“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.” Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the Labor Day Weekend.
“The short but abundantly flavorful Hatch Pepper season is here. Join The Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera for flavorful experiences like no other!
On the horizon is the annual Hatch Pepper Roast and Buffet Brunch with Chef Marco Zapien (a Hatch Pepper authority) so everyone can enjoy the annual availability of the unique bright green, glossy and flavorful pepper. Chef Marco Zapien takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.
“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Shelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.
“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef, Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers’ market, Pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”
Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit. Chef Dave Beran takes a break from shopping the Santa Monica Farmers Market to join us.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
It’s the last big outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips. How about fresh, whole oysters on the grill?
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers’ market, Pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”
Look for French Onion Souplette, Cordon Bleu Chicken Wings, Cheddar Burger with Marrow Aioli and Duck Poutine.
“Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability (5 orders) of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit.” Limited to five orders per service.
Chef Beran’s other Santa Monica fine dining is the very high-end Seline, a special occasion restaurant with a multi -course prix fixe menu. “The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave Beran’s deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience and join on a memorable culinary journey showcasing the many inspirations of Southern California.”
Chef David Beran takes a break from his busy kitchens to be with us.
Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-Host previews the show.
“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.” Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the Labor DayWeekend.
“The short but abundantly flavorful Hatch Pepper season is here. Join The Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera for flavorful experiences like no other! Coming up is the annual Hatch Pepper Roast and Brunch with Chef Marco Zapien (a Hatch Pepper authority) so everyone can enjoy the annual availability of the unique bright green, glossy and flavorful pepper. Chef Marco Zapien takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.
“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Shelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.
“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef, Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers’ market, pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”
Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit. Chef Dave Beran takes a break from shopping the Santa Monica Farmers Market to join us.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
It’s the last big outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.”
Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the Labor Day Weekend.
“The short but abundantly flavorful Hatch Pepper season is here. Join The Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera for flavorful experiences like no other! Coming up is the annual Hatch Pepper Roast and Brunch with Chef Marco Zapien (a Hatch Pepper authority) so everyone can enjoy the annual availability of the unique bright green, glossy and flavorful pepper.
“Pick up your cases of freshly roasted Hatch Peppers at The Salsa Grill on Saturday, September 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the restaurant’s annual Hatch Pepper Roast. Roasters will be set up outside of Zapien’s where you can hear the crackly coating form on each batch of peppers, as well as smell the unique fragrance. Patrons must pre order their 25-pound cases of Melissa’s Hatch Peppers online and can select their preferred level of spice from mild to very hot for pick up this day. The cost is $45 per case.”
Every year, The Salsa Grill features a decadent Hatch Pepper Brunch during the roast. The menu includes items like Hatch Brown Sugar Bone-in Ham, Hatch Belgian Waffles, Hatch Chile Verde and more. Brunch hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. also on Saturday, Sept. 6th.
Chef Marco Zapien takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.
“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Shelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.
“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers’ market, Pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”
“Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit.”
Chef Beran’s other Santa Monica fine dining is the very high-end Seline, a special occasion restaurant with a multi -course prix fixe menu. The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave Beran’s deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience and join on a memorable culinary journey showcasing the many inspirations of Southern California.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
It’s the last big outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips.
Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.
We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks under the watchful eye of 2nd generation restaurateur Christy Vega has reopened again for full-service dining. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary in 2021 there will be a year of festivities honoring the late founder, Ray Vega, who passed away earlier in the year. Also new is a changing series of $5.00 Margarita Mondays served from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Monday. Christy Vega is our guest with a Los Lucadores Foo in hand.
Barbara Fairchild, a past inductee in the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who in American Food & Beverage,” is the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine. She currently serves at the Chair of the Los Angeles Council for C-CAP (Careers through Culinary ArtsProgram and also is a member of the National Board of Directors for C-CAP. In normal times Barbara dines out frequently at a wide variety of restaurants. For the past pandemic year Barbara has stayed safely at home with restaurant dining on the far back burner. Barbara recently broke the fast with a celebratory birthday meal on the original patio of Spago BeverlyHills (with proper social distancing of the tables.) Barbara shares the memorable experience with us.
Mayfield Restaurant & Market is an ambitious, glowingly reviewed, modern California restaurant and market located in Downtown San Juan Capistrano in an extensively refurbished historic building. It’s on two levels and includes a comfortable covered patio. The menu has a distinctive Mediterranean and Levant flair and there is also an extensive cocktail list along with an ample selection of craft beers and natural wines. The operating days, and hours, have just been extended. All seating on the 2nd level patio and in the main dining room is properly socially distanced. Proprietor George Barker and Executive Chef Jayro Martinez join us.
“The international dining scene is a vast, ever-shifting landscape, and Today’s Special – 20 Leading Chefs Choose 100 Emerging Chefs (Phaidon) is perfectly positioned to help readers navigate it. Twenty of the globe’s leading chef-curators — 10 men and 10 women — have each selected five emerging chefs from around the world, showcasing a variety of styles of food, restaurants, and personalities. Each of the 100 selected chefs is profiled, with recipes, photographs, and menus, plus original commissioned essays that shed light on what makes a standout star in today’s culinary realm.” An L.A. area featured “Emerging Chef” in Today’s Special is Dave Beran of Pasjoli in Santa Monica and the now departed, Dialogue (up to a 20-course nightly tasting Menu,) which was highly praised. He was nominated for Today’s Special by New York-based Chef Daniel Boulud (Daniel.) We’ll meet Chef Dave Beran.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants during the early stages of recovery which remains a genuine concern. Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to operate for outside/patio dining and inside dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. We’ll “Ask the Chef.” As if restaurants didn’t have enough to contend with right now the insidious “Dine & Dash” scheme to defraud restaurants is, unfortunately, a growing trend with a pair of awful variations. Chef Andrew explains…
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!
We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks under the watchful eye of 2nd generation restaurateur Christy Vega has reopened again for full-service dining. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary in 2021 there will be a year of festivities honoring the late founder, Ray Vega, who passed away earlier in the year. Also new is a changing series of $5.00 Margarita Mondays served from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Monday. Christy Vega is our guest with a Los Lucadores Foo in hand.
Barbara Fairchild, a past inductee in the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who in American Food & Beverage,” is the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine. She currently serves at the Chair of the L.A. Council for C-CAP (Careers through Culinary ArtsProgram) and also is a member of the National Board of Directors for C-CAP. In normal times Barbara dines out frequently at a wide variety of restaurants. For the past pandemic year Barbara has stayed safely at home with restaurant dining on the far back burner. Barbara recently broke the fast with a celebratory birthday meal on the original patio of Spago BeverlyHills (with proper social distancing of the tables.) Barbara shares the memorable experience with us.
Mayfield Restaurant & Market is an ambitious, glowingly reviewed, modern California restaurant and market located in Downtown San Juan Capistrano in an extensively refurbished historic building. It’s on two levels and includes a comfortable covered patio. The menu has a distinctive Mediterranean and Levant flair and there is also an extensive cocktail list along with an ample selection of craft beers and natural wines. The operating days, and hours, have just been extended. Proprietor George Barker and Executive Chef Jayro Martinez join us.
“The international dining scene is a vast, ever-shifting landscape, and Today’s Special – 20 Leading Chefs Choose 100 Emerging Chefs (Phaidon) is perfectly positioned to help readers navigate it. Twenty of the globe’s leading chef-curators — 10 men and 10 women — have each selected five emerging chefs from around the world, showcasing a variety of styles of food, restaurants, and personalities. Each of the 100 selected chefs is profiled, with recipes, photographs, and menus, plus original commissioned essays that shed light on what makes a standout star in today’s culinary realm.” An L.A. area featured “Emerging Chef” in Today’s Special is Dave Beran of Pasjoli in Santa Monica and the now departed, Dialogue (up to a 20-course nightly tasting Menu,) which was highly praised. He was nominated for Today’s Special by New York-based Chef Daniel Boulud (Daniel.) We’ll meet Chef Dave Beran.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants during the early stages of recovery which remains a genuine concern. Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to operate for outside/patio dining and inside dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. We’ll “Ask the Chef.” As if restaurants didn’t have enough to contend with right now the insidious “Dine & Dash” scheme to defraud restaurants is, unfortunately, a growing trend with a pair of awful variations. Chef Andrew explains…
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks under the watchful eye of 2nd generation restaurateur Christy Vega has reopened again for full-service dining. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary in 2021 there will be a year of festivities honoring the late founder, Ray Vega, who passed away earlier in the year. Also new is a changing series of $5.00 Margarita Mondays served from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Monday.
“The Foo Fighters taco has returned to Casa Vega through the end of April. Originally launched in December 2020 as the second installment of the restaurant’s charity band tacos (following the initial launch with Fall Out Boy in October), the special collaboration was cut short when the restaurant temporarily closed that month in response to new COVID restrictions. Now that Casa Vega has reopened for dine-in and take-out, the taco has returned as a special combo plate (Foo Fighters Especial) created by Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl—inspired by his passion for smoking meat—as well as a cocktail.” The libation is the Los Lucadores Foo with a shot of La Gritona resposado, fresh lime juice and Modelo Especial.
“The profits from each taco are donatedto No Us Without You, a charity providing food security for undocumented back of house staff and their families created by Va’La Hospitality in the early weeks of the pandemic. As Casa Vega celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, expect more taco collabs and programming to be announced soon.”
Christy Vega is our guest with a Los Lucadores Foo in hand.
In normal times Barbara dines out frequently at a wide variety of restaurants. For the past pandemic year Barbara has stayed safely at home with restaurant dining on the far back burner. Barbara recently broke the fast with a celebratory birthday meal on the original patio of Spago BeverlyHills(with proper social distancing of the tables.) Barbara shares the memorable experience with us. She also provides us with an overview of C-CAP and the upcoming virtual culinary fundraising event they are presenting nationally on Thursday evening, April 29th with culinary celebrity Carla Hall as the honoree (and hosted by Marcus Samuelsson.)
Mayfield Restaurant & Market is an ambitious, glowingly reviewed modern California restaurant and market located in Downtown San Juan Capistrano in an extensively refurbished historic building. It’s on two levels and includes a comfortable covered patio. The menu has a distinctive Mediterranean and Levant flair and there is also an extensive cocktail list along with an ample selection of craft beers and natural wines.
The operating days, and hours, have just been extended.
Friday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until late is their Supper Club menu. It’s served family-style. The menu categories (with choices in each area) include Rip and Dip, Small Plates, Large Plates and Desserts. Especially popular is the Za’atar Fried Chicken with hot honey, house ranch and house pickles.
An a la carte Dinner menu is offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until late.
The daytime, a la carte menu is served Tuesday (newly added) to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It offers menu categories of Dips, Breakfast Bits and Lunch Dishes. Dishes are designed to be shared.
The newly extended Happy Hour is Tuesdays (all day) and Wednesday & Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Mayfield Market is stocked with premium food products Chef Jayro makes in-house and items Mayfield uses and loves. They carry anything to do with eating and drinking well, including pantry items, natural wines, homeware, cookbooks and more.
“The international dining scene is a vast, ever-shifting landscape, and Today’s Special – 20 Leading Chefs Choose 100 Emerging Chefs (Phaidon) is perfectly positioned to help readers navigate it. Twenty of the globe’s leading chef-curators — 10 men and 10 women — have each selected five emerging chefs from around the world, showcasing a variety of styles of food, restaurants, and personalities. Each of the 100 selected chefs is profiled, with recipes, photographs, and menus, plus original commissioned essays that shed light on what makes a standout star in today’s culinary realm.” An L.A. area featured “Emerging Chef” in Today’s Special is Dave Beran of Pasjoliin Santa Monica and the now departed, Dialogue (up to a 20-course, seasonally changing nightly Tasting Menu) which was highly praised. He was nominated for Today’s Special by New York-based Chef Daniel Boulud (Daniel.)
“Pasjoli is an elevated French bistro from award-winning chef Dave Beran. The restaurant pays homage to French cuisine utilizing the bounty of produce available in Southern California. Rooted in classic French cuisine and inspired by Parisian markets, Pasjoli reflects Beran’s thoughtful cooking style, showcasing his creative touches on bistro fare.”
Prior to moving to California, Beran was the chef de cuisine at Alinea and executive chef at Next in Chicago where he received a James Beard Award for Best Chef Great Lakes and was named one of Food & Winemagazine’s Best New Chefs in 2014.
We’ll meet Chef Dave Beran.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine concern as recovery slowly starts to happen.
Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to again operate for outside/patio dining and limited inside dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”
As if struggling restaurants didn’t have enough to contend with right now the regrettable “Dine & Dash” scheme to defraud restaurants is, unfortunately, a growing trend with a pair of awful variations. Chef Andrew explains…
Chef Andrew also updates us on the inspiring progress for the grass-roots, “86 Restaurant Struggle” campaign to benefit out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have already distributed over $380,000 in small grants to deserving restaurant workers in serious need. All applications are carefully vetted by the Gruels. The substantial need, and fundraising, continues…
