Show 511, February 4, 2023: Cheferbly Private Dining Platform with Founder Kevin Kim Part One

Kevin Kim of Cheferbly

Cheferbly, an innovative new private dining reservation platform for private chefs and caterers, has launched in Southern California. Founded last November by Orange County native Kevin Kim, the web-based platform is designed to democratize and demystify private dining while simultaneously propelling private chefs and caterers into the spotlight.”

“Cheferbly’s mission is to provide a space that empowers consumers to explore and discover unique pop-ups and private dining possibilities, much like they would search for restaurant reservations on platforms like OpenTable or Tock. Cheferbly is a simplified booking solution that makes private dining accessible to everyone, from curious foodies to celebrating families to corporate decision-makers.”

“Exclusive to private dining experiences, the first-of-its-kind platform simplifies the booking process for both chef and consumer. Cheferbly’s robust reservation and guest management system is an attractive solution for private chefs and caterers by handling everything from event promotion to credit card processing. Similarly, the platform’s streamlined booking process provides clarity to consumers through a comprehensive and visual directory of local private chefs and caterers and their bookable private dining and pop-up experiences, complete with courses, pricing, and booking details.”

“The process for booking catered dinners was so complicated, time-consuming, and seemingly antiquated, given restaurant reservations can be made with the click of a button,” adds Kim. “I wanted to simplify the relationship between private chefs and consumers by creating a solution that would make their service accessible to everyone. Cheferbly was created to bridge that gap.”

“Kim has assembled an all-star roster of local culinary talent for the platform’s debut in Southern California last November. Users can peruse various multi-course private dining offerings, from opulent omakase experiences to in-depth explorations of global, regional, and seasonal cuisines.”

Chererbly is showcasing (2-limited seatings) five of their chefs on Valentine’s Day with the gourmet experience “Romance Around the World” pop-up Dinner in the Middleby Residential Showroom’s handsomely designed Chef’s Counter kitchen in Irvine. Both seatings, unfortunately, are now sold out but look for other Cheferbly pop-up dining experiences staged monthly.

Cheferbly’s founder, Kevin Kim, joins us.

Show 511, February 4, 2023: Cheferbly Private Dining Platform with Founder Kevin Kim Part Two

Kevin Kim of Cheferbly

Cheferbly, an innovative new private dining reservation platform for private chefs and caterers, has launched in Southern California. Founded last November by Orange County native Kevin Kim, the web-based platform is designed to democratize and demystify private dining while simultaneously propelling private chefs and caterers into the spotlight.”

“Cheferbly’s mission is to provide a space that empowers consumers to explore and discover unique pop-ups and private dining possibilities, much like they would search for restaurant reservations on platforms like OpenTable or Tock. Cheferbly is a simplified booking solution that makes private dining accessible to everyone, from curious foodies to celebrating families to corporate decision-makers.”

“Exclusive to private dining experiences, the first-of-its-kind platform simplifies the booking process for both chef and consumer. Cheferbly’s robust reservation and guest management system is an attractive solution for private chefs and caterers by handling everything from event promotion to credit card processing. Similarly, the platform’s streamlined booking process provides clarity to consumers through a comprehensive and visual directory of local private chefs and caterers and their bookable private dining and pop-up experiences, complete with courses, pricing, and booking details.”

“The process for booking catered dinners was so complicated, time-consuming, and seemingly antiquated, given restaurant reservations can be made with the click of a button,” adds Kim. “I wanted to simplify the relationship between private chefs and consumers by creating a solution that would make their service accessible to everyone. Cheferbly was created to bridge that gap.”

“Kim has assembled an all-star roster of local culinary talent for the platform’s debut in Southern California last November. Users can peruse various multi-course private dining offerings, from opulent omakase experiences to in-depth explorations of global, regional, and seasonal cuisines.”

Cheferbly’s founder, Kevin Kim, continues with us explaining the abilities of Cheferbly.

Show 94, October 25, 2014: Akasha Restaurant, Culver City

Akasha RichmondAKASHA, in the historic Hull Building, is one of the pioneering restaurants in the revival of Downtown Culver City. The restaurant debuted in early 2008. It’s a contemporary restaurant, bar and café with patio seating, too, featuring New American cooking representing the creative vision of Executive Chef, Caterer, & Proprietress Akasha Richmond.

Akasha knows her reputation is hard-earned, and she takes that trust very seriously. “I am very selective about the suppliers I work with for AKASHA – they must share my values to keep their ingredients on our menu.” Akaska says.

Akasha has just leased the coveted former Ford’s Filling Station location in Downtown Culver City for a new concept.

It will be her take on Indian cuisine which Akasha has an extensive background with going back to her time in the kitchen with the Golden Temple Conscious Cookery restaurant in Los Angeles.

Show 25, April 13, 2013: Amy Jurist of Amy’s Culinary Adventures

Amy Jurist of Amy's Culinary AdventuresUnderground Dinners with undisclosed theme menus and secret locations (revealed right before service) are very much in vogue right now. Amy Jurist (a busy caterer) has been impressing her demanding guests with successful Decadent Underground Dining Club dinners for some seven years. She only hosts a couple a year so it’s a real special event.

Next up for her, and it’s one-night only, is the annual bacon extravaganza with the title, “The Bacon Bash!” There is even a bacon-infused specialty cocktail to go along with the festivities. It’s in Culver City on Saturday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m.

The evening is $125 per guest and already close to capacity. Chef Amy graciously extended a $25 discount to “SoCal Restaurant Show” listeners subject to available space. If you go to her website and follow the link to reserving use “chefjet” as the discount code and you’ll be seated at the bacon feast for $100.  Oink…

April 13: Zov’s, Bacon Bash, Hamburger America, Valentino Las Vegas, Linda Burum

Podcasts

Segment One: Zov Karamardian of the original Zov’s Bistro in Tustin
Segment Two: Amy Jurist of Amy’s Culinary Adventures
Segment Three: George Motz, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author, journalist and burger expert
Segment Four: Luciano Pellegrini, Executive Chef / Partner of Valentino Las Vegas in The Venetian
Segment Five: Linda Burum, Food Journalist. Contributes to L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Times and other prominent publications Part One
Segment Six: Linda Burum, Food Journalist. Contributes to L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Times and other prominent publications Part Two

We’re very international this week. It’s a dash of Morocco with an insight on the world of secret dining. Then we talk juicy burgers followed by a touch of elegant dining in Las Vegas. Finally it’s a taste of India in our own backyard.

Zov Karamardian or Zov's in TustinFirst it’s the “best bite of the week” with Chef Jet and Producer Andy. Thereafter it’s Zov of Zov’s Bistro in Tustin previewing her upcoming author lunch with Kitty Morse. Ms. Morse is a native of Morocco and returns there often. Her latest title is, Mint Tea and Minarets: A Banquet of Moroccan Memories.

 

 

Amy Jurist of Amy's Culinary AdventuresIf you have confidence in the chef, underground dinners can be a lot of fun. Chef Amy Jurist (also an accomplished caterer) has been organizing these unusual one night only events for 7 years under the banner of the Decadent Underground Dinner Club. Up next for her is “The Bacon Bash” evening. (It’s the 5th Annual…)

 

George MotzIt’s un-American not to appreciate a juicy hamburger hot off the grill.Television host, author, Emmy award-winning filmmaker, and burger expert, George Motz certainly agrees. His passion for burgers initially resulted in the award-winning documentary, “Hamburger America.” The success of the film inspired George to then pen a state-by-state guide to burgers also titled Hamburger America.

Now George has an original series for Travel Channel, “Burger Land”. George takes the views on a road trip across America offering his expert take on the nation’s top burgers in various regions of the country. The first city visited is Los Angeles and it’s more than the obvious spots!

Luciano Pellegrini of Valentino Las VegasLuciano Pellegrini is the founding executive chef at Valentino Las Vegas located in The Venetian hotel. For 14 years this fine Italian restaurant has been earning rave reviews. Chef Luciano is one of the few James Beard award-winning chefs who actually lives in Las Vegas and cooks in his restaurant. He won his coveted Beard Award for Valentino Las Vegas!

Chef Luciano will be sharing some Valentino Las Vegas news.

Linda Burum is an accomplished food journalist known for her attention to the details. You’ve seen her engaging work in Los Angeles Magazine, The Los Angeles Times and LA Weekly.

Among the cuisines that Linda has extensively researched are the regional cuisines of India. Linda will be sharing her food knowledge of our own Little India on Pioneer Blvd. in Artesia.

Podcasts

Segment One: Zov Karamardian of the original Zov’s Bistro in Tustin
Segment Two: Amy Jurist of Amy’s Culinary Adventures
Segment Three: George Motz, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author, journalist and burger expert
Segment Four: Luciano Pellegrini, Executive Chef / Partner of Valentino Las Vegas in The Venetian
Segment Five: Linda Burum, Food Journalist. Contributes to L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Times and other prominent publications Part One
Segment Six: Linda Burum, Food Journalist. Contributes to L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Times and other prominent publications Part Two

Show 4: October 27, 2012: Melting Pot Food Tours Part One

When it comes to entertaining and engaging food walking tours in Los Angeles no one does it better than Melting Pot Food Tours!

Thai Town MarketSisters and co-founders Lisa and Diane Scalia are L.A. natives and lifelong residents of Italian heritage who truly “live to eat.” Lisa, a caterer and private tour guide, and Diane, a professional chef (BarComida in Redondo Beach,) cookbook author, and food writer, together have over 25 years of combined experience in the hospitality business.

Current tours are Farmers Market – 3rd Street, Old Pasadena, and L.A. Latin Spice. It all started in 2008 with the Original Farmers Market Tour at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles.
Melting Pot’s newest addition is Chef Jet Tila’s Flavors of Thai Town Tour. This is an incredible VIP experience all the way. When Travel Channel’s Tony Bourdain brought his “No Reservations” crew to Los Angeles he selected Chef Jet, the honorary Mayor of Thai Town, to guide him through the area. Since then visiting journalists and prominent chefs have prevailed upon Jet to escort them through Thai Town on the same trail. Now this enhanced, ultimate insider’s experience is available to a select group of savvy food tourists on a very limited basis.

Show 4: October 27, 2012: Melting Pot Food Tours Part Two

When it comes to entertaining and engaging food walking tours in Los Angeles no one does it better than Melting Pot Food Tours!

Thai Town FoodSisters and co-founders Lisa and Diane Scalia are L.A. natives and lifelong residents of Italian heritage who truly “live to eat.” Lisa, a caterer and private tour guide, and Diane, a professional chef (BarComida in Redondo Beach,) cookbook author, and food writer, together have over 25 years of combined experience in the hospitality business.

Current tours are Farmers Market – 3rd Street, Old Pasadena, and L.A. Latin Spice. It all started in 2008 with the Original Farmers Market Tour at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles.
Melting Pot’s newest addition is Chef Jet Tila’s Flavors of Thai Town Tour. This is an incredible VIP experience all the way. When Travel Channel’s Tony Bourdain brought his “No Reservations” crew to Los Angeles he selected Chef Jet, the honorary Mayor of Thai Town, to guide him through the area. Since then visiting journalists and prominent chefs have prevailed upon Jet to escort them through Thai Town on the same trail. Now this enhanced, ultimate insider’s experience is available to a select group of savvy food tourists on a very limited basis.