Show 304, December 29, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing preview of Saturday’s delectable show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Happy New Year and thanks for being a part of our loyal listening audience. We promise many more worthy treats coming for the new year.

Langer’s Deli’s pastrami is legendary in Jewish deli appreciators’ circles. Trisha Langer is the granddaughter of Al Langer, the founder of Langer’s Deli located across the street from MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. After many years learning the deli trade at Langer’s she has branched off on her own (with her husband) to found Daughter’s Deli – A Family Tradition in the heart of The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. We pull her away from hand-slicing the ethereal pastrami for a visit.

How sweet it is with an authentic “Taste of Hawaii” now located next door to Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa. Fill, a bakehouse and creamery serving made-to-order malasadas and small-batch ice cream, launched in late July. With Fill, founder & Hawaii-native James Mullis, serves up a sweet side of the Islands with true “aloha spirit.”  James joins us from Hawaii.

Fortunately the wines of South Africa have come a long way on the world stage since the demise of apartheid. They are now known for world-class Chenin Blanc and Pinotage but are also generating acclaim for their Bordeaux-style varieties. Sommelier Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa, uncorks the 411 on these wines for us.

We recently revisited Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown Long Beach. They are part of the new Beach City Food ToursEast Village Cocktail Tour. Great Society serves an unusual selection of rotating draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers. Tasty food menu, too. We’ll revisit the proprietor, Otto Radke.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays in progress it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner always providing handy and practical advice! We’re resuming our discussion of key industry trends. Challenges ahead…Not an easy time to be in the restaurant business.

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

Show 304, December 29, 2018: Proprietor Otto Radke, Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach

Ottto RadtkeWe recently revisited Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown Long Beach. We initially discovered them as part of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week in 2017.

They are now an integral part of the new Beach City Food ToursEast Village Cocktail Tour. Great Society serves an unusual selection of rotating draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers.

“A social house where fine food, craft cider and mead set the stage for conversations between old and new friends alike, Great Society has the largest selection of craft cider and meads in all of Southern California. Featuring 28 draughts and more in bottles, our extensive cider and mead list showcases craft producers from nearly every corner of the world. You’ll find flavors and profiles ranging from sweet to sour, still to sparkling, barrel-aged to hopped, rare to near-impossible to find.”

We’ll revisit the proprietor, Otto Radtke.

Show 304, December 29, 2018: Proprietor Otto Radke, Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach Continues…

Ottto RadtkeWe recently revisited Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown Long Beach. We initially discovered them as part of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week in 2017. We now continue our conversation with Proprietor Otto Radke.

“Complementing this incredible list, our food menu fuses seasonal offerings with unexpected spicing to create dishes that don’t just taste great, but pair well with whatever profile you choose. Try our signature burger with an unfiltered whiskey barrel-aged cider from Michigan; or an artisanal cheese plate with a tart, lightly sparkling Sidra from the Basque region of Spain. There’s a variety of pairings to tantalize your taste buds.”

A standout attraction is their surprisingly deep menu for Brunch on Weekends served between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Think Cidermosas (Champagne, Cider and Orange Juice) and specialties including Salmon Benedict and Tamales (choice of chicken or cheese) & Eggs. For the ambitious appetite there is the Longshoreman’s Breakfast. It’s 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 bacon strips, 2 chicken apple sausages and toast for a modest $13.00.

“With its origins lost in history, cider remains the most noble of beverages, having played a role in Old and New World alike. These ancient elixirs, fermented mainly from apples, have been the drink of kings and presidents, farmers and the working class. Though its fortunes have occasionally wavered, cider’s incredible diversity, and close connection with the land, has led to an amazing renaissance. Cider is a beverage that deserves homage and we are the first restaurant and taphouse in Southern California to feature it!”

December 29: Tricia Langer, Fill, Wines of South Africa, Great Society Cider & Mead

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Restaurateur Trisha Langer, Daughter’s Deli – A Family Tradition, West Hollywood
Segment Three: James Mullins, Proprietor, Fill Bakehouse & Creamery, Costa Mesa
Segment Four: Sommelier Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager, Wines of South Africa USA
Segment Five: Proprietor Otto Radke, Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach Part One
Segment Six: Proprietor Otto Radke, Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Seven: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” – Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” – Part Two

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s delectable show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Happy New Year and thanks for being a part of our loyal listening audience. We promise more worthy treats coming for the new year.

Langer’s Deli’s pastrami is legendary in Jewish deli appreciators’ circles. Trisha Langer is the granddaughter of Al Langer, the founder of Langer’s Deli located across the street from MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. After many years learning the deli trade at Langer’s she has branched off on her own (with her husband) to found Daughter’s Deli – A Family Tradition in the heart of The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. We pull her away from hand-slicing the ethereal pastrami for a visit.

How sweet it is with an authentic “Taste of Hawaii” now located next door to Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa.  Fill, a bakehouse and creamery serving made-to-order malasadas and small-batch ice cream, launched in late July. With Fill, founder & Hawaii-native James Mullis, serves up a sweet side of the Islands with true “aloha spirit.”  James joins us from Hawaii.

Fortunately the wines of South Africa have come a long way on the world stage since the demise of apartheid. They are now known for world-class Chenin Blanc and Pinotage but are also generating acclaim for their Bordeaux-style varieties. Sommelier Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa, uncorks the 411 on these wines for us.

We recently revisited Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown Long Beach. They are part of the new Beach City Food Tours’ East Village Cocktail Tour. Great Society serves an unusual selection of rotating draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers. We’ll meet the proprietor, Otto Radke.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays in progress it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner always providing handy and practical advice!

Adam Bell is one of the talented people at-work behind- the- scenes on the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” Since the beginning of the show over six years ago he developed and maintains the Website in addition to ably orchestrating the Social Media. He’s also a card-carrying foodie with a particular passion for pizza, craft beer, ethnic street food and coffee. Adam has just returned from an intense week in New York doing a deep dive into the food scene. We’ll discuss and highlight his best discoveries on this expedition.

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

Tricia LangerLanger’s Deli’s pastrami is legendary in Jewish deli appreciators’ circles. Trisha Langer is the granddaughter of Al Langer, the founder of Langer’s Deli located across the street from MacArthur Park in Los Angeles.

After many years learning the deli trade at Langer’s she has branched off on her own (with her husband) to found Daughter’s Deli – A Family Tradition in the heart of The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

It’s a more modest establishment in size than Langer’s but the pastrami is still outstanding and hand carved. You order at the counter and your food is delivered to your table. There is also comfortable covered patio seating with a view of the action on the Sunset Strip. It’s breakfast and lunch, 7-days.

“Growing up with a family in the Deli business exposed me to a world of tastes, smells, stories, and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. My first job as a little girl was rolling swiss cheese under the supervision of my Nana because I wasn’t old or tall enough to make my own catering tray for the holidays. Years later after graduating college and realizing the restaurant business was in my blood, I went to work with my family as they taught me some of the tricks and trades of the business.  I spent fourteen years being mentored by my father bonding over Family traditions and recipes created by my Nana, Papa, and himself over the years.”

“In 2015, I married a family man who had passion for the restaurant business. He insists the moment he fell in love with me is when he asked how my day was, and I told him I had to pull my hair back and hand cut pastrami that day with my dad because we were busy. Three years later after having two sons, I decided to begin a new venture with him to create something like my family had created for me. Daughter’s Deli is a place we hope will emulate the feeling of A Family Tradition while serving quality food.” – Trisha Langer

We pull Trisha away from skillfully hand-slicing the ethereal pastrami for a visit.

How sweet it is with an authentic “Taste of Hawaii” now located next door to Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa.  Fill, a bakehouse and creamery serving made-to-order malasadas and small-batch ice cream, launched in late July. With Fill, founder & Hawaii-native James Mullis, serves up a sweet side of the Islands with true “aloha spirit.”

“Malasadas were popularized in Hawaii during the 19th century when Portuguese immigrants arrived in Hawaii to support the islands’ growing sugar cane business. Today, these delicate, sugar-dusted confections are an island icon; and to Mullis, they’re reminiscent of the welcoming, diverse culture of Hawaii.”

“After years of research, Mullis put together a duo of illustrious chefs to bring his vision to life: Lincoln Carson and John Park. Today, Mullis proudly presents Fill, his ode to Hawaii and the embracing culture that shaped his childhood.”

“The islands are melting pot of culture, pulling culinary influence from the Philippines, Japan, and Portugal,” comments Mullis, who grew up in the small town of Kaneohe, Hawaii. “We represent the best of Hawaii’s embracing culinary culture at Fill with made-to-order malasadas, artisan fillings, and house-made, small-batch ice cream.”

Organic and GMO-free, Fill’s malasadas are a delicate-yet-doughy Portuguese pastry with a crisp, sugar-dusted exterior (choose from cane, cinnamon, or coconut sugar) which can be served with a variety of fillings including haupia (coconut custard), strawberry jam, Mandarin orange pastry cream, or malted chocolate.

In addition to Fill’s fresh-baked malasadas is a selection of small-batch ice creams with unique flavors that evoke a taste of the islands including a vegan Brown Butter Roasted Pineapple, Royal Kona Coffee, Roasted Black Sesame, and POG (passion fruit, orange, guava).

James joins us from Hawaii where he is celebrating the Holidays.

Jim ClarkeFortunately the wines of South Africa have come a long way on the world stage since the demise of apartheid. They are now known for world-class Chenin Blanc and Pinotage but are also generating acclaim for their Bordeaux-style varieties.

Wines of South Africa is an industry owned, not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to contribute to the global success of the South African wine industry by building Brand South Africa.

Sommelier Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa, uncorks the 411 on these wines for us.

Ottto RadtkeWe recently revisited Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown Long Beach. They are an integral part of the new Beach City Food ToursEast Village Cocktail Tour. Great Society serves an unusual selection of rotating draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers.

“A social house where fine food, craft cider and mead set the stage for conversations between old and new friends alike, Great Society has the largest selection of craft cider and meads in all of Southern California. Featuring 28 draughts and more in bottles, our extensive cider and mead list showcases craft producers from nearly every corner of the world. You’ll find flavors and profiles ranging from sweet to sour, still to sparkling, barrel-aged to hopped, rare to near-impossible to find.”

“Complementing this incredible list, our food menu fuses seasonal offerings with unexpected spicing to create dishes that don’t just taste great, but pair well with whatever profile you choose. Try our signature burger with an unfiltered whiskey barrel-aged cider from Michigan; or an artisanal cheese plate with a tart, lightly sparkling Sidra from the Basque region of Spain. There’s a variety of pairings to tantalize your taste buds.”

“With its origins lost in history, cider remains the most noble of beverages, having played a role in Old and New World alike. These ancient elixirs, fermented mainly from apples, have been the drink of kings and presidents, farmers and the working class. Though its fortunes have occasionally wavered, cider’s incredible diversity, and close connection with the land, has led to an amazing renaissance. Cider is a beverage that deserves homage and we are the first restaurant and taphouse in Southern California to feature it!”

We’ll revisit the proprietor, Otto Radke.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays in progress it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner always providing handy and practical advice!

We’re looking ahead, and back, on important restaurant trends. Delivery is certainly becoming more important. We’ll also chat about the rise in popularity of sea vegetables.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Restaurateur Trisha Langer, Daughter’s Deli – A Family Tradition, West Hollywood
Segment Three: James Mullins, Proprietor, Fill Bakehouse & Creamery, Costa Mesa
Segment Four: Sommelier Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager, Wines of South Africa USA
Segment Five: Proprietor Otto Radke, Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach Part One
Segment Six: Proprietor Otto Radke, Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Seven: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” – Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” – Part Two

Show 301, December 8, 2018: Layla Ali-Ahmad, Beach City Food Tours’ East Village Cocktail Tour

Layla Ali Ahmad

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years.

They have just added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour highlighting five thirst-quenching stops over the three-hour guided expedition.

It’s a carefully selected mélange of farm-to-table libations, Whiskey-centric craft cocktails, cider & mead and tequila and mezcal creations. There are also tasty small bar bites on the menu to be enjoyed along the way.

“Sip your way through Downtown Long Beach’s favorite watering holes, while learning about the City’s growing craft cocktail movement.”

One of the tour highlights is a stop at Great Society Cider & Mead, a one-of-a-kind establishment in Southern California. The entertaining Proprietor or General Manager there engagingly explains the flavor profiles of the four tasters of Cider each guest samples. There is also a food tasting there, too. On our tour they were serving a tasty Sausage & Pepper Penne Pasta creation.

This is a great Holiday Gift for that special someone who appreciates a well-crafted libation.

Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

Show 233, July 22, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Program Note for Saturday, July 29th. The Halos are playing the Blue Jays in Toronto during our normal broadcast time so we’re graciously stepping aside. All is still well because we simply shift to 2 to 4:00 p.m. the afternoon of July 29th only. Same packed show…Please join us then and don’t keep it a secret

Now a worthy preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

We always look forward to sharing with you the new, creative taste sensations at The Orange County Fair on now through August 13th. Already creating excitement is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on virtually everything edible including pizza. The master of midway food himself, Chef Dominic Palmieri, the Midway Gourmet, joins us for the tempting high calorie update.

DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. New to DINE LBC is Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown. They serve an unusual selection of draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers. We’ll meet the proprietor, Otto Radtke.

On Thursday evening, August 10th Chef Amar Santana’s Vaca in Costa Mesa is hosting a sumptuous, 7-course wine-paired dinner with an abundance of passed hors d’oeuvre as a festive Friends of James Beard Foundation Benefit to celebrate South Coast Plaza’s 50th Anniversary. VACA Group Partner & CEO Ahmed Labbate provides the enticing preview.

Brea’s popular Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen has just opened a second location in The Market Place in Irvine. Proprietor Don Myers, a veteran restaurateur, is our guest.

If all the delicate, closed-door negotiations between The The International Olympic Committee (IOC), Paris and Los Angeles go well Los Angeles will host the Olympics for the third time in either 2024 or 2028. What does it all mean? Our Olympics expert, Richard B. Perelman, joins us with a true insider’s perspective. Rich was the youngest Vice President of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC) for the 1984 Games and also was the Editor of the official 1984 Olympic Games Final Report, a massive two-volume book.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Show 233, July 22, 2017: Otto Radtke, Great Society Cider & Mead, DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week

Ottto RadtkeDINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. New to DINE LBC is Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown. They serve an unusual selection of draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers.

“A social house where fine food, craft cider and mead set the stage for conversations between old and new friends alike, Great Society has the largest selection of craft cider and meads in all of Southern California. Featuring 20 draughts and more in bottles, our extensive cider and mead list showcases craft producers from nearly every corner of the world. You’ll find flavors and profiles ranging from sweet to sour, still to sparkling, barrel-aged to hopped, rare to near-impossible to find.”

“Complementing this incredible list, our food menu fuses seasonal offerings with unexpected spicing to create dishes that don’t just taste great, but pair well with whatever profile you choose. Try our signature burger with an unfiltered whiskey barrel-aged cider from Michigan; or an artisanal cheese plate with a tart, lightly sparkling Sidra from the Basque region of Spain. There’s a variety of pairings to tantalize your taste buds.”

“With its origins lost in history, cider remains the most noble of beverages, having played a role in Old and New World alike. These ancient elixirs, fermented mainly from apples, have been the drink of kings and presidents, farmers and the working class. Though its fortunes have occasionally wavered, cider’s incredible diversity, and close connection with the land, has led to an amazing renaissance. Cider is a beverage that deserves homage and we are the first restaurant and taphouse in Southern California to feature it!”

We’ll meet the proprietor, Otto Radtke.

July 23: Midway Gourmet, Great Society Cider & Mead, Vaca, Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen, LA Olympics 2024

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part One
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part Two
Segment Four: Otto Radtke, Great Society Cider & Mead, DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Segment Five: Ahmed Labbate, VACA Group, Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner at Vaca
Segment Six: Restaurateur Don Myers, Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Part One
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Don Myers, Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Part Two
Segment Eight: Olympic Historian Richard B. Perelman, Editor & Publisher – The Sports Examiner

Program Note for Saturday, July 29th. The Halos are playing the Blue Jays in Toronto during our normal broadcast time so we’re graciously stepping aside. All is still well because we simply shift to 2 to 4:00 p.m. the afternoon of July 29th only. Same packed show…Please join us then and don’t keep it a secret

Now a worthy preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

We always look forward to sharing with you the new, creative taste sensations at The Orange County Fair on now through August 13th. Already creating excitement is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on virtually everything edible including pizza. The master of midway food himself, Chef Dominic Palmieri, the Midway Gourmet, joins us for the tempting high calorie update.

DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. New to DINE LBC is Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown. They serve an unusual selection of draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers. We’ll meet the proprietor, Otto Radtke.

On Thursday evening, August 10th Chef Amar Santana’s Vaca in Costa Mesa is hosting a sumptuous, 7-course wine-paired dinner with an abundance of passed hors d’oeuvre as a festive Friends of James Beard Foundation Benefit to celebrate South Coast Plaza’s 50th Anniversary. VACA Group Partner & CEO Ahmed Labbate provides the tempting preview.

Brea’s popular Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen has just opened a second location in The Market Place in Irvine. Proprietor Don Myers, a veteran restaurateur, is our guest.

If all the delicate, closed-door negotiations between The International Olympic Committee (IOC), Paris and Los Angeles go well Los Angeles will host the Olympics for the third time in either 2024 or 2028. What does it all mean? Our Olympics expert, Richard B. Perelman, joins us with a true insider’s perspective. Rich was the youngest Vice President of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC) for the 1984 Games and also was the Editor of the official 1984 Olympic Games Final Report, a massive two-volume book.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetWe always look forward to sharing with you the new, creative taste sensations at The Orange County Fair on now through August 13th. Already creating excitement from The Midway Gourmet is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on virtually everything edible including pizza and fresh corn.

Last year, 50% of Fairgoers surveyed said their favorite part of the Fair is the food. Fried, sugary or savory – and sometimes all three at once – the delectable edibles are some of the big stars of the OC Fair.

New from RCS Cowboy Kettle Corn is Unicorn Nitro Pop, a cotton candy ring around a colorful cup of kettle corn and whipped cream, submerged in liquid nitrogen (also available: Nitro Whip)

The master of midway food himself, Chef Dominic Palmieri, the Midway Gourmet, joins us for the tempting, high calorie update.

One of Chef Dominic’s returning star items is Fried A Fair’s deep-fried butter balls with maple syrup. Four to an order. The Orange County’s Register food staff writer, Nancy Luna, has already declared it one of her all-time Fair favorites.

Ottto RadtkeDINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. New to DINE LBC is Great Society Cider & Mead, Southern California’s first all-cider pub located on Broadway at the edge of Downtown. They serve an unusual selection of draft ciders and meads in addition to the expected craft beers.

“A social house where fine food, craft cider and mead set the stage for conversations between old and new friends alike, Great Society has the largest selection of craft cider and meads in all of Southern California. Featuring 20 draughts and more in bottles, our extensive cider and mead list showcases craft producers from nearly every corner of the world. You’ll find flavors and profiles ranging from sweet to sour, still to sparkling, barrel-aged to hopped, rare to near-impossible to find.”

“Complementing this incredible list, our food menu fuses seasonal offerings with unexpected spicing to create dishes that don’t just taste great, but pair well with whatever profile you choose. Try our signature burger with an unfiltered whiskey barrel-aged cider from Michigan; or an artisanal cheese plate with a tart, lightly sparkling Sidra from the Basque region of Spain. There’s a variety of pairings to tantalize your taste buds.”

“With its origins lost in history, cider remains the most noble of beverages, having played a role in Old and New World alike. These ancient elixirs, fermented mainly from apples, have been the drink of kings and presidents, farmers and the working class. Though its fortunes have occasionally wavered, cider’s incredible diversity, and close connection with the land, has led to an amazing renaissance. Cider is a beverage that deserves homage and we are the first restaurant and taphouse in Southern California to feature it!”

We’ll meet the proprietor, Otto Radtke.

Ahmed LabatteOn Thursday evening, August 10th Chef Amar Santana’s Vaca in Costa Mesa is hosting a sumptuous, 7-course, premium wine-paired dinner with an abundance of passed hors d’oeuvre as a festive Friends of James Beard Foundation Benefit to celebrate South Coast Plaza’s 50th Anniversary. Chef Amar is also well-known locally for Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna beach and as the runner-up from lucky Season 13 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” in what the judges noted was the tightest final competition of the series’ long history!

Santana and partner Ahmed Labbate, whose roots together at South Coast Plaza go back to 2008 when they opened Charlie Palmer, will welcome 100 discriminating guests with a love of food and wine to the Beard dinner. Santana is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

The festivities on August 10 will include a small silent auction during an al fresco reception. While enjoying the signature Vaca Tonic and hors d’oeuvres, guests may peruse deluxe offerings, which will include a LVMH luxury Champagne experience for 16 guests; packages from South Coast Plaza, the Montage Laguna Beach and Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, unique dining experiences, luxury travel destinations, and high-end wines.

Seats are $350 and $300 for members of the James Beard Foundation, all inclusive. For reservations to the Friends of James Beard Dinner at Vaca, please register online here. For more information, please contact VACA GM Ghali Benhima at 714.463.6060. A credit card will be requested to secure the reservation.

VACA Group Partner & CEO Ahmed Labbate provides the tempting preview.

Don Myers of Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Brea and IrvineBrea’s popular Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen has just opened a second location in The Market Place in Irvine.

“Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen was born out of a love and passion for Latin cuisine…”

“The Latin inspired menu adapts the culinary heritage of Mexico and Latin America to a fresh modern style. In the open kitchen guests can watch savory dishes being prepared in the wood-fired oven, while free-range Jidori chickens roast to perfection and tacos are topped with house-made fire-roasted salsa.”

Proprietor Don Myers (also Brunos Italian Kitchen), a veteran restaurateur, is our guest.

“In the Lounge the lively sound of handcrafted cocktails being shaken provides the backdrop. These tequila libations utilize freshly squeezed juices, house-made infusions, and fresh seasonal fruit. A variety of popular and boutique wineries from the Central Coast, Spain and South America also add a great complement to any meal.”

Don Myers started his restaurant career at the young age of fourteen in Tucson, Arizona at the fifty-year-old Casa Molina Mexican Restaurant. He graduated from the University of Arizona and was a four -year varsity athlete and competitive international gymnast.

In 2008, Don created P&D Restaurant Concept that now boasts two award-winning restaurants. He was later featured in OC Metro and named the “Unofficial Mayor of Brea” in 2013 for his leadership role in the revival of Brea Downtown. In 2014, Myers and his business partner Peter Serantoni were named Orange County Business Journal’s Restaurateurs of The Year.

If all the hush-hush, closed-door negotiations between The International Olympic Committee (IOC), Paris and Los Angeles go well Los Angeles will host the Olympics again for the 3rd time in either 2024 or 2028. What does it all mean? Can a modern Olympics even break-even for the host city?

Rich PerelmanOur Olympics expert and historian, Richard B. Perelman, joins us with a true insider’s perspective. Rich was the youngest Vice President of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC) for the 1984 Games and also was the Editor of the 1984 Olympic Games Final Report, a massive two-volume book.

In his daily e-newsletter, The Sports Examiner, Perelman suggested the simultaneous dual city awards for 2024 and 2028 (and the reasoning for this unprecedented approach) weeks before it was reported on in the mainstream media as even a possibility for the IOC to consider.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part One
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part Two
Segment Four: Otto Radtke, Great Society Cider & Mead, DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Segment Five: Ahmed Labbate, VACA Group, Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner at Vaca
Segment Six: Restaurateur Don Myers, Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Part One
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Don Myers, Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Part Two
Segment Eight: Olympic Historian Richard B. Perelman, Editor & Publisher – The Sports Examiner