Show 646, September 27, 2025: Harry Posner, Chef and Restaurateur, Tomat, Westchester, CA

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Tomat is an elevated neighborhood restaurant co-owned by Natalie Dial and Chef Harry Posner, who share a passion for community and delicious food. These spaces were designed to celebrate and serve Westchester and the greater Los Angeles area.”

“From Tomat’s dining room to the rooftop terrace, 2^nd Floor private event space, and restaurant garden – their team is incredibly proud to welcome Guests into these dynamic and purposeful green spaces.”

It’s available Wednesday thru Sunday with daytime service being a limited-service, bakery café with standout coffee drinks and then finer dining in the evenings with full service and a seasonally changing menu.

“With a fresh take on seasonal fare, Tomat is where to consider crisp, locally-grown vegetables with walnut beet dip, California welks with aioli, salmon with an herby tartar, and roasted potatoes with fenugreek. A craft cocktail on this Westchester rooftop garden with a view evokes calm and serenity.”

“Since 2020, Harry and Natalie (Tomat itself opened last year) have worked with Solis Gardens (formerly known as Urban Farms LA) to transform what was a disused parking lot into an operational garden that features seasonal vegetables, exotic fruit trees, and myriad herbs. By removing 4,000 square feet of concrete and remediating this land into an edible garden, the Tomat team aims to improve the ecological habitat of our native birds & insects and contribute to replenishing the water table underfoot.”

Chef Harry Posner is our guest to unwrap all that is Tomat Westchester.

Show 637, July 26, 2025: Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner, Las Vegas, with Mallory Gott and Chef Aaron Lee

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Adam Bell

“In March 2021, Chef Aaron Lee and Mal Gott began their story, which has since grown into the proudly presented Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner in Las Vegas. Inspired by classic American roadside eateries and grandmas’ kitchens, they developed an alluring twist to quintessential Americana that put a welcome place for their downtown Las Vegas neighbors.”

“The vision began with a car ride and conversation fueled by Clyde McPhatter’s Come What May and quickly evolved into menu ideas jotted down on junk mail envelopes, creating Pinterest boards full of aspirational interiors, building plans, and an eventual name change to Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner.”

“On December 15, 2021, Mal and Aaron got engaged and entered the Million Dollar Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, eventually winning the contest with 90 submissions and 6 Finalists. They originally planned to get married at the diner for their soft opening. But Aaron and Mal couldn’t wait, they decided to tie the knot a few months before opening Winnie & Ethel’s; a place where they could celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and everyday life together.”

“Chef Aaron Lee and CEO Mallory Gott named the restaurant after his grandma Winnie and her great-grandma Ethel whose warm, loving kitchens were always open.”

It’s Breakfast 7-days with the newly added Dinner service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mallory takes a break from the breakfast service (think Biscuits & Gravy, Corned Beef Benedict and Carrot Cake Pancakes…) at their busy restaurant in the Huntridge Shopping Center in Downtown Las Vegas to join us.

Show 636, July 19, 2025: NAM Coffee, Los Angeles with Founder Vince Nguyen

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Adam Bell

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. “Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.”

“Vince spent his early childhood in Pleiku, a city known for its coffee, tea, and honey farms. He remembers drinking Vietnamese coffee from quite a young age. And when he was twelve, Vince got first-hand experience working at his mom’s coffee stand in Saigon, where the family moved. She was a single mother who worked long hours to provide for the family. Now, years later, Vince is proud to build off what he learned from that coffee stand and continue his family tradition of entrepreneurship.”

“When Vince moved to Orange County, California to pursue a career in fashion, he was frustrated by the lack of Vietnamese coffee that had the familiar flavors he grew up with. So he went out looking for a source, and luckily met NAM’s fantastic partner who is a third-generation farmer. NAM’s Arabica and Robusta beans come from a family farm on Langbiang mountain in Da Lat, a highland region famous for its scenic vistas and fertile soil.”

“When first developing the NAM roasts, Vince paid careful attention to all of the tiny details that go into achieving perfection. For example, NAM roasts premium, light Robusta beans at lower temperatures for longer periods of time to ensure that every bean gets a nice coat of oil and a lasting, vibrant aroma. NAM guarantees that their products are organic with no additives like corn starch or chicory. NAM offers both Arabica and Robusta blends, spotlighting the diversity and sophistication of Vietnam’s agricultural prowess.”

The latest addition to the growing NAM Coffee empire is a retail Coffee Shop located on Fountain Ave. in East Hollywood. One of his signature beverages there, Salted Cream Matcha Ube, was just featured in the Los Angeles Times as one of the “15 Over-the-Top Coffee & Matcha Drinks to Try in L.A.”

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand. (That’s a proprietary medium roast with 70 per cent Arabica Beans and 30 per cent Robusta Beans.)

Show 559, January 6, 2024: Pony Espresso Café with Proprietor Alberto Battaglini, Santa Ynez, CA

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Adam Bell

Alberto Battaglini of Pony Espresso Cafe

When it comes to great coffee and casual all day dining the locals in Santa Ynez will send you to Alberto Battaglini’s Pony Espresso Café.

Since its creation is 2019 it’s become a true locals’ favorite. It definitely reflects the rich character of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Alberto is passionate about maintaining the quality of his food and coffee. The dishes are designed to suit all tastes and they are inspired from the bounty of the Santa Ynez Valley. Pony Espresso is where “casual service meets elevated food in a unique environment”

“Alberto was born in Verona, Italy where he graduated as chef in 2002. He then pursued a career as a barman that allowed him to travel in different areas of the world. Thanks to those years of experiences he created his own style of recipes incorporating Italian background with Latin influence. Battaglini, followed one purpose only, to heighten the craft of bartending while emphasizing the importance of delivering an exceptional customer experience. After opening different restaurants he is now partnering with Evan Lash, a friend and a Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate Investor, to create a completely different dining experience in the Santa Ynez Valley.”

Pending final approvals and permitting on Alberto’s expanded Kitchen and the arrival of a new consulting chef Dinner and an enhanced menu are on the horizon.

Alberto takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Show 551, November 11, 2023: Madeira Wine with Sommelier and Wines of Portugal Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim Part One

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Adam Bell

“Madeira Wine from Portugal can be appreciated at any time. According to each type, Dry Madeiras are great with aperitifs, as well as the Medium Dry ones, which are also a wonderful complement of soups. Cheeses are perfect to pair with Medium Sweet Madeiras, while Sweet Madeiras are ideal for sweets, chocolate and with an excellent premium coffee.”

“Food matching with Madeira Wine suggestions are endless and they can be truly surprising, offering flavors, aromas, textures, and unique sensations, You just have to dare yourself!”

At the Maderia Wine Experience’s recent Food and Wine Pairing seminar at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Eugenio boldly paired Sablefish with white miso and compressed pineapple with Barbeito Baltimore Rainwater Special Reserve Madeira. It matched well.

Sommelier and Wines of Portugal US Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim is our guest to help us discover the beauty and versatility of Madeira wine.

Show 551, November 11, 2023: Madeira Wine with Sommelier and Wines of Portugal Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim Part Two

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Adam Bell

“Food matching with Madeira Wine suggestions are endless and they can be truly surprising, offering flavors, aromas, textures, and unique sensations, You just have to dare yourself!”

Sommelier and Wines of Portugal US Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim continues with us to help us discover the beauty and versatility of Madeira wine.

Show 540, August 26, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Adam Bell

“Ukrainian-born Chef Anna Voloshyna is the author of BUDMO! Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen. Celebrate the rich culture of Ukrainian cuisine with these traditional Eastern European recipes infused with a fresh, contemporary approach for today’s home kitchen, from one of today’s most exciting young chefs of Ukrainian cuisine. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored heritage, and warm hospitality, Eastern European cuisine is having a culinary moment, in addition to Ukraine being of great current interest.” Chef Anna Voloshyna is our guest sharing the secrets of the Ukrainian Kitchen.

“Newly launched by the Market Broiler restaurant group is the seafood-centric MB Grille in Torrance at Del Amo Fashion Center designed by the award-winning Hatch Design Group. The new restaurant boasts a contemporary coastal design and lighter color palette, while maintaining Market Broiler’s signature large-format footprint at nearly 6,500 square feet. A spacious outdoor patio, complete with a decorative tile fireplace, welcomes visitors to the main entrance of the Del Amo Fashion Center. Executive Chef Robin Higa’s seasonable menu features shareable starters including a refreshing Crab Avocado Stack with pickled red onion and frisée topped with pineapple relish and cherry tomato puree; Poke Nachos featuring layers of fried wonton triangles topped with MB’s signature poke, serrano peppers, and avocado drizzled with soy sauce and spicy mayo; and Tomato Burrata Bruschetta with whipped burrata, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic reduction, olive oil, and micro basil.” Chef Robin Higa joins us with an order of Poke Nachos at the ready.

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. “Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.” Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand.

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 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. Have you noticed the Mandatory Service Charge of 18 per cent or more now being added to many restaurant checks? The check might also include a 3 to 5 per cent surcharge as a contribution to employee health care. The Mandatory Service Charge is not a gratuity. Where does it go and who benefits? Should you also leave a gratuity? What’s right? Chef Andrew revisits this increasingly befuddling issue.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 540, August 26, 2023: NAM Coffee, Anaheim, with Founder Vince Nguyen Part One

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Adam Bell

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. “Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.”

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend (30% Robusta & 70% Arabica) in hand.

Show 540, August 26, 2023: NAM Coffee, Anaheim, with Founder Vince Nguyen Part Two

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Adam Bell

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of District One blend in hand.

August 26: Anna Voloshyna, MB Grille, NAM Coffee

Posted on August 20, 2023 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Anna Voloshyna, Author, BUDMO! – Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen Part One
Segment Three: Chef Anna Voloshyna, Author, BUDMO! – Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef Robin Higa, MB Grille, Torrance Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Robin Higa, MB Grille, Torrance Part Two
Segment Six: NAM Coffee, Anaheim, with Founder Vince Nguyen Part One
Segment Seven: NAM Coffee, Anaheim, with Founder Vince Nguyen Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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

“Ukrainian-born Chef Anna Voloshyna is the author of BUDMO!: Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen. Celebrate the rich culture of Ukrainian cuisine with these traditional Eastern European recipes infused with a fresh, contemporary approach for today’s home kitchen, from one of today’s most exciting young chefs of Ukrainian cuisine. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored heritage, and warm hospitality, Eastern European cuisine is having a culinary moment, in addition to Ukraine being of great current interest.” Chef Anna Voloshyna is our guest sharing the secrets of the Ukrainian Kitchen.

“Newly launched by the Market Broiler restaurant group is the seafood-centric MB Grille in Torrance at Del Amo Fashion Center designed by the award-winning Hatch Design Group. The new restaurant boasts a contemporary coastal design and lighter color palette, while maintaining Market Broiler’s signature large-format footprint at nearly 6,500 square feet. A spacious outdoor patio, complete with a decorative tile fireplace, welcomes visitors to the main entrance of the Del Amo Fashion Center. Executive Chef Robin Higa’s seasonable menu features shareable starters including a refreshing Crab Avocado Stack with pickled red onion and frisée topped with pineapple relish and cherry tomato puree; Poke Nachos featuring layers of fried wonton triangles topped with MB’s signature poke, serrano peppers, and avocado drizzled with soy sauce and spicy mayo; and Tomato Burrata Bruschetta with whipped burrata, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic reduction, olive oil, and micro basil.” Chef Robin Higa joins us with an order of Poke Nachos at the ready.

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. “Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.” Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand.

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 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. Have you noticed the Mandatory Service Charge of 18 per cent or more now being added to many restaurant checks? The check might also include a 3 to 5 per cent surcharge as a contribution to employee health care. The Mandatory Service Charge is not a gratuity. Where does it go and who benefits? Should you also leave a gratuity? What’s right? Chef Andrew revisits this increasingly befuddling issue.

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

“With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored heritage, and warm hospitality, Eastern European cuisine is having a culinary moment, in addition to Ukraine being of great current interest.”

“Meaning “cheers!” in Ukrainian, Budmo! is the first cookbook to celebrate classic Eastern European recipes with a modern, creative twist. Presented by Ukrainian-born, California-based chef, blogger, and culinary instructor Anna Voloshyna, bright flavors and vibrant ingredients sing from each plate. A gorgeous magenta pkhali comes alive with roasted beets and a tangy pomegranate molasses. Borscht is reinvented with green sorrels and semi-soft eggs. And Voloshyna even shares a personal recipe for her Ukrainian grandmother’s duck—roasted to a delicious crispy-brown perfection. These are the dishes that are perfect for gathering your favorite people with, and each one is bound to uncover the mouthwatering flavors and traditions of this endlessly fascinating part of the world.”

“Anna Voloshyna was born in southern Ukraine in 1990 and relocated to the United States in 2011. She is a chef, blogger, and culinary instructor who translates Eastern European cuisine and flavors into approachable dishes for the modern home cook, and is particularly known for her wildly successful pop-up dinners and workshops. She resides with her husband in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

Chef Anna graciously shares with us her recipe for Golden Beet Vinegret Salad.

Chef Anna Voloshyna is our guest sharing the secrets of the Ukrainian Kitchen. Think Thick Kefir Oladky (thick and fluffy pancakes.)

“Upon entering guests are enticed by the on-site fish market, featuring fresh seafood, including wild Atlantic Salmon, Chilean Seabass, Alaskan King Crab legs, mussels, clams, and oysters. With high-vaulted ceilings and exposed steel trusses, the open-air concept brings the outside in through a large window at the front of the space, as well as through an indoor-outdoor bar with seating for 22. Anchoring the dining room, is a large full-view expo window, allowing guests to view the action within the kitchen. The main dining room seamlessly flows into the bar area where high-top tables boast a hand-painted hexagonal design and plush barstool seating which create an exciting interaction between the dining room and bar.”

“While it may be our newest location, our MB Grille in Torrance sets the stage for the future of Market Broiler concepts,” comments founder Rodney K. Couch. “We want to continue to evolve with our guests, many of whom have been coming for more than 30 years, by offering a convivial destination that welcomes and embraces the next generation of diners.”

“The Summer menu celebrates the concept’s roots in sustainable seafood. Executive Chef Robin Higa’s seasonable menu features shareable starters including a refreshing Crab Avocado Stack with pickled red onion and frisée topped with pineapple relish and cherry tomato puree; Poke Nachos featuring layers of fried wonton triangles topped with MB’s signature poke, serrano peppers, and avocado drizzled with soy sauce and spicy mayo; and Tomato Burrata Bruschetta with whipped burrata, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic reduction, olive oil, and micro basil. Seasonal seafood entrees include a whole Mediterranean Branzino in a lemon-artichoke butter sauce, served with broccolini and rice pilaf; and sustainably caught Harpooned Swordfish hand-caught in local waters.”

“A native of Hawaii, Chef Robin Higa trained at Kapiolani College of Culinary Arts. He started his career in the restaurant industry at the age of seventeen, and began “moving up the ladder” when he reached the Mainland. Robin is an experienced executive chef adept at creating and managing a wide range of retail food and beverage concepts from casual themed dining, catering operations and fine dining restaurants. Robin is the consummate chef who truly understands the balance of menu item development and the alignment and execution of delicious food, which is complementary to MB Grille’s operations. He is also an everyday, hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeve team player who goes to great lengths to get the job done.”

Chef Robin Higa joins us with an order of Poke Nachos at the ready.

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

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.

Have you noticed the Mandatory Service Charge of 18 per cent or more now being added to many restaurant checks? The check might also include a 3 to 5 per cent surcharge noted as a contribution to employee health care. The Mandatory Service Charge is not a gratuity. Where does it go and who benefits? Should you also leave a gratuity? What’s right? Chef Andrew revisits this newly befuddling issue.