Show 647, October 4, 2025: Five Point Five Brewing, Co., El Segundo, CA

Michelle Lagaspi of Five Point Five Brewing

Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.”

“Five Point Five Brewing’s line of handcrafted beers are inspired by their 5.5 square mile corner of paradise in El Segundo, CA. Open Monday through Sunday.” Every Thursday Night is Trivia Night.

To celebrate Five Point Five’s 2nd Anniversary Brewmaster Jeremy has brewed Sweet Melissa Belgian Double IPA. “A free spirit with exceptional soul. Sweet Melissa blends the fruity esters and spice of traditional Belgian yeast with the bitter snap of a Double IPA. Complex, aromatic, and unapologetically original.”

The selection of Chef Fred Eric’s PI L.A.’s “Los Angeles Style Pizzas” (Square) are baked on-site so the pizza is hot right out of the oven.

Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jeremy Montemagni join us to tap the keg on all that is Five Point Five Brewing Co.

Show 591, August 24, 2024: Sherry Yard, Culinary Personality, Chef, Restaurateur and Cookbook Author

Chef Sherry Yard and her Silken Pumpkin Pie with 3 layers

“Brooklyn-born Sherry Yard of Bakery by the Yard is a nationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, teacher and presenter, who has spent her extensive career making a mark as a disruptor in the hospitality industry. Her innovative and uncompromising approach has garnered three James Beard Awards and an induction into their Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America. She has received accolades from renowned publications such as Bon Appétit Magazine, Food + Wine and became affectionately known by the media as “L.A.’s Sweetheart”, both for her bubbly personality and her incomparably creative fresh from the farm desserts.”

“Her esteemed career has included working with the Wolfgang Puck empire for nearly 20 years, encompassing the crafting of masterful breads, creating menus, and opening new restaurants while simultaneously mentoring an entire generation of chefs in kitchens from Singapore to Santa Monica. Her pastry creations became staples at events such as the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball, the Grammy Awards, and the Emmy Awards, where she could be spotted in her iconic pink chef’s jacket in support of breast cancer awareness. Yard is the author of two award-winning cookbooks, and today is working on her third”.

Bakery by the Yard’s delectable baked goods are available as a pop-up by advance order for pickup in Manhattan Beach on Saturday mornings. Special orders welcomed, too. Chef Sherry is one of the featured chefs for the inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival benefiting the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) on the evenings of October 11th and 12th in Manhattan Beach.

Chef Sherry joins us with here trusty whisk at the ready.

August 24: Jewel of the South with John Stubbs, Sherry Yard of Bakery by the Yard

Podcasts

Segments One and Two: Show Introduction and Interview with John Stubbs, Jewel of the South, New Orleans
Segments Three and Four: Sherry Yard, Culinary Personality, Chef, Restaurateur and Cookbook Author

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

We’re graciously stepping aside for Angels Baseball at 11:00 a.m. (in Toronto versus the Blue Jays) so were getting right to it this morning.

“Jewel of the South, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar, is a classic New Orleans tavern, reimagined. The Proprietors are in this business because they love hospitality. The Owners love to host, love to serve, and mostly love the power of hospitality to bring people together to celebrate, commiserate, and communicate. No matter where you are from or where you are going, Jewel of the South looks forward to creating a memorable experience with guests in their home.”

“Cocktails, food, and wine at Jewel are prepared and presented with intention and precision. Their award-winning cocktail program is steeped in history, showcasing classic techniques with innovative, seasonal flavors. The food program seeks out unique products that deliver delicious nourishment for their guests, such as a broad range of caviars, whole vegetables, and diverse animal proteins. The menu changes regularly. Jewel’s wine program features classic labels, cult favorites, and new talent, limited to the best value available for wine that should be consumed tonight.”

“Jewel of the South is owned by partners Chris Hannah, Victoria Espinel, and John Stubbs. Hannah directs Jewel’s award-winning cocktail program and is a daily presence at 1026 Saint Louis Street. The culinary program is led by Chef Philip Whitmarsh. Paul Greagoff is the General Manager.” John Stubbs joins us to share the recipe for success that Jewel of the South represents.

“Brooklyn-born Sherry Yard of Bakery by the Yard is a nationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, teacher and presenter, who has spent her extensive career making a mark as a disruptor in the hospitality industry. Her innovative and uncompromising approach has garnered three James Beard Awards and an induction into their Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America. She has received accolades from renowned publications such as Bon Appétit Magazine, Food + Wine and became affectionately known by the media as “L.A.’s Sweetheart”, both for her bubbly personality and her incomparably creative fresh from the farm desserts.” Sherry joins us with her trusty rolling pin at the ready.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) returns on August 31st. with a timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

John Stubbs of Jewel of the South in New Orleans

Jewel of the South, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar, is a classic New Orleans tavern, reimagined. The Proprietors are in this business because they love hospitality. The Owners love to host, love to serve, and mostly love the power of hospitality to bring people together to celebrate, commiserate, and communicate. No matter where you are from or where you are going, Jewel of the South looks forward to creating a memorable experience with guests in their home.”

“Cocktails, food, and wine at Jewel are prepared and presented with intention and precision. Their award-winning cocktail program is steeped in history, showcasing classic techniques with innovative, seasonal flavors. The food program seeks out unique products that deliver delicious nourishment for their guests, such as a broad range of caviars, whole vegetables, and diverse animal proteins. The menu changes regularly. Jewel’s wine program features classic labels, cult favorites, and new talent, limited to the best value available for wine that should be consumed tonight.”

“Jewel of the South is owned by partners Chris Hannah, Victoria Espinel, and John Stubbs, Hannah directs Jewel’s award-winning cocktail program and is a daily presence at 1026 Saint Louis Street. The culinary program is led by Chef Philip Whitmarsh. Paul Greagoff is the General Manager.” John Stubbs continues with us to sharing all that is Jewel of the South in the French Quarter.

Chef Sherry Yard and her Silken Pumpkin Pie with 3 layers

“Brooklyn-born Sherry Yard of Bakery by the Yard is a nationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, teacher and presenter, who has spent her extensive career making a mark as a disruptor in the hospitality industry. Her innovative and uncompromising approach has garnered three James Beard Awards and an induction into their Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America. She has received accolades from renowned publications such as Bon Appétit Magazine, Food + Wine and became affectionately known by the media as “L.A.’s Sweetheart”, both for her bubbly personality and her incomparably creative fresh from the farm desserts.”

“Her esteemed career has included working with the Wolfgang Puck empire for nearly 20 years, encompassing the crafting of masterful breads, creating menus, and opening new restaurants while simultaneously mentoring an entire generation of chefs in kitchens from Singapore to Santa Monica. Her pastry creations became staples at events such as the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball, the Grammy Awards, and the Emmy Awards, where she could be spotted in her iconic pink chef’s jacket in support of breast cancer awareness. Yard is the author of two award-winning cookbooks, and today is working on her third”.

Bakery by the Yard’s delectable baked goods are available as a pop-up by advance order for pickup in Manhattan Beach on Saturday mornings. Special orders welcomed, too. Chef Sherry is one of the featured chefs for the inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival on the evenings of October 11th and 12th in Manhattan Beach.

Chef Sherry joins us with here trusty whisk at the ready.

Podcasts

Segments One and Two: Show Introduction and Interview with John Stubbs, Jewel of the South, New Orleans
Segments Three and Four: Sherry Yard, Culinary Personality, Chef, Restaurateur and Cookbook Author

Show 541, September 2, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy Labor Day Weekend. Grill and chill…

Andrew Fujii of El Segundo Brewing Company The Slice and Pint

The El Segundo Little League has done the near impossible. With 27,000 sanctioned Little League baseball teams in the USA the El Segundo Little Leaguers are the 2023 World Champs. What does it mean to the little community of El Segundo (also known affectionately as “Mayberry by the Sea.”)? The Head Chef of El Segundo Brewing Company’s popular The Slice + Pint restaurant was a little leaguer as a youngster in Gundo and played Baseball at El Segundo High School. Chef Andrew Fujii joins us to explain why El Segundo remains absolutely baseball crazy!

Mija Handcraft Kitchen in Culver City is now open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner (on select evenings.) Pop champagne with friends, enjoy a refreshing cocktail or celebrate with a special bottle of wine to compliment their modern delicious California Mexican dishes made from local ingredients. Chef and owner, Katherine Gonzalez, was raised in Southern Arizona. Her mother’s family migrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, and her father’s family from Spain. Growing up, there was always a pot of beans cooking, freshly made flour tortillas, salsa, and sopas fideo. Every celebration featured warm and delicious comfort food including her mother’s famous tamales, chips, and fresh salsas.” Chef Katherine takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us with a plate of the signature Mom’s Chilaquiles in hand.

Black Restaurant Week is presenting its sixth annual campaign in the Los Angeles Region. It’s on until September 3rd. Discover black-owned restaurants, food trucks, sweets, and more across Los Angeles and additional surrounding metro areas.” One of the participating restaurants in Los Angeles Black Restaurant Week is Long Beach’s Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ. “Ian and Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ are a husband and wife pitmaster/executive chef team, who have over 20 years of restaurant experience between the two of them.  Ian has been developing his love for smoking meats over a period of eight years, and Qiana has worked in some of the finest restaurants in California.  They have finally decided to share their experience as well as the love for smoking meats and cooking with their community.” Qiana Mafnas joins us with a tempting, juicy brisket plate in hand.

“Once a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of Hatch Pepper-themed events to celebrate the New Mexican spicy, yet savory pepper from Hatch, NM, including a Saturday Hatch Pepper Roast. Join the Salsa Grill for a special Hatch Pepper Brunch on Saturday, September 9th from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. with over 10 Hatch Pepper inspired dishes. Enjoy all-you-can eat specialties, handmade Tortillas, Sparkling Wine and Mimosas. The Hatch Chile Brunch Menu also includes some classic favorites like Menudo and Pozole. Think Hatch Chile Verde and lots more. Zapien’s will also be turning on the roasters that same day, so take home a case (ordered in advance) of Roasted Hatch Peppers. For Zapien’s Salsa Grill’s grand Hatch Pepper Finale for 2023 join Chef Marco Zapien at the award-winning Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria on Wednesday evening, September 13th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. for one of his lively and entertaining cooking demonstrations and dinner, combined with his creativity and the seasonal Mexican Hatch Pepper.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. It’s Labor Day Weekend, the official last stand of the Summer grilling season. Chef Andrew has some useful hints including thoughts on grilling whole fish.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 514, February 25, 2023: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part One

Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing and ESBC Slice and Pint

“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.”

We are previewing the upcoming Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from the El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.

El Segundo Brewing Company’s The Slice & Pint is the restaurant spinoff of the successful El Segundo Brewing Company, one of the first craft brewers in the South Bay. They just celebrated their 4th year anniversary. On the menu are a variety of pizzas (by-the-slice, too) created from a dough that ferments and proofs for multiple days, and creative salads and sandwiches. Chief Vision Officer for ESBC, Thomas Kelley joins us to celebrate the anniversary with a slice and pint (maybe some wings, too?).

Show 514, February 25, 2023: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part Two

Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing and ESBC Slice and Pint

“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.”

We are previewing the upcoming Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from the El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.

El Segundo Brewing Company’s The Slice & Pint is the restaurant spinoff of the successful El Segundo Brewing Company, one of the first craft brewers in the South Bay. They just celebrated their 4th year anniversary. On the menu are a variety of pizzas (by-the-slice, too) created from a dough that ferments and proofs for multiple days, and creative salads and sandwiches.

Chief Vision Officer for ESBC, Thomas Kelley continues with us to celebrate the anniversary with a slice and pint (maybe some wings, too?). Tom (a certified Cicerone) tells us about some of ESBC’s classic styles including their flagship Steve Austin’s Broken Skull IPA and the new Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Double IPA.

Show 488, August 27, 2022: Rob Croxall, Founder and Head Brewer, El Segundo Brewing Co.

Rob Croxall of El Segundo Brewing Company

El Segundo Brewing is an independent craft brewery focusing on fresh, hoppy, West Coast IPAs. The Founder and Head Brewer is Rob Croxall. In May they celebrated their 11th Anniversary.

The festivities continue with their Oktoberfest 2022 Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 3rd starting at Noon. Last year they brought back Huftgold Festbier @ 5.8% (a taste of Munich) and it was so successful that it’s back in pint cans with a designed, real label.

Also in the Oktoberfest 2022 line up is Dunkel Bock, a collaboration style with John Palmer, the author of How To Brew. It’s a malty-rich German lager that was first brewed in Einbeck, Germany in the 14th Century. ESBC describes it as somewhere between a Marzen and a Dopplebock.

The on-site Mayberry Grill will be open serving Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and giant, freshly-baked pretzels from the renown Rockenwagner Bakery.

Rob Croxall joins us to tap the keg on the Oktoberfest festivities.

Show 460, February 5, 2022: Chef Sherry Yard of Bakery By the Yard, El Segundo Part One

The newly opened Bakery By the Yard in El Segundo is an elevated neighborhood bakery imagined by James Beard Award Winning Chef, cookbook author and Food TV personality (ABC’s “Great American Baking Show”) Sherry Yard. “Chef Sherry brings together farmers market ingredients, along with her award -winning recipes, to inspire the palates of all who visit. Whether it’s large scale events, custom catering, or cooking classes with Sherry + Friends, Bakery By the Yard offers something for everyone.”

VIP classes range from a Galentine’s Day Class to a Chocolate Lovers’ Class.

Look for Chef Sherry in late March on Food Network’s (and Discovery +) upcoming “The Julia Show” (a new competition series) hosted by Chef Antonia Lafaso.

Sherry Yard is our guest to tempt us with the best of both Bakery By the Yard and Pantry By the Yard.

Show 460, February 5, 2022: Chef Sherry Yard of Bakery By the Yard, El Segundo Part Two

The newly opened Bakery By the Yard in El Segundo is an elevated neighborhood bakery imagined by James Beard Award Winning Chef, cookbook author and Food TV personality (ABC’s “Great American Baking Show”) Sherry Yard. “Chef Sherry brings together farmers market ingredients, along with her award -winning recipes, to inspire the palates of all who visit. Whether it’s large scale events, custom catering, or cooking classes with Sherry + Friends, Bakery By the Yard offers something for everyone.”

VIP classes range from a Galentine’s Day Class to a Chocolate Lovers’ Class.

Look for Chef Sherry in late March on Food Network’s (and Discovery +) upcoming “The Julia Show” (a new competition series) hosted by Chef Antonia Lafaso.

Sherry Yard continues to further tempt us with the edible delights of Bakery By the Yard.

Show 411, February 6, 2021: Anthony Zaller, Esq., Zaller Law Group Part One

Anthony Zaller of Zaller Law Group PC

Anthony Zaller, Esq. is the principal of the Zaller Law Group, PC based in El Segundo. His boutique firm specializes in representing restaurants in labor and employment issues specifically related to California. His firm is a partnered law firm of the California Restaurant Association. He serves on the Los Angeles Chapter of the Board of Directors of the California Restaurant Association and also is the Chair of the California Restaurant Association Foundation.

As the restaurant business in California ever so slowly begins to recover Anthony joins us to preview the top employment law issues facing California restaurants in 2021.