Show 558, December 30, 2023: Anne Marie Panoringan – Culture OC’s Food Columnist Part One

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is now Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist and a host of other well-respected publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her new outlet as Food Columnist for Culture OC and preview her next column.

First it’s her 2nd YouTube video adventure with content creator Dzung Lewis also known as “Honeysuckle.” Then it’s on to a favorite dish at Chef Nick Weber’s Populaire at South Coast Plaza.

Along the way Anne Marie will highlight her recent dining adventures in Las Vegas including a meal at Peter Luger Steak House (of Brooklyn) at Caesars Palace and the opening of first mainland Zippy’s (revered in Hawaii) in Las Vegas. Also an overview of the ambitious Mercado Gonzalez (a Mexican Food Wonderland) in Costa Mesa.

Show 558, December 30, 2023: Anne Marie Panoringan – Culture OC’s Food Columnist Part Two

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is now Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist and a host of other well-respected publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her new outlet as Food Columnist for Culture OC and preview her next column.

Along the way Anne Marie will highlight her recent dining adventures in Las Vegas including a meal at Peter Luger Steak House (of Brooklyn) at Caesars Palace and the opening of first mainland Zippy’s (revered in Hawaii) in Las Vegas. Also an overview of the ambitious Mercado Gonzalez (a Mexican Food Wonderland) in Costa Mesa.

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 269, April 14, 2018: Vegas Uncork’d Preview with Susan Feniger

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernCongratulations to Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Mlliken on being honored with the 2018 Gold Award by the Los Angeles Times.

The 12th Vegas Uncork’d is in the horizon for the fabled Las Vegas Strip the Weekend of May 10th thru Sunday, May 13. It’s a foodies paradise as most celebrity chefs represented on The Strip will be hosting an incredible assortment of high profile, one-of-a-kind food & libation events. Joining us to preview her pair of Vegas Uncork’d celebrations is Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame.

We’ll be there in the heart of the action, too, broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Resort on Saturday May 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

Susan’s first event is Tequila & Salsa With Susan Feniger” on Thursday, May 10th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Border Grill at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

“The perfect event for tequila and taco lovers alike, or anyone who loves a good time. Join Too Hot Tamale and celebrity chef Susan Feniger for an exhilarating evening at Border Grill. Enjoy unlimited signature tacos, ceviches, seafood cocktails, top-shelf tequila cocktails, and a salsa dance lesson to get everyone moving on the dance floor!”

Susan’s 2nd Uncorked event is Master Series – Women’s Power Lunch & Conversation” on Saturday, May 12th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Border Grill, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

“This lunch is unlike anything you’ve experienced before! Get up close and personal with chefs Susan Feniger, Christina Tosi, Elizabeth Blau, Saipin Chutima, Nicole Brisson, and others at Border Grill in The Forum Shops for a panel discussion and lunch celebrating all things female! Guests will indulge in a delicious meal prepared by a team of all-women chefs, sip on curated wines from female winemakers, and indulge in tastings of top-shelf tequila from a women-operated distillery in this first-ever event at Vegas Uncork’d.”

Border Grill Mandalay Bay (the original) is represented in The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace on Friday evening, May 11th.

Show 185, August 20, 2016: Brock Radke, Managing Editor, Las Vegas Weekly Part One

Brock Radke of Las Vegas WeeklyJournalist Brock Radke is our well-connected Las Vegas insider. He’s the Managing Editor of Las Vegas Weekly and has been reporting on the dynamic Las Vegas scene for 15 years. He’s back with his regular dining update.

We’ll get updated on Downtown Las Vegas restaurant happenings, celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Caesars Palace, and talk about the late Chef Michel Richard’s restaurant there, Central Michel Richard.

Show 138, September 12, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host William Lewis & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Sir William Lewis of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar in TustinThe always elegant William Lewis, Managing Partner and Sommelier of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin and Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Next a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We move aside for Notre Dame football a little early at 11:30 a.m.

The Bluenose is a classic hotel property located in scenic Bar Harbor, Maine at the gateway to Acadia National Park. The adjacent Looking Glass Restaurant offers superb local fare with an incredible view of the bay. Property General Manager & Co-Owner Jim Ash and Executive Chef Matt McPherson are our guests.

Ment’or BKB Foundations’ 2015 Young Chef Competitions series debuted at Bouchon Beverly Hills on August 27th. Chef Philip Tessier (formerly the Executive Sous Chef of The French Laundry and Head Coach for the Bocuse d’Or Team USA for 2017) joins us to talk about the competition.

The Long Beach run of the CANstruction Competition benefiting Food Finders is back on Sept. 17th. Five talented teams of architects and designers build incredible structures made out of 2,000 plus cans of food. After the judging all of the food is donated to Food Finders, a Long Beach–based Food Bank. Representing Environ Architects (one of the competing teams) partnered with California Resources Corporation is Vice President Willetta McCulloh. She is our guest to discuss CANstruction.

The Joy of Sake Festival comes to Las Vegas for the first time on Saturday, September 19th from 7 to 10:00 p.m. at Caesars Palace. It celebrates the world’s finest sakes. Organizer Chris Pearce gives us all the 411.

Chef Barbara Lynch, a James Beard Award-winner, is a celebrated chef in Boston. Her Barbara Lynch Gruppo enterprise owns multiple highly-regarded restaurant properties there. One of the newest is Sportello (Italian for “counter service”), a modern interpretation of the classic diner. It’s trattoria –inspired Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. Chef de Cuisine David Cavilla is our guest.

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

Show 138, September 12, 2015: The Joy of Sake Festival – Las Vegas

Chris PearceThe Joy of Sake Festival, now in its 15th year, comes to Las Vegas for the first time on Saturday, September 19th from 7 to 10:00 p.m. at Caesars Palace. It celebrates the world’s finest sakes.

The Joy of Sake is the public tasting that follows the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, which is held in Honolulu every July. Brewers from every region in Japan enter their best junmai, ginjo and daiginjo labels, which are blind-tasted by judges from Japan and the U.S. The most exceptional win gold and silver awards. Festival-goers sample these outstanding entries, including over 200 labels which are not even available in the U.S.

For sake fans, there is no better scenario : over four hundred premium labels in peak condition, along with sake-themed appetizers from 12 top restaurants in Las Vegas including the renown Raku in Las Vegas’ Chinatown.

Tokyo follows on November 5th.

Organizer Chris Pearce gives us all the 411.

September 12: William Lewis, Looking Glass, Philip Tessier, CANstruction Competition, Joy of Sake, Sportello

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host William Lewis & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Bar Harbor, Maine’s The Bluenose Hotel and The Looking Glass Restaurant
Segment Three: ment’or BKB Foundation’s 2015 Young Chef Competitions
Segment Four: CANstruction Long Beach 2015
Segment Five: The Joy of Sake Festival – Las Vegas
Segment Six: Barbara Lynch’s Sportello, Boston

Sir William Lewis of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar in TustinThe always elegant William Lewis, Managing Partner and Sommelier of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin and Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Next a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We move aside for Notre Dame football a bit early at 11:30 a.m.

The Bluenose is a classic hotel property located in scenic Bar Harbor, Maine at the gateway to Acadia National Park. The adjacent Looking Glass Restaurant offers superb local fare with an incredible view of the bay. General Manager & Co-Owner Jim Ash and Executive Chef Matt McPherson are our guests.

Mentor BKB Foundations’ 2015 Young Chef Competitions series debuted at Bouchon Beverly Hills on August 27th. Chef Philip Tessier (formerly the Executive Sous Chef of The French Laundry and Head Coach for the Bocuse d’Or Team USA for 2017) joins us to talk about the competition.

The Long Beach run of the CANstruction Competition benefiting Food Finders is back on Sept. 17th. Five talented teams of architects and designers build incredible structures made out of 2,000 plus cans of food. After the judging all of the food is donated to Food Finders, a Long Beach–based Food Bank. Representing Environ Architects (one of the competing teams partnered with California Resources Corporation) is Vice President Willetta McCulloh. She is our guest to discuss CANstruction.

The Joy of Sake Festival comes to Las Vegas for the first time on Saturday, September 19th from 7 to 10:00 p.m. at Caesars Palace. It celebrates the world’s finest sakes. Organizer Chris Pearce gives us all the 411.

Chef Barbara Lynch, a James Beard Award-winner, is a celebrated chef in Boston. Her Barbara Lynch Gruppo enterprise owns multiple highly-regarded restaurant properties there. One of the newest is Sportello (Italian for “counter service”), a modern interpretation of the classic diner. It’s trattoria –inspired Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. Chef de Cuisine David Cavilla is our guest.

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

Looking Glass RestaurantThe Bluenose is a classic hotel property with a spa on a hilltop located in scenic Bar Harbor, Maine at the gateway to Acadia National Park. The adjacent Looking Glass Restaurant offers superb local fare for breakfast and dinner with an incredible view of Frenchman Bay. Its inviting patio deck is even pet-friendly.

Newly arrived Executive Chef Matt McPherson and property GM Jim Ash are following a vision to fill diners’ plates with locally caught seafood, Maine cheeses, meats raised in the area and in sustainable ways and fresh, local vegetables. Much of the produce comes from an on-site garden located just below the restaurant.

“I think the local movement is one of the most important things with food right now, where people are so disconnected with where they’re getting everything from,” Chef McPherson said. “People are used to the whole mass-quantity perfection, and that’s not really what food is. I think if we can get into the localized cooking and what food is supposed to be and kind of push that slowly, that’s the wave of the future.”

General Manager & Co-Owner Jim Ash and Executive Chef Matt McPherson are our guests.

philip-tessierThe ment’or BKB Foundation debuted its 2015 Young Chef Competition Series in Los Angeles on Sept. 27th at Bouchon Beverly Hills. Other upcoming dates will be in Chicago, Houston and New York City. Four chefs between the ages of 22 to 27 compete on a Bocuse d’Or-style challenge, with the winning team in each city being awarded $10,000, which may be used to stage at the restaurant of their choice. The team placing second receives $5,000.

Culinary greats from the mentor Culinary Council are on hand in each city to judge the competition, a ticked event with all the proceeds helping to support the Foundation.

Culinary Council member Chef Philip Tessier, formerly the Executive Sous Chef of The French Laundry in Yountville is our guest. Chef Philip is also the Team USA Head Coach for the 2017 Bocuse d’Or international culinary competition. Chef Philip was the Silver Statue Winner for Bocuse d’Or Team USA in 2015. This was a prestigious first for the United States.

Canstruction Long BeachThe Long Beach run of the CANstruction Competition benefiting Food Finders is back on Sept. 17th. This annual event now takes place in over 130 cities and was initiated by the Society for Design Administration (SAD) in 1992.

Five talented teams of architects and designers build incredible structures made out of 2,000 plus cans of food. After the judging all of the food is donated to Food Finders, a Long Beach–based Food Bank.

Awards are given for Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity, Jurors’ Favorite, People’s Choice and Honorable Mentions.

This Year’s Theme: “Breakfast CAN Make a Difference!”

Representing Environ Architects (one of the competing teams) partnered with California Resources Corporation is Vice President Willetta McCulloh. She is our guest to discuss CANstruction.

“The concept behind Environ Architecture’s design lies in the nostalgic, whimsical nature that comes from our growing up with classic books reminiscent of our childhood. It draws inspiration from the children’s classic, Green Eggs & Ham. Changing our perception of breakfast to make it fun can propel us to be open minded for better meal choices.”

Chris PearceThe Joy of Sake Festival comes to Las Vegas for the first time on Saturday, September 19th from 7 to 10:00 p.m. at Caesars Palace. It celebrates the world’s finest sakes.

The Joy of Sake is the public tasting that follows the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, which is held in Honolulu every July. Brewers from every region in Japan enter their best junmai, ginjo and daiginjo labels, which are blind-tasted by judges from Japan and the U.S. The most exceptional win gold and silver awards. Festival-goers sample these outstanding entries, including over 200 labels which are not even available in the U.S.

For sake fans, there is no better scenario : over four hundred premium labels in peak condition, along with sake-themed appetizers from top restaurants in each city.

Organizer Chris Pearce gives us all the 411.

David CavillaChef Barbara Lynch (No 9 Park), a James Beard Award-winner, is a celebrated chef in Boston. Her Barbara Lynch Gruppo enterprise owns multiple highly-regarded restaurant properties there. One of the newest is Sportello (Italian for “counter service”), a modern interpretation of the classic diner. It’s trattoria –inspired Italian dishes for lunch and dinner.

Sportello’s casual, lively, Italian spirit is captured in the sleek, minimalist design of the cuisine – fresh pastas, creamy polenta, and simple soups – and in the supremely approachable, artisanal wine list created by Wine Director Cat Silirie.

Chef de Cuisine David Cavilla has spent his culinary career as a member of Barbara Lynch Gruppo having cooked at B&G oysters, The Butcher Shop, Stir, and now Sportello. Chef David is “excited about the opportunity to dive into a new setting along with a restaurant with a new identity.”

Chef de Cuisine David Cavilla is our guest.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host William Lewis & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Bar Harbor, Maine’s The Bluenose Hotel and The Looking Glass Restaurant
Segment Three: ment’or BKB Foundation’s 2015 Young Chef Competitions
Segment Four: CANstruction Long Beach 2015
Segment Five: The Joy of Sake Festival – Las Vegas
Segment Six: Barbara Lynch’s Sportello, Boston

Show 97, November 15, 2014: Susan Feniger, Border Grill and Mud Hen Tavern

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernSusan Feniger is the co-executive chef and co-owner (along with long-time business partner Mary Sue Milliken) of the popular and critically acclaimed Border Grill restaurants and Truck serving modern Mexican food in Las Vegas, Santa Monica and Downtown Los Angeles. A second Border Grill location in Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay was the first) is newly opened at The Forum Shops at Caesars (also the home of the pioneering Spago Las Vegas.)

One of the already talked about attractions of the new Border Grill Las Vegas is the ceviche bar. “We’re excited to offer a variety of fresh, sustainable seafood from our new ceviche and oyster bar, inspired by the flavors from our first trip to Veracruz where we tasted the most incredible ceviche,” says Susan Feniger.

One of the great conveniences of this location (as pointed out by food journalist Brock Radke previously) at the North end of The Forum Shops (next to Joe’s Stone Crab) is valet parking right outside their entrance.

Away from the Border Grill empire Feniger is also the principal of Mud Hen Tavern in Los Angeles.

Susan and her business partner, Mary Sue Milliken, were early pioneers of Food Network with the long-running series, “Too Hot Tamales.” They have also authored five cookbooks including Cooking with Too Hot Tamales. Active members of the community, both play leading roles in Share Our Strength and the Scleroderma Research Foundation.

Show 96, November 8, 2014: Brock Radke, Food Editor – Las Vegas Weekly

Brock Radke of Las Vegas WeeklyOur inside man in Las Vegas, Brock Radke, the greatly respected Food Editor of Las Vegas Weekly is back with us to bring us up-to-date on what new spots are worth spending your dining dollars on.

As always there are a lot of major new Fall restaurant openings in Las Vegas both on, and off, The Strip. On The Strip the chatter is about the new Border Grill in The Forum Shops at Caesars and Jose Andres’ restaurants at the SLS Las Vegas (Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres and Ku Noodle.). Off The Strip in Downtown Brock’s new favorite is rock and roll chef, Kerry Simon’s Carson Kitchen.

By the way the current issue of Las Vegas Weekly is “The dish Next Door. Our salute to the people and food that define local flavor.” Definitely worth a look.