Show 547, October 14, 2023: Airliner Bar, Lincoln Heights with Chef Vinh Nguyen

Vinh Nguyen of the Airliner

The Airliner is a historic, 100-year old, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles) neighborhood bar that exudes warmth, character and hospitality. Whether you’re into beer and shots, sultry natural wines, or classic to modern cocktails, there’s something for everyone – with an intriguing Pan-Asian Izakaya comfort food menu created by fine-dining chef Vinh Nguyen (ex-Grumpy Pig in Shanghai) and nostalgic soundtracks.”

A design highlight is the impressive, restored and distinctive curved wooden bar running the length of the space. The interior is reminiscent of an art deco cruise ship

Menu highlights include Chong Qing Chicken Wings with whole crisp fried wings, chili oil and crispy bits, and Beef Rendang on a Roll with Indonesian stewed beef, cabbage and pickled red onions.

Chef Vinh Nguyen joins us with a plate of Hunan BBQ Pork Ribs.

Show 519, April 1, 2023: Knox & Dobson Bottled Cocktails with Founder Rob Levy and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones

Rob Levy of Knox and Dobson

Knox & Dobson crafts premium, ready-to-drink cocktails expertly designed to be shared and enjoyed anywhere. Their multi-award-winning bottled cocktails are made with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste, featuring the highest quality ingredients including premium barrel-aged whiskies, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and authentic Angostura Bitters. Whether you’re a classic Martini drinker, Old Fashioned aficionado, Rye Manhattan enthusiast, or searching for the perfect Improved Whiskey Cocktail, serve Knox & Dobson’s bottled cocktails chilled or over ice and discover the pleasure of true premium craft cocktails created to simply open, pour, and enjoy.”

“Knox & Dobson’s newest bottled cocktail collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson President Rob Levy and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar) who heads Knox & Dobson’s formulation and product development. Featuring a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Rye Manhattan, Knox & Dobson uses the highest quality ingredients including hand-selected barrel aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters. From the award-winning design of the bottle, these superior bottled cocktails were solely created so expertly handcrafted cocktails could be shared and effortlessly enjoyed anywhere.”

Peter Lloyd Jones of Knox & Dobson Cocktails

“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better, “says Levy. “Pete was Head Barman at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and he was also behind the stick at Everson Royce Bar for several years, so his experience is invaluable, and his passion and creativity make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”

Principals Rob Levy and Peter Lloyd Jones join us with a Rye Manhattan in hand.

Show 501, November 26, 2022: Paul Feig, Filmmaker, author of Cocktail Time! and Creator of Artingstall’s Gin Part One

Paul Feig shot by Frank Micelotta

“Elegant man-about-town Paul Feig, the director of “Bridesmaids”, “Spy”, and “A Simple Favor”  serves up a beautifully designed cocktail and lifestyle guide, Cocktail Time! – The Ultimate Guide to Grown-Up Fun, with hilarious stories from his life.” Paul is also the co-creator of Artingstall’s Brilliant London Dry Gin, a truly versatile gin fit for a starring role behind any bar and the ideal gin for Paul’s beloved martini.

“Famed TV and film writer, director, and producer Paul Feig is obsessed with cocktails and cocktail culture. It’s about having great conversations with friends. It’s about putting on your best clothes and throwing a smart gathering or heading to your favorite bar and having an interesting chat with the bartender. And it’s about staying home, mixing a drink and sipping it in a beautiful glass as you watch a great old movie by yourself.”

“Paul has made an art and a science out of creating these elegant and festive environments and living his best life, whether at home in LA or New York or London or on location around the world, and it’s all here in Cocktail Time! — how to make the drinks, how to throw the parties, what music to play, what glassware you need and more, along with 125 cocktail recipes, each served along with funny insider stories about Paul’s Hollywood life and famous friends.”

Cocktail Time! covers everything, from classics (and variations on them) like martinis, negronis, and hot toddies to original concoctions such as “The Feigtini” and holiday cocktails, as well as recipes from film and TV industry friends, such as the Charlize Theron Gibson, the Very Cherry Kerry (Washington), the (Angela) Kinsey Gin Fizz, Henry (Golding)’s Honey Plum G&T, and The Five (Michelle) Yeoh-Larm Fire.

“Cocktail Time! is a love letter to the aesthetics and culture around cocktails. It’s guaranteed to make you want to up your party-giving game—or at least your home bar situation. And it’s an immensely charming and readable window into one man’s friendly obsession.”

Cocktail Time! also includes helpful hints for setting up a home bar, the basic equipment needed, and a short list of mixers and spirits on the menu for the initial stocking of the proper home bar.

Paul joins us with a proper gin Martini in hand (stirred and not shaken.)

Show 501, November 26, 2022: Paul Feig, Filmmaker, author of Cocktail Time! and Creator of Artingstall’s Gin Part Two

Paul Feig shot by Frank Micelotta

“Elegant man-about-town Paul Feig, the director of “Bridesmaids”, “Spy”, and “A Simple Favor”  serves up a beautifully designed cocktail and lifestyle guide, Cocktail Time! – The Ultimate Guide to Grown-Up Fun, with hilarious stories from his life.” Paul is also the co-creator of Artingstall’s Brilliant London Dry Gin, a truly versatile gin fit for a starring role behind any bar and the ideal gin for Paul’s beloved martini.

“Famed TV and film writer, director, and producer Paul Feig is obsessed with cocktails and cocktail culture. It’s about having great conversations with friends. It’s about putting on your best clothes and throwing a smart gathering or heading to your favorite bar and having an interesting chat with the bartender. And it’s about staying home, mixing a drink and sipping it in a beautiful glass as you watch a great old movie by yourself.”

“Paul has made an art and a science out of creating these elegant and festive environments and living his best life, whether at home in LA or New York or London or on location around the world, and it’s all here in Cocktail Time! — how to make the drinks, how to throw the parties, what music to play, what glassware you need and more, along with 125 cocktail recipes, each served along with funny insider stories about Paul’s Hollywood life and famous friends.”

Cocktail Time! covers everything, from classics (and variations on them) like martinis, negronis, and hot toddies to original concoctions such as “The Feigtini” and holiday cocktails, as well as recipes from film and TV industry friends, such as the Charlize Theron Gibson, the Very Cherry Kerry (Washington), the (Angela) Kinsey Gin Fizz, Henry (Golding)’s Honey Plum G&T, and The Five (Michelle) Yeoh-Larm Fire.

For the Quarantine Cocktail Time! Instagram shows Paul created “The Squeaky Door” (Show 40) gin-based cocktail with several liqueurs including Cherry Heering. It resulted in an inspired collaboration with Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles where “The Squeaky Door” was the featured cocktail and even available in a limited-edition bottled version to take home.

“Cocktail Time! is a love letter to the aesthetics and culture around cocktails. It’s guaranteed to make you want to up your party-giving game—or at least your home bar situation. And it’s an immensely charming and readable window into one man’s friendly obsession.”

Paul continues with us with a proper gin Martini in hand (stirred and not shaken.)

Show 498, November 5, 2022: Marco Longinotti, Chef de Cuisine, Nella Kitchen & Bar, Los Olivos Part One

Marco Longinotti of Nella Kitchen and Bar at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

Opened in September 2020, Nella Kitchen & Bar (the sister restaurant of S.Y. Kitchen Cucina Rustica in Santa Ynez) located adjacent to the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos offers fresh, modern Cal-Italian cuisine showcasing local ingredients and focuses on ‘Roman Pinsas’. It is under the culinary direction of Executive Chef / Partner Luca Crestanelli and Chef de Cuisine, Marco Longinotti.

“Meals are served on the front porch overlooking Grand Ave in Los Olivos where guests are warmly welcomed, or in the cozy Dining Room which also has a private, handsomely appointed Wine Room that can host family seating and private parties.”

Cocktails (artfully prepared) are serious here and focused on classics and served in the Lounge with ample bar seating. Chris Hewes, formerly barman at some top LA spots (like the Library Bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel), is now pouring at Nella. He also offers a tight selection of popular zero-proof cocktails / mocktails. Consider a house specialty, Green Mile, with cucumber, lime and ginger beer. Refreshing…

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

Show 498, November 5, 2022: Marco Longinotti, Chef de Cuisine, Nella Kitchen & Bar, Los Olivos Part Two

Marco Longinotti of Nella Kitchen and Bar at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

Opened in September 2020, Nella Kitchen & Bar (the sister restaurant of S.Y. Kitchen Cucina Rustica in Santa Ynez) located adjacent to the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos offers fresh, modern Cal-Italian cuisine showcasing local ingredients and focuses on ‘Roman Pinsas’. It is under the culinary direction of Executive Chef / Partner Luca Crestanelli and Chef de Cuisine, Marco Longinotti.

“Meals are served on the front porch overlooking Grand Ave in Los Olivos where guests are warmly welcomed, or in the cozy Dining Room which also has a private, handsomely appointed Wine Room that can host family seating and private parties.”

Cocktails (artfully prepared) are serious here and focused on classics and served in the Lounge with ample bar seating. Chris Hewes, formerly barman at some top LA spots (like the Library Bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel), is now pouring at Nella. He also offers a tight selection of popular zero-proof cocktails / mocktails. Consider a house specialty, Green Mile, with cucumber, lime and ginger beer. Refreshing…

Chef Marco Longinotti takes another break from his busy kitchen to continue with us.

Show 403, December 12, 2020: The Raymond 1886 with Chef Jonathan Quintana and General Manager Andrew Bugreyev Part One

Andrew Bugreyev and Executive Chef Jonathan Quintana of the Raymond 1886The Raymond 1886 (restaurant) is a living example of Pasadena’s colorful past and carries on the city’s great traditions of craftsman architecture and unparalleled hospitality.” Under State of California guidelines The Raymond 1886 is currently open for takeout & delivery of the food menu as well as specialty cocktails.”

“The Raymond 1886 offers an innovative and contemporary menu in a historic setting, featuring the finest quality ingredients and a dedication to superior service.”

“The dining menu showcases their curated classic American cuisine featuring global influences. Utilizing a mix of contemporary and classic cooking techniques, Executive Chef Jonathan Quintana combines familiar ingredients with an exotic flair.”

“Hidden and tucked away inside, guests can celebrate, sip and savor at The Raymond’s internationally acclaimed cocktail bar, 1886. Accompanied by 1886’s signature handcrafted cocktails, their award-winning Wine List features a special selection of domestic and international varietals from both premier and boutique wineries.”

General Manager Andrew Bugreyev and Executive Chef Jonathan Quintana join us.

Show 401, November 28, 2020: Executive Chef & Partner Barry Dakake, Barry’s Downtown Prime, Circa Resort, Las Vegas Part One

Barry Dakake of Barrys Downtown Prime“Vintage glamour and hospitality meet modern innovation and design at Barry’s Downtown Prime at Circa Resort in Downtown Las Vegas. The new steakhouse concept is from Chef Barry Dakake and his seasoned hospitality partners at Make It Happen Hospitality, LLC. Barry’s Downtown Prime delivers the city’s finest premium steaks and seafood, fresh tableside preparations, creative cocktails and outstanding service.”

“Evoking a throwback vibe worthy of Downtown Las Vegas’ legacy, Barry’s brings back guests to the classic cool of the 50s and 60s where great music and sounds of clinking martini glasses filled the air, the chef greeted you at the table, the polished bartender knew your favorite cocktail and everyone felt like a VIP.”

“Barry’s Downtown Prime has brought back the classic Vegas Steakhouse to Fremont Street. The restaurant design is inspired by old school Vegas Steakhouses which had a sense of place and timeless appeal. The striking design brings together classic cool ambiance of the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s in combination with the modern and hip vibe of Circa.”

Chef Barry Dakake takes a respite from his busy kitchen to join us.

Show 398, November 7, 2020: Chef & Proprietor Joseph Mahon of Jaxon’s Scratch-Made Chix Tenders in Orange and Fullerton Part Two

Chef Joseph MahonReformed fine-dining chef Joseph Mahon (ex-Bastide in West Hollywood) has made a name for himself in the last few years with a menu of highly regarded premium burgers at Burger Parlor in Orange and Fullerton. Everything there is from scratch including the ketchup.

Adapting to weathering the lingering Covid 19 crisis Chef Joseph has morphed his two Burger Parlor locations to Jaxon’s Scratch-Made Chix Tenders with the same commitment to premium quality using all-natural, antibiotic free chicken. On the compact menu are 2, 3 and 4 piece chicken tender meals (served with crinkle fries,) a chicken sandwich and a teriyaki bowl with teriyaki basted chicken tenders, steamed veggies and white rice. House prepared sides include a side salad, pickles, sweet potato fries, crinkle fries, coleslaw and mac & cheese. A wide selection of rotating craft beers on tap is also part of the menu.

To complement the chicken tenders are a variety of dipping sauces. The house specialty is Jaxon’s Cajun Sauce. Premium Sauce selections are Polynesian, Scorpion Vinegar, Garlic Herb Parmesan, Reaper BBQ, Lemon-Lime Pepper and Blue Cheese.

As previously reported by Anne Marie Panoringan in Voice of OC Jaxon’s in Orange will soon be serving cocktails.

Chef Joseph Mahon takes a brief respite from the kitchen and is our guest.

Show 368, April 11, 2020: Executive Chef & Proprietor Rob Wilson, Glasspar, Dana Point

Rob Wiilson of Glasspar“As executive chef and proprietor of the newly launched Glasspar in Dana Point, Rob Wilson draws upon decades of elite culinary and operational experience and childhood inspiration to present Glasspar’s menu of thoughtfully sourced, respectfully prepared, and creatively presented American seafood.” With dine-in not allowed during the ongoing health crisis Chef Rob has shifted his operation to create the Glasspar Seafood Market providing hard-to-find fresh seafood at better than supermarket pricing on Wednesday (2 to 6:00 p.m.) and Saturday afternoons (Noon to 4:00 p.m.)

For the duration Glasspar has artfully converted into a fresh seafood market. The restaurant, which originally ceased operations all together after the state-mandated dine-in closure, has now morphed its raw bar into a fresh seafood market.

“We saw an opportunity to meet a need in our community,” comments Chef Rob Wilson. “Supermarkets are barren, but we have access to fresh-caught, high-quality seafood from our partners at Superior Seafood and our raw bar is equipped to safely store and display it all. We’re in the business of feeding people and we’re happy to do our part by providing the community with the fresh seafood they can’t find at the market at better-than-supermarket prices.”

Guests are encouraged to place special seafood orders in advance by calling the restaurant at 949.240.6243.

In addition to fresh-caught seafood, the restaurant is selling bottles of wine from its cellar at a discount. Allowed by the temporarily relaxed ABC regulations, Glasspar is offering a selection of its signature pre-batched cocktails packaged in sealed containers to-go for at-home enjoyment.

We’ll reel Chef Rob is to provide the details.