Show 692, August 15, 2026: La Nena Cantina, Walt Disney Concert Hall, with Restaurateur Vicente Del Rio

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Adam Bell

“New to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in DTLA is La Nena Cantina, created by restaurateur Vicente Del Rio, which brings coastal-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails all made from scratch to guests dining before shows and to the broader community. Diners will find many of the beloved dishes from the restaurant’s Malibu and Hollywood locations, including Mole Negro, Tiradito de Hamachi, La Nena Molcajete and Tacos Malibu, as well as signature elements such as the tableside guacamole and handmade tortillas.”

“The restaurant showcases exclusive offerings created just for The Music Center, from specialty premium seasonal cocktails to specially curated pre-show menu options. La Nena Cantina is open for both lunch and dinner.”

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.; and Sunday, 11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. La Nena Cantina adjusts hours of operation to accommodate any pre-show or special event service windows.

“We are incredibly excited to bring La Nena Cantina to The Music Center and be part of such an iconic cultural destination in Los Angeles,” said Vicente Del Rio of La Nena Cantina. “This expansion allows us to share the vibrant flavors and coastal spirit that define our food with a new audience, while also creating something unique for the community.”

“La Nena Cantina (Hospitality 70 Group), is a contemporary Mexican restaurant concept inspired by the vibrant coastal flavors of Mexico and the relaxed sophistication of California living. Founded in 2025 by Vicente Del Rio and wife Andrea Nales—the team behind the acclaimed Frida Mexican Cuisine (Frimex Hospitality Group) — La Nena represents the evolution of more than 25 years of Los Angeles hospitality experience, offering a fresh interpretation of Mexican cuisine that honors tradition while embracing creativity and modern dining culture.”

Restaurateur Vicente Del Rio joins us.

Show 687, July 11, 2026: Unique Eats and Eateries of Los Angeles with Journalist Danny Jensen

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Where can you enjoy an enormous, loaded potato and live jazz? Where can you find LA’s only floating restaurant for a bowl of chowder? Where can you eat in a historic, fully restored streetcar where Hollywood legends and mobsters once dined? Unique Eats and Eateries of Los Angeles: The People and Stories Behind the Food by journalist Danny Jensen answers these questions and more.”

“Whether you’re just visiting or have lived in Los Angeles your entire life, in Unique Eats and Eateries of Los Angeles you’ll learn the surprising stories and fascinating people behind these and many more one-of-a-kind eateries. From historic delis, diners, and food halls to experimental innovators, multigenerational immigrant-founded businesses, and mission-driven restaurants helping to improve people’s lives, this book dives deep into the places that make Los Angeles special.”

Danny Jensen joins us sharing his many discoveries of L.A.’s unique eats including Cielito Lindo on the historic Olvera Street in DTLA, The Baked Potato in Studio City for Jazz and 16 ounce, loaded baked potatoes, plus The Formosa Café in West Hollywood and Flavors from Afar in East Hollywood.

Show 684, June 20, 2026: Joimo Kombucha, Los Angeles, with Co-Founder Rinna Lee

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Chef Chris Yang (2024 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: California) of Yang’s Kitchen launched a tea and kombucha brand called Joimo late last year.”

“Joimo was born from a simple observation: Better tea makes better kombucha. Built on Taiwanese tea traditions, it starts with the finest single-origin oolong tea, handpicked from the high mountains of Taiwan. Chris didn’t start out as a tea lover and was experimenting with making kombucha using a SCOBY bought on Amazon years ago while opening Yang’s Kitchen. Unbeknownst to him, the gifted tea leaves he was experimenting with were expensive and intended primarily for a traditional tea ceremony. But the kombucha was delicious, and Joimo was born.”

“Labeled as the “champagne of kombucha,” Joimo is crisp, clean, and bright without the bite; it’s crafted for taste, not just wellness. Each batch of Joimo kombucha is artisan Ally crafted in small batches without shortcuts, transforming organic cane sugar through months of careful fermentation with a symbiotic culture of healthy bacteria and yeast. The result is delicate and floral, with airy, slightly earthy notes and a touch of minerality. Bright and lightly dry, with fine, crisp effervescence, it finishes clean and perfectly balanced.”

Every third Saturday their DTLA Kombucha brewery is open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for tastings and tours.

Co-Founder Rinna Lee joins us with a Joimo Original Strawberry Kombucha in hand.

Show 684, June 20, 2026: Celebrity Chef Katie Chin – Encore Benefit Performance of “Holy Shiitake! – A Wok Star is Born”

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Celebrity Chef Katie Chin is an award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She joins us to talk about her uplifting one-woman show, “Holy Shitake.” Katie’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born,” is back locally for a one-night encore at Pico House in DTLA on Thursday, July 16^th as a benefit for the Chinese American Museum. Reception to follow with libations and Dim Sum provided by Chef Katie’s Wok Star Catering team.”

“Get ready to be blown away by the talents of Chef Katie Chin. Filled with pathos and humor, “Holy Shitake! A Wok Star is Born” written by Katie and produced by Paul Hemstreet, chronicles Chef Katie Chin’s journey as a Chinese American girl growing up in Minneapolis in the 1970s where she was raised by her remarkable mother, seamstress turned restaurateur, Leeann Chin.”

“You will be captivated by her unique blend of humor, storytelling, and culinary expertise. Prepare to be entertained as she shares her personal journey of becoming a Wok Star and conquering the culinary world.”

Use Code WOKSTAR5 at checkout for $5 off your ticket.

Show 683, June 13, 2026: Bianca Sicilian Trattoria, Arts District, DTLA with Chef Michele Galifi

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Adam Bell

Michele Galifi of Bianca Sicilian Trattoria

“At Bianca Sicilian Trattoria (located in the Arts District of DTLA), Chef Michele Galifi’s philosophy is rooted in the timeless traditions of Sicily – where food is memory, hospitality is instinct, and every meal is an occasion.”

“They believe true refinement comes not from complexity, but from respect: respect for ingredients, for technique, and for the rhythm of a proper Sicilian table. Chef Michele’s cuisine highlights handmade pastas, pristine seafood, seasonal produce, and the vibrant balance of citrus, herbs, and Mediterranean depth that define Sicilian cooking. Indulge in his hand-crafted unique Sicilian Street Style Appetizers, Sicilian Pastas, Pizza, and Italian Seafood.”

“Each dish is thoughtfully composed to honor tradition while embracing a modern elegance. They encourage guests to experience the meal as it was intended – progressively, unhurried, and shared.”

At Bianca, cooking is not simply craft; it is heritage, discipline, and devotion brought to the table with grace.”

“Covered Patio Garden with Twinkle lights will transport you to a Piazza in Italy.”

Also does off-site catering with a mobile wood-burning pizza oven. 

Chef Michele takes a brief pause from prep to join us.

Show 661, January 10, 2026: Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate. VACA DTLA is open

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Adam Bell

““Bravo’s “Top Chef” star Amar Santana’s long-running Costa Mesa Spanish-inspired concept is now bringing the flavors of Barcelona to DTLA. Blending classic taperia with rustic steakhouse, Vaca celebrates all things Spain with a selection of paellas, a legit jamon program, and cocktails featuring beloved staples like Gin and Tonics and Spanish vermouths.”

“VACA brings Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía, Sevilla, and the Basque Country to the heart of Los Angeles. The menu ranges from traditional tapas to modern interpretations of classic dishes, respecting both genuine Spanish cooking and Chef Amar Santana’s nature to re-imagine food cultures. With a superior meats program, and a beverage program that combines Spanish drinking culture with modern American cocktailing, VACA delivers an authentic Spanish restaurant experience to the center of Los Angeles.”

“Located below the lobby level of The Beaudry, VACA is open from Tuesday – Saturday. Lunch service begins on January 13^th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Valet is available via The Beaudry. Additional parking is available in the garage for the Fig @ 7th Shopping Plaza on levels 1, 2 and 3. The access tunnel for Vaca is on level 7 toward the EY Plaza.”

Vaca is one of the participating restaurants in Dine L.A. (January 23rd thru February 6th) with a 3-course Lunch including their signature Paella de Pescado.

Proprietors Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate join us.

Show 645, September 20, 2025: L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Preview with Chef & Restaurateur Steve Samson of Rossoblu in DTLA

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Adam Bell

“The annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade benefit is set for Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4^th from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on the Royce Hall Quad on the UCLA Campus. This spectacular cookout is hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner, Caroline Styne (A.O.C., Larder Baking Co, Cara Cara at Proper DTLA and The Hollywood Bowl), along with Chef David Lentz, featuring top chefs, breweries, vintners and mixologists to benefit kids with cancer.”

“This fun and family-friendly afternoon features one-of-a-kind food and drink samplings. Guests can mingle with the celebrated chefs behind the dishes and taste fine dining nationwide. With over $1.6 million raised in 2024, this event’s impact only continues to grow for all kids with cancer.”

Chef Steve Samson of Rossoblu and Superfine Pizza in DTLA, and Superfine Playa in Playa Vista, who is one of the longtime participating chefs. Rossoblu has been part of the event for it’s eight years of existence. When Alex’s first debuted in L.A. Chef Steve and Dina were there at the very beginning with his predecessor restaurant (now closed), Sotto. We’ll chat with him.

Show 638, August 2, 2025: Café 2001 in The Arts District, DTLA, with Chef Giles Clark

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Adam Bell

Cafe 2001 located at the rear of YESS Restaurant in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles is a bit of a hidden gem. No permanent sign on the entrance. 2001 E. 7^th Street is the actual street address but it’s actually located at the back end of the building entered off the Mateo St. side.

Chef Giles Clark (ex-Yess) has created a relaxed all- day café. Guests order at the counter and your food and beverages (natural wines are featured) are brought to you. Excellent baked goods and desserts are created by a skilled onsite pastry chef. On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (4 to 8:00 p.m.) it transforms into a casual bistro with very creative cooking. Happy Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. daily. Closed on Monday. Music, too.

The free-form, 2-level space is not really designed. The interior is exposed brick walls. The tables and chairs are all mismatched but comfortable. The 2nd level has more contemporary furniture. The spotlight is on the constantly evolving menu. Think Japanese Fried Chicken Basket, Snap Pea and Potato Salad and Lemon Tart.

Chef Giles Clark takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Show 626, May 10, 2025: Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP L.A.) Gala Honoring Chef Celestino Drago

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Adam Bell

C•CAP Los Angeles’ (Culinary Careers Program) Annual Gala Benefit Dinner is set for Friday evening, May 16^th at Jonathan Club Downtown Los Angeles. This year honoree is acclaimed Italian Chef Celestino Drago (Drago Centro), the pioneer of regional Italian fine dining in Los Angeles.

“Chef Celestino brought Sicilian culinary traditions to the city over 40 years ago. His award-winning, wildly popular restaurants honor his roots, with a modern twist.”

The evening launches with rooftop libations (including cocktails, premium wine and craft beer) and canapés followed by a sumptuous 4-course, wine-paired Sicilian dinner (with the menu by Celestino Drago) in the Jonathan Club Grand Ballroom.

“C•CAP Los Angeles annually supports over 7,000 LA area high school students with culinary arts education, job skills training, college scholarships, and career opportunities.”

C•CAP Los Angeles’ Director, Lisa Fontanesi joins us with all the Gala details.

C-CAP Los Angeles Gala 2024

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Adam Bell

C-CAP supporter and pioneering chef Nancy Silverton invites you to the C-CAP Los Angeles Gala on Friday, May 17th at Jonathan Club DTLA.

Join us for a glittering evening of food and drink to benefit C-CAP Los Angeles’ students and programming. Jonathan Club’s heralded executive chef Andreas Roller is conceptualizing a delicious multi-course menu based on Chef Silverton’s culinary footprint in Los Angeles.

The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a social hour on the rooftop’s Great Lawn. Guests will enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and select wines and craft cocktails while overlooking the beautiful vista of downtown Los Angeles. At 7:30 pm, guests will then make their way to the Grand Ballroom for a spectacular seated dinner. The program includes remarks from Chef Silverton, C-CAP students and alumni and culminates with the C-CAP Live Auction and desserts by Hannah Chang (C-CAP Alumna) and Sherry Yard.

RSVP for May 17th