Show 569, March 16, 2024: Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza with a Preview of Regarding Her’s Flavorful Femme Fiesta: A Taco Tribute to Latina Legends Part One

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza

The Regarding Her tribute events celebrating Women’s History Month continue. “Join them for an unforgettable culinary journey celebrating the rich heritage and inspiring leadership of Latina women, sponsored by Vallarta! ‘Flavorful Femme Fiesta: A Taco Tribute to Latina Legends’ is a unique event series that pays homage to historical Latina leaders through the art of tacos.”

“Across five women-owned locations throughout greater LA, each venue will feature a signature taco inspired by the favorite Latina leader of the chefs. From savory to spicy, each taco tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride. As guests indulge in delicious flavors, Regarding Her honors the contributions and legacies of these remarkable women who have shaped history. Participating restaurants include Guerrilla Tacos, Guelaguetza, Moo’s Craft BBQ, Nativo, and Pink & Boujee. Join them in savoring the taste of tradition and celebrating the spirit of Latina leadership!”

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza is also doing a March collaboration with Briana Valdez of HomeState. Guelaguetza is selling HomeState’s signature flour tortillas while HomeState is serving Bricia’s and Briana’s Flour Mole Enchiladas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the HomeState locations in Hollywood and Sherman Oaks.

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic) in Koreatown joins us to provide the tantalizing details of her taco event on Saturday, March 23rd.

Show 569, March 16, 2024: Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza with a Preview of Regarding Her’s Flavorful Femme Fiesta: A Taco Tribute to Latina Legends Part Two

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza

The Regarding Her tribute events celebrating Women’s History Month continue. “Join them for an unforgettable culinary journey celebrating the rich heritage and inspiring leadership of Latina women, sponsored by Vallarta! ‘Flavorful Femme Fiesta: A Taco Tribute to Latina Legends’ is a unique event series that pays homage to historical Latina leaders through the art of tacos.”

“Across five women-owned locations throughout greater LA, each venue will feature a signature taco inspired by the favorite Latina leader of the chefs. From savory to spicy, each taco tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride. As guests indulge in delicious flavors, Regarding Her honors the contributions and legacies of these remarkable women who have shaped history. Participating restaurants include Guerrilla Tacos, Guelaguetza, Moo’s Craft BBQ, Nativo, and Pink & Boujee. Join them in savoring the taste of tradition and celebrating the spirit of Latina leadership!”

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza is also doing a March collaboration with Briana Valdez of HomeState. Guelaguetza is selling HomeState’s signature flour tortillas while HomeState is serving Bricia’s and Briana’s Flour Mole Enchiladas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the HomeState locations in Hollywood and Sherman Oaks.

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic) in Koreatown joins us to provide the tantalizing details of her taco event on Saturday, March 23rd.

Show 303, December 22, 2018: Wing Lam, Co-founder, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Presenting a Dinner at The James Beard House

Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish TacosIn early October Wahoo’s Fish Taco presented a sold-out, celebratory dinner (paired with premium Sonoma wines) at the revered James Beard House in Greenwich Village, a singular honor. The outstanding boutique wines represented were Lombardi Wines (Petaluma,) and Coursey Graves Winery (Santa Rosa & representing Works & Days, too.

When I first started Wahoo’s 30 years ago, all I wanted to do was create a fun and casual place for fellow surfers to hang out and eat great food. Fast forward to today, it’s an honor and a privilege to present on behalf of Wahoo’s at The James Beard House,” said Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco. “To be chosen and invited to New York with my brothers is beyond what we could’ve ever imagined.”

“Chefs must be invited in order to host a dinner at The James Beard House,” adds Lam. “We spent our entire careers catering some of the world’s biggest sporting and music events. Hosting dinner at The James Beard House is a testament to our hard work, and we can’t wait to show a brand-new audience what Wahoo’s Fish Taco is all about.

Think Enchilada Duo with Polynesian Shrimp in Red Sauce and Blackened Chicken in Green Sauce with Cauliflower Rice paired with Lombardi Pinot Noir 2016.

Riding the cresting wave and joining us in-studio is Co-founder, Wing Lam

Show 34, July 6, 2013: Gustavo Arellano, Editor of OC Weekly and author of Taco USA: How Mexican Foods Conquered America

Gustavo Arellano of Ask a MexicanOur favorite all-star, “Ask a Mexican,” Gustavo Arellano, returned to give us more practical insight on Mexican ingredients and their history. He’s also the editor of OC Weekly.

Today we talked tortillas. Why is a burrito made with flour tortillas?  On the other hand why are enchiladas prepared with corn tortillas. What is right for a hard or soft-shelled taco?

Gustavo explained that flour tortillas are popular in the Northern states of Mexico. They arrived from Spain in the 1500s.

Gustavo also shared the history of tortilla chips which traces its origin to San Antonio in 1912.

It’s summer so it’s time to quench your thirst. Gustavo suggests a flavorful agua fresca. This translates as “fresh water.” The base for this refreshing Mexican beverage is water and sugar. Cucumber and Tamarind are particularly refreshing versions.

July 6: Sherry Yard, Sriracha Movie, Gustavo Arrelamo, Evan Funke, Valerie Confections

Podcasts

Segment One: On the Town with Chef Jet, Sherry Yard, and Producer Andy
Segment Two: Food Journalist Randy Clemens and “Sriracha” filmmaker Griffin Hammond Part One
Segment Three: Food Journalist Randy Clemens and “Sriracha” filmmaker Griffin Hammond Part Two
Segment Four: Gustavo Arellano, Editor of OC Weekly and author of Taco USA: How Mexican Foods Conquered America
Segment Five: Chef Evan Funke, executive chef & proprietor, Bucato Restaurant
Segment Six: Valerie Gordon, Valerie Confections

Time to talk of recent dining adventures …

Sherry YardPastry princess, Sherry Yard, the recipient of two James Beard Awards, joins us in-studio. She was celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s high-profile dessert guru for 20 years and is now out on her own with an ambitious project at The Helms Bakery complex in Los Angeles (on the border with Culver City.)

We’ll also answer some e-mail inquiries.

Sriracha MovieIt’s the Sriracha wars and the heat is on !

If you think Sriracha is simply the locally produced, fiery sauce with the red rooster on the label you need to know the real story. It’s actually Thai hot sauce named after the seaside town of Si Racha. It’s as popular as ketchup on the Southeast Asian table.

Documentary filmmaker Griffin Hammond will join us to talk about the Sriracha documentary he’s working on. It’s partially funded by an ongoing KickStarter campaign that’s already oversubscribed! He’ll be joined by local food writer Randy Clemens who is the author of two cookbooks on Sriracha. Newly released is The Veggie-Lover’s Sriracha Cookbook from Ten Speed Press.

Gustavo Arellano of Ask a MexicanOur favorite all-star, “Ask a Mexican,” Gustavo Arellano, returns to give us more practical insight on Mexican ingredients and their history. He’s also the editor of OC Weekly.

Today we’re talking tortillas. Why is a burrito made with flour tortillas? On the other hand why are enchiladas prepared with corn tortillas. What is right for a hard or soft-shelled taco? We’re confused…

I need a cerveza…

Evan Funke of Bucato Restaurant Chef Evan Funke generated a lot of interest at Rustic Canyon as the opening chef when it opened a few years back in Santa Monica. Now Evan is about to debut Bucato Restaurant on Washington Blvd. in Culver City in the former iconic Beacon Laundry Building which is part of the larger Helms Bakery complex. With Bucato he is Executive Chef and Proprietor.

During construction Chef Evan has been operating a food truck. The rave item is his porchetta sandwich. Bucato will be modern Italian.

Valerie Gordon of Valerie ConfectionsValerie Gordon of Valerie Confections burst on the local foodie scene with her cravable line of chocolate-dipped toffees in 2004. The response has been terrific and the line has greatly expanded over the years. Her quality products now include chocolates, a line of petis fours, handmade preserves, cakes, pastries, and even a catering division.

Valerie has developed a sub-specialty of recreating the classic desserts of fondly remembered, but long-ago departed, iconic local restaurants. The original Brown Derby’s grapefruit cake is just one memorable example.

Valerie Confections latest project is their new Coffee Shop & Bakery located at the historic Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles.

Podcasts

Segment One: On the Town with Chef Jet, Sherry Yard, and Producer Andy
Segment Two: Food Journalist Randy Clemens and “Sriracha” filmmaker Griffin Hammond Part One
Segment Three: Food Journalist Randy Clemens and “Sriracha” filmmaker Griffin Hammond Part Two
Segment Four: Gustavo Arellano, Editor of OC Weekly and author of Taco USA: How Mexican Foods Conquered America
Segment Five: Chef Evan Funke, executive chef & proprietor, Bucato Restaurant
Segment Six: Valerie Gordon, Valerie Confections