Show 568, March 9, 2024: Pizza City Fest Los Angeles 2024 with Producer Steve Dolinsky

Steve Dolinsky of PizzaCityFest

Pizza City Fest Los Angeles is back for its 2nd year of gooey and doughy deliciousness. “Scheduled to take place on April 27-28, 2024, at the iconic L.A. LIVE – nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – this two-day celebration promises an unparalleled experience for pizza aficionados.”

“Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to savor the delectable offerings from Southern California’s premier pizza artisans, all conveniently located in one central hub. Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will celebrate the Southland’s pizza landscape, showcasing the diverse and exceptional talents of the region’s top pizza makers.”

“Emmy and 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter Steve Dolinsky has curated another stellar list of pizza makers spanning Southern California – from Santa Barbara to San Diego – adding 13 new entries to the full lineup this year.”

There are no ticket sales at the door and Saturday sells out early. VIP ticket also available for either day. It’s all the slices you can enjoy plus unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Different, diverse pizza establishments are showcased each day representing all of Southern California..

Steve puts down his ceremonial pizza peel and joins us.

Show 551, November 11, 2023: Executive Chef / Partner Suzanne Goin, Dahlia Lounge & Bar, Caldo Verde, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel Part One

Suzanne Goin of the LLucques Group

“This last Summer Dahlia,an intimate cocktail lounge serving Iberian-inspired bites, was added to Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s roster of dynamic dining outlets helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group. The latest outlet joins signature Portuguese-inspired restaurant Caldo Verde on the ground floor and rooftop lounge Cara Cara to complete a trifecta of distinct and immersive dining destinations.”

“Dahlia (named after Mexico’s native flower) offers a space for hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy elevated invocations of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails, focusing on the history and backbone of mixology but using high-end, rare and small-batch liquors. Drinks are created or finished table-side from Dahlia’s Cocktail Cart through which guests can have a bespoke experience, engaging with the “cart tender” and having access to the lounge’s range of iconic and hard to find spirits. Cocktails are served alongside Iberian-inspired bites such as Jamon Iberico Tartine with Braised Leeks and Rodolfe’s Butter; Tinned Ria de Arosa Mussels en Escabeche with Radish, Guindillas and Grilled AOC Boule; and a festive Fondue de Azores with Croutons, Sopressata, Apple and Fennel. The just desserts include Baked Alaska with Blood Orange and Pineapple for dessert.”

Chef Suzanne Goin takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

Show 551, November 11, 2023: Executive Chef / Partner Suzanne Goin, Dahlia Lounge & Bar, Caldo Verde, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel Part Two

Suzanne Goin of the LLucques Group

“This last Summer Dahlia,an intimate cocktail lounge serving Iberian-inspired bites, was added to Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s roster of dynamic dining outlets helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group. The latest outlet joins signature Portuguese-inspired restaurant Caldo Verde on the ground floor and rooftop lounge Cara Cara to complete a trifecta of distinct and immersive dining destinations.”

“Dahlia (named after Mexico’s native flower) offers a space for hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy elevated invocations of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails, focusing on the history and backbone of mixology but using high-end, rare and small-batch liquors. Drinks are created or finished table-side from Dahlia’s Cocktail Cart through which guests can have a bespoke experience, engaging with the “cart tender” and having access to the lounge’s range of iconic and hard to find spirits. Cocktails are served alongside Iberian-inspired bites such as Jamon Iberico Tartine with Braised Leeks and Rodolfe’s Butter; Tinned Ria de Arosa Mussels en Escabeche with Radish, Guindillas and Grilled AOC Boule; and a festive Fondue de Azores with Croutons, Sopressata, Apple and Fennel. The just desserts include Baked Alaska with Blood Orange and Pineapple for dessert.”

Chef Suzanne also previews Caldo Verde’s continuing monthly guest chef dinner series with celebrated cookbook authors and their books, and Thanksgiving Dinner at Caldo Verde with Herb-Roasted Organic Turkey or Vegan Thanksgiving Extravaganza. Both Thanksgiving dining options include a festive assortment of Thanksgiving Desserts from Pastry Chef Irene Widjaya.

Chef Suzanne Goin takes a further break from her busy kitchen to continue with us.

Show 545, September 30, 2023: LA Chef Conference 2023 Preview with Brad Metzger and Chef Jerry Vachon, LATTC

Jerry Vachon of Los Angeles Trade Technical College

“On Monday, October 30, 2023, LA Chef Conference returns in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC)’s Culinary Arts Pathway in Downtown Los Angeles and Presenting Sponsor OpenTable, benefitting Regarding Her, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. The all-day event will include panel conversations led by industry experts, live cooking demos throughout the day, an after party and the LA Chef Con Food Festival Lunch spread out among the school’s five new state of the art teaching kitchens.”

“This year’s program and panel line-up features LA-based industry professionals including Caroline Styne of AOC, James Beard Award Winner Justin Pichetrungsi, LA TimesBill Addison, Ruth Reichl, Keith Corbin of Alta Adams, and out-of-town industry notables such as 3-star Michelin Chef William Bradley (Addison Del Mar), Gavin Kaysen and Ti Martin of Commander’s Palace.”

Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

“The primary aim of this year’s 2023 LA Chef Conference is to build a bridge between students and the vibrant restaurant industry in LA. To progress towards this goal, the partnership has created the first ever LA Chef Con / LATTC Mentorship program, offering 5 students the opportunity to win $1,000 and be paired up for one year of mentorship with this year’s esteemed industry experts: Susan Feniger, Chef / Co-Owner at Border Grill, Socalo, BBQ Mexicana and Pacha Mamas; Keith Corbin, two-time James Beard nominee and Executive Chef / Owner of Alta Adams; Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef at Spago Beverly Hills; Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants. Inc; or Ari Rosenson, VP Food & Beverage Operations at Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group.”

Joining us with all the details of LA Chef Conference 2023 are Producer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and Chef Jerry Vachon, Chef Instructor / Department Chair – Culinary Arts and Professional Baking, Los Angeles Trade-Tech College.

Show 545, September 30, 2023: LA Chef Conference 2023 Preview with Pastry Chef Della Gossett, Spago Beverly Hills & Producer Brad Metzger

Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

“On Monday, October 30, 2023, LA Chef Conference returns in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC)’s Culinary Arts Pathway in Downtown Los Angeles and Presenting Sponsor OpenTable, benefitting Regarding Her, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. The all-day event will include panel conversations led by industry experts, live cooking demos throughout the day, an after party and the LA Chef Con Food Festival Lunch spread out among the school’s five new state of the art teaching kitchens.”

“The primary aim of this year’s 2023 LA Chef Conference is to build a bridge between students and the vibrant restaurant industry in LA. To progress towards this goal, the partnership has created the first ever LA Chef Con / LATTC Mentorship program, offering 5 students the opportunity to win $1,000 and be paired up for one year of mentorship with this year’s esteemed industry experts: Susan Feniger, Chef / Co-Owner at Border Grill, Socalo, BBQ Mexicana and Pacha Mamas; Keith Corbin, two-time James Beard nominee and Executive Chef / Owner of Alta Adams; Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef at Spago Beverly Hills; Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants. Inc; or Ari Rosenson, VP Food & Beverage Operations at Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group.”

Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef of Spago Beverly Hills and a chef participant in the inaugural LA Chef Con / LATTC Mentorship program joins us along with Conference Producer Brad Metzger continuing.

Show 523, April 29, 2023: Steve Dolinsky, Founder, Pizza City Fest L.A.

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew Gruel

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles takes place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he has brought that same carefully curated experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”

VIP for both days is already sold out. Limited tickets are available for Saturday with better availability for Sunday.

“I’ve seen the L.A. pizza scene explode recently, having visited about 60 places while researching over the past year,” said Dolinsky. “But with so much great pizza spread out from Santa Barbara to San Diego, there needed to be a way to highlight these artisans all in one place. Not only will we do that, but we’ll also bring together some of the most talented local pizza pros to share their knowledge and expertise with home cooks.”

Show 515, March 4, 2023: Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Preview with Founder Steve Dolinsky

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew Gruel

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”

“I’ve seen the L.A. pizza scene explode recently, having visited about 60 places while researching over the past year,” said Dolinsky. “But with so much great pizza spread out from Santa Barbara to San Diego, there needed to be a way to highlight these artisans all in one place. Not only will we do that, but we’ll also bring together some of the most talented local pizza pros to share their knowledge and expertise with home cooks.”

We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the Founder of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles, Steve Dolinsky.

Tickets for Pizza City Fest Los Angeles start at $95. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Pizza City’s Ticketing page or call 1-877-234-8425.

Show 418, March 27, 2021: Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio, Managing Partner, Drago Centro, Los Angeles

Piero Salvaggio of Drago Centro

“For over forty years, Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio (Valentino and Valentino Restaurant Group) and Restaurateur / Chef Celestino Drago of the famed Drago Brothers have been close friends, colleagues, and competitors in the thriving Los Angeles dining scene. Now, their longstanding relationship has transcended to a proprietary level as Chef Celestino Drago officially welcomed Piero Selvaggio to Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles last year as new Managing Partner!”

“Originally from Sicily, both Piero and Celestino met over forty years ago in Los Angeles when Celestino first came to the states. Piero opened the renowned Valentino, the flagship restaurant in his Valentino Restaurant Group in Santa Monica in 1972. Valentino was widely regarded as one of the finest Italian restaurants in the U.S. and credited with introducing Angelenos to true Italian food, fresh ingredients and new products. Also, introducing a new wave of Italian Chefs that in time built world-wide reputations on the their own.”

“Piero went on to build a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire garnering numerous James Beard Foundation awards for its wine list and service, along with critical acclaim for its food, wine, and service by top national publications. In 2018, after forty-five plus years, he decided to retire and close Valentino to look for new challenges. After launching Louie’s by the Bay (with restaurateur Ron Salisbury) in Newport Beach, Piero met again with Celestino and started considering Drago Centro as the perfect venue for a new chapter.”

Now that Drago Centro has again reopened for inviting patio dining (along with inside seating at the allowable 25 per cent capacity) nightly (except Sunday) the always gracious Piero Selvaggio returns with the update.

Show 414, February 27, 2021: Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, Manuela, Downtown Los Angeles

Kris ominaga of Manuela Restaurant

“Located in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farmers and producers in Southern California.” They recently reopened for spacious patio dining in their inner courtyard. Also takeaway and delivery.

“Serving a wide range of vegetables, grains, fish and game, Manuela also features an exemplary bar program which offers classic cocktails using house-made bitters and tonics. Local beers are on tap, while the carefully selected wine list is designed to pair with the smoke and acid flavors at the heart of the Manuela menu.” 

“Designed by Los Angeles native Matt Winter and named for Manuela Wirth, the restaurant is illuminated and animated by specially commissioned works from artists Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford and Raymond Pettibon.”

“An L.A. native, Chef Kris brings costal California inspired dishes to the Manuela menu. Highlights include his signature cream biscuits with Steen’s butter and Col. Newsom’s aged country ham, barbecued oysters with charred leek butter, breadcrumbs and parmesan, and Peads & Barnetts pork chop with yellow peach, turnips, mustard seed oil and honey vinegar. Inspiration comes from the abundance of California’s vibrant flavors and colors.” Chef Kris utilizes his own kitchen garden at Manuela growing herbs and vegetables in addition to supporting local farmers.

Manuela is part of dine L.A. Their special Lunch menu is available Tuesday, March 2nd through Friday, March 12th while the Dinner menu is available March 2nd through Sunday, March 14th. (Closed on Mondays.) This provides a great introduction to Manuela where the aim is to impress a new guest with a great value.

We entice Chef Kris out of his busy kitchen for a brief chat.

Show 412, February 13, 2021: Factory Place Hospitality Group with Matteo Ferdinandi and Chef Angelo Auriana, Los Angeles

Matteo Ferdinandi and Angelo Auriana of the Factory Kitchen

Factory Place Hospitality Group, a restaurant group led by Restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi, was founded in March of 2013. Executive Chef and Business Partner Angelo Auriana, joined Ferdinandi and his wife, Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi, in August 2013 shortly before the opening of The Factory Kitchen (Ligurian cuisine) in Downtown Los Angeles.

The L.A. collection of establishments also includes Brera Ristorante and sixth+mill pizzeria. The Factory Kitchen (serving dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) and Brera Ristorante (serving Dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) have reopened for patio dining. Brera reopens for lunch on February 16th. To-Go availability at both establishments continues.

Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi is the Beverage Director for both restaurants.

Matteo Ferdinandi is graciously at our service along with Chef Angelo.