It’s pizza by the slice and whole pie, salads and sandwiches crafted with their artisan bread. Think Artichoke Pie with spinach, artichoke vegan cream, mozzarella, kale, artichoke hearts, breadcrumbs and lemon. Also the Mortadella Sandwich with house-made focaccia, mortadella, whipped ricotta, basil pesto and pistachio.
Taking a break from the pizza oven to join us is Executive Chef Jeff Whittaker.
Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan learned the art of crafting homemade meals from his father and grandmother, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the power of food to unite and nourish.
With over a decade of professional culinary experience under his belt, Chef Sullivan currently serves as the culinary visionary behind Vestal, a distinguished restaurant in Lafayette that redefines Southern cuisine with a contemporary approach. At Vestal, Chef Sullivan showcases seasonal vegetables and proteins, expertly prepared using live fire cooking techniques on a wood-burning grill and oven. Complementing the culinary offerings is a meticulously curated cocktail and wine program, reflecting Chef Sullivan’s dedication to providing a holistic dining experience in the heart of the Acadiana region.
Chef Christopher (Chris) Feldmeier of Manhattan Beach’s Love & Salt began cooking as a child when he simply asked his mother to make breakfast. She replied by saying, “I will buy you anything you want to cook, but you are going to make it yourself.” That first breakfast sparked a passion and adoration for cooking, which grew into an undeniable desire to learn more. Feldmeier then began to cook with his grandmother who became his first mentor, and ultimately, his culinary influence.
“In September 2018 and now again in 2024, Feldmeier assumed the role of executive chef at Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach. In this role, Feldmeier works closely with Love & Salt owner Sylvie Gabriele to bring their shared vision for the Italian-inspired menu to life.”
Tonight at Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Chef Chris is preparing Arancini Bolognese and Arancini with Tomato and Basil.
aPizza Doho in Dana Point serves artisan New Haven-style pizza.
It’s operated by hospitality industry veterans with years of experience in smoothly running the front-of-the-house as well as inspiring culinary creativity in the kitchen.
“The theme of aPizza Doho is “Where Great Pizza, Great People, and a Great Place come together!” They start with an aged biga and allow the dough to ferment for 24 hours. Top that with California organic tomatoes and imported Italian cheeses help create aPizza Doho.”
The partners in aPizza Doho are veteran restaurateur Marcos Costas (born and raised on the East Coast), Executive Chef Christopher Christian (a distinguished alum of Fox Restaurant Concepts in Arizona) and his nephew, Pizzaiolo Anthony Christian.
New Haven-style pizza is typically defined by its chewy, charred crust.
Chef and Restaurateur Christopher Christian pauses stretching the dough rounds to join us.
“Terranea Resort’s (Palos Verdes Peninsula) signature oceanfront culinary event, Terranea Food and Wine, returns to The Meadows and Palos Verdes Terrace for guests 21 and over On Sunday, July 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“The festival features seasonal bites from the resort’s award-winning restaurants alongside selections from local chefs, breweries and wineries. Live entertainment from the Astro Yachts and Upstream adds to the ambiance.”
“Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort is the premier luxury oceanfront resort in Southern California with 102 acres of unparalleled Pacific Ocean views. Terranea opened in 2009 and proudly celebrates more than 15 years of service and memorable guest experiences in this scenic Southern California enclave. The resort offers world-class accommodations that range from hotel suites to bungalows, oceanfront casitas and luxurious villas.”
“Also look for Crabby Sundays this Summer atNelson’s at Terranea on Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m. Located on the Sunset Bluff, Terranea’s popular cliffside restaurant Nelson’s introduces a seafood-centric Sunday tradition. New England Clam Chowder will be offered in a bread bowl ($24) or in a cup ($20). The “Build Your Boil” option allows diners to customize a feast for one or two, with entrée options such as peel-and-eat shrimp ($50), snow crab clusters ($65), whole lobster ($70), and Dungeness crab clusters ($75). The indulgent “Crabby Special” ($200) features a full seafood spread of shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels and clams – served with mixed green salad and clam chowder. Guests can also choose from a variety of sides such as cornbread, andouille sausage and Cajun fries. Adding to the coastal experience, live music performances will accompany the Sunday festivities, creating a lively and relaxing ambiance by the sea.”
Terranea Resort’s Executive Chef, Andrew Vaughan, joins us with the salivating details of what’s on the Resort’s menu.
Frederic Hoffmann has been the Executive Chef at Hilton Waikoloa Village resort located on 62 acres on the Kohala Coast on The Big Island of Hawaii since January of 2022.
Watertable, celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary this year under the culinary direction of original Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn, is the signature restaurant located at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. “Watertable celebrates the union of rustic and refined, old and new – in both design and cuisine. Watertable serves both Breakfast and Dinner.” The Bar has a separate Spanish-focused menu (think Acorn Fed Iberico) where guests can also order any of the menu items served in the Dining Room.
“The menu features seasonal, regional grill-centric American fare, paired with a distinguished selection of vintage world-class wines. Watertable’s beverage program also includes craft brews, hand-crafted artisanal cocktails, craft and naturally infused waters, in a unique nod to its name.”
“Chef Manfred’s inspiration stems from his family heritage as a first-generation American of German descent, valuing seasonality and preserving flavors year-round. He likes to incorporate innovative ideas while honoring timeless culinary essence. Chef Manfred embraces both new and resurfacing trends.”
“For the last decade The Team at Watertable has been committed to operating ethically and responsibly, striving to more positively impact their beach communities and the environment.”
Executive Chef Manfred takes a break from his busy kitchen to be with us along with Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach’s General Manager, Jon Benson who was on Watertable’s opening team ten years ago as Food & Beverage Director and is now back from Hawaii as the property’s Hotel General Manager.
“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as over two dozen Black-owned local restaurants and food businesses will offer special menu items and special pricing when the 3rd annual Long Beach Black Restaurant Week returns January 21-28, 2024.”
“Organized by Axiom Kitchen and fiscally sponsored by 501(c)3 non-profit NoahS’s Arc, owner Qiana Mafnas felt that in addition to encouraging local “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach Black culinary community has to offer, events like these support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants and food retailers and home-based businesses.”
Executive Chef Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Kitchen joins us with all the tasty details of the upcoming Long Beach Black Restaurant Week.
“There are no tickets or passes to purchase. Food lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured items delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups or home cottage businesses for pick-up. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found on the website.”
“Owners Ian and Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Kitchen are a husband and wife pitmaster / executive chef team, that 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 share their experience as well as their love for smoking meats and cooking with their community.”
“Cork & Fork restaurant in Indio was born out of their Cooking School, Cooking with Class. What started as a weekly get together on Wednesday evenings inside the cooking school featured small plates and wines by the glass. Each week the list of attendees grew and grew until Executive Chef Andie Hubka was turning away more people than she could seat. The empty space next door suddenly became very appealing!
A big move to a new location in 2023 saw the addition of twice the seating, a full bar and private dining rooms. The rest as they say, is history!”
This is casual fine dining at its best. The menu features creative small plates ranging from classic comfort to exotic fusion. Chef Andie uses the highest quality ingredients and shops locally, organically and sustainable whenever possible. Cork & Fork’s Mix, Match, Share & Enjoy philosophy allows you to choose your own adventure and order many small plates to share, or let the chef choose for you if you’d like with their Seasonal Tasting Menu.”
“Andie Hubka is the award winning Executive Chef and Owner of three acclaimed restaurants – Cork & Fork, Heirloom Craft Kitchen in Indio and the recently opened Tu Madres Cantina & Grill (located next door to Heirloom). Andie was named “Chef of the Year” by Palm Springs Life Magazine for her work at her beloved cooking school, Cooking with Class, and has since gone on to open her exceptional restaurant Cork & Fork, which has earned top honors including Best New Restaurant in 2013 in the prestigious ‘My Desert’ poll.”
“A teacher at heart, Andie staffs her kitchens with students from the La Quinta High School Culinary Program, in partnership with the school, creating the Desert’s first paid culinary internship program that has successfully graduated 6 years of students in to the local culinary workforce and beyond.”
Chef Andie Hubka takes a further break from her busy kitchens to continue with us.
Executive Chef Jayson Kanekoa heads the Waikoloa Beach MarriottResort’s progressive culinary program overseeing all food and beverage outlets, including the signature Hawaii Calls restaurant. His expertise permeates all the resort’s restaurant and catering menus. Chef Jayson is the Host Chef for the Big Island Chocolate Festival. Unusually 95 per cent of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s food and beverage offerings are locally sourced.
“Chef Jason attributes his passion for fresh, locally influenced cuisine to his upbringing in Kukuihaele on the Big Island of Hawaii. He attended the culinary program at Kapiolani Community College on Oahu before honing his culinary talents at the 297-room Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Kanekoa climbed the ranks to his position today from his entry as a cook’s helper in 1986, to becoming a supervisor, to being named Executive Sous Chef in 2000.” He was promoted to Executive Chef in 2014.”
Chef Jason Kanekoa joins us with a freshly brewed cup of hand-selected Kona Coffee in hand.
