Show 566, February 24, 2024: Anne Marie Panoringan, Culture OC’s Food Columnist Part One

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is now Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist and a host of other well-respected publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to further discuss her new outlet as Food Columnist for Culture OC and chat about recent and future columns.

Along the way Anne Marie will highlight her past (and future) coverage of Strong Water in Anaheim, the only Orange County nominee as a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award. Also, more salivating specifics on the range of South of the Border edible delights available at Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa.

Show 557, December 23, 2023: Al Mancini, creator of “Neon Feast” dining App for Las Vegas and “Food and Loathing” Podcast Part Two

Al Mancini of Neon Feast

The 2nd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on Neon Feast), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

“The weekly “Food and Loathing” podcast created by Al Mancini is a savage journey into the stomach of the Las Vegas restaurant and bar scene – with occasional detours to explore some of the valley’s other decadent offerings (edible and otherwise).” Each week, veteran food writer Al Mancini offers the lowdown on what’s new, what’s hot and what’s delicious in America’s most glamorous culinary city. Al invites you into his insider conversations with the chefs, bartenders, journalists, and other experts who know where to go – and what to order when you get there.”

Al Mancini continues as our in-the-know guest with further highlights of what’s new on the Vegas dining scene. Some of the current talk of the town on dining is about the high-end restaurants at the newly opened (and long-delayed) Fontainebleau on The Strip, and Zippy’s a beloved fast-casual import from Hawaii known for their Chicken Katsu. Also the debut of the Durango Casino and Resort and Chef Gene Villiatora’s Ai Pono Café (from Costa Mesa) there saluting Hawaii Street Food.

Show 555, December 9, 2023: Descanso Restaurant, Costa Mesa, with Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo Part One

Rob Arellano of Descanso Restaurant

Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria located in Costa Mesa, celebrated its five year Anniversary in November. The first concept of its kind, Descanso’s unique and award-winning Plancha dining experience catapulted the Mexican eatery to the top of Orange County’s dining scene shortly after opening in the fall of 2018.”

“Five years ago we started Descanso with the idea of bringing people together to commune over great food and a memorable experience,” said Rob Arellano, Owner of Descanso, Southern California’s only full-service Mexican restaurant known for preparing authentic cuisine a la minute in front of the guest on a traditional Plancha. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this 5th Anniversary milestone with our community, and we look forward to our most exciting year yet as we prepare to expand to Los Angeles in 2024.” The new Los Angeles flagship will be located near Museum Square on the Miracle Mile.

“Descanso Restaurant delivers a festive Mexican dining experience as a modern taqueria that celebrates authentic Mexican flavors and recipes executed on a traditional Plancha and prepared a la minute in front of the guest. With Executive Chef Jose Angulo at the helm, the full-service restaurant is committed to providing only fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and does not believe in cooking with lard or using can openers. Drawing guests into the cooking experience as classic Central Mexican street-inspired cuisine is made to order, the restaurant’s lively setting celebrates tradition while bringing in the music, smells, and energy of a busy Mexican town.”

Proprietor Rob Arellano and Executive Chef Jose Angulo are our guests with a plate of Lobster Tacos at the ready.

Show 555, December 9, 2023: Descanso Restaurant, Costa Mesa, with Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo Part Two

Jose Angula of Descanso Restaurant

Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria located in Costa Mesa, celebrated its five year Anniversary in November. The first concept of its kind, Descanso’s unique and award-winning Plancha dining experience catapulted the Mexican eatery to the top of Orange County’s dining scene shortly after opening in the fall of 2018.”

“Five years ago we started Descanso with the idea of bringing people together to commune over great food and a memorable experience,” said Rob Arellano, Owner of Descanso, Southern California’s only full-service Mexican restaurant known for preparing authentic cuisine a la minute in front of the guest on a traditional Plancha. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this 5th Anniversary milestone with our community, and we look forward to our most exciting year yet as we prepare to expand to Los Angeles in 2024.”The new Los Angeles flagship will be located near Museum Square on the Miracle Mile.

“Descanso Restaurant delivers a festive Mexican dining experience as a modern taqueria that celebrates authentic Mexican flavors and recipes executed on a traditional Plancha and prepared a la minute in front of the guest. With Executive Chef Jose Angulo at the helm, the full-service restaurant is committed to providing only fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and does not believe in cooking with lard or using can openers. Drawing guests into the cooking experience as classic Central Mexican street-inspired cuisine is made to order, the restaurant’s lively setting celebrates tradition while bringing in the music, smells, and energy of a busy Mexican town.”

Proprietor Rob Arellano and Executive Chef Jose Angulo are our guests with a plate of Lobster Tacos at the ready.

Show 542, September 9, 2023: Tastemakers of Orange County Benefiting OCAPICA With Baker Tarit Tanjasiri and Chef Kristen Nguyen

Kristen Nguyen of Garlic and Chives

“The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) brings back its Tastemakers of Orange County fundraising event on Wednesday, September 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than two dozen local chefs will celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired dishes. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and combating anti-Asian racism throughout Orange County.”

“In addition to the food tastings, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy beverages by Brewery X and Bondle Wines. The celebration at Argyros Plaza will also include entertainment, a silent auction and opportunity drawing for guests to enjoy. Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m.; and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information and tickets can be found here.

Baker Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café and Chef Kristen Nguyen of Garlic & Chives join us with all the tasty details.

Show 533, July 8, 2023: Chef Nick Weber of Populaire at South Coast Plaza. Tribute Menu for “TINA -The Tina Turner Musical.”

Nick Weber of Populaire Modern Bistro

Chef Nick Weber of Populaire at South Coast Plaza has created a three-course prix-fixe gastronomic tribute to the life and music of iconic performer, Tina Turner, available nightly during the July 11-23, two-week run of the Tony Award-winning musical, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.”

“Weber, a music fan, has crafted a culinary journey naming dishes for Turner’s hit songs such as Be Tender with Me Baby (heirloom tomato, ricotta maison, jambon de Bayonne crumble), Nutbush City Limits (select either Duroc pork belly or swordfish, Nardello peppers, hazelnuts, charred soubise, black garlic) and Proud Mary Reprise (Paris Brest – white chocolate crémeux, peaches, pistachio). The menu is served starting at 4 p.m. and is $55 with optional wine pairings $25, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations encouraged.”

Chef Nick Weber is our guest.

Show 521, April 15, 2023: Anne Marie Panoringan, The Voice of OC’s Food Columnist Part One

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Saturday. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles and other well-respected publications.

Anne Marie joins us in-studio for her regular bi-monthly visit to discuss specialty food products that caught her attention at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center. Also Anne Marie shares a gem of a Greek restaurant hidden in plain sight in Costa Mesa that she profiled for Eater Los Angeles.

Anne Marie brought in fresh scones that she baked this week at a hands-on cooking class at Classics Flowers and Confections in Cypress.

Show 490, September 10, 2022: Preview of “Tastemakers of Orange County” with OCAPICA’s Sora Tanjasiri and Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan

The 6th Annual Tastemakers of Orange County celebrating the 25th Anniversary of OCAPICA is set for Wednesday, Sept. 14th at 6 p.m. at the Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Tastemakers of Orange County is a culinary event celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander inspired cuisine created by distinguished chefs throughout Orange County. Proceeds from the event go to support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and anti-asian racism.”

OCAPICA’s Sora Tanjasiri (Board Member) and participating chef Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan join us with all the mouthwatering details.

Show 489, September 3, 2022: Populaire Modern Bistro at South Coast Plaza with Executive Chef Nicholas Weber Part One

Nick Weber of Populaire Modern Bistro

Populaire, the much-anticipated restaurant from veteran chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nicholas Weber, opened its doors at South Coast Plaza on June 1. The two Patina Restaurant Group alums – both protégés of renowned restaurateur and Master Chef Joachim Splichal — have since forged their own respective culinary paths.”

“Pangilinan currently owns and operates several successful restaurants, including Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza, Mix Mix Kitchen & Bar in Santa Ana (which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019) and ReMix Kitchen & Bar in Long Beach. Weber most recently served as executive chef of 24 Carrots, one of OC’s most sought-after catering companies, along with previous executive chef roles at Catal Restaurant at Downtown Disney, Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa and The Cannery in Newport Beach.”

“Guests can anticipate savoring classic bistro staples with modern California flavors and twists, from Escargot Ebelskivers with Sauerkraut, Buttermilk and Parsley to a “Croque Madame” Air Waffle with Comte Crème, Parisian Ham and Quail Egg, along with Ratatouille with Egg Yolk, Aged White Cheddar, Gochugaru Chili, Olive Oil & Crostini, and Dungeness Crab Chawanmushi with Sea Urchin, Red Yuzu Kosho and Saffron Dashi. Entrée-wise, there’s Spanish Octopus with Koji Crème Fraiche, Cured Green Tomato & Hemp Seed Crumble – as well as Prime Bavette Steak with Sauce Au Poivre and Whipped Potatoes.”

Populaire is located at South Coast Plaza on Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue wing.

Chef Nick Weber joins us.

Show 489, September 3, 2022: Populaire Modern Bistro at South Coast Plaza with Executive Chef Nicholas Weber Part Two

Nick Weber of Populaire Modern Bistro

Populaire, the much-anticipated restaurant from veteran chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nicholas Weber, opened its doors at South Coast Plaza on June 1. The two Patina Restaurant Group alums – both protégés of renowned restaurateur and Master Chef Joachim Splichal — have since forged their own respective culinary paths.”

“Pangilinan currently owns and operates several successful restaurants, including Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza, Mix Mix Kitchen & Bar in Santa Ana (which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019) and ReMix Kitchen & Bar in Long Beach. Weber most recently served as executive chef of 24 Carrots, one of OC’s most sought-after catering companies, along with previous executive chef roles at Catal Restaurant at Downtown Disney, Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa and The Cannery in Newport Beach.”

“Guests can anticipate savoring classic bistro staples with modern California flavors and twists, from Escargot Ebelskivers with Sauerkraut, Buttermilk and Parsley to a “Croque Madame” Air Waffle with Comte Crème, Parisian Ham and Quail Egg, along with Ratatouille with Egg Yolk, Aged White Cheddar, Gochugaru Chili, Olive Oil & Crostini, and Dungeness Crab Chawanmushi with Sea Urchin, Red Yuzu Kosho and Saffron Dashi. Entrée-wise, there’s Spanish Octopus with Koji Crème Fraiche, Cured Green Tomato & Hemp Seed Crumble – as well as Prime Bavette Steak with Sauce Au Poivre and Whipped Potatoes.”

Populaire is located at South Coast Plaza on Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue wing.

Chef Nick Weber continues with us.