Show 489, September 3, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy something absolutely delicious!

The venerable and architecturally significant Tam O’Shanter in Atwater Village is celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year. Always a favorite of Walt Disney it’s currently overseen by the fourth-generation of the founding Frank and Van de Kamp families. Their CEO (Ryan O’Melveny Wilson) is an accomplished chef. A culmination of the anniversary festivities was a six-course centennial repast held in mid-July. The elaborate Sunday dinner highlighted significant dishes from various eras of the Tam’s historic past. Of course the signature Lawry’s Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding was on the evening’s menu.

LA Weekly’s well-respected Food Editor, Michele Stueven, was the co-host. Michele joins us to discuss the evening and the historical significance of the Tam O’Shanter on the ever-changing Los Angeles restaurant scene. We’ll also ask what restaurant openings on the horizon she is most anticipating for the balance of the year.

Every year Chef Marco Zapien of Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera goes all out to celebrate the short Hatch Pepper season. His concluding Hatch Chile event is Zapien’s Hatch Pepper Roast set for Saturday, September 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It also includes a Hatch Brunch menu in the restaurant showcasing brunch favorites prepared with Hatch Peppers. This year’s Hatch Chile Roast allows patrons to pick-up on the spot roasted Melissa’s Hatch Chiles by the case and by the preferred level of spice from mild to hot. Pre-ordering is advised. Chef Marco takes a break from his busy kitchen to provide all the savory and flavorful Hatch roasting details.

Populaire, the much-anticipated restaurant from veteran chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nicholas Weber, opened its doors at South Coast Plaza on June 1. The two Patina Restaurant Group alums – both protégés of renowned restaurateur and Master Chef Joachim Splichal — have since forged their own respective culinary paths.” “Guests can anticipate savoring classic bistro staples with modern California flavors and twists, from Escargot Ebelskivers with Sauerkraut, Buttermilk and Parsley to Fried Chicken & Royal Osetra Caviar with Labneh and Chives, along with Ratatouille with Egg Yolk, Aged White Cheddar, Gochugaru Chili, Olive Oil & Crostini, and Dungeness Crab Chawanmushi with Sea Urchin, Red Yuzu Kosho and Saffron Dashi. Entrée-wise, there’s Spanish Octopus with Koji Crème Fraiche, Cured Green Tomato & Hemp Seed Crumble – as well as Prime Bavette Steak with Sauce Au Poivre and Whipped Potatoes.” Chef / Proprietor Nick Weber joins us.

When we last spoke with Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini he had just launched the ambitious Neon Feast dining app. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android, Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” Al Mancini is our guest to discuss Labor Day dining (spotlighting the very best in regional hot dogs) in Las Vegas and provide an update on the progress of Neon Feast.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. When we think of sturgeon it’s probably best known as the source of caviar. Some of us have perhaps enjoyed smoked sturgeon in a Jewish Deli. Fresh sturgeon is a somewhat hidden delicacy. Chef Andrew shares the joys of sturgeon as a center-plate protein and its sustainability in a farm-raised system.

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

Show 489, September 3, 2022: L.A. Weekly’s Food Editor, Michele Stueven on The Tam O’Shanter at 100 Part One

Michele Stueven of LA Weekly

The venerable and architecturally significant Tam O’Shanter in Atwater Village is celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year. Always a favorite of Walt Disney it’s currently overseen by the fourth-generation of the founding Frank and Van de Kamp families. Their CEO (Ryan O’Melveny Wilson) is an accomplished chef.

A culmination of the anniversary festivities was a six-course centennial repast held in mid-July. The elaborate Sunday dinner highlighted significant dishes from various eras of the Tam’s historic past. Of course the signature Lawry’s Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding was on the evening’s menu. Would you believe beef tamales, too?

LA Weekly’s well-respected Food Editor, Michele Stueven, was the co-host. Michele joins us to recap the memorable evening and the historical significance of the Tam O’Shanter on the Los Angeles restaurant scene.

Show 489, September 3, 2022: L.A. Weekly’s Food Editor, Michele Stueven on The Tam O’Shanter at 100 Part Two

Michele Stueven of LA Weekly

The venerable and architecturally significant Tam O’Shanter in Atwater Village is celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year. Always a favorite of Walt Disney it’s currently overseen by the fourth-generation of the founding Frank and Van de Kamp families. Their CEO (Ryan O’Melveny Wilson) is an accomplished chef.

A culmination of the anniversary festivities was a six-course centennial repast held in mid-July. The elaborate Sunday dinner highlighted significant dishes from various eras of the Tam’s historic past. Of course the signature Lawry’s Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding was on the evening’s menu. Would you believe beef tamales, too (and there is a story behind that)?

LA Weekly’s well-respected Food Editor, Michele Stueven, was the co-host. Michele continues with us to recap the memorable evening and the historical significance of the Tam O’Shanter on the ever-changing Los Angeles restaurant scene.

September 3: Michele Stueven on the Tam O’Shanter, Marco Zapien, Populaire Modern Bistro, Al Mancini

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: LA Weekly’s Food Editor, Michele Stueven on The Tam O’Shanter at 100 Part One
Segment Three: LA Weekly’s Food Editor, Michele Stueven on The Tam O’Shanter at 100 Part Two
Segment Four: Zapien’s Hatch Pepper Roast with Chef Marco Zapien of Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Pico Rivera
Segment Five: Populaire Modern Bistro at South Coast Plaza with Executive Chef Nicholas Weber Part One
Segment Six: Populaire Modern Bistro at South Coast Plaza with Executive Chef Nicholas Weber Part Two
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, Food & Entertainment Journalist, Las Vegas, and Creator of Neon Feast Dining App
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Happy Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy something absolutely delicious!

The venerable and architecturally significant Tam O’Shanter in Atwater Village is celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year. Always a favorite of Walt Disney it’s currently overseen by the fourth-generation of the founding Frank and Van de Kamp families. Their CEO (Ryan O’Melveny Wilson) is an accomplished chef. A culmination of the anniversary festivities was a six-course centennial repast held in mid-July. The elaborate Sunday dinner highlighted significant dishes from various eras of the Tam’s historic past. Of course the signature Lawry’s Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding was on the evening’s menu.

LA Weekly’s well-respected Food Editor, Michele Stueven, was the co-host. Michele joins us to discuss the evening and the historical significance of the Tam O’Shanter on the ever-changing Los Angeles restaurant scene. We’ll also ask what restaurant openings on the horizon she is most anticipating for the balance of the year.

Every year Chef Marco Zapien of Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera goes all out to celebrate the short Hatch Pepper season. His concluding Hatch Chile event is Zapien’s Hatch Pepper Roast set for Saturday, September 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It also includes a Hatch Brunch menu in the restaurant showcasing brunch favorites prepared with Hatch Peppers. This year’s Hatch Chile Roast allows patrons to pick-up on the spot roasted Melissa’s Hatch Chiles by the case and by the preferred level of spice from mild to hot. Pre-ordering is advised. Chef Marco takes a break from his busy kitchen to provide all the savory and flavorful Hatch roasting details.

“Populaire, the much-anticipated restaurant from veteran chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nicholas Weber, opened its doors at South Coast Plaza on June 1. The two Patina Restaurant Group alums – both protégés of renowned restaurateur and Master Chef Joachim Splichal — have since forged their own respective culinary paths.” “Guests can anticipate savoring classic bistro staples with modern California flavors and twists, from Escargot Ebelskivers with Sauerkraut, Buttermilk and Parsley to a “Croque Madame” Air Waffle with Comte Crème, Parisian Ham and Quail Egg, along with Ratatouille with Egg Yolk, Aged White Cheddar, Gochugaru Chili, Olive Oil & Crostini, and Dungeness Crab Chawanmushi with Sea Urchin, Red Yuzu Kosho and Saffron Dashi. Entrée-wise, there’s Spanish Octopus with Koji Crème Fraiche, Cured Green Tomato & Hemp Seed Crumble – as well as Prime Bavette Steak with Sauce Au Poivre and Whipped Potatoes.” Chef / Proprietor Nick Weber joins us.

When we last spoke with Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini he had just launched the ambitious Neon Feast dining app. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android, Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” Al Mancini is our guest to discuss Labor Day dining in Las Vegas and provide an update on the progress of Neon Feast.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. When we think of sturgeon it’s best known as the source of caviar. Some of us have perhaps enjoyed smoked sturgeon in a Jewish Deli. Fresh sturgeon is a somewhat hidden delicacy. Chef Andrew shares the joys of sturgeon as a center-plate protein and its sustainability in a farm-raised system.

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

Michele Stueven of LA Weekly

The venerable and architecturally significant Tam O’Shanter in Atwater Village is celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year. Always a favorite of Walt Disney it’s currently overseen by the fourth-generation of the founding Frank and Van de Kamp families. Their CEO (Ryan O’Melveny Wilson) is an accomplished chef.

A culmination of the anniversary festivities was a six-course centennial repast held in mid-July. The elaborate Sunday dinner highlighted significant dishes from various eras of the Tam’s historic past. Of course the signature Lawry’s Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding was on the evening’s menu.

LA Weekly’s well-respected Food Editor, Michele Stueven, was the co-host. Michele joins us to recap the memorable evening and the historical significance of the Tam O’Shanter on the Los Angeles restaurant scene. We’ll also ask what restaurant openings on the horizon she is most anticipating for the balance of the year.

Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and Taqueria

Every year Chef Marco Zapien of Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera goes all out to celebrate the short Hatch Pepper season. His concluding Hatch Chile event is Zapien’s Hatch Pepper Roast set for Saturday, September 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It also includes a Hatch Brunch menu in the restaurant showcasing brunch favorites prepared with Hatch Peppers.

This year’s Hatch Chile Roast allows patrons to pick-up on the spot freshly-roasted Melissa’s Hatch Chiles by the case and by the preferred level of spice from mild to hot. Pre-ordering is advised. Chef Marco takes a break from his busy kitchen to provide all the savory Hatch roasting details.

Nick Weber of Populaire Modern Bistro

Populaire, the much-anticipated restaurant from veteran chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nicholas Weber, opened its doors at South Coast Plaza on June 1. The two Patina Restaurant Group alums – both protégés of renowned restaurateur and Master Chef Joachim Splichal — have since forged their own respective culinary paths.”

“Pangilinan currently owns and operates several successful restaurants, including Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza, Mix Mix Kitchen & Bar in Santa Ana (which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019) and ReMix Kitchen & Bar in Long Beach. Weber most recently served as executive chef of 24 Carrots, one of OC’s most sought-after catering companies, along with previous executive chef roles at Catal Restaurant at Downtown Disney, Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa and The Cannery in Newport Beach.”

“Guests can anticipate savoring classic bistro staples with modern California flavors and twists, from Escargot Ebelskivers with Sauerkraut, Buttermilk and Parsley to a “Croque Madame” Air Waffle with Comte Crème, Parisian Ham and Quail Egg, along with Ratatouille with Egg Yolk, Aged White Cheddar, Gochugaru Chili, Olive Oil & Crostini, and Dungeness Crab Chawanmushi with Sea Urchin, Red Yuzu Kosho and Saffron Dashi. Entrée-wise, there’s Spanish Octopus with Koji Crème Fraiche, Cured Green Tomato & Hemp Seed Crumble – as well as Prime Bavette Steak with Sauce Au Poivre and Whipped Potatoes.”

Populaire is located at South Coast Plaza on Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue wing.

Chef Nick Weber joins us.

Al Mancini of Neon Feast

When we last spoke with Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini he had just launched the ambitious Neon Feast dining app.

“Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android, Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

“In contrast to other crowdsourced restaurant review apps, the list of venues on Neon Feast is limited to only those that the experts recommend, currently approaching 500 eateries. The diverse all-star panel includes prominent local and national food writers, local chefs and foodies who were invited to share the restaurants they would recommend to friends and family (without compensation). Restaurants cannot “buy-in” to be included on the app, although premium features allow them to add reservation buttons, one-touch Uber calls and other elements. Some of the searchable filters and lists include cuisine types, neighborhoods, date night spots, late-night dining, breathtaking views, etc.”

Al Mancini is our guest to discuss Labor Day dining in Las Vegas and provide an update on the progress of Neon Feast.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

When we think of sturgeon it’s best known as the source of caviar. Some of us have perhaps enjoyed smoked sturgeon in a Jewish Deli. Fresh sturgeon is a somewhat hidden delicacy. Chef Andrew shares the joys of sturgeon as a center-plate protein and its sustainability in a farm-raised system.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: LA Weekly’s Food Editor, Michele Stueven on The Tam O’Shanter at 100 Part One
Segment Three: LA Weekly’s Food Editor, Michele Stueven on The Tam O’Shanter at 100 Part Two
Segment Four: Zapien’s Hatch Pepper Roast with Chef Marco Zapien of Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Pico Rivera
Segment Five: Populaire Modern Bistro at South Coast Plaza with Executive Chef Nicholas Weber Part One
Segment Six: Populaire Modern Bistro at South Coast Plaza with Executive Chef Nicholas Weber Part Two
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, Food & Entertainment Journalist, Las Vegas, and Creator of Neon Feast Dining App
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) with “Ask the Chef”

Show 419, April 3, 2021: “The Street Gourmet’s” Bill Esparza Part One

Street Gourmet Bill Esparza

The Street Gourmet, Bill Esparza, (a James Beard Award-winner for excellence in journalism,) revived the grand taco fest in Los Angeles in June of 2019 with Bill Esparza’s Taqueando, an all-you-could-eat taco lifestyle event, celebrating the best traditional and contemporary taqueros at Skylight ROW DTLA. Bill was previously the curator of LA Weekly’s Tacolandia from 2013-2017. The inaugural Taqueando was a spirited gathering of the best taquerias in Los Angeles, Mexico, the state of California, and in the USA for a grand tasting of America’s favorite snack; the taco.

Awaiting the ability to safely bring back Taqueando as an outdoor food festival, Bill has created a series of pop-up food events at the location of the former Church & State in Downtown Los Angeles under the name of Taqueando & Friends by Bill Esparza.” The residencies benefit struggling independent restaurateurs, chefs and their employees.

Next up is the unusual return of John Rivera Sedler’s (Eloisa in Santa Fe) lauded Rivera. It’s 6 nights only over 2 weeks on April 15th to 17th and then April 22nd to 24th.

Bill is also a valued contributor to Eater LA. Last week he published an update to his Best Oaxacan Food in L.A.” guide. We’ll ask him about the list.

Senor Esparza is our well-traveled guide.

Show 419, April 3, 2021: “The Street Gourmet’s” Bill Esparza Part Two

Street Gourmet Bill Esparza

The Street Gourmet, Bill Esparza, (a James Beard Award-winner for excellence in journalism,) revived the grand taco fest in Los Angeles in June of 2019 with Bill Esparza’s Taqueando, an all-you-could-eat taco lifestyle event, celebrating the best traditional and contemporary taqueros at Skylight ROW DTLA. Bill was previously the curator of LA Weekly’s Tacolandia from 2013-2017. The inaugural Taqueando was a spirited gathering of the best taquerias in Los Angeles, Mexico, the state of California, and in the USA for a grand tasting of America’s favorite snack; the taco.

Awaiting the ability to safely bring back Taqueando as an outdoor food festival, Bill has created a series of pop-up food events at the location of the former Church & State in Downtown Los Angeles under the name of Taqueando & Friends by Bill Esparza.” The residencies benefit struggling independent restaurateurs, chefs and their employees.

Next up is the return of John Rivera Sedler’s (Eloisa in Santa Fe) lauded Rivera. It’s 6 nights only on April 15th to 17th and April 22nd to 24th.

Bill is also a valued contributor to Eater LA. Last week he published an update to his Best Oaxacan Food in L.A.” guide. We’ll ask him about the list.

Senor Esparza is our well-traveled guide.

Show 268, April 7, 2018: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater LA Part Two

Farley ElliottFarley Elliott is the Senior Editor of Eater Los Angeles, a widely-followed digital publication that covers all things restaurant-related in Southern California and aims to break restaurant news. Since he joined Eater over 3-years ago the site has more than doubled in size.

He is also the author of the well-received book, Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, and has spent years chronicling the often fast-moving, make-or-break food scene in the city. He regularly appears on television, radio, and in print as one of the California’s foremost dining authorities.

Farley has written extensively for LA Weekly, Westways, KCET and SeriousEats.

For Eater LA Farley typically pens five articles a day, five days a week. He does not do “reviews.” He covers topics like breaking news (openings/closings), trend reports on the industry, significant issues including sexual assault, wage slavery and immigration. Farley also contributes features on the history and importance of restaurants in greater Southern California, from San Bernardino to San Luis Obispo to Orange County and beyond.

Show 226, June 3, 2017: 5th Annual Tacolandia Preview with “Tacorazza” Bill Esparza (The Street Gourmet)

Bill EsparzaThe madness that is LA Weekly’s 5th Annual Tacolandia presented by Tabasco returns on Saturday, June 17th at El Pueblo de Los Angeles with over 120 taco vendors from California, Mexico and beyond. The best-of-the-best tacos represented are personally selected by Street Gourmet’s Bill Esparza, known as the Tacorazza.

Visitors get to enjoy unlimited tastes of these signature tacos. Some are from prized family recipes that have been around for generations. The taco fiesta is paired with some thirst-quenching, ice-cold beer and margaritas.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel will be there with Slapfish. Thinking a lobster taco.

It’s Los Angeles’ largest ticketed taco festival and it continues to grow each year.

VIP is, unfortunately, already sold-out!

We’ll talk taco with Senor Bill.

Bill Esparza is back on the show on June 24th talking about his new book, L.A. Mexicano with a foreward by OC Weekly’s Editor, Gustavo Arellano.

Show 159, February 13, 2016: Kyle Meyer, Co-Founder, The Wine Exchange, Santa Ana

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeOur resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of The Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, is curating The Wine Village (along with partner Tristen Beamon) for LA Weekly’s The Essentials food and wine extravaganza on February 20th at The California Mart Center. Kyle uncorks his wine pairings. Unusually, a great effort has been made to suggest the proper wine pairings with the foods being offered.

What do you do with that just opened premium wine bottle that you’ve poured two glasses of wine from? Kyle has some practical tips for preserving the freshness of that wine. Beware that the wine is already declining just as soon as it’s opened.

Show 116, April 4, 2015: Tacolandia and Tacorazzo Bill Esparza

Bill EsparzaThe Third Annual Tacolandia presented by LA Weekly is set for El Pueblo de Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, June 6th. The featured attraction is 80 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza.

All restaurants have tasty samples of their signature gourmet tacos for attendees to enjoy. Complete with live mariachi music, cash bars with beer, wine and cocktails as well as awards for best tacos in various categories presented by The Vendys, Tacolandioa 2015 will be LA Weekly’s largest event of the year.

This year LA Weekly’s Tacolandia will partner with The Vendy Awards to crown six taco purveyors amongst the 80 of Los Angeles and Mexico’s top taco vendors who will be at the event. Three States in Mexico will be represented. Categories will include Best Traditional Taco, Best New School (Non-Traditional) Taco, Best Street Taco, People’s Choice and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tacolandia (already out of control) grows in popularity each year and there are a finite number of VIP and General Admission tickets available to assure guest comfort and avoid overcrowding. VIP tickets, unfortunately, are all gone. It’s expected that General Admission tickets will be sold-out by month’s end. GA pricing is $35 per ticket through April 12th. Make your plans accordingly…

Bill Esparza joins us with the tasty details.