Show 697, September 19, 2026: Executive Chef Govind Armstrong, The Lobster, Santa Monica

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Adam Bell

Santa Monica’s iconic seafood destination, The Lobster, is celebrating their 27^th Anniversary this year. “A seafood restaurant has been in this original location for over 100 years. This legendary seafood spot is an internationally recognized dining destination that is as much a part of Santa Monica’s history as it’s next-door neighbor, the Santa Monica Pier.”

“Situated at the intersection of Route 66 and the Pacific Ocean, The Lobster has been a cherished landmark for locals and visitors for decades, offering not only mesmerizing views of the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu coastline but also an award-winning seafood menu under the masterful guidance of acclaimed Chef Govind Armstrong. With Armstrong at the helm, The Lobster is Michelin recognized, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence.”

“At the core of its menu, fresh lobster is flown in directly from Maine six days a week with no middleman, ensuring patrons enjoy the freshest catch. The menu features some of Los Angeles’ finest California cuisine, including classic menu favorites that Chef Armstrong has added his own special touch, such as: crispy calamari and prawns with garlic anchovy aioli, ponzu and sweet chili sauce; Summer Corn & Lobster Chowder with Smoked Bacon & Croutons; steamed Maine Lobster, with Gloria’s Blue Lake green beans, Weiser Farms heirloom Potatoes and drawn butter; and grilled Maine lobster with fresh herbs, lemon and drawn garlic butter.” For hot sauce fans be sure to try the flavorful house-prepared version that comes with the raw oysters.

Happy Hour daily from 3 to 6:00 p.m. and all-day on Friday.

Chef Govind Armstrong takes a break from shucking oysters to join us.

Show 629, May 31, 2025: Restaurateur & Chef Philip Pretty, Olive & Rose, Long Beach

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Founded by sibling duo Chef Philip Pretty and Lauren Pretty, Olive & Rose in Long Beach is a culinary destination born from their shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality.”

“At Olive & Rose, located in a fully restored and renovated, classic low-rise 50’s motel, The Prettys reimagined the dining experience as a neo-bistro, where classic French techniques with a twist meet vibrant flavors that are unmistakably Californian. Each dish is a reflection of Chef Philip Pretty’s entire culinary journey.”

“From sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to minimizing food waste and reducing our environmental footprint, they are proud to continue the sustainable dining legacy of their sister restaurant, Heritage, by incorporating green certified and green Michelin star practices into their operations.”

Chef Philp Pretty is our guest to discuss Olive & Rose, Heritage, Heritage Farm and the new Thursday 4^th Street Farmers Market all in Long Beach.

Show 590, August 17, 2024: Holy Saints! Pasadena, with Proprietor & Chef Daniel Torres

Posted on August 18, 2024 by Adam Bell

“Holy Saints! in Old Pasadena opened in May 2023 and is owned by Chef Daniel Torres and partner Stephanie, a husband-and-wife team. As a small business, they understand the importance of working with local farmers, small family vineyards, and micro-breweries. The menu reflects a progressive Californian-style cuisine and some of Chef Daniel’s favorite homemade meals. You’ll experience the warmth and passion in their work through their delicious wine, beer, and food. Stop by for lunch(Thursday thru Sunday) to try the famous Cubano sandwich. They cater for special events, too.”

“Chef Daniel endeavored to be a future industry titan since 2009 when he started to sell tacos late-night to patrons in East LA while going to college. Chef Daniel was most recently the executive chef of Ace Hotel for nearly 6 years and was the youngest, and only, chef within the Ace Hotel brand to be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for his work with Best Girl restaurant along with Michelin starred Chef Michael Cimarusti (Providence.)”

“Holy Saints! works with only local farmers to source the majority of the vegetables, fruit, and dairy that go into their dishes. The wines and beers there showcase the craft and highlight small family vineyards and micro-breweries.”

Chef Daniel takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Show 476, May 28, 2022: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part One

Posted on May 29, 2022 by Adam Bell

“Kali is a petit neighborhood restaurant tucked in between Hollywood and Larchmont Village. Created by lifelong friends/co-workers Chef Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley (Wine Director,) the two have had always dreamed about creating a high-end restaurant without pretension. Stripping away all facades of what fine dining should be, Kali focuses strictly on the ingredient, technique, and service creating a casual environment everyone can enjoy.”

“At Kali the focus is on local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market ingredients with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.”

Ingredients are proudly sourced from local California farms resulting in the menu being 90 per cent organic and sustainable. In addition to the regular menu (Whole Roasted Carpenter’s Ranch Squab) Chef Kevin offers a choice of two, 8-course Tasting Menus with optional wine pairings. Kali’s design includes an open-air patio.

“For Meehan, Kali represents the evolution of not just Kali Dining, his roving private dinner pop-up, but the rigorous years he spent refining his craft. The contemporary California restaurant blends the precision and hospitality of the white tablecloth kitchens where Chef Kevin developed his culinary acumen, with the accessibility and ease of a local’s favorite neighborhood haunt.”

Chef Kevin Meehan is our guest.

Show 476, May 28, 2022: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part Two

Posted on May 29, 2022 by Adam Bell

“At Kali the focus is on local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market ingredients with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.”

Chef Kevin Meehan continues as our guest.

Show 425, May 15, 2021: Restaurateur Jerry Keller, Lulu California Bistro, Palm Springs Part One

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Adam Bell

“Lulu California Bistro (founded in 2011) offers daily dining in the heavily foot-trafficed downtown Palm Springs area (on S. Palm Canyon Dr.) with a savory all day “favorites” menu, 3-course feast, Weekend Brunch and expanded patio seating.”

“There’s always a party at Lulu, and the party has returned with the official re-opening of restaurants in Palm Springs. Lulu offering daily dining from a delicious all day “favorites” menu on its expanded patio, in the bar area and in main dining rooms with socially-distanced tables.”

“Lulu California Bistro combines talent, expertise and a passion for great food to produce a captivating California Bistro dining experience. The menu options are many, varied and value-priced, and the quality is always high. The generous portions are prepared with the freshest ingredients available and a dash of innovation from their award-winning chefs.

“Lulu California Bistro first opened its doors on August 22, 2011 and has served their delicious California cuisine to over two and one-half million guests since the opening. Owner Jerry Keller (in concert with his wife, Barbara) have made very careful choices in creating “Palm Springs hippest restaurant”. From the design of the decor to the meticulous choice of incredible dishes on the menu, everything is designed to give Lulu’s guests the experience of gracious dining in the “hot spot” in the Coachella Valley.”

Proprietor/Founder Jerry Keller joins us with the details of what’s on the ample Lulu menu.

Show 425, May 15, 2021: Restaurateur Jerry Keller, Lulu California Bistro, Palm Springs Part Two

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Adam Bell

Proprietor Jerry Keller continues with us providing the details of what’s on the ample Lulu menu. It’s hard for Jerry to single out favorites on the expansive menu but he does particularly appreciate the slow-roasted Prime Rib (available as a “Weekend Special.”)

Show 384, August 1, 2020: Executive Chef Craig Hopson, Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge, Shade Hotel Redondo Beach

Posted on August 2, 2020 by Adam Bell

At Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge at the Shade Hotel Redondo Beach Executive Chef Craig Hopson offers premium California coastal cuisine that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a weekend brunch. Start with a hand-crafted cocktail and fresh oysters from the raw bar, then move onto one of Chef Craig’s coastal inspired main dishes (Roasted Salmon Fillet with squash, radish, cucumber, quinoa and miso dressing) with a glass of wine or one of the on-tap craft beers from their extensive selection.

“Through it all, you’ll enjoy spectacular views from Palos Verdes to Malibu on plush outdoor seating, all complete with fire pits and heaters in a comfortable, inviting, and modern space that blends a beach feel with a luxury approach to indoor and outdoor dining. Enjoy Chef Craig Hopson’s gourmet culinary talent and experience all that California’s uniquely modern cuisine has to offer: visit for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.”

Newly launched is Chef Craig’s Friday and Saturday night Rooftop Izakaya with Sushi, Sashimi and Izakaya specialties along with a menu of Hand-Crafted Cocktails. Think Japanese Curry with a beef short rib, onion, carrots and served over rice with pickles or the Sea Level Roll with crab, avocado, aioli, masago and tempura crunchies

We reel in Executive Chef Craig Hopson for a chat.

Show 365, March 21, 2020: Chef / Partner Yvon Goetz, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

Posted on March 22, 2020 by Adam Bell

“At the original location The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin Executive Chef / Partner Yvon Goetz is offering a menu of his California contemporary regional cuisine for curbside pick-up (priced 15% off regular pricing) at his Tustin and La Jolla locations. Chef Yvon Goetz is also offering guests select cuts of meats to grill at home, based on availability.”

“Allow The Winery family to cook for yours — orders can be placed by calling Tustin at (714) 258-7600. Menus for each location are online. Delivery is available in the coming days on Postmates and Grubhub.” The Winery’s Newport Beach location is temporarily closed.

There is a Gift Card promotion in the mix, too. Purchase $300 in Gift Cards and receive a complimentary $50 Gift Card; Purchase $500 in Gift Cards and receive a complimentary $100 Gift Card. The Gift Card bonus offer is available through April 30, 2020.

Show 297, November 10, 2018: Chef / Proprietor Craig Strong, Ocean at Main, Laguna Beach

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Adam Bell

In early October Chef Craig Strong (ex-Studio at Montage Laguna Beach) debuted Ocean at Main, fulfilling a long-time career dream to open his own restaurant. The location in a classic 40s Spanish revival building is exceptional – 222 Ocean Avenue near Main Beach in Laguna Beach, steps from the oceanfront. The 126-seat, 4,500-square-foot eatery with a spectacular shaded patio, is open daily for lunch and dinner.

After nearly 25 years of working at luxury hotels and resorts around the globe, Strong has come full circle to his native Southern California roots with the opening of Ocean at Main. From growing up in San Diego and cooking with produce from the family garden, this chef/owner is now sharing his Coastal California cuisine with the Laguna Beach community he has embraced for the last 10 years.

“Everything from its name, Ocean at Main, to the last drop of a favorite California wine is designed to provide guests with the quintessential Southern California dining experience. Here, Chef Craig Strong continues his devotion to sourcing the finest products available from local purveyors and suppliers as he creates approachable contemporary Coastal California cuisine and a convivial ambiance to please the nearby community and beyond.”

“I want to cook for our guests the way I cook for my family and friends at home. At Ocean at Main, I will celebrate the diversity, freshness and healthy lifestyle of Southern California. We will procure our ingredients from the local farmers and meat, seafood and specialty vendors whom I have been working and collaborating with for years. Coaxing the true flavors from exceptional products is always my goal.” Chef Craig Strong

Chef Craig escapes his busy kitchen for a chat.