Tag Archives: Grand Central Market

Show 518, March 25, 2023: Owner / Chef Bruce Kalman, Soul Belly BBQ, Las Vegas

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Bruce Kalman of Soulbelly BBQ at Sahara Las Vegas

“Located on Main St in Las Vegas’ booming Arts District, SoulBelly touts killer creative regional bbq from the mind of a chef, with a strong emphasis on Central Texas. Additionally offering deliciously simple cocktails, hyper-local beer, and live entertainment in a bustling venue. Their mission is simple – use the most responsibly raised, high-quality ingredients to create the best possible bbq, and just have fun!”

“Proprietor Bruce Kalman was previously the well-known Chef and Co-Owner of UNION in Pasadena, CA, and was Chef and Co-Owner of Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market in L.A.’s Grand Central Market before relocating to Las Vegas. His commitment to indigenous ingredients goes beyond the farmers’ market to build strong connections with local providers, keeping the operations’ carbon footprint low, supporting the local economy, and connecting diners to high-quality vegetables, meats, and cheeses straight from the source. He is known for his passion for nose-to-tail animal butchery.”

“His next act, SoulBelly BBQ, combines Kalman’s love of butchery with a passion for chef-driven flavors and techniques. The restaurant is a love letter to regional barbeque flavors across the United States, with thoughtful sides, snacks, and artisanal pickles from Kalman’s side project, BK Brinery.”

Chef Bruce Kalman is our guest with BBQ tongs in hand.

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Show 280, July 7, 2018: Adam Levoe, Director of Restaurant Operations, Golden Road Brewing

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Adam LevoeChef Adam Levoe started with Golden Road cooking at their original Pub in the flagship Los Angeles (Atwater Village) Brewery in 2011. He’s also notably a serious home brewer.

Adam’s domain has grown right along with Golden Road Brewing and he now serves as the Director of Restaurant Operations. Golden Road Pubs exist at Atwater Village, Grand Central Market in DTLA, Anaheim, LAX and, now, Sacramento.

The appealing Pub menus also offer Vegan options. This was a tradition going back to Golden Road’s Co-Founder, Tony Yanow, an experienced restaurateur who has since returned to growing his hospitality enterprise.

We’re breaking bread with Chef Adam.

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Show 245, October 21, 2017: Chef Bruce Kalman, Union and Knead & Co

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Bruce Kalman on Union PasadenaOctober is National Pasta Month and Chef Bruce Kalman and his crew are celebrating all month long at Pasadena’s Union Restaurant by raising money for American Red Cross – Disaster Relief Efforts in Puerto Rico, Texas & Florida aka #pastaforthepeople.

Each week in October Chef Kalman has highlighted one of his signature pasta dishes off his menu. When the featured pasta is ordered a portion of the proceeds from that dish will go to support disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Texas & Florida via the American Red Cross.

For the concluding week of October 22nd to 31st the featured dish is Tagliatelle with pork ragu, Grana Padano and gremolata.

Chef Bruce is also part of the Grand Central Market’s 100th Birthday Celebration on Friday, October 27th. He operates Knead & Co. pasta bar + market there.

We’ll get Chef Bruce away from the pasta cooker for a chat.

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Show 213, March 4, 2017: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union & Cochon 555 L.A. Competitor

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Bruce Kalman on Union PasadenaCochon555 is a national culinary competition for a cause in support of safe, honest foodways and family farms producing heritage breed pigs. The Los Angeles edition of the event takes place on March 12, at Viceroy Santa Monica. Among the five competing local chefs is Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union (Farmhouse Italian Fare) & Knead & Co. at Grand Central Market.

At the center of Cochon555 is a cook-off featuring five chefs cooking five whole, heritage breed pigs with innovative techniques and bold flavor profiles. One week before the event, the five competing chefs receive a 200-pound heritage breed pig from a local farmer. They are each tasked to create and present a “Judge’s Plate” of 6 dishes scored on categories such as utilization; cooking techniques; and overall flavor. The winner from each city is crowned the “Prince of Porc,” and given a place at Cochon’s national championship, Grand Cochon, to be held in Chicago during October 2017. This year, Chef Larry Monaco of Viceroy Santa Monica’s CAST Restaurant will lead the judging.

Communal feasting is an integral part of the Cochon555 culinary fabric. Beyond the 30 chef-competitor dishes – all told, some 1,500-plus pounds of heritage pork from family farms – guests can sample beef tartare with the wines of Antica Napa Valley; farmhouse cheeses; a pop-up bakery featuring La Brea; a Reserve Salami Snack Bar from Creminelli and Divina paired with wines from Nielson; a ramen noodle soup bar paired with the racy wines from Wines of Germany; organic pâté offerings from Les Trois Petit Cochons; a Luxury Butter Bar featuring Sabatino truffle butter, foie gras, and more; wines from Twomey and Silver Oak Cellars paired with bites prepared by Chef Dominic Orsini and an innovative take on classic pastry presented by Perfect Puree of Napa Valley.

Tickets for general admission start at $125; VIP tickets (early admission + exclusive sommelier and cocktail competition tastings) are $200; and BESPOKE tickets $400 (includes a multi-course charity dinner prepared by 3 celebrity chefs on Saturday night; super early admission + exclusive private tasting and tour of Somm-Selected wines and the Barkeep competition by a Cochon555 director on Sunday; and a donation to Piggy Bank charity). You can purchase tickets right here.

Chef Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union is our guest along with Cochon 555’s Communications Director, Robert McKeown.

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Show 162, March 5, 2016: Executive Chef Chris Feldmeier, Moruno, Original Farmers Market

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Chris FeldmeierMoruno, from Executive Chef Chris Feldmeier and Managing Partner David Rosoff (formerly of Mozza) is now open at The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles. Bringing a unique style of upscale casual dining to one of Los Angeles’ historic sites, the warm, vibrant flavors of the southern Spanish inspired menu is supported by a stellar wine list focused on Spain, the deep south of France, plus various islands and volcanoes. Sherry is also featured prominently as well Morunos’ own proprietary vermouth called “Vermina” made in conjunction with Steve Clifton of Palmina in Lompoc, CA from organic Santa Barbara ingredients.

A Moruno, which was inspired by the duos trip to Spain, is a kebab cooked over live coals and marinated in spices (cumin, paprika, turmeric, peppers, etc.) highlighting Moorish and North African culinary influences.

The signature Bhatura Bread (Basque influenced) is baked in-house.

The bar program from Dave Kupchinsky utilizes both pre-bottled and on tap cocktails in an efficient and creative manner and will run the deepest within the boutique upstairs Bar Vermut (coming soon) which will also feature its own unique menu.

By folding fine dining principles into a vibrant and welcoming environment, Moruno (and its sibling restaurant Bar Moruno opening soon at Grand Central Market) delivers great value through its’ unique and approachable brand of hospitality.

All proceeds from the sale of Moruno’s House-Fermented Vegetables benefit C-CAP (the Careers through Culinary Arts Program.)

Executive Chef Chris Feldmeier, a South Bay native, is our guest.

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Show 108, January 31, 2015: Chef Mark Peel and Rascal

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Mark PeelChef Mark Peel was the founding executive chef of the landmark Campanile in Hollywood which closed in 2012 after a long run. He was also the opening chef for Wolfgang Puck’s original Spago in West Hollywood.

Now, after the announcement of Bombo, Peel’s new seafood driven space scheduled to open in March at the iconic Grand Central Market, Chef Peel is giving enthusiasts the chance to get a sneak peak of what tempting new dishes may appear on the restaurant’s debut menu with two additional Pop-Up Dinners at Rascal (known for casual American fare.) Look for the steamed clams and pork sausage with roasted onion, chick peas, lobster broth and flax seed rice.

“Mark is a really wonderful guy, and it has been an amazing experience to have a Chef of his caliber working alongside our very own Chef,” says Rebecca Clark, who Co-owns Rascal with her husband, Sandy. The Clarks’ have both worked in the hospitality industry for a very long time and had met Peel in passing years ago. Peel’s true relationship with Rascal developed when he began frequenting the restaurant with his family, quickly becoming one of their neighborhood regulars.

The final Pop-Up Dinner Menu in this encore series from Chef Mark at Rascal is Tuesday February 3rd from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested.

Chef Mark Peel is our guest along with Rebecca Clark, the co-owner of Rascal.

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Show 100, December 6, 2014: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris

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Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and occasional Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s ample show as we swing into The Holidays…

The historic Grand Central Market (GCM) has been an icon in Downtown Los Angeles since 1917. It celebrates the cuisines and cultures of all Angelenos. In the last two years, under the watchful eye of The Market’s proprietress, Adele Yellin, an impressive transformation has begun. The best of the ethnic heritage food merchants have been retained while exciting new food concepts (appealing to a younger generation of sophisticated foodies) have opened. Foot traffic at The Grand Central Market has increased…This year Bon Appetit Magazine, incredibly, named the GCM as one of the “Ten Best New Restaurants of The Year.”

Hidden in plain sight in The Grove adjacent to the Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles is the comfortably elegant, The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge. Right now it’s a great respite from the craziness of The Grove during the Holidays. The Whisper celebrated its 10th birthday this year and, for the last seven years, has been under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Anthony Jacquet. It’s classic American cuisine with contemporary surprises. It’s surprisingly reasonable for the quality of the food and the refined atmosphere.

“With her groundbreaking bestseller, Around My French Table, renowned cookbook author and baker Dorie Greenspan changed the way Americans view French Food. Now in BAKING CHEZ MOI: Recipes from My Paris Home to Your Home Anywhere, she explores the captivating world of French desserts, bringing together a charmingly uncomplicated combination of contemporary recipes that emphasize the French knack for elegant simplicity.” Dorie Greenspan joins us from Manhattan.

The unusual Diamond Jamboree retail center at the corner of Alton Parkway and Jamboree Road in Irvine is a veritable culinary tour of the edible delights of Asia (primarily) without the long plane flight and needing a current passport with the required visas. You hear more Chinese, Japanese, and Korean spoken there than English but all are welcome. The best known anchor (there are over 20 possible dining destinations) is the West Coast Flagship of 85 Degrees, a hugely popular Taiwanese bakery café (230 plus cafes in Taiwan) that is always busy. We’ll be provided with an informed overview of this foodie’s paradise by Marketing Manager, Suzie Won.

“The Museum of the American Cocktai in association with Craft in America Center presents : Crafting the Cocktail : Handmade Objects and Implements for Classic and Modern Libations.” It’s a landmark exhibition of one-of-a-kind, handmade barware that showcases innovative designs inspired by the ways in which we enjoy distilled spirits, both neat and well-mixed. The exhibit will be hosted at the Craft in America Center in Los Angeles from December 6, 2014 to February 21, 2015.

“The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents “A Complete History of Drinking (Abridged),” the next edition of Touring the Cocktail: MOTAC Los Angeles. The seminar will take place Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ace Hotel’s Upstairs Rooftop Lounge. Celebrate Repeal Day Weekend in Los Angeles with Museum of the American Cocktail.

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

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Show 100, December 6, 2014: The Grand Central Market

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Adele YellinThe historic Grand Central Market (GCM) has been an icon in Downtown Los Angeles since 1917. It celebrates the cuisines and cultures of all Angelenos. In the last two years, under the watchful eye of The Market’s proprietress, Adele Yellin, an impressive transformation has begun.

The best of the ethnic heritage food merchants (Tacos Tumbras A Tomas & Sarita’s Pupuseria) have been retained while exciting new food concepts (appealing to a younger generation of sophisticated foodies) have opened. The first wave of these spots was G&B Coffee and Sticky Rice (which has since expanded into a 2nd location there.) Mark Peel (ex-Campanile) has a seafood concept on the horizon.

The Market is now open later hours for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Foot traffic at The Grand Central Market has increased…This year Bon Appetit Magazine named the GCM as one of the “Ten Best New Restaurants of The Year.” Adele Yellin took the chef/proprietors of Tacos Tumbras A Tomas and Wexler’s Deli to New York for the bash in New York celebrating the issue.

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December 6: Grand Central Market, Anthony Jacquet, Dorie Greenspan, Diamond Jamboree, Museum of the American Cocktail

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Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Grand Central Market
Segment Three: Chef Anthony Jacquet, The Whisper Restaurant & Lounge
Segment Four: Dorie Greenspan Part One
Segment Five: Dorie Greenspan Part Two
Segment Six: Diamond Jamboree Center
Segment Seven: “Crafting the Cocktail: Handmade Objects and Implememnts for Classic and Modern Libations”
Segment Eight: Ace Hotel Beverage Manager Dan Sabo

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and occasional Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s ample show…

The historic Grand Central Market (GCM) has been an icon in Downtown Los Angeles since 1917. It celebrates the cuisines and cultures of all Angelenos. In the last two years, under the watchful eye of The Market’s proprietress, Adele Yellin, an impressive transformation has begun. The best of the ethnic heritage food merchants have been retained while exciting new food concepts (appealing to a younger generation of sophisticated foodies) have opened. Foot traffic at The Grand Central Market has increased…This year Bon Appetit Magazine, incredibly, named the GCM as one of the “Ten Best New Restaurants of The Year.”

Hidden in plain sight in The Grove adjacent to the Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles is the comfortably elegant, The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge. Right now it’s a great respite from the craziness of The Grove during the Holidays. The Whisper celebrated its 10th birthday this year and, for the last seven years, has been under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Anthony Jacquet. It’s classic American cuisine with contemporary surprises. It’s surprisingly reasonable for the quality of the food and the refined atmosphere.

“With her groundbreaking bestseller, Around My French Table, renowned cookbook author and baker Dorie Greenspan changed the way Americans view French Food. Now in BAKING CHEZ MOI: Recipes from My Paris Home to Your Home Anywhere, she explores the captivating world of French desserts, bringing together a charmingly uncomplicated combination of contemporary recipes that emphasize the French knack for elegant simplicity.” Dorie Greenspan joins us from Manhattan.

The unusual Diamond Jamboree retail center at the corner of Alton Parkway and Jamboree Road in Irvine is a veritable culinary tour of the edible delights of Asia (primarily) without the long plane flight and needing a current passport with the required visas. You hear more Chinese, Japanese, and Korean spoken there than English but all are welcome. The best known anchor (there are over 20 possible dining destinations) is the West Coast Flagship of 85 Degrees, a hugely popular Taiwanese bakery café (230 plus cafes in Taiwan) that is always busy. We’ll be provided with an informed overview of this foodie’s paradise by Marketing Manager, Suzie Won.

“The Museum of the American Cocktail in association with Craft in America Center presents : Crafting the Cocktail : Handmade Objects and Implements for Classic and Modern Libations.” It’s a landmark exhibition of one-of-a-kind, handmade barware that showcases innovative designs inspired by the ways in which we enjoy distilled spirits, both neat and well-mixed. The exhibit will be hosted at the Craft in America Center in Los Angeles from December 6, 2014 to February 21, 2015.

“The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents “A Complete History of Drinking (Abridged),” the next edition of Touring the Cocktail:MOTAC Los Angeles. The seminar will take place Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ace Hotel’s Upstairs Rooftop Lounge. Celebrate Repeal Day Weekend in Los Angeles with Museum of the American Cocktail.

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

Adele YellinThe historic Grand Central Market (GCM) has been an icon in Downtown Los Angeles since 1917. It celebrates the cuisines and cultures of all Angelenos. In the last two years, under the watchful eye of The Market’s proprietress, Adele Yellin, an impressive transformation has begun.

The best of the ethnic heritage food merchants (Tacos Tumbras A Tomas & Sarita’s Pupuseria) have been retained while exciting new food concepts (appealing to a younger generation of sophisticated foodies) have opened. The first wave of these spots was G&B Coffee and Sticky Rice. Mark Peel (ex-Campanile) has a seafood concept on the horizon.

The Market is now open later hours for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Foot traffic at The Grand Central Market has increased…This year Bon Appetit Magazine named the GCM as one of the “Ten Best New Restaurants of The Year.”

Anthony JacquetHidden in plain sight in The Grove adjacent to the Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles is the comfortably elegant, The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge. Right now it’s a great respite from the craziness of The Grove during the Holidays.

The Whisper celebrated its 10th birthday this year and, for the last seven years, has been under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Anthony Jacquet. It’s classic American cuisine with contemporary surprises. It’s surprisingly reasonable for the quality of the food and the refined atmosphere.

Chef Jacquet recently returned from an eight-day culinary adventure in Taiwan as part of the 2014 “Taste Taiwan” Culinary Tour. Of 25 chef nominations in the United States and Canada three chefs were selected to participate on the trip including Anthony Jacquet. He created a signature dish inspired by his time in Taiwan. Chef Anthony joins us to share the highlights of this experience.

Dorie Greenspan“With her groundbreaking bestseller, Around My French Table, renowned cookbook author and baker Dorie Greenspan changed the way Americans view French Food. Now in BAKING CHEZ MOI: Recipes from My Paris Home to Your Home Anywhere, she explores the captivating world of French desserts, bringing together a charmingly uncomplicated combination of contemporary recipes that emphasize the French knack for elegant simplicity.”

“A little over five years ago, Dorie set out to observe and write about some of the best French pastry chefs behind the world’s most accomplished desserts – those towering architectural confections that are as much art as food. She went in search of what she called her “Ph.D. in pastry.” However, it didn’t take her long to recognize that she was continually drawn to the simplest sweets – those of daily life – the home-baked cakes, tarts, pastries, and cookies we all crave every day. BAKING CHEZ MOI is the culmination of all of Dorie’s discoveries, an irresistible collection of radically simple desserts inspired by years of travel through France. Incorporating the country’s traditions, specialties, and seasonal ingredients as well as the recipes shared by talented home bakers and pastry chefs.

Dorie Greenspan joins us from Manhattan.

Dorie observes about BAKING CHEZ MOI, “Over the years, as the recipes and stories accumulated, as I made the cakes and cookies, tarts, pastries, and desserts in France, remade them in America, and shared them with friends on both sides of the ocean, I realized that though I hadn’t written the book I’d originally set out to, I’d written one that taught me just as much.”

“In 2006 Dorie’s Baking From My Home to yours was published. Shortly after the book was available an online baking club, Tuesdays with Dorie, was formed so that members could bake their way through the book and learn from it and each other. The group finished the book’s 300 plus recipes and is now deep into Baking with Julia.”

“Around My French Table is filled with stories of French life and more than 300 recipes for the elbows-on-the-table food that my friends and I are making in France today. Another online group, French Fridays with Dorie, was formed and the members – they come from all over the world – are cooking like mad. Soon they will be baking their way through BAKING CHEZ MOI”

Diamond JamboreeThe unusual Diamond Jamboree retail center at the corner of Alton Parkway and Jamboree Road in Irvine is a veritable culinary tour of the edible delights of Asia (primarily) without the long plane flight and needing a current passport with the required visas. You hear more Chinese, Japanese, and Korean spoken there than English but all are welcome.

The best known anchor (there are over 20 possible dining destinations) is the West Coast Flagship of 85 Degrees, a hugely popular Taiwanese bakery café (230 plus cafes in Taiwan) that is always busy. We’ll also learn about Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle, Urban Seoul borderless kitchen, and Capital Seafood.

We’ll be provided with an informed overview of this foodie’s paradise by Marketing Manager, Suzie Won.

Philip Dobard“The Museum of the American Cocktail in association with Craft in America Center presents: Crafting the Cocktail: Handmade Objects and Implements for Classic and Modern Libations.” It’s a landmark exhibition of one-of-a-kind, handmade barware that showcases innovative designs inspired by the ways in which we enjoy distilled spirits, both neat and well-mixed.

Cocktails are inherently craft–centered : making a fine beverage requires an arsenal of tools, materials, and know-how. The process is a fundamental as the product. This exhibition will encompass the myriad items in the bartender’s toolkit, ranging from the miniscule to the sizeable, from the swizzle stick to the punchbowl, from the barstool to the liquor cabinet.

The exhibit will be hosted at the Craft in America Center in Los Angeles from December 6, 2014 to February 21, 2015.

Dan Sabo“The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents “A Complete History of Drinking (Abridged),” the next edition of Touring the Cocktail:MOTAC Los Angeles. The seminar will take place Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ace Hotel’s Upstairs Rooftop Lounge. Celebrate Repeal Day Weekend in Los Angeles with Museum of the American Cocktail.

SoFAB Institute President and MOTAC Managing Director Liz Williams, author of the forthcoming Lift Your Spirits, a history of drinking in New Orleans, will present a concise and colorful history of drinking, from the ancient roots of alcoholic beverages to the modern craft cocktail revolution. Acclaimed bartender and Ace Hotel Beverage Manager Dan Sabo will deliver a menu of classic libations surveying the history of mixed drinks, and guests will enjoy gourmet appetizers courtesy of Executive Chef Ken Addington of L.A. Chapter at Ace Hotel.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Grand Central Market
Segment Three: Chef Anthony Jacquet, The Whisper Restaurant & Lounge
Segment Four: Dorie Greenspan Part One
Segment Five: Dorie Greenspan Part Two
Segment Six: Diamond Jamboree Center
Segment Seven: “Crafting the Cocktail: Handmade Objects and Implememnts for Classic and Modern Libations”
Segment Eight: Ace Hotel Beverage Manager Dan Sabo

Show 87, September 6, 2014: McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream

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Michael PalmerMcConnell’s Fine Ice Cream is a 70-year old iconic brand of super premium ice cream which is still based where it was founded in Santa Barbara. Michael Palmer (winemaker) and his wife Eva Ein (chef) purchased this heritage brand in 2012. A McConnell’s scoop shop recently opened in the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles.

The late Jim McCoy owned McConnell’s from 1963 until he needed to sell the business due to ill health in 2012. It was very important to him that this be maintained as a family business based in Santa Barbara.

75 per cent of McConnell’s ingredients come from within 60 miles of Santa Barbara. They even use Guittard Chocolate, the premier chocolate maker in California. Eva is now the full-time ice cream maker.

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