Show 698, September 26, 2026: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

We’re live from Westdrift Manhattan Beach – An Autograph Collection Hotel to celebrate the Saturday night finale of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine festival. Westdrift is hosting the Festival taking over the entire spacious grounds of the property. We’re chatting with a handful of the acclaimed celebrity chefs participating from both out-of-town as well as Greater Los Angeles.

“Festival Founder & Producer Shelby Russell and Culinary Curator & Host Chef Neal Fraser are responsible for the return of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival. Taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, the eagerly anticipated two-night celebration introduces an All-Star Chef Lineup and debut at its exciting new home, westdrift Manhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel.”

Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with two Grand Tasting Celebrations on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026. Each evening brings together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.

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

Show 697, September 19, 2026: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival Preview with Christy Lucchese of Wife and The Somm

Christy Luchesse of Wife and the Somm

“Festival Founder & Producer Shelby Russell and Culinary Curator & Host Chef Neal Fraser have orchestrated the return of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival. Taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, the eagerly anticipated two-night celebration introduces an All-Star Chef Lineup and debut at its exciting new home, westdrift Manhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel.”

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with two Grand Tasting Celebrations on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”

“Tickets are on sale now for the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine and guests are encouraged to purchase early and begin planning an unforgettable weekend of world-class culinary experiences, exceptional wines and spirits, luxury accommodations, and the relaxed sophistication of beautiful Manhattan Beach. Exclusive Hotel Packages at westdrift Manhattan Beach are also available, inviting guests to stay, sip, savor, and experience Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival all weekend long.”

Special Offer: At Checkout type “Andy26” in Promo Code Box for a Discount.

The Wife & the Somm is one of the Friday night participating restaurants in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Co-owner, Wife, and Pastry Chef Christy Lucchese joins us with her rolling pin in hand.

Show 642, August 30, 2025: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Founder Shelby Russell

Shelby Russell of Electric Avenue Events

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025.

“Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”

Newly added is the Beachlife DJ Music Stage courtesy of Redondo Beach’s BeachLife Festival.

The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Shelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.

Show 641, August 23, 2025: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Host Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird

Neal Fraser of Redbird

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”

Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird and Vibiana) joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

Show 641, August 23, 2025: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Chef David LeFevre of AttaGirl, MB Post, Fishing with Dynamite and Arthur J’s

Chef David LeFevre of M.B. Post in Manhattan Beach

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” South Bay restaurateur and celebrity chef David LeFevre (Fishing with Dynamite, MB Post, The Arthur J and AttaGirl) joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

Show 463, February 26, 2022: Winemaker Coby Parker-Garcia, El Lugar Wines with a preview of World of Pinot Noir

Coby Parker Garcia of World of Pinot Noir

“The World of Pinot Noir (WOPN,) the foremost event dedicated to the celebration of Pinot Noir, is returning to the Ritz-Carlton Bacara (in Santa Ynez) March 3-5, 2022 – in person, Zoom-free and featuring more than 200 premier Pinot Noir wineries from around the globe.”

“After going fully virtual in 2021, the upcoming in-person “reunion” is shaping up to be one the most exciting and delicious WOPN weekends in its 22-year history. And organizers, along with the Ritz-Carlton Bacara staff, are going to great lengths and initiating new protocols to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all guests.”

“For three days, there will be more than 20 different events and experiences for Pinot Noir-philes, including two Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday, exclusive wine-pairing dinners, tasting seminars and an opening night alfresco Reunion Party with a special musical guest.”

“WOPN, a non-profit trade organization, was established in 2001 by a small, dedicated group of winemakers from California’s Central Coast. The group’s mission is to bring together the world’s foremost Pinot Noir producers, and in a gorgeous setting, celebrate the delicious wine grape.”

Winemaker Coby Parker-Garcia, the President of the Board of Directors for WOPN and the Founder of El Lugar Wines joins us to pull the cork on all that is World of Pinot Noir.