“Restaurant August, under the direction of Executive Chef Corey Thomas, is a contemporary Creole restaurant creating unique dishes with a focus on Louisiana ingredients and inspired by classical training. Located in a historic 19th-century French-Creole building in New Orleans’ Central Business District, the main dining room caters to the most unique dining experience. The interior is rich with original architectural details, gleaming hardwood floors, soaring columns, mahogany paneling, and antique mirrors.”
“In 2005, long-time friends Chef John Besh, Timmy Reily, and Octavio Mantilla purchased Restaurant August. Since then, Restaurant August has garnered prestigious critical acclaim while staying true to its roots of cooking and serving from their hearts.”
Restaurant August is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year and Chef Corey Thomas takes a brief break from his busy kitchen to join us.
“At Restaurant August, Chef Corey crafts stunning dishes that marry French techniques with the vibrant, locally sourced flavors of Louisiana. Before taking the helm in 2022, he honed his skills at New Orleans’ iconic Commander’s Palace, played a key role in Shaya‘s James Beard Award victory, and gained valuable experience exploring Italian cuisine at Domenica.”
“Corey Thomas is a Louisiana native, born and raised in Monroe, a small town in northeast Louisiana. Although Corey’s journey in the kitchen came later in life, he always carried his love for Louisiana culture and cuisine that was part of his family heritage in Eunice and Ville Platte everywhere he went.”
“When Corey landed in New Orleans in the early 2010s, he began his culinary career at the well-known New Orleans establishment, Commander’s Palace. Corey honed his skills in the kitchen over the next three years, before assuming the role of sous chef at Shaya Restaurant in 2015. During his time at Shaya, the restaurant won the prestigious James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.”
“In 2017, Corey transferred to Domenica to learn about Italian cuisine before traveling to Italy for his own wedding. He fell in love with the food and culture of Italy during his travels, and returning home made his transfer a permanent position at Domenica. Corey committed himself to providing excellence at Domenica through incredible Italian dishes and impeccable service.”
“In early 2022, Corey joined the family at Restaurant August as the Executive Chef with great enthusiasm to utilize French techniques and sourcing thoughtful ingredients from Louisiana and surrounding areas.”
August reopens tonight after some minor enhancements and renovations.
Meg Bickford is the Executive Chef of the legendary Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. She joins us.
“Native to the region and its Creole and Cajun cuisines, Chef Meg Bickford assumed the role of Executive Chef at Commander’s Palace in October 2020. Bickford graduated from the John Folse Culinary Institute and was subsequently hired by Commander’s, where she went on to serve as Executive Chef of Café Adelaide. In her time at Café Adelaide, Bickford was chosen as one of Louisiana Cookin’s “Chefs to Watch.””
After 18 years with the Commander’s Palace Family of Restaurants, Chef Bickford remains eager to keep the traditions of Commander’s alive while regularly adding innovative (and delicious) items to the menu.
Commander’s is renown for their unequaled Jazz Sunday Brunch and intimate Chef’s Table experience unusually placed in the heart of the bustling Commander’s kitchen.
We’re live from New Orleans covering the Americas Selection for the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition. Eight top-flight culinary teams, from eight different countries in North & South America, are competing to determine which five teams move on to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon, France in January of 2027. This bi-annual event is regarded as the most prestigious culinary competition in the world. Think of it as the Olympics of the culinary world!
Each team is comprised of a chef, commis and coach. Commitment, rigor and teamwork are essential. A distinguished jury of international chefs conducts the judging.
We’ll be meeting acclaimed chefs and culinary personalities from New Orleans along with Ment’or’s Culinary Council members. Ment’or sponsors Team USA 2027 with the goal of qualifying in New Orleans to move on to Lyon.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“Ashwin Vilkhu is a celebrated chef and restaurateur known for bringing modern Indian cuisine to New Orleans through his acclaimed restaurant Saffron NOLA where dishes draw on his Indian heritage and global influences, reinterpreting traditional Indian recipes with a Southern twist. He’s was a 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: South.”
“Chef Ashwin’s latest, The Kingsway, is a fine dining Asian establishment. Inspired by the deeply personal flavors of childhood dinners and the cultural crossroads of Asia, The Kingsway offers a contemporary interpretation of tradition—refined, intentional, and rooted in heritage.”
The Kingsway is hosting Team USA’s wrap party after the Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection.
“New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that equips individuals with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to excel in culinary & hospitality careers and passions. Through accessible, high-quality education and programs, NOCHI inspires and supports learners at all levels.”
“With accelerated vocational-style programs, continuing education and professional development, and enthusiast courses for home cooks of all skill levels, NOCHI is at the forefront of culinary and hospitality learning.”
“NOCHI envisions centering New Orleans as a global leader in culinary and hospitality learning by advancing career growth, industry innovation, and economic impact.”
Chef Mawa McQueen is a prominent restaurateur with popular properties in Aspen and Boulder, Colorado. She is also a Ment’or Chefs Council Member and an enthusiastic supporter of Team USA 2027 on the road to Lyon. She joins us.
“Mawa’s Kitchen is the MICHELIN Guide Recommended flagship restaurant of owner and executive chef Mawa McQueen, a James Beard Award semifinalist nominee and 2020 & 2022 Colorado Governor’s Minority Business Award Winner. The menu at Mawa’s Kitchen is hyper seasonal and reflects Mawa’s international heritage serving up Afro-Mediterranean cuisine with French-American flair.”
She joins us to conclude our on-location New Orleans show.
“New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. Founded in 1960, their mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to New Orleans for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. The vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world.”
“Alice Glenn is the Executive Vice President of New Orleans & Company, the official destination sales and marketing organization for the City of New Orleans. She oversees enterprise strategy, culture, operations, government relations, and strategic partnerships that advance inclusive economic development and strengthen New Orleans’ position in national and global markets. Her career spans 20+ years at the nexus of business, government, and civil society, building coalitions that translate policy and philanthropy into sustainable growth.”
“Before joining New Orleans & Company, Alice founded and led Glenn & Associates, LLC, advising organizations on strategy, fundraising, advocacy, and community affairs to scale impact and mobilize multi-sector stakeholders. She has held roles with United Way, Loyola University New Orleans, and the Louisiana Restaurant Association, and served in the public sector as Legislative Assistant to the Louisiana House Speaker Pro Tempore.”
Meg Bickford is the Executive Chef of the legendary Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. She joins us.
“Native to the region and its Creole and Cajun cuisines, Chef Meg Bickford assumed the role of Executive Chef at Commander’s Palace in October 2020. Bickford graduated from the John Folse Culinary Institute and was subsequently hired by Commander’s, where she went on to serve as Executive Chef of Café Adelaide. In her time at Café Adelaide, Bickford was chosen as one of Louisiana Cookin’s “Chefs to Watch.””
After 18 years with the Commander’s Palace Family of Restaurants, Chef Bickford remains eager to keep the traditions of Commander’s alive while regularly adding innovative (and delicious) items to the menu.
“Meanwhile, Chef Dook is also continuing the legacy of his late grandmother, Chef Leah Chase, serving as the Executive Chef and operator of his family’s restaurant Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans.”
“Chef Dook has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. After studying economics and finance at Dillard University, New Orleans, Chase received his Master’s of Business Administration from University of New Orleans, and went on to receive his culinary degree from Le Condon Bleu Paris, France. In addition to his formal training, he spent much of his youth learning the craft from his grandmother, while working in his family’s flagship restaurant, Dooky Chase’s in Tremé.”
“Chef Dook has developed growing concepts, such as Leah’s Kitchen, Dook’s Place, and Dook’s Burgers as a tribute to his grandmother’s legacy of service and hospitality, featuring dishes inspired by her classic Creole cuisine. The latest restaurant, Chapter IV, opened with his wife, Gretchen in January 2023, and named for his fourth generation of service, features modern takes on classic Creole breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings in downtown New Orleans.”
“Food journalist Ian McNulty is a writer for The Times-Picayune / The New Orleans Advocate and NOLA.com covering restaurants and food culture. His commentary series Where Y’Eat airs weekly on NPR affiliate WWNO, and he is a frequent contributor to WWL radio in New Orleans.”
“Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, multiple James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur Chris Bianco’sPane Bianco DTLA offers NY style pizza, sandwiches, salads, and provisions. And with Pizzeria Bianco DTLA just around the corner, Chef Chris’ full restaurant experience is now available at Row DTLA. Along with their NY Style pizzas, Pane Bianco DTLA features their incredible sandwiches, meticulously prepared on house-made breads, baked daily. Combining premium meats, artisanal cheeses, and farm-fresh vegetables, the sandwiches are handcrafted with love! For a lighter option, explore vibrant salads bursting with freshness. Perfect as a meal or a refreshing side, these salads celebrate the bounty of nature’s offerings.” Chef Chris joins us with pizza peel in hand.
“Buono’s Pizzeria, which opened as a family-owned, Italian deli and market in 1965 in San Pedro before eventually transitioning into a full-service pizzeria in 1973, is celebrating its 50th “pizza-versary” in November. The San Pedro landmark, which relocated from its original location at 15th and Gaffey in 2019 to the port town’s Little Italy district at 6th and Centre, invites the community to celebrate on November 13 and 14 with heavily discounted menu items and $50 gift cards giveaways to 50 lucky customers who dine at Buono’s on either day. Winners are selected at random. Both Long Beach locations will be celebrating as well.” Restaurateur Frank Buono joins us with a signature Pizza Buona Lisa at the ready.
Adam Bell is our accomplished, long-time Website and Social Media maven. He’s a foodie in good-standing with a particular affinity for the best in regional pizza, distinctive craft beer, and artisan coffee brewed from freshly roasted and ground, fair-trade coffee beans.
Adam was recently in Atlantic City for a few days. He avoided the heavily-hyped restaurants in the big Hotel Casino Resorts and, instead, renewed his acquaintance with the smaller establishments (representing better value) oozing with local character that the residents frequent.
Along the way Adam will profile the Mancuso Family’s Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern a locals’ hang since 1935 with a ton of history. It’s an iconic red sauce Italian spot with meatballs that still truly amaze.
“This year, the New Orleans culinary icon Commander’s Palace celebrates 130 years of restaurant history. To mark the occasion, co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan—alongside Executive Chef Meg Bickford and the entire Commander’s Palace family—are rolling out a yearlong calendar of anniversary programming. The legendary New Orleans dining destination, Commander’s Palace, first debuted in 1893 as a small Garden District saloon and restaurant. In 1969, pioneering female restaurateur Ella Brennan and four of her siblings took its helm, changing the landscape not only for women in hospitality, but also for what Creole cuisine and hospitality could be.” Ti Martin is our guest with a flute of celebratory Commander’s Palace Cuvee 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 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. Farm-raised fish produced domestically contributes to sustainability and the American economy. There are plenty of misnomers out there regarding quality and best practices. Chef Andrew shares the real facts of what you need to know.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“This year, the New Orleans culinary icon Commander’s Palacecelebrates 130 years of restaurant history. To mark the occasion, co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan — alongside ExecutiveChef Meg Bickford and the entire Commander’s Palace family — are rolling out a yearlong calendar of anniversary programming.”
“What our guests love about Commander’s Palace is our approach to service; we are striving to be both warm and meticulous,” says Co-Proprietor Lally Brennan. “I think it’s this blend of approachability and playfulness with uncompromising hospitality that keeps generation after generation joining us. It’s incredible to not only see our longtime regulars, but to also see new faces begin to join us weekly; it’s why we do what we do.”
“The legendary New Orleans dining destination, Commander’s Palace, first debuted in 1893 as a small Garden District saloon and restaurant. In 1969, pioneering female restaurateur Ella Brennan and four of her siblings took its helm, changing the landscape not only for women in hospitality, but also for what Creole cuisine and hospitality could be.”
“An impressive “who’s who” of culinary talent cut their teeth at Commander’s — from the late great chefs Paul Prudhomme and Jamie Shannon to famed chef / TV personality Emeril Lagasse and the multi-award-winning Chef Tory McPhail. Today, Executive Chef Meg Bickford — the restaurant’s first female executive chef and a longtime veteran of the Commander’s Palace kitchen (she started in 2008 as a hot appetizer cook) — continues the restaurant’s penchant for honoring and providing access to a rich, storied history, while continually exploring new frontiers in cuisine and cultural evolution.”
“At Commander’s Palace, we don’t stand still,” says Ti Martin, speaking to Chef Bickford’s New Haute Creole direction. “We’ve always pushed the boundaries of creole cooking. And right now feels like an especially exciting time in the New Orleans culinary community. Meg, alongside many of our friends in the industry, are challenging themselves to deliver new interpretations of what our food can be.”
Ti Martin is our guest with a flute of celebratory Commander’s Palace Cuvee in hand. Martin is in Los Angeles to participate in the People <Sustainability> panel at the LA Chef Conference 2023at LA Trade Tech College.
“This year, the New Orleans culinary icon Commander’s Palacecelebrates 130 years of restaurant history. To mark the occasion, co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan — alongside ExecutiveChef Meg Bickford and the entire Commander’s Palace family — are rolling out a yearlong calendar of anniversary programming.”
“The legendary New Orleans dining destination, Commander’s Palace, first debuted in 1893 as a small Garden District saloon and restaurant. In 1969, pioneering female restaurateur Ella Brennan and four of her siblings took its helm, changing the landscape not only for women in hospitality, but also for what Creole cuisine and hospitality could be.”
“An impressive “who’s who” of culinary talent cut their teeth at Commander’s — from the late great chefs Paul Prudhomme and Jamie Shannon to famed chef / TV personality Emeril Lagasse and the multi-award-winning Chef Tory McPhail. Today, Executive Chef Meg Bickford — the restaurant’s first female executive chef and a longtime veteran of the Commander’s Palace kitchen (she started in 2008 as a hot appetizer cook) — continues the restaurant’s penchant for honoring and providing access to a rich, storied history, while continually exploring new frontiers in cuisine and cultural evolution.”
“At Commander’s Palace, we don’t stand still,” says Ti Martin, speaking to Chef Bickford’s New Haute Creole direction. “We’ve always pushed the boundaries of creole cooking. And right now feels like an especially exciting time in the New Orleans culinary community. Meg, alongside many of our friends in the industry, are challenging themselves to deliver new interpretations of what our food can be.”
Second generation New Orleans restaurateur Ti Martin continues as our guest with a refreshed flute of celebratory Commander’s Palace Cuvee in hand. Martin is in Los Angeles to participate in the People <Sustainability> panel at the LA Chef Conference 2023at LA Trade Tech College.
Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.
“Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, multiple James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur Chris Bianco’sPane Bianco DTLA offers NY style pizza, sandwiches, salads, and provisions. And with Pizzeria Bianco DTLA just around the corner, Chef Chris’ full restaurant experience is now available at Row DTLA. Along with their NY Style pizzas, Pane Bianco DTLA features their incredible sandwiches, meticulously prepared on house-made breads, baked daily. Combining premium meats, artisanal cheeses, and farm-fresh vegetables, the sandwiches are handcrafted with love! For a lighter option, explore vibrant salads bursting with freshness. Perfect as a meal or a refreshing side, these salads celebrate the bounty of nature’s offerings.” Chef Chris joins us with pizza peel in hand.
“Buono’s Pizzeria, which opened as a family-owned, Italian deli and market in 1965 in San Pedro before eventually transitioning into a full-service pizzeria in 1973, is celebrating its 50th “pizza-versary” in November. The San Pedro landmark, which relocated from its original location at 15th and Gaffey in 2019 to the port town’s Little Italy district at 6th and Centre, invites the community to celebrate on November 13 and 14 with heavily discounted menu items and $50 gift cards giveaways to 50 lucky customers who dine at Buono’s on either day. Winners are selected at random. Both Long Beach locations will be celebrating as well.” Restaurateur Frank Buono joins us with a signature Pizza Buona Lisa at the ready.
Adam Bell is our accomplished, long-time Website and Social Media maven. He’s a foodie in good-standing with a particular affinity for the best in regional pizza, distinctive craft beer, and artisan coffee brewed from freshly roasted and ground, fair-trade coffee beans.
Adam was recently in Atlantic City for a few days. He avoided the heavily-hyped restaurants in the big Hotel Casino Resorts and, instead, renewed his acquaintance with the smaller establishments (representing better value) oozing with local character that the residents frequent.
Along the way Adam will profile the Mancuso Family’s Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern a locals’ hang since 1935 with a ton of history. It’s an iconic red sauce Italian spot with meatballs that still truly amaze.
“This year, the New Orleans culinary icon Commander’s Palace celebrates 130 years of restaurant history. To mark the occasion, co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan—alongside ExecutiveChef Meg Bickford and the entire Commander’s Palace family—are rolling out a yearlong calendar of anniversary programming. The legendary New Orleans dining destination, Commander’s Palace, first debuted in 1893 as a small Garden District saloon and restaurant. In 1969, pioneering female restaurateur Ella Brennan and four of her siblings took its helm, changing the landscape not only for women in hospitality, but also for what Creole cuisine and hospitality could be.” Ti Martin is our guest with a flute of celebratory Commander’s Palace Cuvee 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. Farm-raised fish produced domestically contributes to sustainability and the American economy. There are plenty of misnomers out there regarding quality and best practices. Chef Andrew shares the real facts of what you need to know.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, multiple James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur Chris Bianco’sPane Bianco DTLA offers NY style pizza, sandwiches, salads, and provisions. And with Pizzeria Bianco DTLA just around the corner, Chef Chris’ full restaurant experience is now available at Row DTLA.” Chef Chris joins us with pizza peel in hand.
“Along with their NY Style pizzas, Pane Bianco DTLA features their incredible sandwiches, meticulously prepared on house-made breads, baked daily. Combining premium meats, artisanal cheeses, and farm-fresh vegetables, the sandwiches are handcrafted with love! For a lighter option, explore vibrant salads bursting with freshness. Perfect as a meal or a refreshing side, these salads celebrate the bounty of nature’s offerings.”
“Pane Bianco also features select provisions, including their own lineup of Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes, Bianco swag, and our Bianco extra virgin olive oil.”
Hours at the Row DTLA are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“When Chris Bianco started Pizzeria Biancoin the back corner of a Phoenix grocery store in 1988, he had no idea that he would become a driving force in the artisanal pizza movement. All he knew was that his food would reflect the respect and sincere intention that he brings to each of his recipes, as the result of his relationships with farmers, local producers, customers, and staff.”
“Now the chef-owner of Pizzeria Bianco, with multiple locations in Phoenix, Arizona and Los Angeles, California, Bianco has come a long way from the back corner of that grocery store.”
“Bianco first won the James Beard Award for Best Chef (Southwest) in 2003 —the first pizzaiolo to receive the honor— and helped spawn a generation of independent and artisanal pizzerias, lending his advice, wisdom, and food philosophies to dozens of fellow chefs and restaurateurs. In 2022, Chris again won a second James Beard Award for Outstanding Restauranteur.”
“Buono’s Pizzeria, which opened as a family-owned, Italian deli and market in 1965 in San Pedro before eventually transitioning into a full-service pizzeria in 1973, is celebrating its 50th “pizza-versary” in November. The San Pedro landmark, which relocated from its original location at 15th and Gaffey in 2019 to the port town’s Little Italy district at 6th and Centre, invites the community to celebrate on November 13 and 14 with heavily discounted menu items and $50 gift cards giveaways to 50 lucky customers who dine at Buono’s on either day. Winners are selected at random. Both Long Beach locations will be celebrating as well.”
“Turning 50 has never tasted so good,” said Frank Buono, who now heads operations for his family’s three locations, including downtown Long Beach and West Long Beach. “As one of the few legacy restaurants still around, this is our way of saying thank you to our many loyal guests. This milestone is as much their celebration as it is ours. We wouldn’t be here without their continued support throughout the decades.” Frank Buono joins us with a signature Pizza Buona Lisa at the ready.
“The Little Italy location spans nearly 3,000 square-feet and boasts alfresco dining available with an expansive wraparound patio. The exhibition kitchen reveals a display of culinary excellence with a gas-fired brick oven. Both Long Beach locations offer patio dining, too, with an inviting 3,000-square-foot outdoor dining space at the downtown Long Beach locale.”
Adam Bell is our accomplished, long-time Website and Social Media maven. He’s a foodie in good-standing with a particular affinity for the best in regional pizza, distinctive craft beer, and artisan coffee brewed from freshly roasted and ground, fair-trade coffee beans.
Adam was recently in Atlantic City for a few days. He avoided the heavily-hyped restaurants in the big Hotel Casino Resorts and, instead, renewed his acquaintance with the smaller establishments (representing better value) oozing with local character that the residents frequent.
Along the way Adam will profile the Mancuso Family’s Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern a locals’ hang since 1935 with a ton of history. It’s an iconic red sauce Italian spot with meatballs that still truly amaze.
“This year, the New Orleans culinary icon Commander’s Palacecelebrates 130 years of restaurant history. To mark the occasion, co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan — alongside ExecutiveChef Meg Bickford and the entire Commander’s Palace family — are rolling out a yearlong calendar of anniversary programming.”
“What our guests love about Commander’s Palace is our approach to service; we are striving to be both warm and meticulous,” says Co-Proprietor Lally Brennan. “I think it’s this blend of approachability and playfulness with uncompromising hospitality that keeps generation after generation joining us. It’s incredible to not only see our longtime regulars, but to also see new faces begin to join us weekly; it’s why we do what we do.”
“The legendary New Orleans dining destination, Commander’s Palace, first debuted in 1893 as a small Garden District saloon and restaurant. In 1969, pioneering female restaurateur Ella Brennan and four of her siblings took its helm, changing the landscape not only for women in hospitality, but also for what Creole cuisine and hospitality could be.”
“An impressive “who’s who” of culinary talent cut their teeth at Commander’s — from the late great chefs Paul Prudhomme and Jamie Shannon to famed chef / TV personality Emeril Lagasse and the multi-award-winning Chef Tory McPhail. Today, Executive Chef Meg Bickford — the restaurant’s first female executive chef and a longtime veteran of the Commander’s Palace kitchen (she started in 2008 as a hot appetizer cook) — continues the restaurant’s penchant for honoring and providing access to a rich, storied history, while continually exploring new frontiers in cuisine and cultural evolution.”
“At Commander’s Palace, we don’t stand still,” says Ti Martin, speaking to Chef Bickford’s New Haute Creole direction. “We’ve always pushed the boundaries of creole cooking. And right now feels like an especially exciting time in the New Orleans culinary community. Meg, alongside many of our friends in the industry, are challenging themselves to deliver new interpretations of what our food can be.”
Ti Martin is our guest with a flute of celebratory Commander’s Palace Cuvee in hand. Martin is in Los Angeles to participate in the People <Sustainability> panel at the LA Chef Conference 2023at LA Trade Tech College.
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.
Farm-raised fish produced domestically contributes to sustainability and the American economy. There are plenty of misnomers out there regarding quality and best practices. Chef Andrew shares the real facts of what you need to know.
Program Note :
Next Saturday, June 9th only we unusually follow the early Angel game (playing Minnesota) from 3 to 5:00 p.m. Please don’t miss us! We’re there for you…
Now an attention-grabbing preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with an informative and entertaining show.
2018 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine season is upon us. Building on the success of last two summers with award-winning chef Suzanne Goinand business partner restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their flagship restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings, which include over 17 concepts, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin in tandem with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, recent recipient of the Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Sodexo Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.
After four centuries in Japan and almost four decades in the United States, CHAYA continues to transcend convention between Japanese and American dining, inviting guests to discover innovative Japanese-Californian cuisine along with an unprecedented new beverage program as the CHAYA Restaurant Group has now officially transitioned the 28-year-old Chaya Venice into CHAYA Modern Izakaya. Owner & President Yuta Tsunoda has all the intriguing details.
The newest craft brewery on the Big Island of Hawaii is the community focused, Ola Brew. Unusually it was partially crowd-funded to launch and also just completed it’s 2nd round of crowd-funding to expand brewing capacity and build an on-site kitchen. Ola Brew’s world class beers and ciders are made from island-sourced ingredients. General Manager Shawn O’Shaughnessy taps the keg for us.
Would you believe a contemporary gastropub located on 5 landscaped acres hidden in the Porter District of Langley, Whidbey Island, WA in a magnificently converted and renovated airplane hanger serving Asian-inspired flavors ? It actually exists in the form of Roaming Radish’s R2 Gastropub owned by Chefs Jess & JP Dowdell. It’s a memorable dining experience that you simply won’t find elsewhere…
Chef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of “Ask the Chef.” Chef Andrew just returned from the Aquaculture Canada Conference in Quebec City. He was the Keynote Speaker there. Chef Andrew discussed the overview of farm-raised salmon and farm-raised seafood in general. We’ll get the highlights of his informed presentation.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Program Note: Next Saturday, November 5th we graciously step aside in our regular morning time period for Fighting Irish Football. For this Saturday only we’re moving downfield to 2 to 4:00 p.m. See you there!
Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s full-measure show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…
What does it take to design and execute a well-thought-out bar, restaurant or commercial kitchen? We’ll find out from veteran designer Rick Rose of the Chefs’ Toys Commercial Kitchen Design Group, formerly known as Michael Blackman & Associates. MBA has been operating for over 30 years and is known as one of the top restaurant kitchen designers in Southern California and nationally as well.
The Brennan Family represents the royalty of highly influential restaurateurs in New Orleans. The dynasty is led by the incomparable Miss Ella Brennan. She is a mother, chef mentor, and blunt-talking matriarch of the Brennan Family’s New Orleans empire whose flagship is the pioneering Commander’s Palace. Miss Ella and her daughter, Ti Adelaide Martin, have written her absorbing biography and, as expected, it’s a page-turner. Ti Martin joins us with a preview.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel is no stranger to the intricacies of seafood. Smoked fish is pretty simple, right? Not exactly. Was that lox you just enjoyed prepared by hot or cold smoking? What’s the difference? It can be an elaborate process. What techniques are possibly correct for different types of fish? Chef Andrew explains.
Earlier this year we met the passionate Clarissa Nagy who is the distinguished Winemaker at Riverbench in Santa Maria. Separate from Riverbench, Clarissa has her own label, c nagy, with a rustic tasting room in historic Orcutt. Clarissa Nagy is our encore guest.
The Brennan Family represents the royalty of highly influential restaurateurs in New Orleans. The dynasty is led by the incomparable Miss Ella Brennan. She is a mother, chef mentor, and blunt-talking matriarch of the Brennan Family’s New Orleans empire whose flagship is the pioneering Commander’s Palace. Miss Ella and her daughter, Ti Adelaide Martin, have written her absorbing biography and, as expected, it’s a page-turner. Ti Martin joins us with a preview.
Ella Brennan, “Miss Ella,” changed the way America eats. At 18-years old, she went to work at her brother’s bar on Bourbon Street. The New Orleans dining scene had no idea what was about to hit it. Turns out it was one of America’s greatest business coaches, whose impact on the restaurant industry and Creole cuisine is evident across the nation today. Miss Ella of Commander’s Palace is the story of The Brennan Family’s beloved restaurant matriarch!
When Miss Ella and her family launched Commander’s Palace, it quickly became the city’s most popular restaurant, where famous chefs such as Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, and James Beard Award winner Troy McPhail got their start.
Ti Adelaide Martin is the daughter of Ella Brennan. Raised in New Orleans, she has followed in her mother’s footsteps and is now co-proprietor of Commander’s Palace. She remembers her mother “always hosting these lavish parties at our house,” she recalls. “There were always lots of interesting people there from around the country, many from the culinary world.”
