los Angeles Director, Lisa Fontanesi, joins us.

Show 641, August 23, 2025: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Host Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2^nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12^th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13^th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”

Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird and Vibiana) joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

Show 626, May 10, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Adam Bell

“The unusual business model for veteran winemaker Marco Cappelli of Cappelli Wine in Placerville, CA had been taking form in his mind for many years and when a circa 1895 building in the historic district of downtown Placerville came up for sale, he and his wife Belinda knew it was time to give the Tasting Room business a try. While he continues to work for noteworthy local wineries as a distinguished consulting winemaker, he spends much of his day introducing locals to his rotating selection of delicious, hand-crafted small batch and single-vineyard wines priced for everyday drinking.” Patrons even are rewarded with a $2 credit when they return an empty bottle. Marco Cappelli is our guest gently pulling the cork on all that is Cappelli Wine.

“Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week (May 18th through 25^th) is organized by the United Cambodian Community and supported by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week will pay homage to the unique foods of its vast Cambodian community. This event is an opportunity to support local Cambodia Town restaurants during this challenging time while food lovers get to eat, drink, and try new places. Featured eateries will offer a Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week special or offer feature $5, $10, $15 and $20 menus at participating Cambodian restaurants and food businesses across the city!”

The well-established Phnom Penh Noodle Shack is, again, a participating restaurant in Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week. Second generation proprietor Mo Tan, representing the Tan Family, joins us with what’s on their menu. Shlap Muan, known for their addictive Cambodian accented Chicken Wings, is also a participating restaurant in Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week. They also serve at Smorgasburg LA on Sundays in Downtown Los Angeles and just got back from a very warm reception selling their signature spicy Wings at the Stagecoach Music Festival at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio.

Proprietor Hawk Tea takes a break from his busy fryer to join us.

C•CAP Los Angeles’ (Culinary Careers Program) Annual Gala Benefit Dinner is set for Friday evening, May 16th at Jonathan Club Downtown Los Angeles. This year’s honoree is acclaimed Italian Chef Celestino Drago (Drago Centro), the pioneer of regional Italian fine dining in Los Angeles. Chef Celestino imported Sicilian culinary traditions to the city over 40 years ago. His award-winning, wildly popular restaurants honor his roots, with a modern twist. The evening launches with rooftop libations (including cocktails, premium wine and craft beer) and canapés followed by a sumptuous 4-course, wine-paired Sicilian dinner (with the menu by Celestino Drago) in the Jonathan Club Grand Ballroom.
C•CAP Los Angeles annually supports over 7,000 LA area high school students with culinary arts education, job skills training, college scholarships, and career opportunities. C•CAP Los Angeles’ Director, Lisa Fontanesi, joins us with all the Gala details

If you’ve ever flown to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines you’ve surely tasted the addictive pineapple shaped, premium shortbread cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Co. “The family-owned business started modestly in 1998 when entrepreneurs Keith and Janet Sung developed a recipe for premium shortbread cookies. As an artist, Keith wanted to develop something unique – a cookie that represented true Hawaiian hospitality. What he created was a line of island-inspired flavors in a signature pineapple shape. The recipe has been refined over the years, but HCC always carry through that dedication to quality ingredients inspired by the flavors of their island home. From their bakery, stores opened throughout Honolulu, particularly in Waikiki, to ensure the hospitality that inspired HCC cookies was delivered to visitors from around the world. Eventually, HCC found homes and opened new locations on Maui, in Las Vegas, and in Guam” Ryan Sung, representing the 2nd generation of proud Family ownership, joins us to tell the story of the Honolulu Cookie Co.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Beef is back in popularity. Where’s the beef? Chef Andrew explains.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 626, May 10, 2025: Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP L.A.) Gala Honoring Chef Celestino Drago

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Chef Celestino brought Sicilian culinary traditions to the city over 40 years ago. His award-winning, wildly popular restaurants honor his roots, with a modern twist.”

The evening launches with rooftop libations (including cocktails, premium wine and craft beer) and canapés followed by a sumptuous 4-course, wine-paired Sicilian dinner (with the menu by Celestino Drago) in the Jonathan Club Grand Ballroom.

“C•CAP Los Angeles annually supports over 7,000 LA area high school students with culinary arts education, job skills training, college scholarships, and career opportunities.”

C•CAP Los Angeles’ Director, Lisa Fontanesi joins us with all the Gala details.

May 10: Cappelli Wine, Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week, C•CAP’s Annual Gala Dinner, Honolulu Cookie Co.

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: Cappelli Wine, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack
Hour Two: Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP L.A.) Gala Honoring Chef Celestino Drago, Honolulu Cookie Co., Shlap Muan, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Winemaker Marco Cappelli of Cappelli Wine, Placerville, El Dorado County
Segment Four: Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week Preview with Mo Tan of Phnom Penh Noodle Shack
Segment Five: Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP L.A.) Gala Honoring Chef Celestino Drago
Segment Six: Honolulu Cookie Company with Ryan Sung
Segment Seven: Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week Preview with Hawk Tea of Shlap Muan
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

“The unusual business model for veteran winemaker Marco Cappelli of Cappelli Wine in Placerville, CA had been taking form in his mind for many years and when a circa 1895 building in the historic district of downtown Placerville came up for sale, he and his wife Belinda knew it was time to give the Tasting Room business a try. While he continues to work for noteworthy local wineries as a distinguished consulting winemaker, he spends much of his day introducing locals to his rotating selection of delicious, hand-crafted small batch and single-vineyard wines priced for everyday drinking.” Patrons even are rewarded with a $2 credit when they return an empty bottle. Marco Cappelli is our guest gently pulling the cork on all that is Cappelli Wine.

“Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week (May 18th through 25^th) is organized by the United Cambodian Community and supported by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week will pay homage to the unique foods of its vast Cambodian community. This event is an opportunity to support local Cambodia Town restaurants during this challenging time while food lovers get to eat, drink, and try new places. Featured eateries will offer a Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week special or offer feature $5, $10, $15 and $20 menus at participating Cambodian restaurants and food businesses across the city!”

Proprietor Hawk Tea takes a break from his busy fryer to join us.

C•CAP Los Angeles’ (Culinary Careers Program) Annual Gala Benefit Dinner is set for Friday evening, May 16^th at Jonathan Club Downtown Los Angeles. This year honoree is acclaimed Italian Chef Celestino Drago (Drago Centro), the pioneer of regional Italian fine dining in Los Angeles. Chef Celestino Drago is a pioneering leader of regional Italian cuisine in Los Angeles, who brought Sicilian culinary traditions to the city over 40 years ago. His award-winning, wildly popular restaurants honor his roots, with a modern twist. The evening launches with rooftop libations (including cocktails, premium wine and craft beer) and canapés followed by a sumptuous 4-course, wine-paired Sicilian dinner (with the menu by Celestino Drago) in the Jonathan Club Grand Ballroom.

C•CAP Los Angeles annually supports over 7,000 LA area high school students with culinary arts education, job skills training, college scholarships, and career opportunities. C•CAP Los Angeles’ Director, Lisa Fontanesi, joins us with all the Gala details.

If you’ve ever flown to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines you’ve surely tasted the addictive pineapple shaped, premium shortbread cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Co. “The family-owned business started modestly in 1998 when entrepreneurs Keith and Janet Sung developed a recipe for premium shortbread cookies. As an artist, Keith wanted to develop something unique – a cookie that represented true Hawaiian hospitality. What he created was a line of island-inspired flavors in a signature pineapple shape. The recipe has been refined over the years, but HCC always carry through that dedication to quality ingredients inspired by the flavors of their island home. From their bakery, stores opened throughout Honolulu, particularly in Waikiki, to ensure the hospitality that inspired HCC cookies was delivered to visitors from around the world. Eventually, HCC found homes and opened new locations on Maui, in Las Vegas, and in Guam.” Ryan Sung, representing the 2^nd generation of proud Family ownership, joins us to tell the story of the Honolulu Cookie Co.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House(located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Beef is back in popularity. Where’s the beef? Chef Andrew explains.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

“Veteran El Dorado County, CA Winemaker Marco Cappelli’s choice to get into the wine business was not pre-ordained; his Italian-born parents were teetotalers and his childhood home was not in Napa or Sonoma, but Carmel-by-the-Sea, an area known more for windswept rocky shores and white sand beaches than wine production. The path to an eventual career in winemaking started in a more roundabout and serendipitous way.”

“After a wonderful and life-changing 20 months in Europe, making wine at various wineries in Tuscany and learning the remarkable complexity of sweet wine production in Sauternes, he returned to California to look for a steady job. At this point in his life, fate intervened; through a dear friend he was introduced to Andre Tchelistcheff, the bedrock of California winemaking and mentor to many fortunate young winemakers. This was 1987. Andre was helping a start-up winery in Oakville / Rutherford owned by entrepreneur, bon vivant and nonpareil good person Clarke Swanson. At Swanson Vineyards Clarke and Marco together made many wonderful wines and even more wonderful memories. After 17 years working with Swanson, he left Napa in 2004 for the quiet wilderness of the Sierra Foothills to begin a new chapter in his life.”

“Believing he could make a modest living growing grapes, Marco purchased a 42-acre parcel in the Fair Play AVA of El Dorado County with a little house, a great view and 14 acres of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Roussanne. He quickly realized, however, that the hardscrabble life of a Fair Play grape-grower was no way to make a living, even a modest one, so he turned to what he knew best and started working with local vineyards and wineries. With time he grew to understand and appreciate the rugged terroir, sleek and focused wines, and adventurous spirit of the locals.”

“The business model for Cappelli Wine had been taking form in his mind for many years and when a circa 1895 building in the historic district of downtown Placerville came up for sale, he and his wife Belinda knew it was time to give the business a try. While he continues to work for local wineries, he spends much of his day introducing locals to his rotating selection of delicious, hand-crafted small batch and single-vineyard wines priced for everyday drinking.” Patrons even are rewarded with a $2 credit when they return an empty bottle.

Marco Cappelli is our guest gently pulling the cork on all that is Cappelli Wine.

“This event is an opportunity to support local Cambodia Town restaurants during this challenging time while food lovers get to eat, drink, and try new places. Featured eateries will offer a Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week special or offer feature $5, $10, $15 and $20 menus at participating Cambodian restaurants and food businesses across the city!”

“Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week is a medium to bring everyone together, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s exciting Cambodian food scene.”

Chef Celestino Drago is a pioneering leader of regional Italian cuisine in Los Angeles, who brought Sicilian culinary traditions to the city over 40 years ago. His award-winning, wildly popular restaurants honor his roots, with a modern twist.

“C•CAP Los Angeles annually supports over 7,000 LA area high school students with culinary arts education, job skills training, college scholarships, and career opportunities.”

C•CAP Los Angeles’ Director, Lisa Fontanesi joins us with all the Gala details.

“From their bakery, stores opened throughout Honolulu, particularly in Waikiki, to ensure the hospitality that inspired HCC cookies was delivered to visitors from around the world. Eventually, HCC found homes and opened new locations on Maui, in Las Vegas, and in Guam.”

“Each progression is informed by a commitment to sharing the best experience of a Hawaiian vacation. The cookie collection packages are designed to delight, and the stores are eager to share the Aloha spirit, but it all begins with the cookies. The finest ingredients are selected to make their unique pineapple-shaped cookies to be shared with friends and fans around the world.”

“Pineapples are the international symbol of hospitality. In fact, HCC’s iconic cookie shape was originally chosen for this reason. Their cookies are designed to be given as gifts, a way to celebrate a meeting of old friends or new acquaintances by sharing something sweet.”

Ryan Sung, representing the 2^nd generation of proud Family ownership, joins us to tell the story of the Honolulu Cookie Co.

“Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week is a medium to bring everyone together, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s exciting Cambodian food scene.”

Shlap Muan, known for their addictive Cambodian accented Chicken Wings, is a participating restaurant in Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week. They also serve at Smorgasburg LA on Sundays and just got back from a very warm reception selling their Wings at the Stagecoach Music Festival at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio.

Proprietor Hawk Tea takes a break from his busy fryer to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Beef is regaining its former popularity. Where’s the beef? Chef Andrew explains.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook (newly published) is also available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: Cappelli Wine, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack
Hour Two: Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP L.A.) Gala Honoring Chef Celestino Drago, Honolulu Cookie Co., Shlap Muan, Andrew Gruel

Show 593, September 7, 2024: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival with Founder Shelby Russell

Posted on September 8, 2024 by Adam Bell

Shelby Russell of Electric Avenue Events

“The inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Southern California’s newest world-class Culinary Festival, is coming to Manhattan Village the evenings of Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12th. The Festival features an all-star lineup of 50 of the Best Chefs in North America!”

The Event Host Chef is Neal Fraser of Redbird and Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles. The local culinary ambassadors are Chef David LeFevre of Fishing with Dynamite, MB Post, The Arthur J and AttaGirl, and Sherry Yard of Bakery by the Yard.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine promises to be a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, October 11, 2024, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 25 of the best chefs and restaurants, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” The charitable beneficiary is the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.)

“Manhattan Beach Food & Wine will be held at Manhattan Village in a 40,000-square-foot outdoor space located at the end of the Veterans Parkway Greenbelt Path. This beautifully landscaped trail runs through Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach, allowing guests to walk or bike to this year’s event with ease. Manhattan Village will also be offering complimentary parking and guests are encouraged to use rideshare services.”

Founder Shelby Russell joins us with all the delectable details.

Show 593, September 7, 2024: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival with Event Host Chef Neal Fraser

Posted on September 8, 2024 by Adam Bell

“The Inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine will feature an unparalleled lineup of 50 of the Best Chefs from across North America, representing Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, Denver, Solvang, Palm Springs, Vancouver, and Mexico. This elite culinary gathering promises to be a spectacular showcase of culinary excellence and innovation.”

Event Host Chef Neal Fraser is our guest discussing the salivating culinary aspects of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.

Show 574, April 20, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Adam Bell

Acclaimed Restaurateur and Chef (and James Beard Award recipient) “Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles and Newport Beach as well as Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go, and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles. Silverton also founded the world-renowned La Brea Bakery as well as Campanile Restaurant, an institution that Angelenos cherished for decades. Silverton has worked with some of the nation’s most notable and influential chefs including Jonathan Waxman at Michael’s Restaurant and Wolfgang Puck at Spago. She has served as a mentor to numerous others who have gone on to become award-winning chefs and restaurant owners themselves.” Nancy Silverton now invites all foodies to the C-CAP Los Angeles (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) Gala on Friday, May 17 at Jonathan Club DTLA! Join her for a glittering evening of food and drink to benefit C-CAP Los Angeles’ (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) students and programming. Longtime C-CAP supporter and pioneering chef Nancy Silverton is creating a delicious multi-course menu along with Jonathan Club’s heralded Executive Chef Andreas Roller. Nancy Silverton is our guest previewing what’s on the salivating May 17th menu.

Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the celebrated Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro. His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious, soon to celebrate it’s first anniversary, Trani’s Dockside Station located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. Sunday Brunch is on the horizon. Chef Dustin Trani joins us with all the update details for Trani’s Dockside Station.

“James Beard cookbook-award-winning authors Ann Taylor Pittman and Scott Mowbray explore in The Global Pantry Cookbook the exciting range of versatile, short-cut, high-flavor ingredients in the global pantry: gochujang, toasted sesame oil, Banyuls vinegar, za’atar, palm sugar, sorghum, chipotles in adobo and many more. These easily found products burst with flavors that Americans have come to love in restaurants in recent years—and are hugely useful for home cooking.

Ann and Scott tasted and tested more than 100 pantry stars to find the best for both traditional recipes (such as Grilled Pork Satay from Indonesia) and for playful mashups like their Ground Beef Bulgogi Sloppy Joes with Fiery Napa Slaw and their Coconutty Banana Pudding with Candied Black Walnuts. The book provides in-depth shopping and storage advice, has many tips to ensure recipe success, and suggests alternative uses for each product.” Ann Taylor Pittman joins us to discuss The Global Pantry Cookbook.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Chefs prefer to cook with natural gas based on the cost and efficiency of existing technology. Berkeley passed a first of its kind law in 2019 banning natural gas piping from being installed in new construction. Berkeley has now backed off that ban influenced by a federal appeals court ruling and Chef Andrew now provides the explanation.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!