Tag Archives: Culver City

Show 512, February 11, 2023: Executive Chef Wes Whitsell, Hatchet Hall, Culver City Part Two

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Wes Whitsell of Hatchet Hall

“Hatchet Hall in Culver City (on the border with Los Angeles) is your lively neighborhood restaurant and bar (with a new Michelin Star) focusing on the simplicity of quality ingredients, relationships to their farmers, and a relaxed good time.”

“Hatchet Hall specializes in working relationships with local farmers and purveyors to provide the best quality experience for the table. The basis of the restaurant is family — whether it’s your loved ones, farmers, or guests, — we all gather around the same table. The menu changes daily, reflecting the seasons of California and Chef Wes Whitsell’s creativity, purchasing produce with limitation and the idea of keeping things exciting for the staff and guests. The food is simple; not heavily plated or overdone, finding beauty in imperfection.”

“The wine list is regularly updated with limited runs on by the glass options, focusing on the culture and history of the wine as well as the natural wine movement of all organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines. The spirits list is vast, specializing in American Whiskey with expressions and nuances that you’re only able to get from being able to purchase a full single barrel.”

“Raised in a small Texas town, by an avid outdoorsman and farmer, Chef Wes grew up eating what was hunted and gathered in the traditional sense. Before it was a trend, it was Wes’s way of life.”

“Hatchet Hall is a restaurant that aligns deeply with his values. Wes has a strong belief in the integrity of the food he cooks, while never forgetting those early lessons he learned from his own roots: that small Texas town. At Hatchet Hall, he taps into his Southern roots, the live fire component that makes the restaurant so special, while drawing inspiration from his past culinary experiences, his relationships to farmers, and the amazing produce California has to offer.”

Chef Wes Whitsell takes another break from his busy kitchen to continue with us. He has an order of the Anson Mills Cornbread with cheddar, shishito and honey butter at the ready.

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Show 493, October 1, 2022: “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana” with Tito’s Tacos (Culver City) Co-Owner Lynne Davidson Part One

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Lynne Davidson of Tito's Tacos

“Culver City’s classic Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are teaming up for the fifth year in a row to host “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana,” an annual event that celebrates National Taco Day and National Vodka Day while raising funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation. On October 4, which also happens to be Taco Tuesday, the highly-anticipated event returns, bringing together two iconic brands and an exciting roster of world-class performers on the same stage.”

“As part of the event, attendees will be able to enjoy delicious award-winning tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka specialty cocktails, along with seven hours of nonstop Mexican entertainment by traditional mariachi artists including Grammy Award-nominated Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez, all-female favorites Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles, and Trio Chapala; folklorico dancers DanzArts / Sabor a Mexico Dance Company, and a special appearance by standup comic Jesus Trejo.”

“In the fifth year of hosting Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are celebrating two very special milestones. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, October 4, marking the first time National Taco Day has taken place on a Tuesday since 2016. With this year’s event falling on Taco Tuesday, it is sure to be one to remember.”

“Additionally, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will continue their philanthropic tradition, donating 100% of the proceeds from the event to the Culver City Arts Foundation. The event has raised over $50,000 over the past years, with this year’s donation expected to increase significantly.”

3rd Generation Proprietor Lynne Davidson joins us with cheese tacos, chips and fresh salsa at the ready.

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Show 493, October 1, 2022: “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana” with Tito’s Tacos (Culver City) Co-Owner Lynne Davidson Part Two

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Lynne Davidson of Tito's Tacos

“Culver City’s classic Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are teaming up for the fifth year in a row to host “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana,” an annual event that celebrates National Taco Day and National Vodka Day while raising funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation. On October 4, which also happens to be Taco Tuesday, the highly-anticipated event returns, bringing together two iconic brands and an exciting roster of world-class performers on the same stage.”

“In the fifth year of hosting Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are celebrating two very special milestones. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, October 4, marking the first time National Taco Day has taken place on a Tuesday since 2016. With this year’s event falling on Taco Tuesday, it is sure to be one to remember.”

“Additionally, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will continue their philanthropic tradition, donating 100% of the proceeds from the event to the Culver City Arts Foundation. The event has raised over $50,000 over the past years, with this year’s donation expected to increase significantly.”

“Founded in 1959 by Benjamin Davidson and now run by his granddaughter Lynne Davidson, Tito’s Tacos is an iconic Mexican fast casual restaurant in Culver City, CA. Known for its “folded” hard shell tacos and burritos beloved by celebrities, locals and visitors, Tito’s menu features crispy beef tacos, tamales, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas and guacamole, among other dishes. The cuisine is made from scratch daily using original recipes and served to thousands of loyal fans daily, often by employees who have been with Tito’s for decades.”

3rd Generation Proprietor Lynne Davidson continues with us with cheese tacos, chips and fresh house salsa at the ready.

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Show 492, September 24, 2022: Nile Dreiling, Co-Founder, Holey Grail Donuts, Kauai, Oahu and Los Angeles, CA Part One

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Nile Dreiling of Holey Grail Donuts

“Founded in Hanalei by siblings Hana and Nile Dreiling, Holey Grail has built a cult-following for its donuts made with taro-based dough and unique Hawaiian-inspired flavors using ethically sourced ingredients from locally owned farms. From the 2018 opening of its first food truck, originally starting with a little red hamburger trailer and $100 fryer, they quickly garnered hours long lines of people. Holey Grail now operates two storefronts in Hawaii and a food truck in Waikiki, and has become a much-loved stalwart of the island. This year, Holey Grail made its debut on the mainland, as they prepare to open two shops in Los Angeles [Santa Monica & Larchmont] in addition to a food truck currently parked at the Platform in Culver City and usually at the Mar Vista Farmers Market on Sunday.”

“Holey Grail Donuts are made with taro, an ancient superfood revered for its nutritional, medicinal and ecological benefits, and are fried in organic, fair trade coconut oil. Holey Grail has created more than 60 flavors since its founding, as it strives to spotlight the best of Hawaiian-grown ingredients. Flavors include Strawberry Fields (Kula farms Maui strawberries with a Mizuba matcha swirl), Island Chocolate (glazed in Lydgate Farms single estate dark chocolate), L & L (lemon zest infused sugar, lime curd, finger lime caviar and begonia petals), and Chaga Chai (hot dough rolled in chai spices, chaga mushroom, cinnamon and sugar), among others. Holey Grail has also recently collaborated with various chefs & culinary personalities such as Alexis Deboschnek, Mei Lin and Rick Martinez.”

“While the team is still committed to showcasing Hawaiian flavors, Holey Grail is not compromising on its sourcing ethics as it grows, and will partner with California farmers to source produce, in addition to maintaining its relationships with Hawaiian growers for ingredients like organic taro, coconut oil and cacao. With thoughtful and ethical sourcing, handmade recipes and indulgent flavors, Holey Grail is setting out to offer the world’s greatest donut experience.”

Holey Grail’s Co-founder Nile Dreiling joins us.

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Show 492, September 24, 2022: Nile Dreiling, Co-Founder, Holey Grail Donuts, Kauai, Oahu and Los Angeles, CA Part Two

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Nile Dreiling of Holey Grail Donuts

“Founded in Hanalei by siblings Hana and Nile Dreiling, Holey Grail has built a cult-following for its donuts made with taro-based dough and unique Hawaiian-inspired flavors using ethically sourced ingredients from locally owned farms. From the 2018 opening of its first food truck, originally starting with a little red hamburger trailer and $100 fryer, they quickly garnered hours long lines of people. Holey Grail now operates two storefronts in Hawaii and a food truck in Waikiki, and has become a much-loved stalwart of the island. This year, Holey Grail made its debut on the mainland, as they prepare to open two shops in Los Angeles [Santa Monica & Larchmont] in addition to a food truck currently parked at the Platform in Culver City and usually at the Mar Vista Farmers Market on Sunday.”

“Holey Grail Donuts are made with taro, an ancient superfood revered for its nutritional, medicinal and ecological benefits, and are fried in organic, fair trade coconut oil. Holey Grail has created more than 60 flavors since its founding, as it strives to spotlight the best of Hawaiian-grown ingredients. Flavors include Strawberry Fields (Kula farms Maui strawberries with a Mizuba matcha swirl), Island Chocolate (glazed in Lydgate Farms single estate dark chocolate), L & L (lemon zest infused sugar, lime curd, finger lime caviar and begonia petals), and Chaga Chai (hot dough rolled in chai spices, chaga mushroom, cinnamon and sugar), among others. Holey Grail has also recently collaborated with various chefs & culinary personalities such as Alexis Deboschnek, Mei Lin and Rick Martinez.”

“While the team is still committed to showcasing Hawaiian flavors, Holey Grail is not compromising on its sourcing ethics as it grows, and will partner with California farmers to source produce, in addition to maintaining its relationships with Hawaiian growers for ingredients like organic taro, coconut oil and cacao. With thoughtful and ethical sourcing, handmade recipes and indulgent flavors, Holey Grail is setting out to offer the world’s greatest donut experience.”

Holey Grail’s Co-founder Nile Dreiling continues with us.

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Show 488, August 27, 2022: Persian Pastries Class at Guittard Chocolate Studio with Chefs Donald Wressell and Sahar Shomali

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Donald Wressell of Guittard Chocolate Company

Under the direction of Guittard Chocolate Company’s acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef Donald Wressell, the “Guittard Chocolate Studio in Culver City offers hands-on workshops with prominent chefs, chocolatiers and bakers for a unique opportunity for cooking professionals and serious home cooks to learn new skills, finesse techniques and expand on their chocolate knowledge.”

The next class is Persian Pastries with Chef Sahar Shomali on September 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “In Persian Pastries, participants will learn all about the foods of Iran: its history and cuisine, how its climate and geography affects cooking / baking trends, and how to replicate them, as well as the art of Persian sweets and pastries. Chef Sahar will also discuss chocolate and it’s place in Iranian cuisine, and together make different variations of classic sweets using chocolate.”

“In 2018 Chef Sahar established Kouzeh Bakery, a cottage bakery, dedicated to the art of Iranian Bread. Her goal is to research, recreate and document the many different bread and baked goods of Iran, and introduce them to the bread lovers of the world.”

Chef Donald Wressell and Chef Sahar Shomali are our guests with all the salivating details.

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Show 481, July 2, 2022: Guittard Chocolate Co’s Guittard Chocolate Studio Workshops Part One

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Donald Wressell of Guittard Chocolate Company

Under the direction of Guittard Chocolate Company’s acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef Donald Wressell, the “Guittard Chocolate Studio in Culver City offers hands-on workshops with prominent chefs, chocolatiers and bakers for a unique opportunity for cooking professionals and serious home cooks to learn new skills, finesse techniques and expand on their chocolate knowledge.”

Next on this year’s class schedule is Market Driven Desserts with Della Gossett (Executive Pastry Chef for Wolfgang Puck’s Spago) and Roxana Jullapat (Co-Proprietor and Pastry Chef for Friends & Family in Hollywood.) It’s a 2-day course on July 13 & 14th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Begin this lesson by joining Della & Roxana to a visit at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, meeting the farmers & vendors who bring in the best produce of the season. Shop for a selection to work with and come back to the Chocolate Studio kitchen to create desserts and baked goods using the market produce. Find ways to inspire your current seasonal menu and explore the skill of making preserves using seasonal produce for use in the future.”

Chefs Donald Wressell, Della Gossett and Roxana Jullapat join us rolling pin firmly in hand.

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Show 481, July 2, 2022: Guittard Chocolate Co’s Guittard Chocolate Studio Workshops Part Two

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Roxanne Jullapat of Friends and Family

Under the direction of Guittard Chocolate Company’s acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef Donald Wressell, the “Guittard Chocolate Studio in Culver City offers hands-on workshops with prominent chefs, chocolatiers and bakers for a unique opportunity for cooking professionals and serious home cooks to learn new skills, finesse techniques and expand on their chocolate knowledge.”

Next on this year’s class schedule is Market Driven Desserts with Della Gossett (Executive Pastry Chef for Wolfgang Puck’s Spago) and Roxana Jullapat (Co-Proprietor and Pastry Chef for Friends & Family in Hollywood.) It’s a 2-day course on July 13 & 14th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Begin this lesson by joining Della & Roxana to a visit at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, meeting the farmers & vendors who bring in the best produce of the season. Shop for a selection to work with and come back to the Chocolate Studio kitchen to create desserts and baked goods using the market produce. Find ways to inspire your current seasonal menu and explore the skill of making preserves using seasonal produce for use in the future.”

Chefs Donald Wressell, Della Gossett and Roxana Jullapat continue with us.

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Show 462, February 19, 2022: Executive Chef Wes Whitsell, Hatchet Hall, Los Angeles Part Two

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Wes Whitsell of Hatchet Hall

“Hatchet Hall, a lively neighborhood restaurant and bar in Mar Vista, specializes in working relationships with local farmers and purveyors to provide the best quality experience for the table. The basis of the restaurant is family — whether it’s your loved ones, farmers, or guests, — we all gather around the same table. The menu changes daily, reflecting the seasons of California. Purchasing produce with limitation and the idea of keeping things exciting for the staff and guests. The food is simple; not heavily plated or overdone, finding beauty in imperfection.”

Hatchet Hall serves dinner nightly and has recently reintroduced Sunday Brunch and is adding Brunch on Friday and Saturday, too.

“Wes Whitsell (the opening chef at Manuela in DTLA) is the new Executive Chef at Hatchet Hall, a restaurant that aligns deeply with his values. Wes has a strong belief in the integrity of the food he cooks, while never forgetting those early lessons he learned from his own roots: that small Texas town. At Hatchet Hall, he taps into his Southern roots, the live fire component that makes the restaurant so special, while drawing inspiration from his past culinary experiences, his relationships to farmers, and the amazing produce California has to offer.”

“Raised in a small Texas town, by an avid outdoorsman and farmer, Chef Wes grew up eating what was hunted and gathered in the traditional sense. Before it was a trend, it was Wes’s way of life. This early introduction and intimate connection to the land helped shape Wes’s understanding of food, and his continuing fascination with homegrown food has inspired his career path.”

There is plenty of meat and seafood on Chef Wes’ menu but he’s also proud of showcasing area farmers’ vegetables in his creations. Think fermented & grilled cabbage with salsa verde and sumac. Also roasted Japanese sweet potato with mint coconut yogurt and crispy shallots.

Chef Wes Whitsell continues with us.

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Show 462, February 19, 2022: Executive Chef Wes Whitsell, Hatchet Hall, Los Angeles Part One

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Wes Whitsell of Hatchet Hall

“Hatchet Hall, a lively neighborhood restaurant and bar in Mar Vista, specializes in working relationships with local farmers and purveyors to provide the best quality experience for the table. The basis of the restaurant is family — whether it’s your loved ones, farmers, or guests, — we all gather around the same table. The menu changes daily, reflecting the seasons of California. Purchasing produce with limitation and the idea of keeping things exciting for the staff and guests. The food is simple; not heavily plated or overdone, finding beauty in imperfection.”

Hatchet Hall serves dinner nightly and has recently reintroduced Sunday Brunch and is adding Brunch on Friday and Saturday, too.

“Wes Whitsell (the opening chef at Manuela in DTLA) is the new Executive Chef at Hatchet Hall, a restaurant that aligns deeply with his values. Wes has a strong belief in the integrity of the food he cooks, while never forgetting those early lessons he learned from his own roots: that small Texas town. At Hatchet Hall, he taps into his Southern roots, the live fire component that makes the restaurant so special, while drawing inspiration from his past culinary experiences, his relationships to farmers, and the amazing produce California has to offer.”

“Raised in a small Texas town, by an avid outdoorsman and farmer, Chef Wes grew up eating what was hunted and gathered in the traditional sense. Before it was a trend, it was Wes’s way of life. This early introduction and intimate connection to the land helped shape Wes’s understanding of food, and his continuing fascination with homegrown food has inspired his career path.”

There is plenty of meat and seafood on Chef Wes’ menu but he’s also proud of showcasing area farmers’ vegetables in his creations. Think fermented & grilled cabbage with salsa verde and sumac. Also roasted Japanese sweet potato with mint coconut yogurt and crispy shallots.

Chef Wes Whitsell is our guest.

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