Show 692, August 15, 2026: La Nena Cantina, Walt Disney Concert Hall, with Restaurateur Vicente Del Rio

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Adam Bell

“New to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in DTLA is La Nena Cantina, created by restaurateur Vicente Del Rio, which brings coastal-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails all made from scratch to guests dining before shows and to the broader community. Diners will find many of the beloved dishes from the restaurant’s Malibu and Hollywood locations, including Mole Negro, Tiradito de Hamachi, La Nena Molcajete and Tacos Malibu, as well as signature elements such as the tableside guacamole and handmade tortillas.”

“The restaurant showcases exclusive offerings created just for The Music Center, from specialty premium seasonal cocktails to specially curated pre-show menu options. La Nena Cantina is open for both lunch and dinner.”

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.; and Sunday, 11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. La Nena Cantina adjusts hours of operation to accommodate any pre-show or special event service windows.

“We are incredibly excited to bring La Nena Cantina to The Music Center and be part of such an iconic cultural destination in Los Angeles,” said Vicente Del Rio of La Nena Cantina. “This expansion allows us to share the vibrant flavors and coastal spirit that define our food with a new audience, while also creating something unique for the community.”

“La Nena Cantina (Hospitality 70 Group), is a contemporary Mexican restaurant concept inspired by the vibrant coastal flavors of Mexico and the relaxed sophistication of California living. Founded in 2025 by Vicente Del Rio and wife Andrea Nales—the team behind the acclaimed Frida Mexican Cuisine (Frimex Hospitality Group) — La Nena represents the evolution of more than 25 years of Los Angeles hospitality experience, offering a fresh interpretation of Mexican cuisine that honors tradition while embracing creativity and modern dining culture.”

Restaurateur Vicente Del Rio joins us.

Show 687, July 11, 2026: Unique Eats and Eateries of Los Angeles with Journalist Danny Jensen

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Where can you enjoy an enormous, loaded potato and live jazz? Where can you find LA’s only floating restaurant for a bowl of chowder? Where can you eat in a historic, fully restored streetcar where Hollywood legends and mobsters once dined? Unique Eats and Eateries of Los Angeles: The People and Stories Behind the Food by journalist Danny Jensen answers these questions and more.”

“Whether you’re just visiting or have lived in Los Angeles your entire life, in Unique Eats and Eateries of Los Angeles you’ll learn the surprising stories and fascinating people behind these and many more one-of-a-kind eateries. From historic delis, diners, and food halls to experimental innovators, multigenerational immigrant-founded businesses, and mission-driven restaurants helping to improve people’s lives, this book dives deep into the places that make Los Angeles special.”

Danny Jensen joins us sharing his many discoveries of L.A.’s unique eats including Cielito Lindo on the historic Olvera Street in DTLA, The Baked Potato in Studio City for Jazz and 16 ounce, loaded baked potatoes, plus The Formosa Café in West Hollywood and Flavors from Afar in East Hollywood.

Show 686, July 4, 2026: Concern Foundation’s 51st Annual Block Party with Chef Rudy Suazo of Maple Block Meat Co.

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Grab your pith helmet and prepare for an unforgettable expedition as the Concern Foundation’s 51st Annual Block Party, themed “Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures,” transforms the legendary backlot of Paramount Studios Hollywood into a wild adventure of culinary discovery, entertainment, and philanthropy on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 6:00p.m. to 11:00p.m.”

“For more than five decades, the Concern Foundation Block Party has united the Los Angeles community in the fight against cancer, and this year’s safari-themed celebration promises to be one of its most exciting journeys yet. More than 4,000 guests will embark on a one-night-only expedition through the iconic Paramount Studios Backlot, encountering extraordinary flavors, exhilarating entertainment, and countless opportunities to help fund groundbreaking cancer research.”

“This year’s theme, “Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures,” pays tribute to longtime Concern Foundation Co-Founder and current Board Chair Jackie Gottlieb, who will be honored with the prestigious Steve R. Freed Spirit of Concern Volunteer Leadership Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication and decades of service to the organization.”

“Throughout the evening, guests will journey through the wild for tastes from more than 70 of L.A.’s Best Restaurants, Breweries, Spirit Brands, Wines, and Beverage Partners, all generously donating their time and products to support the Concern Foundation’s mission of conquering cancer through research.”

Maple Block Meat Co. is, again, a participating restaurant. Chef Rudy Suazo joins us to explain what’s on the grill for Concern Foundation.

Show 635, July 12, 2025: Concern Foundation’s 50th Annual Block Party with President Derek Alpert

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Adam Bell

“GAME ON and It’s time to roll the dice, stack the Jenga blocks, and climb the Chutes & Ladders of hope at the Concern Foundation 50th Annual Block Party! Hollywood’s premier outdoor food, beverage, and entertainment extravaganza, transforms the backlot of Paramount Studios Hollywood into the ultimate life-sized game board on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This year marks the golden milestone of 50 incredible years of giving cancer the checkmate, as over 4,000 guests will be treated to a Trivial Pursuit of flavor featuring tastings from over 90 top-tier restaurants, spirits, craft cocktails, wineries, and breweries all while raising critical funds for cancer research!”

“The event promises a game night of epic proportions as the streets of the Paramount Backlot transform into a Candy Land of culinary creativity, retro bowling, and musical-fueled celebration. Musical performances by the Tom Nolan Band and on the Main Stage, D’ City Sound & Events, and The Vibrato Grill Jazz Stage featuring the Jason Goldstein Sextet with Lilli Passero, and other special artists will set the tone for a high-energy atmosphere.”

“In 1968, fifteen Los Angeles based couples came together with one simple goal: CONquer CanCERNow! They wanted to ensure their dollars counted in the fight against cancer when their dear friend, Beverly Wolman, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. They could no longer sit back and continue losing friends to this horrific disease. Thus, CONCERN Foundation’s war on cancer had begun. Concern Foundation’s mission is clear, to ensure that every dollar raised is used to identify the cause of and eventual cure for this devastating disease.”

Derek Alpert, the President of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research joins us with a preview of the 50^th Annual Block Party.

Ticket Information: The Concern Foundation’s 50^thAnnual Block Party will take place on Saturday, July 19^th, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Paramount Studios Hollywood. Tickets and Sponsorships are on sale now and for more information on the Concern Foundation’s 50^th Annual Block Party, please visit Concern Foundation 50th Annual Block Party Tickets.

Show 635, July 12, 2025: Concern Foundation’s 50th Annual Block Party with Restaurateurs Greg Dulan (Dulan’s on Crenshaw) and Ryan Wilson (Lawry’s)

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Adam Bell

Greg Dulan of Dulan's on Crenshaw Soul Food

Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food Restaurant and Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills are participating restaurants in Concern Foundation’s 50^th Annual Block Party at Paramount Studios Hollywood on Saturday evening, July 19^th. Each establishment is generously donating their respective tastes (and service) to provide 1,500 portions. Greg Dulan of Dulan’s and Ryan Wilson of Lawry’s The Prime Rib join us afterwards previewing their standout tastes for the 50^th Block Party.

Show 630, June 7, 2025: Portuguese Wine Week with Sandra Gomes Rocha, Producer

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Premiering in Los Angeles June 7th through 14th, the 2^nd Annual Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and complexity of Portuguese wines right here in the heart of Hollywood and environs.”

“Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences.”

Diniz Cellars’ Sandra Gomes Rocha joins us to uncork all this is Portuguese Wine Week.

Show 617, February 22, 2025: The Governors Ball (Post Oscars) Menu with Chef Eric Klein, Wolfgang Puck Catering

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Adam Bell

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. More recently Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over three-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

2025 is the 31^st year of Wolfgang Puck Catering designing the menu for the Governors Ball. Chef Wolfgang and his team created 70 new dishes to add to the eye-popping menu. As for the past several years this luxe menu was crafted by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The exquisite pastry design is by Kamel Guechida and Garry Larduinat. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2^nd

Wolfgang Puck is even flying in from London Executive Chef Elliott Grover, the Culinary Director of 45 Park Lane, to oversee the Taste of London Station with Traditional Fish & Chips, Classic Toad in the Hole, and Classic Beef Wellington. Think tray-passed Smoked Salmon Oscars on Matzah for starters. A new creation for this year is (tray-passed) Bougie Tots with Crème Fraiche and Caviar.

In Hollywood it’s all about billing and credit. In all the publicity materials for the Governors Ball it says : “Menu Designed by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein, Senior Vice President of Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering.”

Show 602, November 9, 2024: Pink’s Hot Dogs’ 85th Anniversary Festivities with Richard Pink

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Adam Bell

“Pink’s Hot Dogs, the iconic Hollywood hot dog stand, is currently celebrating its 85th-anniversary festivities, marking over eight decades of serving mouthwatering hot dogs to Angelenos, celebrities, and visitors alike from around the world.”

“Located on the corner of La Brea and Melrose, designated as “Pink’s Square,” they are celebrating their 85th anniversary from November 8 to 12, 2024. The five- night celebration features appearances by celebrities and notable figures (including the Mayor of Los Angeles and Henry Winkler,) as well as Pink’s signature “Chili Dogs for Charity” program, benefiting local Los Angeles charities.”

“As part of the celebration, Pink’s is offering chili dogs for 85 cents for 85 minutes each night at 8:05 p.m starting on November 8th for 5 nights as part of the “Chili Dogs for Charity” program (with a limit of 5 hot dogs per customer). This initiative, close to the hearts of the Pink family, is their way of giving back to the community that has supported them through the decades. Proceeds will benefit local Los Angeles charities. The Pink family —Richard Pink, his wife Gloria, and his sister Beverly (2^nd generation owners) — are donating 100% of the gross proceeds from these sales to a different charity each night, with a minimum donation of $5,000 per night”

The festivities launched last night with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as the guest celebrity. The celebration concludes on November 12th with noted actor Henry Winkler.

“Top Dog” Richard Pink is our guest to highlight the ongoing festivities with relish.

Show 595, September 21, 2024: Pink’s Hot Dogs, Hollywood, 85th Anniversary Festivities with Richard Pink

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Adam Bell

“Pink’s Hot Dogs founded in 1939, is a genuine Hollywood landmark. The legendary hot dog stand now overseen by 2^nd generation hot dog maven, Richard Pink, serves over 1,200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers a day. Pink’s was started in 1939 by Richard’s parents, Paul and Betty Pink, with a pushcart they purchased for $50, with money they borrowed from Betty’s mother. The land on which the pushcart stood was leased by Paul and Betty for $15 per month. Hot dogs at that time were 10 cents and colas were a nickel.”

“Pink’s offered curb service, and was lucky to sell 100 hot dogs a day. Paul and Betty operated the hot dog stand, starting with 4 employees and expanding over time to 10 and then 20, and now Pink’s has a staff of about 30 employees. In 1985 at the age of 73 and 75, Paul and Betty retired. At that point, Richard, his wife, Gloria, and sister, Beverly, took over the operation of Pink’s. Since that time, the family has created over 40 combinations of hot dogs and a dozen varieties of hamburgers to satisfy the variety of tastes of its patrons.”

“Pink’s, located near major Hollywood studios like Paramount, Universal Studios and Disney started to attract up-and-coming and established movie and TV stars. Pink’s celebrity wall of fame in the dining room started as a place for aspiring actors to hang their photos to be discovered by producers and directors who were known to dine at Pink’s. Today, Pink’s dining room is filled with over 200 photos of celebrities with signed endorsements of their enjoyment of Pinks Hot Dogs.”

Pink’s is one of the celebrated restaurants again taking part in the LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand Benefit seeking cures for children’s cancers on Saturday Afternoon, Oct. 5th on Royce Quad at UCLA.

From November 8th through 12th Pink’s is celebrating their 85th Anniversary by selling “Chili Dogs for Charity” for 85 cents for 85 minutes starting at 8:00 p.m. Celebrities including L.A. Mayor Karen Bass will be serving up the nightly chili dogs.

Pink’s 2^nd generation Top Dog, Richard Pink, is our guest with all the snappy details of the upcoming 85^th Anniversary Festivities along with a side of yellow mustard.

Show 524, May 6, 2023: Dr. Shica Little, Dr. Shica’s Bakery

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Adam Bell

When we last spoke with Dr. Shica Little of Dr. Shica’s Bakery she was operating a mini retail bakery full of deliciousness out of a kiosk at Westfield Culver City. Her decadent “Almost Famous Brownies” were a signature. She was just introducing a companion line of tasty vegan desserts.

Dr. Shica’s Bakery recently exhibited her expanded gourmet line of plant-based vegan desserts at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim. The expanded line includes indulgent cookies, brownies, cheesecake and lots more. New is a vegan crunchy cookie in lemon, double chocolate chip and birthday cake plus a vegan oatmeal raisin cookie sweetened with fruit.

Dr. Shica’s Bakery is also the Official Cookie Provider of Kevin Hart’s expanding vegan restaurant chain, Hart House. The new Hollywood location officially opens this Weekend.

Dr. Shica joins us with an Almost Famous Brownie plate at the ready.