Show 697, September 19, 2026: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Adam Bell

Santa Monica’s iconic seafood destination, The Lobster, is celebrating their 27th Anniversary this year. A seafood restaurant has been in this original location for over 100 years. “This legendary seafood restaurant is an internationally recognized dining destination that is as much a part of Santa Monica’s history as it’s neighbor, the Santa Monica Pier. Situated at the intersection of Route 66 and the Pacific Ocean, The Lobster has been a cherished landmark for locals and visitors for decades, offering not only mesmerizing views of the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu coastline but also an award-winning seafood menu under the masterful guidance of acclaimed Chef Govind Armstrong. With Armstrong at the helm, The Lobster is Michelin recognized, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence.” Chef Govind Armstrong takes a break from shucking oysters to join us.

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

Respected winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. is one of the participating boutique wineries of note in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Warson Wine is pouring both nights. Paul joins us to pop the cork on all this is Warson Wine.

“Orange County’s favorite celebration of premium spirits is back — and this year, whiskey is sharing the spotlight. The OC Whiskey Festival (& More) returns to The Park in Irvine on Thursday, October 1, bringing together an impressive collection of spirit brands, celebrated local restaurants and interactive experiences for an unforgettable evening. While whiskey remains at the heart of the festival, this year’s expanded event brings spirits of all kinds. Guests will have the opportunity to sample tequila, vodka, gin and more from brands including Teremana Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Nolet’s Gin, with additional brands continuing to join the lineup.” Chris Daily, Beverage Director and Owner of Daily Dose Hospitality and Leslie Nguyen, Chief Designer and Co-Founder of Daily Dose are our in-studio guides to The OC Whiskey Festival.

“The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® presented by American Express and Resy brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. The walk-around tasting at The LINE LA on Tuesday evening, October 6th will be an exciting gathering of chefs from the Los Angeles culinary community, with food stations hosted by TasteTwenty chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish Melrose Hill, and many other local notable chefs. Each station will reflect the chef’s signature style and highlight the uniqueness of their restaurant and the Los Angeles culinary community. The tasting will also have beverage stations and other activations from James Beard’s national and local sponsors.” Melissa’s is providing all the fresh produce. Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill), a James Beard Foundation Trustee, joins us with the salivating details of Taste America: Los Angeles.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Today Chef Andrew previews the upcoming California Spiny Lobster Season. Spiny’s have a different taste and texture profile from the revered Maine variety. Both, of course, are crave-worthy. That’s always some good eating!
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 697, September 19, 2026: The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America: Los Angeles Preview with Mary Sue Milliken, James Beard Foundation Trustee

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Adam Bell

Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill and Socalo

“The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® presented by American Express and Resy brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. A cohort of chefs, representing 20 markets across the country and known as the TasteTwenty, will host dinners and walk-around tastings spotlighting the breadth and unity of culinary creativity nationwide.”

“The walk-around tasting at The LINE LA on Tuesday evening, October 6^th will be an exciting gathering of chefs from the Los Angeles culinary community, with food stations hosted by TasteTwenty chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish Melrose Hill, and many other local notable chefs. Each station will reflect the chef’s signature style and highlight the uniqueness of their restaurant and the Los Angeles culinary community. The tasting will also have beverage stations and other activations from the James Beard Foundation’s national and local sponsors.” Melissa’s is providing all the fresh produce.

Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, Alice B.), a James Beard Foundation Trustee, joins us with the details of Taste America: Los Angeles.

A Border Grill serving three meals a day will debut next month at the newly renovated and greatly expanded Hollywood Burbank Airport.

September 19: The Lobster, Manhattan Beach Food + Wine with Wife and the Somm & Warson Wine, OC Whiskey Festival, Taste America with Mary Sue Milliken

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: The Lobster, Wife and the Somm
Hour Two: Warson Wine Co., OC Whiskey Festival, Mary Sue Milliken, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Executive Chef Govind Armstrong, The Lobster, Santa Monica
Segment Four: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival Preview with Christy Lucchese of Wife and The Somm
Segment Five: 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co.
Segment Six: The OC Whiskey Festival with Chris Daily and Leslie Nguyen, Daily Dose Hospitality
Segment Seven: The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America: Los Angeles Preview with Mary Sue Milliken, James Beasrd Foundation Trustee
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House and Show Co-host

Santa Monica’s iconic seafood destination, The Lobster, is celebrating their 27^th Anniversary this year. A seafood restaurant has been in this original location for over 100 years. “This legendary seafood restaurant is an internationally recognized dining destination that is as much a part of Santa Monica’s history as it’s neighbor, the Santa Monica Pier. Situated at the intersection of Route 66 and the Pacific Ocean, The Lobster has been a cherished landmark for locals and visitors for decades, offering not only mesmerizing views of the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu coastline but also an award-winning seafood menu under the masterful guidance of acclaimed Chef Govind Armstrong. With Armstrong at the helm, The Lobster is Michelin recognized, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence.” Chef Govind Armstrong takes a break from shucking oysters to join us.

“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.” 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 rolling pin in hand.

Respected winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine is one of the participating boutique wineries of note in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Paul joins us to pop the cork on all this is Warson Wine.

“Orange County’s favorite celebration of premium spirits is back—and this year, whiskey is sharing the spotlight. The OC Whiskey Festival (& More) returns to The Park in Irvine on Thursday, October 1, bringing together an impressive collection of spirit brands, celebrated local restaurants and interactive experiences for an unforgettable evening. While whiskey remains at the heart of the festival, this year’s expanded event brings spirits of all kinds. Guests will have the opportunity to sample tequila, vodka, gin and more from brands including Teremana Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Nolet’s Gin, with additional brands continuing to join the lineup.” Chris Daily, Beverage Director and Owner of Daily Dose Hospitality and Leslie Nguyen, Chief Designer and Co-Founder of Daily Dose are our guides to The OC Whiskey Festival.

“The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® presented by American Express and Resy brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. The walk-around tasting at The LINE LA on Tuesday evening, October 6^th will be an exciting gathering of chefs from the Los Angeles culinary community, with food stations hosted by TasteTwenty chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish Melrose Hill, and many other local notable chefs. Each station will reflect the chef’s signature style and highlight the uniqueness of their restaurant and the Los Angeles culinary community. The tasting will also have beverage stations and other activations from James Beard’s national and local sponsors.” Melissa’s is providing all the fresh produce. Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, Alice B.), a James Beard Foundation Trustee, joins us with the details of Taste America: Los Angeles.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Today Chef Andrew previews the upcoming California Spiny Lobster Season. That’s some good eating!

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

Santa Monica’s iconic seafood destination, The Lobster, is celebrating their 27^th Anniversary this year. “A seafood restaurant has been in this original location for over 100 years. This legendary seafood spot is an internationally recognized dining destination that is as much a part of Santa Monica’s history as it’s next-door neighbor, the Santa Monica Pier.”

“Situated at the intersection of Route 66 and the Pacific Ocean, The Lobster has been a cherished landmark for locals and visitors for decades, offering not only mesmerizing views of the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu coastline but also an award-winning seafood menu under the masterful guidance of acclaimed Chef Govind Armstrong. With Armstrong at the helm, The Lobster is Michelin recognized, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence.”

“At the core of its menu, fresh lobster is flown in directly from Maine six days a week with no middleman, ensuring patrons enjoy the freshest catch. The menu features some of Los Angeles’ finest California cuisine, including classic menu favorites that Chef Armstrong has added his own special touch, such as: crispy calamari and prawns with garlic anchovy aioli, ponzu and sweet chili sauce; Summer Corn & Lobster Chowder with Smoked Bacon & Croutons; steamed Maine Lobster, with Gloria’s Blue Lake green beans, Weiser Farms heirloom Potatoes and drawn butter; and grilled Maine lobster with fresh herbs, lemon and drawn garlic butter.”

Happy Hour daily from 3 to 6:00 p.m. and all-day on Friday.

Chef Govind Armstrong takes a break from shucking oysters to join us.

“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.”

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.

Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine is one of the participating wineries in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. He’s there pouring both nights. Paul joins us to pop the cork on all this is Warson Wine.

“Paul Warson grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.””

“Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses. There’s so much on the horizon for Warson Wine Company and you can taste for yourself at Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.”

“While whiskey remains at the heart of the festival, this year’s expanded event brings spirits of all kinds. Guests will have the opportunity to sample tequila, vodka, gin and more from brands including Teremana Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Nolet’s Gin, with additional brands continuing to join the lineup.”

“Whiskey lovers can look forward to pours from an outstanding collection of distilleries and labels, including Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery, WhistlePig Whiskey, Angel’s Envy Kentucky Bourbon, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Jim Beam, among many others.”

“Complementing the spirit tastings will be culinary samples from a growing lineup of restaurants and local favorites, including Bosscat Kitchen, TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar, Miss Mini Donuts, BABA G Mediterranean, Il Fornaio, Lola’s by MFK, FARMHOUSE at Roger’s Gardens, Malfi Coffee and 90 Pacifica Restaurant & Wine Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton. More restaurants, distilleries and spirit partners are being added to the bill daily.”

Chris Daily, Beverage Director and Owner of Daily Dose Hospitality and Leslie Nguyen, Chief Designer and Co-Founder of Daily Dose are our guides to The OC Whiskey Festival.

Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, Alice B.), a James Beard Foundation Trustee, joins us with the details of Taste America: Los Angeles.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

Today Chef Andrew previews the upcoming California Spiny Lobster Season. That’s definitely some good eating!

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: The Lobster, Wife and the Somm
Hour Two: Warson Wine Co., OC Whiskey Festival, Mary Sue Milliken, Andrew Gruel

Show 619, March 8, 2025: Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks with Restaurateur Christy Vega

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry.”

“Held every March, this month-long festival spotlights the talent, innovation, and stories of women-led businesses through curated dining experiences, exclusive pop-ups, chef collaborations, mini marts, and special events across greater Los Angeles. Members blend culinary excellence and can’t-miss creative collaborations showcasing the diverse culinary styles of Regarding Her members and celebrating the tremendous talent and deep connection fostered over the last five years within the Regarding Her community.”

“Just one of multiple events of note is Tamales con Corazon at Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks on March 23^rd at 10:30 a.m. Join James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic Award winners Christy Vega of Casa Vega, Dora Herrera of Yuca’s, and Paulina Lopez of Guelaguetza for a vibrant celebration of culture, food, and the heart of Mexico. Discover the art of making tamales from the North, South and Oaxacan regions of Mexico.”

Christy’s 2nd Regarding Her event at Casa Vega is “Fueling Our Frontliners” on Saturday, March 29th starting at 5:00 p.m. The walkaround tasting honors women First Responders and women across all industries. The multi-ethnic chefs participating (Cultural Cuisine Queens) with Tasting Stations include Casa Vega, Yuca’s and Jitlada Thai.

Christy Vega takes a break wrapping the masa to join us.

Show 586, July 20, 2024: Executive Chef Nicholas Orth, Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge, an America’s Classic

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Adam Bell

Nicholas Orth of the Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge in Las Vegas

The Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge located on The Strip in Las Vegas was one of six recipients this year from all over the United States of the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award as an America’s Classic. Joining us to celebrate this honor is Executive Chef Nicholas Orth who has been cooking there since high school.

“Opened in 1972 by Nat Carasali and Bill Paganetti, the Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge has been a Las Vegas icon for over 51 years. It’s appeared in movies like Casino and Show Girls, has been frequented by mobsters and celebrities, and it’s best known for its over-the-top pink and purple neon nights, fire pits, faux botanicals, oversized drinks in the cocktail lounge, and massive platters of elevated diner classics in the family-friendly restaurant.”

“What really makes it special is the welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where pit bosses, dancers, bartenders and other Vegas industry folk can come after a late shift. It’s a haven, a safe place, described as somewhere no one gets bothered and where longtime waitresses will remember your name.”

“It’s also a place where people want to work and want to stay. Peggy Orth began waitressing at the Peppermill when she was 17, about a year and a half after the restaurant first opened. Decades later, she’s now general manager and her son Nicholas is the executive chef. Not much has changed in the last five decades, and that’s just how everyone likes it.”

Show 534, July 15, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero. Xuntos Opens in Santa Monica

Posted on July 16, 2023 by Adam Bell

XUNTOS (She-Un-Tos) is a newly launched (July 14^th) Tapas and Pintxos Bar from Chef Sandra Cordero located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. “The restaurant is space that is warm, fun, not too serious and with plenty to eat and drink. A place to enjoy the company you’re with and feel like home.”

“XUNTOS, “together” in Gallego, serves small plates of things Chef Sandra wants you to try: from the farmer’s market to the traditional dishes of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya & the Basque Country, as they’re eaten in Spain. The wines follow the food: natural, unrefined, generous, showcasing Spain and California, along with some others the Staff loves and want to share with you.”

“This is the 2nd restaurant from Chef Cordero, who opened GASOLINA in Woodland Hills in 2015. She is a James Beard Fellow & co-founder of Regarding Her, a national nonprofit supporting women owners in hospitality. Scott Baker, previously the Wine Director at SOMNI, is the General Manager.”

Chef Sandra Cordero is our guest with a plate of coveted, thinly sliced Jamon Iberico at the ready.

Show 490, September 10, 2022: LA Chef Conference 2022 Preview with Producer Brad Metzger

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Adam Bell

Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

“On Monday, October 17, 2022, LA Chef Conference returns after a close to three-year pandemic induced hiatus with a full day of programming at the Jonathan Club in downtown LA featuring some of Los Angeles’ preeminent chef talent engaging in hot topic panel discussions, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind pop-ups from sought-after restaurant concepts and chefs, and an after party—all included in the price of admission ($180.00). LA Chef Conference is a production of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions—a Southern California-based hospitality recruitment and placement firm—in partnership with Open Table and benefiting the James Beard Foundation.”

“Founded in 2018, the unparalleled hospitality industry gathering was born from Metzger’s close to 40 years in the LA restaurant industry and his seeing a real need for an event that was not only educational but brought the community together. Metzger says, “Everyone in our LA restaurant community works so hard and there is never a chance to come together to discuss topics that affect us all and to celebrate and connect with each other in person.” Metzger sees this year’s event as being more purposeful than ever. “Independent restaurants in LA have weathered more than two years of pandemic related challenges and face new economic, social and environmental challenges daily. LA Chef Conference 2022 gives us all a place to come together and try on forward thinking solutions to help the industry that we love.””

“LA Chef Conference events are held at The Jonathan Club, 545 S. Figueroa St. The day-long event commences at 8:45 a.m. with registration and wraps at 5 p.m., followed by an after party from 5-8:30 p.m., also at The Jonathan Club. Tickets are priced at $180 per person and are available at their website. Admission includes access to panel discussions, cooking demos; meals including breakfast, lunch, and after party. All attendees must be 21 or older.”

Organizer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions is our guest.

Show 490, September 10, 2022: LA Chef Conference 2022 Preview with Chef Jet Tila

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Adam Bell

Celebrity Chef Jet Tila will be performing a cooking demonstration using Australian Waygu from Think Culinary with a recipe from his latest cookbook, 101 Thai Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die as part of the Conference.

Chef Jet Tila joins us.

Show 490, September 10, 2022: LA Chef Conference 2022 Preview with Elissa Phillips of Mise En Place Restaurant Services

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Adam Bell

Elissa Phillips of Mise En Place Restaurant Services is a founding sponsor and participant in LA Chef Conference 2022. We’ll meet her.

Show 478, June 11, 2022: Restaurateur Caroline Styne for Hollywood Bowl Food + Beverage – Hollywood Bowl 100 Part One

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Adam Bell

Caroline Styne of Lucques Restaurant Group

“The 2022 Season at the Hollywood Bowl is a celebration of the Bowl’s 100th anniversary milestone. Now into the seventh year with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their legendary first restaurant.”

“At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings include three restaurants and three marketplaces. Additionally, menus for the Terrace and Garden Boxes, which can be ordered a day in advance, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin. Goin’s vibrant new summer dishes pair beautifully with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, the recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.”

“Returning for the 2022 season are the fan-favorites Winemaker Wednesdays and Sunday Market Tastings – an eight-week program of complimentary wine tastings at the Plaza Marketplace with guest winemakers, importers, sommeliers, and breweries hand-selected by Caroline Styne. Caroline also introduces a broad selection of vegan and organic wines this year that can be discovered in the marketplaces with other new natural wines on the restaurants’ lists, including Scribe, Broc Cellars and Perichor.”

“Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options include three sit-down restaurants, street-food kiosks, pre-ordered picnic boxes, and a full-service dinner delivered to your box seat. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine provides catering at several locations for groups both large and small.”

Restaurateur Caroline Styne (representing Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine) joins us with corkscrew in hand.