Show 686, July 4, 2026: Black Trumpet Bistro, Huntington Beach, with Restaurateur & Chef Dino Ferraro

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Black Trumpet Bistro has been a Ferraro family run restaurant in the heart of Huntington Beach for 13 years. Preparing fresh sauces, soups and dessert daily makes Black Trumpet Bistro a highlight of the vibrant Huntington Beach dining scene. Chef Dino’s goal is to combine fresh ingredients, great recipes and friendly service at a fair price.”

“The Black Trumpet Bistro specializes in Mediterranean tapas, small plates that bring you flavors from Italy, France, Spain, Greece and Morocco right here to Huntington Beach, CA. They also offer full entrees including traditional French rack of lamb, Moroccan chicken tagine, and a variety of handmade Italian pastas.” A standout pasta is the Butternut Squash-filled Raviolis with Brown Butter Sage.

“Never had tapas before? Start with some of their customer favorites, including the house special risotto, truffle fries, tuna tartare, and Brussels sprouts with chorizo.”

“Pair your meal with a rich wine or the popular house-made sangria, and save room for one of the Bistro’s decadent scratch-made desserts! For a low-key night in an intimate and jazz-inspired atmosphere think of dining at Black Trumpet Bistro. It is a place where family and friends gather to enjoy hearty food and congenial conversation.”

The last Monday of the month is Chef Dino’s very popular Winemaker Dinner series. Not scheduled in December or November because of the Holidays.

Chef Dino lives in Huntington Beach with his wife Lisa and their two sons, Caleb and Joshua. Chef Dino takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Show 665, February 7, 2026: Terrace by Mix Mix and Populaire Modern Bistro, South Coast Plaza

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Adam Bell

Chef and Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan features two special Dinner menus for Valentine’s Day Weekend at his pair of South Coast Plaza properties. On Friday and Saturday nights Chef Ross’ Terrace by Mix Mix showcases a luxe four course menu for $125 per guest. Pangilinan is partners with Chef Nicholas Weber in Populaire Modern Bistro. Chef Nick is also offering his Valentine’s Weekend Dinner menu ($125 per guest) on both Friday and Saturday nights. His tasting menu is five elevated courses with unexpected flourishes and an optional wine pairing.

“Terrace by Mix Mix showcases internationally inspired cuisine by Chef Ross Pangilinan, featuring small plates influenced by French, Italian and modern Filipino flavors. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served on a covered terrace, lush with palms and hanging plants.”

“Populaire Modern Bistro is a culinary venture from longtime OC chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nicholas Weber, both Patina Restaurant Group alums and protégés of renowned restaurateur Joachim Splichal. The modern Cal-French bistro serves classic French staples with California flavors and twists, from Escargot Aebleskiver with Koji Butter & Green Garlic Aioli and Bouillabaisse Chawanmushi with Mussels, Octopus, Sea Urchin and Saffron Dashi – to Prime Bavette Steak with Sauce Au Poivre.”

Ross Pangilinan previews both very special menus with romance in the air.

Show 653, November 15, 2025: INI Ristorante, Fountain Valley with Founder & Executive Chef Viet Nguyen

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Ini Ristorante’s (Fountain Valley) culinary concept draws inspiration from the seasonality and simplicity of Japanese and Italian flavors and seeks to find the perfect harmony between the two. Chef-driven and culturally inspired, Ini Ristorante’s menu combines Japanese and Italian cuisine’s ingredients, tastes, and techniques to bring you an unmatched dining experience.”

“Ini Ristorante features Japanese-inspired Italian cuisine produced by Kei Concepts’ Founder and Chef Viet Nguyen and his diversely talented culinary team.” Chef Viet and his team traveled to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan to research the menu.

“Ini Ristorante’s interior design invokes a sense of comfort and familiarity by juxtaposing the layered textures of an outdoor home kitchen with natural elements and bright lights. The rustic concrete flooring, textural solids, and light warm woods transition into pops of bright blue and lush greenery, all centered around an open skylight showcasing the focal fig tree below. This approach pays homage to a gardening and outdoor cooking tradition that cultivates a space centered around fresh ingredients and good company.”

“Leave your assumptions at the door and come experience Ini’s Japanese-Italian interpretation through unique culinary offerings, hospitality, and fine-casual ambience.” Think Duck Ragu with confit duck, pappardelle, port wine reduction, arugula and lemon vinaigrette.

New from the Bar there is the Minoki Mai Tai with Minoki Japanese rum, Fernet, cinnamon, lemongrass, pistachio orgeat and citrus.

Founder and Chef Viet Nguyen joins us to unwrap all that is Ini Ristorante.

Show 652, November 8, 2025: Zach Pollack, Chef & Restaurateur. Cosetta in Santa Monica debuted in April

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Known for shaping L.A.’s Italian dining scene through Alimento and Cosa Buona, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Zachary Pollack’s Cosetta in Santa Monica is spacious, airy and welcoming, reflecting the evolution of Pollack’s cooking. Subtle, evocative, and layered with dimension while celebrating vibrant Southern California seasonality within the restaurant’s versatile food and beverage menus, Cosetta is an Italian restaurant that is as thoughtful as it is approachable, wholly Californian and shining with Pollack’s culinary vision.”

“For dinner, Cosetta’s menu evolves with the market while remaining familiar enough to feel like home for regulars. Pizzas such as the fan favorite Hawaiian Sunrise and Uni Butter, Spanish Clam adorned Lo Spagnolo Ricco are skillful and creative; pristine crudos such as scallop with Sicilian Ponzu and almons and Bluefin Tartare with Ossobuco Aioli shine; and vibrant vegetable-forward dishes like the Bloomin’ Radicchio and Novanta Salad with 36-month Prosciutto speak to a distinctly Californian rhythm.”

“Even in its most restrained moments, Pollack’s enthusiastic, deft touch to seasoning gives the food bright and bold profiles throughout each section including a homemade Bread Service, Raw Bar, Small Plates, Salad, Pizzas, Large Plates, and a ‘Milanesi’ section for chicken, eggplant, and fish.”

“Lunch at Cosetta (available Tuesday through Sunday) offers several casual handheld options alongside antipasti and pizza signature to Pollack, inviting guests to experience the breadth and depth of Cosetta’s offerings beside new additions. Alongside items on the main dinner menu, new to the lunch menu are signature sandwiches, wraps, and salads, the latter now with optional grilled chicken, seared abalone, or jammy eggs available as add-ons. Known for his expert bread program, Pollack’s carefully crafted sandwiches are built on house hoagie loaves and “pizza wraps,” specifically engineered to hold and highlight the classic fillings that are likewise carefully made in house.”

Restaurateur and Chef Zach Pollack takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Show 492, September 24, 2022: Restaurateurs Buddy Foy, Jr. and Jennifer Foy, Chateau Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Florida Part One

Posted on September 25, 2022 by Adam Bell

Restaurateurs Buddy and Jennifer Foy operate a pair of establishments in two different states. The Chateau On The Lake is located in Bolton Landing, New York on Lake George and the Chateau Anna Maria (launched in late December of 2020) is at the Waterline Villas and Marina Resort (An Autograph Collection property) on Anna Maria Island, FL.

“The Chateau On The Lake sits on lakefront property on Lake George in Bolton Landing, NY and serves seafood, organic meats and lamb. The restored 1800s private home now serves as the site of one of the Top Hundred Restaurants in America.”

“The Foy’s second location on picturesque Anna Maria Island is an interpretation of the Chateau brand with a Southern twist. Chateau Anna Maria’s cuisine is “French Inspired with Italian portions.” Jennifer Foy is first-generation Italian, which means everyone must have enough portions. Chateau Anna Maria serves fresh fish, Colorado and Iowa Beef, and other chef selections. The Foys invite you to explore your palette and indulge in their fresh ingredients, attention to detail, cleanliness, and atmosphere.”

“Buddy is French and Irish, which means having a great wine collection which is a pleasant distraction for Buddy.” Chateau Anna Maria is open for breakfast, a small lunch menu, weekend brunch and full dinner service.

“The Foys travel often visiting Jen’s family in Italy. They also love traveling domestically. The Foys know how much it means to have great food plus a great experience during traveling and bring that goal of hospitality to their Chateau guests.”

The newest Florida effort, Chateau Sarasota, is aiming for a November opening.

For more background on the two generations of Foys in the restaurant business in New York and Florida catch their popular Food Network series, “Summer Rush” or their You Tube series, “Foy Rush.”

Buddy and Jennifer Foy join us from Anna Maria Island.

Show 492, September 24, 2022: Restaurateurs Buddy Foy, Jr. and Jennifer Foy, Chateau Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Florida Part Two

Posted on September 25, 2022 by Adam Bell

The newest Florida effort, Chateau Sarasota, is aiming for a November opening.

Buddy and Jennifer Foy continue the conversation with us from Anna Maria Island.

Show 467, March 26, 2022: Mongibello Blood Orange Juice from Sicily

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Adam Bell

Mark Taylor of Mongibello 100 percent Blood Orange Juice

A discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center is Mongibello 100 percent Blood Orange Juice fresh squeezed and packed in Italy. The Blood Oranges are from the Tarocco, Moro and Sanguinello varieties grown at the foot of the Mt. Etna volcano in the rich volcanic soil of Sicily.

It’s rich in antioxidants with only 80 calories per 8oz.

Mark Taylor, the US Import Agent for Mongibello, joins us with all the squeeze on Mongibello 100 percent Blood Orange Juice from Sicily.

Show 373, May 16, 2020: Chef & Partner Ted Hopson, The Bellwether, Studio City

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Adam Bell

“After honing his skills at some of the most influential restaurants in Southern California –including The Eveleigh, Father’s Office, and Umami Restaurant Group—Chef & Proprietor Ted Hopson now brings his diverse experience and curious palate to The Bellwether in Studio City, incorporating Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavors for a culinary spread that proudly crashes borders and challenges convention.”

His Partner at The Bellwether is Beverage Director Ann-Marie Verdi. At The Bellwether (in normal times,) Verdi creates a beverage program that pleases all palates through both contemporary and classic selections.

The Bellwether reopened briefly for nighttime curbside pick-up but found it impractical to sustain. Their focus has shifted to preparing wholesome meals for frontline workers and charity groups working with Chef Jose Andres’ much-accomplished World Central Kitchen. Chef Ted and his kitchen staff (depending on fluctuating need) are preparing and delivering some 400 to 600 restaurant quality meals daily with a lot of variety.

Chef Ted brings us up-to-date.

Show 345, October 19, 2019: Alloro Vineyard, Sherwood, OR with Proprietor & Vineyard Manager David Nemarnik Part One

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Adam Bell

“Alloro Vineyard in Sherwood brings Old-World allure to Oregon, just 30 minutes southwest of Portland. The 80-acre estate is a bucolic homage to Italian tradition, from its iconic Tuscan farmhouse and culinary gardens to the heirloom sheep that graze the vineyard cover crops. “Alloro” is Italian for laurel—a salute to founder David Nemarnik’s Italian/Croatian heritage, and the Laurel Ridge site itself. Holistic agricultural practices and respectful stewardship create terroir-driven wines showcasing purity of fruit with a clear sense of place.”

“David Nemarnik grew up in Portland helping his parents start a produce business, and has been fascinated with growing and fermenting his whole life. In 1999, he founded the Alloro estate to create world-class Pinot Noir in a manner that honors his family’s food & wine traditions and respect for the land. Today, Nemarnik lives on the property with his daughter, surrounded by wine grapes, culinary gardens, olive trees, chickens, sheep, and registered Hereford cattle.”

David pulls the cork on Alloro for us.

Show 307, January 19, 2019: James Trees, Executive Chef / Proprietor, Esther’s Kitchen, Las Vegas

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Adam Bell

James Trees is a chef in the best, old school meaning of the word. Currently he’s the chef/proprietor of Las Vegas acclaimed Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District adjacent to Downtown. Previously Chef James spent some time in L.A. cooking at high profile establishments. He serves up his own blend of elegant Italian comfort food. Recently added is Weekend Brunch.

“While Chef Trees is descended from Jewish Austrian wine merchants, growing up he spent a lot of time at his best friend Alfio’s house. “I love Italian food because of Alfio and his family,” says Trees. “That’s the food I grew up eating. My mom was always working and didn’t have time to make dinner, so whenever we were hungry we went to Alfio’s house. They’d be making lasagna or braciola, and pasta – there was always pasta. That’s my comfort food.” “

Who is Esther? “Great-aunt Esther was a tough, smart, no-nonsense type who cared about people and gave good advice. “She was a big support to my mom when I was growing up, and that was huge,” says Trees. “She was always there for us.””

“Esther wrote the check that sent Chef Trees off to the CIA (after all, someone had to get him out of Alfio’s kitchen). When she passed in 2016 she left James a nest egg – the money he needed to finally open his own restaurant.”