Show 465, March 12, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

South of Somewhere: Wine, Food, and the Soul of Italy begins and ends in American writer and journalist Robert Camuto’s maternal ancestral town of Vico Equense, Italy — a tiny paradise south of Naples on the Sorrento Peninsula. Camuto’s fine-grained storytelling in this series of portraits takes us beyond the usual objective views of viniculture and into the elusive and magical world of Italian “southern-ness.” South of Somewhere takes the reader on a journey through the terroirs of Southern Italy today: from the Calabrian toe of the Italian boot and Sicily’s still active Mount Etna to earthquake-shaken land of Abruzzo; from the remote lands of Campania and Puglia to Basilicata’s Mount Vulture; from the old papal territory of Umbria to Rome’s once great Lazio and back to the evocative cliffs of the Amalfi coast.” We’ll meet the well-traveled Robert Camuto.

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is the heart of the California Central Coast art community and a vital link to the cultural life of the region. Its downtown location in the cultural district, and its free admission, make it accessible for all. SLOMA is located in downtown San Luis Obispo on the west end of Mission Plaza, at the heart of the city’s cultural corridor. Emphasizing exhibitions by contemporary California artists, the Museum also offers youth and adult art classes, lectures, film nights, trips, concerts and art events. No matter who you are or what you do – whether you’re a recent graduate or a grandparent, a visitor or lifelong resident, a student or business owner, a mom or a dad, an accomplished artist or a beginner – the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art has something for you.” Executive Director Leann Standish is our enthusiastic guide to SLOMA, the current exhibits and their ongoing citywide mural program.

“The term Mistura condenses the essence of Peru, a reflection of their people and the country’s cuisine, a marvelous mix of cultures of invaluable heritage. Mistura San Luis Obispo is a modern Peruvian restaurant that is as dynamic as the country it celebrates and its biodiversity. Mistura captures the multicultural spirit of Peru, blending its Native Pre-Columbian and Incas gastronomic heritage with the Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese influences that embody the country’s vibrant cuisine. Mistura is a true homage to the diversity of Peruvian food by proposing flavors that are at once familiar yet adventurous and unexpected. Owner/Chef Nicola Allegretta tends to and harvests most of the organic produce used in Mistura’s menu from their garden’s rich soil. The idea of a garden in the city is fascinating and it allows Mistura to keep in constant contact with nature while providing a genuine Farm-to-Table experience.” Chef Nicola takes a break from his busy kitchen and is our guest.

“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef Gino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Blvd. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.) “Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria,) the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.” Chef Matt takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. In Japan uni, the roe of a sea urchin, is a delicacy. There are many varieties of sea urchins including the devastating purple sea urchin (which has a Zombie mode) that is now destroying vital seaweed beds in California. Chef Andrew talks about an experiment using safe aquaculture practices to turn these little menaces of the sea into a source of premium uni for restaurants.

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

“The term Mistura condenses the essence of Peru, a reflection of their people and the country’s cuisine, a marvelous mix of cultures of invaluable heritage. Mistura San Luis Obispo is a modern Peruvian restaurant that is as dynamic as the country it celebrates and its biodiversity. Mistura captures the multicultural spirit of Peru, blending its Native Pre-Columbian and Incas gastronomic heritage with the Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese influences that embody the country’s vibrant cuisine. Mistura is a true homage to the diversity of Peruvian food by proposing flavors that are at once familiar yet adventurous and unexpected. Owner/Chef Nicola Allegretta tends to and harvests most of the organic produce used in Mistura’s menu from their garden’s rich soil. The idea of a garden in the city is fascinating and it allows Mistura to keep in constant contact with nature while providing a genuine Farm-to-Table experience.” Chef Nicola takes a break from his busy kitchen and is our guest.

“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef GGino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Blvd. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.) “Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria,) the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.” Chef Matt takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. In Japan uni, the roe of a sea urchin, is a delicacy. There are many varieties of sea urchins including the devastating purple sea urchin (which has a Zombie mode) that is now destroying vital seaweed beds in California. Chef Andrew talks about an experiment using safe aquaculture practices to turn these little menaces of the sea into a source of premium uni for restaurants.

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

Show 465, March 12, 2022: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part One

“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef Gino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Bild. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.)

“Known across the city for his pasta creations, Angelini offers anticipated favorites featuring Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics!” Lunch and Dinner served daily with patio and dining room seating.

“Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria), the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.”

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

Show 465, March 12, 2022: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part Two

“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef Gino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Bild. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.)

“Known across the city for his pasta creations, Angelini offers anticipated favorites featuring Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics!” Lunch and Dinner served daily with patio and dining room seating.

“Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria), the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.”

Chef Matt takes another break from his busy kitchen and continues as our guest.

March 12: Robert Camuto, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Mistura, Angelini Ristorante & Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Journalist Robert Camuto, Author of South of Some Where – Wine, Food and The Soul of Italy
Segment Three: Leann Standish, Executive Director, The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Segment Four: Chef Nicola Allegretta, Proprietor, Mistura Restaurant, San Luis Obispo Part One
Segment Five: Chef Nicola Allegretta, Proprietor, Mistura Restaurant, San Luis Obispo Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part One
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

South of Somewhere: Wine, Food, and the Soul of Italy begins and ends in American writer and journalist Robert Camuto’s maternal ancestral town of Vico Equense, Italy — a tiny paradise south of Naples on the Sorrento Peninsula. Camuto’s fine-grained storytelling in this series of portraits takes us beyond the usual objective views of viniculture and into the elusive and magical world of Italian “southern-ness.” South of Somewhere takes the reader on a journey through the terroirs of Southern Italy today: from the Calabrian toe of the Italian boot and Sicily’s still active Mount Etna to earthquake-shaken land of Abruzzo; from the remote lands of Campania and Puglia to Basilicata’s Mount Vulture; from the old papal territory of Umbria to Rome’s once great Lazio and back to the evocative cliffs of the Amalfi coast.” We’ll meet the well-traveled Robert Camuto.

“The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is the heart of the California Central Coast art community and a vital link to the cultural life of the region. Its downtown location in the cultural district, and its free admission, make it accessible for all. SLOMA is located in downtown San Luis Obispo on the west end of Mission Plaza, at the heart of the city’s cultural corridor. Emphasizing exhibitions by contemporary California artists, the Museum also offers youth and adult art classes, lectures, film nights, trips, concerts and art events. No matter who you are or what you do – whether you’re a recent graduate or a grandparent, a visitor or lifelong resident, a student or business owner, a mom or a dad, an accomplished artist or a beginner – the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art has something for you.” Executive Director Leann Standish is our enthusiastic guide to SLOMA, the current exhibits and their ongoing citywide mural program.

“The term Mistura condenses the essence of Peru, a reflection of their people and the country’s cuisine, a marvelous mix of cultures of invaluable heritage. Mistura San Luis Obispo is a modern Peruvian restaurant that is as dynamic as the country it celebrates and its biodiversity. Mistura captures the multicultural spirit of Peru, blending its Native Pre-Columbian and Incas gastronomic heritage with the Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese influences that embody the country’s vibrant cuisine. Mistura is a true homage to the diversity of Peruvian food by proposing flavors that are at once familiar yet adventurous and unexpected. Owner / Chef Nicola Allegretta tends to and harvests most of the organic produce used in Mistura’s menu from their garden’s rich soil. The idea of a garden in the city is fascinating and it allows Mistura to keep in constant contact with nature while providing a genuine Farm-to-Table experience.” Chef Nicola takes a break from his busy kitchen and is our guest.

“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef Gino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Bild. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.) “Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria), the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.” Chef Matt takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. In Japan uni, the roe of a sea urchin, is a delicacy. There are varieties of sea urchins including the devastating purple sea urchin which is now destroying vital seaweed beds in California. Chef Andrew will talk about an experiment using safe aquaculture practices to turn these little menaces of the sea into a source of premium uni for restaurants.

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

Robert Camuto

South of Somewhere: Wine, Food, and the Soul of Italy begins and ends in American writer and journalist Robert Camuto’s maternal ancestral town of Vico Equense, Italy — a tiny paradise south of Naples on the Sorrento Peninsula.”

“It was here in 1968, at ten years old, that the author first tasted Italian life, spending his own summer of love surrounded by relatives at the family’s seaside pizzeria and restaurant. He fell in love with a way of living and with the rhythms, flavors, and aromas of the Southern Mediterranean.”

“Fifty years later, Camuto returns to Vico, connecting with family members and a new generation.”

“A lot has changed: the old family restaurant has been razed, and the seaside developed with hotels and restaurants, including a famous two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a medieval tower now owned by a younger cousin. Though there are more foreign visitors now, the essentials of beauty, food, family bonds, and simplicity have not changed. And here Camuto finds hope that this way of life can continue.”

“Camuto’s fine-grained storytelling in this series of portraits takes us beyond the usual objective views of viniculture and into the elusive and magical world of Italian “southern-ness.” South of Somewhere takes the reader on a journey through the terroirs of Southern Italy today: from the Calabrian toe of the Italian boot and Sicily’s still active Mount Etna to earthquake-shaken land of Abruzzo; from the remote lands of Campania and Puglia to Basilicata’s Mount Vulture; from the old papal territory of Umbria to Rome’s once great Lazio and back to the evocative cliffs of the Amalfi coast.”

“While on one level an instructive narrative about Southern Italy’s twenty-first-century wine and cultural renaissance, Camuto’s unswerving eye juxtaposes the good and the bad — immeasurable beauty and persistent blight, corruption and anti-mafia forces, hope for the future and fatalism — in a land that remains an infinite source of fascination and sensory pleasure.”

We’ll meet the well-traveled Robert Camuto.

Leann Standish of the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is the heart of the California Central Coast art community and a vital link to the cultural life of the region. Its downtown location in the cultural district, and its free admission, make it accessible for all.”

“SLOMA is located in downtown San Luis Obispo on the west end of Mission Plaza, at the heart of the city’s cultural corridor. Emphasizing exhibitions by contemporary California artists, the Museum also offers youth and adult art classes, lectures, film nights, trips, concerts and art events. No matter who you are or what you do – whether you’re a recent graduate or a grandparent, a visitor or lifelong resident, a student or business owner, a mom or a dad, an accomplished artist or a beginner – the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art has something for you.”

“The mission of SLOMA is to provide and promote diverse visual arts experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds through exhibition, education, creation, and collaboration.”

Executive Director Leann Standish is our enthusiastic guide to SLOMA, the current exhibits and their ongoing citywide mural program.

Nicola Allegretta of Mistura

“The term Mistura condenses the essence of Peru, a reflection of their people and the country’s cuisine, a marvelous mix of cultures of invaluable heritage. Mistura San Luis Obispo is a modern Peruvian restaurant that is as dynamic as the country it celebrates and its biodiversity. Mistura captures the multicultural spirit of Peru, blending its Native Pre-Columbian and Incas gastronomic heritage with the Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese influences that embody the country’s vibrant cuisine. Mistura is a true homage to the diversity of Peruvian food by proposing flavors that are at once familiar yet adventurous and unexpected.”

“Owner / Chef Nicola Allegretta tends to and harvests most of the organic produce used in Mistura’s menu from their garden’s rich soil. The idea of a garden in the city is fascinating and it allows Mistura to keep in constant contact with nature while providing a genuine Farm-to-Table experience. Furthermore, Chef Nicola is committed to preserving the land and its resources by providing agricultural produce, fishery, and cattle livestock that adhere to strict sustainability practices. All poultry, fish, beef, and pork are sourced locally and must be free-range, organic, non-hormone-treated.”

Pisco is a Peruvian Brandy with a long history dating back to the Incas. Chef Allegretta makes the extraordinary extra effort to distill his own Pisco in-house! Guests can enjoy this special Pisco in their Pisco Sour, Maracuya Sour, Chica Morada Sour and other specialty cocktails.

Chef Nicola takes a break from his busy kitchen and is our guest.

“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef Gino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Bild. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.)

“Known across the city for his pasta creations, Angelini offers anticipated favorites featuring Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics!” Lunch and Dinner served daily with patio and dining room seating.

“Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria), the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.”

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

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

In Japan uni, the roe of a sea urchin, is a delicacy. There are varieties of sea urchins including the devastating purple sea urchin which is now destroying vital seaweed beds in California. Chef Andrew will talk about an innovative experiment in the Santa Barbara area using safe aquaculture practices to turn these little menaces of the sea into a source of premium uni for restaurants.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Journalist Robert Camuto, Author of South of Some Where – Wine, Food and The Soul of Italy
Segment Three: Leann Standish, Executive Director, The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Segment Four: Chef Nicola Allegretta, Proprietor, Mistura Restaurant, San Luis Obispo Part One
Segment Five: Chef Nicola Allegretta, Proprietor, Mistura Restaurant, San Luis Obispo Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part One
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Show 68, April 5, 2014: Chef Micah Wexler, Wexler’s Deli, Grand Central Market, Part One

Micah WexlerChef Micah Wexler was born and raised in Los Angeles and always had aspirations to be a chef. At age 15, Wexler’s first job was working with legendary Italian Chef, Gino Angelini, at Vincenti in Brentwood.

In 2011 Wexler opened Mezze Restaurant as Chef/Co-Owner. Mezze was named one of the Top New Restaurants that year by Los Angeles Magazine and was one of Jonathan Gold’s Essential 99 restaurants.

Next month Wexler will open his newest concept, Wexler’s Deli, in Downtown Los Angeles’ iconic Grand Central Market. Wexler’s Deli aims to take the traditional deli back to its roots and provide a place of community, pride, familiarity, and quality.

The menu will feature traditional favorites of corned beef, pastrami, salmon, and sturgeon, all cured and smoked in-house. All condiments will be house-made.

April 5: OC Baking Co., Grist & Toll, Duskie Estes, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, Relish Culinary Adventures, Micah Wexler

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Master Baker Dean Kim, OC Baking Co
Segment Three: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill
Segment Four: Duskie Estes, Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Zazu Kitchen + Farm, The Barlow
Segment Five: Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, author of Gin: A Global History
Segment Six: Donna del Rey, Relish Culinary Adventurers, Healdsburg, CA
Segment Seven: Chef Micah Wexler, Wexler’s Deli, Grand Central Market, Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Micah Wexler, Wexler’s Deli, Grand Central Market, Part Two

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

The Inaugural Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition featuring the best of the OC’s chefs is coming. We’ll have the details on how you can attend.

Would you believe a stone flour mill in Pasadena? It’s a passion project for the two partners who are selling flour from grain sourced from local growers. That’s a great example of the locavore movement!

We last visited with Chef Duskie Estes of Zazu Kitchen + Farm & Black Pig Meat Co. right before they opened their spacious new restaurant at The Barlow in Sebastopol (Sonoma County) last year. We have an update…

You can’t have a classic bar without gin. We have a fascinating tutorial from the local expert affiliated with the Museum of the American Cocktail.

The gateway to the Sonoma County Wine Country for foodies is Relish Culinary Tours located right off the town square in Healdsburg. They offer cooking classes, private parties, culinary tours and creative catering. We’ll hear about what’s on their menu for Spring & Summer.

A Los Angeles fine dining chef who has cooked at Tom Colicchio’s Craft in Century City is a deliman at heart. He’s about to open a Jewish deli in Downtown Los Angeles featuring his premium, house cured meats.

All of this and lots more incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

The Big Cheese Grilled Cheese CompetitionIn celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month in April, OC Baking Co. and Provisions Market in Orange will join forces to host The Big Cheese, Orange County’s first grilled cheese festival and competition. OC Baking Co. Master Baker Dean Kim will supply locally produced freshly baked bread to top OC chefs competing for the title of “The Big Cheese” on Monday, April 14th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at Provisions Market in Orange.

“The Chef community in Orange County is a tight knit one with many talented individuals I’m proud to call my friends,” commented Chef Greg Daniels, who oversees the kitchens at Haven Gastropub in Orange and Pasadena, as well as taco asylum in Costa Mesa. “Grilled Cheese is something we can all relate to and, thanks to OC Baking Co.’s support, this event is a way for us to get together for a lighthearted competition.”

Nan KohlerSerious home baker Nan Kohler and her business partner (Marti Noxon) have recently opened (December) Grist & Toll, an Urban flour mill in Pasadena. They are selling flour milled on the site from grain sourced from local growers.

The attractive blond wood stone mill from Austria is visible through a window and is the real star of the show.

They sell flour to home bakers as well as select restaurants including Union Restaurant in Pasadena.

Baking classes are on the way.

Chef Duskie Estes and Salumist John Stewart of Zazu Kitchen and FarmWhen we first met Sonoma County-based Chef Duskie Estes last Spring when she was about to move Zazu Kitchen + Farm from Santa Rosa into an incredible space at The Barlow in Sebastopol. It’s now located on the grounds of a long-closed Gravenstein apple processing facility. Some of the tin clad warehouse buildings remain and have been artfully repurposed. The rest of the complex duplicates that rustic look.

Duskie and her husband, John Stewart, are the King & Queen of Porc from the Grand Cochon competition in 2011. They also operate the Black Pig Meat Co.

Most of the mains change nightly at Zazu. A signature starter is the “I (heart) Pigstrami. John cures the pork for this little sandwich served on artisan rye with sauerkraut and house-made Guinness mustard.

Saturday and Sunday brunch is a major attraction here. At brunch the “can’t miss” item is the “As seen on TV” maple glazed donut with bacon jimmies. Outrageous…

Also popular is the king + queen of pork bacon-in-the-batter waffle with bacon toffee and house-made espresso gelato.

Lesley Jacobs SolmonsonThe Museum of the American Cocktail (based in New Orleans) is kicking off their “Touring the Cocktail Series” in Los Angeles with Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, the author of Gin: A Global History. She also is the food and cocktail columnist at LA Weekly. The provocative program is “A History of Gin in Five Cocktails.”

Gin is the undisputed king of cocktail spirits. Built upon a neutral spirit base, great gin is a symphony of juniper, spices, botanicals, and citrus.

Five signature gin cocktails will be available for sampling that evening. It’s set for Monday, April 7th at Dominick’s Restaurant in West Hollywood.

Donna del Rey of Relish Culinary AdventuresWhen it comes to providing the welcoming gateway for discriminating foodies to the Sonoma County Wine Country no one does it better than the hard-working Donna del Rey of Relish Culinary Adventures in Healdsburg. Relish offers cooking classes, private parties, distinctive culinary tours, and creative catering.

Recently Donna and her crew provided support for the Artisan Cheese Festival.

For the ultimate experience they offer “Relish Sonoma County,” a 3-Day Culinary Adventure of Sonoma County.

Coming up on June 21st is a hands-on Culinary Birds cooking class with Chef John Ash.

Micah WexlerChef Micah Wexler was born and raised in Los Angeles and always had aspirations to be a chef. At age 15, Wexler’s first job was working with legendary Italian Chef, Gino Angelini, at Vincenti in Brentwood.

In 2011 Wexler opened Mezze Restaurant as Chef/Co-owner. Mezze was named one of the Top New Restaurants that year by Los Angeles Magazine and was one of Jonathan Gold’s Essential 99 restaurants.

Next month Wexler will open his newest concept, Wexler’s Deli, in Downtown Los Angeles’ iconic Grand Central Market. Wexler’s Deli aims to take the traditional deli back to its roots and provide a place of community, pride, familiarity, and quality.

The menu will feature traditional favorites of corned beef, pastrami, salmon, and sturgeon, all cured and smoked in-house. All condiments will be house-made.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Master Baker Dean Kim, OC Baking Co
Segment Three: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill
Segment Four: Duskie Estes, Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Zazu Kitchen + Farm, The Barlow
Segment Five: Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, author of Gin: A Global History
Segment Six: Donna del Rey, Relish Culinary Adventurers, Healdsburg, CA
Segment Seven: Chef Micah Wexler, Wexler’s Deli, Grand Central Market, Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Micah Wexler, Wexler’s Deli, Grand Central Market, Part Two