Opening the show with a brief visit with James Beard Award-winning Chef Tim Hollingsworth of Otium in Downtown Los Angeles. Chef Tim is at the center of the documentary, “Chain Restaurant Special” released on the Roku Channel (and available to everyone at no charge) on July 12th. Chef Tim is also the co-founder of Chain with actor and comedian B.J. Novak, which reimagines familiar chain restaurant favorites.
“In the documentary Celebrity friends including Chrissy Teigen and John Legend gather at the inaugural Chain Fest bash last year in Los Angeles. It’s a party as acclaimed Chef Tim Hollingsworth puts a gourmet spin on eight beloved and iconic dishes from Chili’s, Red Robin, Panda Express, Jack in the Box, Sonic, Pizza Hut, Pepsi, and Dunkin’.” One creation of Chef Tim and his culinary team is the gourmet reimagining of the Panda Express signature Orange Chicken.
“Terranea Resort’s (Rancho Palos Verdes) inaugural Food and Wine Festival is being held on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This oceanfront event, taking place at the scenic resort’s The Meadows, has been created to celebrate the culinary talents of some of Terranea’s talented chefs, as well as to host a glorious summer gourmet experience – showcasing local and regional eateries, craft breweries, wineries and fine beverage purveyors. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, live music will be provided by Upstream, a leading Southern California reggae and Caribbean band, and the popular yacht rock band The AstroYachts.” Joining us with all the tasty Food & Wine Festival specifics is Andrew Vaughan, the Executive Chef of Terranea Resort.
The Bear (based in Chicago) is back on Hulu for Season 3 and already attracting a lot of attention and, of course, spirited controversy. Given that Chicago is a great food town it was only a matter of time before a savvy tour operator in the Windy City created a “The Bear” Chicago Food Tour. This has now happened with the launch of Chicago Food & City Tour’s Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear – Inspired Food Tour.” Our own newly Chicago-based, informed foodie, Terri Henry, shares her recent adventure on this engaging Chicago tour which also included as guests a Staff Writer and Photographer for The Chicago Tribune.
“Jambalaya Girl (Kristen Preau Moore) by Cook Me Somethin’ Mister is a family and women owned business that brings an authentic taste of New Orleans to the world with easy to prepare food products, inspired by Jambalaya Girl’s family recipes. Drawing from her family’s upbringing in the New Orleans cooking scene and her creation of a nationwide tailgating fundraiser following Hurricane Katrina, owner Kristen Preau “Jambalaya Girl” created Cook Me Somethin’ Mister initially from her Dad’s jambalaya recipe. All products are now proudly made in New Orleans with the finest ingredients and are specially blended by Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends.” We’re joined by the Jambalaya Girl herself, Kristen Preau, to cook up all the good eating that is Jambalaya Girl New Orleans food products.
“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as dozens of local restaurants and pop-ups will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 4th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns July 21-28, 2024. Organized by local non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, the organization felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants. One of the featured restaurants in LBBW is the new ISM Brewing located on The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach. Proprietor Ian McCall joins us to describe his salivating Burger Week creation, Mahalo Madness, which is a delicious, hand-held delight which takes inspiration from the ISM Culinary Team’s favorite Hawaiian / Japanese Burger spots.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. How does this new California legislation designed to eliminate “junk fees” impact restaurants that include a mandatory Service Charge? Some last-minute modifications were legislated and enacted right before July 1st. We’ll get the accurate story and an informed restaurateurs POV from Chef Andrew.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Terranea Resort’s (Rancho Palos Verdes) inaugural Food and Wine Festival is being held on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This oceanfront event, taking place at the scenic resort’s The Meadows, has been created to celebrate the culinary talents of some of Terranea’s talented chefs, as well as to host a glorious summer gourmet experience – showcasing local and regional eateries, craft breweries, wineries and fine beverage purveyors. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, live music will be provided by Upstream, a leading Southern California reggae and Caribbean band, and the popular yacht rock band The AstroYachts.”
“To whet your appetite – from Terranea – catalina kitchen will be serving Brown Butter Scallops and a California Citrus Salad; bashi will present Chicken Karage with aioli and togarashi, mar’sel will be pleasing palates with a Corn and Crab Gazpacho with mint pistou and there is so much more to look forward to… Also, at the Lexus sponsor’s booth, charismatic, Michelin-star Chef Ludo Lefebvre will be presenting tantalizing bites.”
In other Terranea food events for BBQ devotees this Summer every Sunday at Nelson’s is Slow Smoked Sundays. It’s a slow smoked feat with ocean views, smoky entrees, savory sides and sweet desserts.
Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.
Opening the show with a brief visit with James Beard Award-winning Chef Tim Hollingsworth of Otium in Downtown Los Angeles. Chef Tim is at the center of the documentary, “Chain Restaurant Special” released on the Roku Channel (and available to everyone at no charge) on July 12th. Chef Tim is also the co-founder of Chain with actor and comedian B.J. Novak, which reimagines familiar chain restaurant favorites.
“Terranea Resort’s (Rancho Palos Verdes)inaugural Food and Wine Festival is being held on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This oceanfront event, taking place at the scenic resort’s The Meadows, has been created to celebrate the culinary talents of some of Terranea’s talented chefs, as well as to host a glorious summer gourmet experience – showcasing local and regional eateries, craft breweries, wineries and fine beverage purveyors. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, live music will be provided by Upstream, a leading Southern California reggae and Caribbean band, and the popular yacht rock band The AstroYachts.” Joining us with all the tasty Food & Wine Festival specifics is Andrew Vaughan, the Executive Chef of Terranea Resort.
The Bear (based in Chicago) is back on Hulu for Season 3 and already attracting a lot of attention and, of course, spirited controversy. Given that Chicago is a great food town it was only a matter of time before a savvy tour operator in the Windy City created a “The Bear” Chicago Food Tour. This has now happened with the launch of Chicago Food & City Tour’s “Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear – Inspired Food Tour.” Our own newly Chicago-based, informed foodie, Terri Henry, shares her recent adventure on this engaging Chicago tour which also included as guests a Staff Writer and Photographer for The Chicago Tribune.
“Jambalaya Girl (Kristen Preau Moore) by Cook Me Somethin’ Mister is a family and women owned business that brings an authentic taste of New Orleans to the world with easy to prepare food products, inspired by Jambalaya Girl’s family recipes. Drawing from her family’s upbringing in the New Orleans cooking scene and her creation of a nationwide tailgating fundraiser following Hurricane Katrina, owner Kristen Preau “Jambalaya Girl” created Cook Me Somethin’ Mister initially from her Dad’s jambalaya recipe. All products are now proudly made in New Orleans with the finest ingredients and are specially blended by Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends.” We’re joined by the Jambalaya Girl herself, Kristen Preau, to cook up all the good eating that is Jambalaya Girl New Orleans food products.
“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as dozens of local restaurants and pop-ups will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 4th annual Long Beach Food & Beverage, the organization felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants. One of the featured restaurants in LBBW is the new ISM Brewing located on The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach. Proprietor Ian McCall joins us to describe his salivating Burger Week creation, Mahalo Madness, which is a delicious, hand-held delight which takes inspiration from the ISM Culinary Team’s favorite Hawaiian / Japanese Burger spots.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. How does this new California legislation designed to eliminate “junk fees” impact restaurants that include a mandatory Service Charge? Some last-minute modifications were legislated and enacted right before July 1st. We’ll get the accurate story and an informed restaurateurs POV from Chef Andrew.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Terranea Resort’s (Rancho Palos Verdes) inaugural Food and Wine Festival is being held on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This oceanfront event, taking place at the scenic resort’s The Meadows, has been created to celebrate the culinary talents of some of Terranea’s talented chefs, as well as to host a glorious summer gourmet experience – showcasing local and regional eateries, craft breweries, wineries and fine beverage purveyors. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, live music will be provided by Upstream, a leading Southern California reggae and Caribbean band, and the popular yacht rock band The AstroYachts.”
“To whet your appetite – from Terranea – catalina kitchen will be serving Brown Butter Scallops and a California Citrus Salad; bashi will present Chicken Karage with aioli and togarashi, mar’sel will be pleasing palates with a Corn and Crab Gazpacho with mint pistou and there is so much more to look forward to… Also, at the Lexus sponsor’s booth, charismatic, Michelin-star Chef Ludo Lefebvre will be presenting tantalizing bites.”
The Bear(based in Chicago)is back on Hulu for Season 3 and already attracting a lot of attention and, of course, controversy. Given that Chicago is a great food town it was only a matter of time before a savvy tour operator in the Windy City created a “The Bear” Chicago Food Tour. This has now happened with the launch of Chicago Food & City Tour’s “Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear – Inspired Food Tour.” Our own newly Chicago-based, informed foodie, Terri Henry, shares her recent adventure on this Chicago tour which also included as guests a Staff Writer and Photographer for The Chicago Tribune.
For the time being “this is the only Chicago food tour that takes guests to the restaurants featured in the TV phenomenon, “The Bear.” The tour takes the guests to the actual spots where Chef Carmy, Chef Sydney and Richie cook up their magic, and pairs each stop with the insider stories that connect the dots between the show’s fictional drama and Chicago as a real-life foodie destination.” And, yes, there is a stop at the real Chicago Italian Beef shop that inspired the original “Mr. Beef” in the series.
“Jambalaya Girl (Kristen Preau Moore) by Cook Me Somethin’ Mister is a family and women owned business that brings an authentic taste of New Orleans to the world with easy to prepare food products, inspired by Jambalaya Girl’s family recipes. Drawing from her family’s upbringing in the New Orleans cooking scene and her creation of a nationwide tailgating fundraiser following Hurricane Katrina, owner Kristen Preau “Jambalaya Girl” created Cook Me Somethin’ Mister initially from her Dad’s jambalaya recipe. All products are now proudly made in New Orleans with the finest ingredients and are specially blended by Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends.” We’re joined by the Jambalaya Girl herself, Kristen Preau, to cook up all the good eating that is Jambalaya Girl food products from New Orleans.
From New Orleans Gambit Weekly, Top 40 Under 40 Cover Story: “Known as the “Jambalaya Girl,” Kristen Preau says she was given the title while stirring her father’s cast-iron pot full of jambalaya at her brother’s sporting events… Preau came up with the concept for Cook Me Somethin’ Mister while traveling across the country to raise money for New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. She raised $100,000 for her hometown by serving jambalaya made from her father’s recipe at 11 college tailgates. It made her realize that people donated not only because they loved New Orleans, but they also loved the jambalaya.”
“Jambalaya Girl’s Dad, Paul, used to specially manufacture outdoor cookers for some of the top chefs in New Orleans and he always cooked classic New Orleans recipes, like Jambalaya Girl’s jambalaya, to showcase his cooking equipment. Paul manufactured the gas burner that the late Chef Paul Prudhomme used to prepare his famous Blackened Red Fish recipe. The burner was featured in Chef Paul’s mail order catalog and is pictured in his first cookbook, Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Kitchen. (1984)”
“The Preau family cooked some of the first pots of Jambalaya to be served during the early years of French Quarter Fest. Fun fact: Cook Me Somethin’ Mister still uses the same 40-gallon cast iron pot that was used to cook at the very first French Quarter Fest in 1983. That’s one well-seasoned pot!”
“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as dozens of local restaurants and pop-ups will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 4th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns July 21-28, 2024.”
“Organized by local non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, the organization felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants. Besides… it’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?”
“Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, plus some combos offered at $25. A few of the more unique over-the-top burger offers may include Burger Hand Pies, Pupusa Burgers, Cajun Lobster-topped, IPA Cheese-topped, Bleu Cheese Peppercorn-topped, Pastrami-topped, Chile Verde Burger, and many more unique options. Boasting Metro LA as a sponsor, many restaurants will also be promoting special offers when guests show their Metro LA TAP Card.”
One of the featured restaurants in LBBW is the new ISM Brewing located on The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach. Proprietor Ian McCall joins us to describe his Burger Week special, Mahalo Madness, which is a delicious, hand-held delight which takes inspiration from the ISM Culinary Team’s favorite Hawaiian / Japanese Burger spots.
Mahalo Madness is a 6” square burger patty covered in strips of pork belly, topped with Swiss cheese, grilled oyster mushrooms, grilled onions, grilled pineapple, lettuce, avocado and housemade teriyaki sauce. It’s served between halves of a fresh ciabatta roll.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
How does this new California legislation designed to eliminate “junk fees” impact restaurants that include a mandatory Service Charge? Some last-minute modifications were legislated (and enacted) right before the July 1st implementation. We’ll get the accurate story and an informed restaurateur’s POV from Chef Andrew.
First Kedric previewed the Savor The Central Coast food and wine festival presented by Sunset Magazine and San Luis Obispo County. This is always a great event and there is a lot new for 2013. The dates are September 26th to 29th. The main event site is the Santa Margarita Ranch.
Montage Laguna Beach has their 2nd Annual “Surf with a Legend” weekend coming up Sept. 13th to 15th. In addition to the spectacular surfing guests enjoy a special BBQ created by the Resort’s Executive Chef, Rob Wilson.
Thoroughbred Racing is at Del Mar in San Diego County through Sept. 4th. At nearby Grand Del Mar, their Addison fine-dining restaurant is offering a series of culinary, winemaking, and mixology classes, continuing for the next few months.
In closing Kedric reminded that The Orange County Fair continues through next Weekend. He shared some useful tips for saving money while attending the Fair. Take advantage of the many family-friendly, free activities and exhibits!
Please join us at our new starting time of 10:00 a.m. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” expands to 2-hours on August 3rd. We’re now with you from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon every Saturday morning for the most appetizing food talk..
It seems appropriate to be talking about breakfast this morning. We’re chronicling some recent breakfast dining experiences from Orange County to Las Vegas.
CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills (located adjacent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) is a pioneer in brining innovative Japanese cuisine served in a stylish environment to greater Los Angeles. Amazingly they are celebrating their 30th anniversary in Los Angeles this year. Their celebration kicked-off last Sunday with a “Summer Festival” tasting and celebratory activities continue through October.
Chaya owner Yuta Tsunoda and long-time CHAYA Executive Corporate Chef Shigefumi Tachibe are with us to give us the rich history.
The culinary roots of the founding Tsunoda Family stretch back 400 years when the first CHAYA opened in Japan. It is still in operation today as a restaurant.
CHAYA has four popular restaurants in California including the Flagship in Beverly Hills, Venice, Downtown Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Each location embraces the distinct neighborhood that surrounds it. For instance, CHAYA Brasserie San Francisco, located on the Embarcadero, features sweeping views of the Bay Bridge.
CHAYA also operates two Los Angeles-based locations of M Café, a casual macrobiotic eatery.
Man about Orange County, the always debonair Kedric Francis, is with us in-studio. Kedric is the distinguished Executive Editor of the monthly Coast Orange County Magazine. Kedric is also the co-founder and Executive Editor of the OC Register Magazine.
Kedric will preview a couple of unusual staycation ideas for the OC as well as an exciting food & wine festival set for the Central Coast in late September.
It’s Margarita time! Food journalist and Mexican cuisine-authority, Nancy Zaslavsky, is with us to share the “World’s Best Margaritas Recipe.”
Zaslavsky is an author, cooking teacher, and culinary tour leader specializing in the foods of Mexico. She penned the James Beard Award-nominated, A Cook’s Tour of Mexico.
Regulars to the show know that Chef Jet is a huge fan of Cook’s County in Los Angeles and dines there often. Starting this month (every Tuesday) it’s their inaugural California Craft Beer and Food Festival.
Chef/Proprietor Daniel Mattern has invited seven of his favorite breweries to come pour their beer selection at the “California Craft Beer and Food Festival” at Cook’s County. The series of beer-centric dinners will take place on Tuesday evenings from August 6th to September 24th. Menus will be tailored around the different craft beers and many dishes will be prepared using beer as a significant ingredient. Each evening’s menu consists of five courses, and all courses, including dessert, will be thoughtfully paired with beer.
Las Vegas has never seen anything quite like this before and it’s a big one !
It’s the Life is Beautiful festival set for many blocks of Downtown Las Vegas from October 25th through Sunday, October 27th. It’s an impressive line-up of world class music, food, art and learning. Tickets are on sale.
With more than 60 prominent chefs and restaurants, 24 wineries and 24 breweries participating in the culinary part of the festival alone, L.I.B presents the attendees with a full-scale food festival experience.
“The food experiences of L.I.B. were carefully designed to be interactive, innovative and unexpected,” says Jolene Mannina, Head of Culinary Arts for the festival. “Working with the vision of our Culinary Advisory Board of 12 world-renowned chefs, we’ve created an approach that we feel will set us apart from other food festivals, giving both our patrons and chefs a chance to enjoy something new, fresh and, of course, delicious.”
Canning, pickling, and preserving has really taken off in local home kitchens. Food journalist Kevin West, a certified food preserver, has just launched Saving the Season: A cook’s guide to home canning, pickling, and preserving from Knopf. In addition to the expected recipes West has mini profiles of his favorite farmers and farm adventures as part of the book.
The block-wide ethnic food court at the historic Grand Central Market (dating back to 1896) in Downtown Los Angeles is undergoing a renaissance. Kevin West is consulting on that effort to bring exciting, one-of-a-kind distinctive food businesses to the Market. It’s already happening…
