Show 286, August 18, 2018: 2018 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Los Angeles

Western Foodservice ExpoThe 2018 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will be held Sunday, August 19 – Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The tradeshow and conference will provide 9,000+ industry professionals with access to the hottest menu trends, state of the art design and decor, a renowned education program, special events, and 450+ of the leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community.

The tradeshow and conference, started in 1936 is managed by Clarion UX and sponsored by the California Restaurant Association.

The 2018 event will be co-located with Coffee Fest and Healthy Food Expo West, and attendees will have access to all three events.

“Our attendees have become accustomed to seeing the most influential names in the restaurant industry on Center Stage and our 2018 event will not disappoint the thousands of restaurant and foodservice professionals attending the upcoming Western Foodservice Expo,” said Tom Loughran, Vice President for the Clarion UX Food & Beverage Portfolio, “We are thrilled to be welcoming a terrific line-up of celebrity chefs who are involved with some of the leading restaurants in the country to Center Stage as well as present the Beacon and Torch Awards, and watch two exciting competitions.”

Representing the Expo is Tom Loughran, Vice President for the Show.

Show 238, August 26, 2017: Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director, California Restaurant Association Foundation

Alycia HarshfieldThe California Restaurant Association Foundation (celebrating their 35th Anniversary in 2017) is part of the annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo (for the restaurant trade) starting this Weekend (Sunday, Monday & Tuesday) at the Los Angeles Convention Center. They will have a fundraising booth there but their big event is The 6th Annual Culinary Cocktail Clash on the Main Stage on Sunday afternoon.

The Clash is a lively cooking and craft cocktail competition between restaurant brands – all to raise money for The Foundation’s ProStart high school culinary arts program. 500 guests are expected.

The California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRAF) has introduced a new philanthropic branch to its foundation, Restaurants Care, an emergency assistance fund to support restaurant workers facing an unforeseen hardship. To celebrate the launch of this new fund, CRAF will host an inaugural benefit dinner and reception called The Grateful Table on Saturday, September 9th, 2017. Bringing together some of the Orange County’s most influential chefs including Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar and Ryan Adams of 370 Common. The Grateful Table will feature a twilight reception followed by a farm-to-table family-style dinner held at the OC Fair & Event Center‘s Centennial Farm (88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa 92626) on September 9th, 2017 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Individual tickets range from $250 – $300 and are available for purchase online.

“We’re cooking up stronger communities in California. We give young people the skills they need to land a job and go to college. We give current restaurant employees financial assistance and peace of mind during an unforeseen crisis.”

Alycia Harshfield, the Executive Director of the California Restaurant Association Foundation, joins us with a preview.

Show 186, August 27, 2016: Ron Mathews, Vice President, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo

Western Foodservice ExpoThe largest annual gathering of foodservice executives, chefs and restaurateurs in the West is the 2016 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo on August 28th to 30th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There will be over 8,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors. It’s for the trade, only.

It’s 3-days of menu trends, state of the art design and décor, and the best in business education.

Thomas Keller of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group is receiving The Torch Award as part of the gathering.

Ron Mathews, Vice President of the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo joins us with a preview.

Show 142, October 17, 2015: John Fosselman, Fosselman’s Ice Cream, Alhambra

John FosselmanFosselman’s Ice Cream Co. “Using the finest ingredients available to make the most delicious ice cream” has been a local favorite since 1919. The ice cream is still handmade in small batches in Alhambra. It relocated there in 1941.

Fosselman’s has just introduced a flavor line of soft serve ice cream for restaurants. The line extension was done in association with Dog Haus, based in Pasadena. Fosselman’s soft serve and milkshakes will now be available in all Dog Haus locations.

“As a Pasadena-based restaurant, we’ve always had a deep respect for local businesses in our community like Fosselman’s that are as committed to quality as we are at Dog Haus,” observes Dog Haus partner Hagop Giragossian.

Co-owner John Fosselman (representing the 3rd generation of Family ownership) joins us with all the sinfully rich details.

The soft serve was just introduced to the greater restaurant community at the Western Foodservice Expo at the L.A. Convention Center. Next will be at the upcoming Fancy Food Show.

Show 135, August 22, 2015: Ron Mathews, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo

Western Foodservice ExpoThe 2015 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will be held Sunday, August 23rd to Tuesday, August 25th, 2015 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Show, the largest restaurant industry conference on the West Coast, is produced and managed by Urban Expositions, and sponsored by the California Restautrant Association.

The Expo brings together 400 plus vendors and some 8,000 restaurant and foodservice professionals. It is the most comprehensive marketplace for professionals serving the foodservice and hospitality industries on the West Coast. With hundreds of companies exhibiting the latest products, this event covers the entire spectrum of the foodservice industry. Restaurant owners and foodservice operators attend to gain the freshest, most meaningful menu of business boosting opportunities for the West Coast foodservice and hospitality markets.

Ron Mathews, Industry Vice President, Urban Expositions, producers of the annual event, joins us with all the 411. It’s for the trade, only.

Show 57, January 18, 2013: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris

Los Angeles Times Travel ShowDon’t forget the Los Angeles Times Travel Show on January 18th & 19th at The L.A. Convention Center. There is a fun travel opportunity waiting for every budget. Save $2 per ticket with Promo Code: TRAVEL4.

You know the lovely Antonia Lafaso from Bravo’s “Top Chef” and Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Chef Antonia will be talking about her new restaurant, Scopa. The ace photojournalist from the Los Angeles Times is along to preview his presentation at the Los Angeles Times Travel Show and give us some insider’s tips on better food photography with smartphones. Kedric Francis, the dashing Executive Editor about town, previews the upcoming Restaurant Issue of The Orange County Register Magazine.

All of that and lots more guaranteed deliciousness on the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

Show 57, January 18, 2013: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times

Mark BosterThe 16th Annual Los Angeles Times Travel show returns to the West Hall of the LA Convention Center on January 18 & 19. Veteran Los Angeles Times photojournalist, Mark Boster, is with us to preview his presentation at the show.

Mark is on the LA Times Stage both Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with his “Postcards From the West” presentation. He’s doing this with LA Times Travel Writer Christopher Reynolds.

In an exclusive for our listeners Mark Boster is sharing tips for taking great food shots!

Boster is also quite an expert on California’s great treasure, Yosemite. He is the author of the acclaimed coffee table book, Four Seasons of Yosemite: A Photographer’s Journey with a forward by Robert Redford.

Show 57, January 18, 2013: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Continues…

Mark BosterMark is the co-presenter of “Postcards from the West” on the LA Times Stage at The Los Angeles Times Travel show at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 18th & 19th.

A photojournalist for 37 years and a Times photographer since 1983, Mark has covered presidential campaigns, the war in Kosovo, the 1984 Olympics, Super Bowls, the World Series, the Northridge earthquake, and Hurricane Katrina.

In this especially informative segment Mark shares an expert’s tips for better food photography using a smartphone. Make use of natural light wherever possible and be mindful of the framing of the shot.

Don’t worry and do experiment. The first shot may not be usable.

January 18: Antonia Lafaso, Mark Boster, Kedric Francis, Skyler Reeves

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part One
Segment Three: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part Two
Segment Four: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part One
Segment Five: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part Two
Segment Six: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor, Orange County Register Magazine, Coast Magazine
Segment Seven: Skyler Reeves, master barman, co-producer of Golden State of Cocktails
Segment Eight: Chef Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris of “SoCal Restaurant Show”

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Los Angeles Times Travel ShowDon’t forget the Los Angeles Times Travel Show on January 18th & 19th at The L.A. Convention Center. There is a fun travel opportunity waiting for every budget. Save $2 per ticket with Promo Code: TRAVEL4.

You know the lovely Antonia Lafaso from Bravo’s “Top Chef” and Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Chef Antonia will be talking about her new restaurant, Scopa. The ace photo journalist from The Los Angeles Times is along to preview his presentation at The Los Angeles Times Travel Show and give us some insider’s tips on better food photography with smart phones. Kedric Francis, the dashing Executive Editor about town, previews the upcoming Restaurant Issue of The Orange County Register Magazine.

All of that and lots more deliciousness on the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

Antonia Lofaso of Black Market Liquor Bar and Scopa Italian RootsFor a chef with as much media exposure as she has received Antonia Lofaso is refreshingly low-key. Her name is not even on the menu for the two successful restaurants in Los Angeles that she is both executive chef & partner of. The popular restaurants are Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City and, the newest, Scopa Italian Roots in Marina del Rey, her loving homage to Italian-American red sauce cooking.

You first met Chef Antonia on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 4 set in Chicago. Two years later she was invited back to compete on “Top Chef All-Stars” where she battled to the finals.

Antonia currently serves as one of the regular judges on Food Network’s hit series, “Cutthroat Kitchen” hosted by Alton Brown. Season 2 is now airing on Sunday nights.

Chef Antonia is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York and cooked at Spago. Her first executive chef post was at SBE’s Foxtail in West Hollywood.

Scopa, located next door to Roy Choi’s Sunny Spot, is her latest venture.

There is a huge antipasti bar where all the cheeses and salumi are cut and plated to order right in front of the guests. The Italian Hero (coppa, prosciutto, salami, provolone, olive oil, and vinegar) is very popular.

There is also an oyster bar.

The varied menu also offers salads, pasta, large plate mains, and seasonal sides including polenta. The Pappardelle with pork shank, stracciatella, and arugula is a standout. The flavorful T-Bone is a meat-lovers’ dream.

Antonia’s first cookbook, published in 2012, is still available via Amazon. It’s The Busy Mom’s Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, Home-Cooked Meals. Antonia has a teenage daughter and the recipes were developed through the eyes of a hardworking single mom.

Mark BosterThe 16th Annual Los Angeles Times Travel show returns to the West Hall of the LA Convention Center on January 18 & 19. Veteran Los Angeles Times photojournalist, Mark Boster, is with us to preview his activities at the show.

Mark is on the LA Times Stage both Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with his “Postcards From the West” presentation. He’s doing this with LA Times Travel Writer Christopher Reynolds.

In an exclusive for our listeners Mark Boster is sharing tips for taking great food shots!

Boster is also quite an expert on California’s great treasure, Yosemite. He is the author of the acclaimed coffee table book, Four Seasons of Yosemite: A Photographer’s Journey with a forward by Robert Redford.

Mark is the co-presenter of “Postcards from the West” on the LA Times Stage at The Los Angeles Times Travel show at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 18th & 19th.

A photojournalist for 37 years and a Times photographer since 1983, Mark has covered presidential campaigns, the war in Kosovo, the 1984 Olympics, Super Bowls, the World Series, the Northridge earthquake, and Hurricane Katrina.

In this informative segment Mark shares an expert’s tips for better food photography using a smartphone.

Kedric Francis of Coast Magazine and the Orange County Register MagazineOur favorite debonair man about Orange County, Kedric Francis, is back with us with a preview of the upcoming “Restaurant Issue” of The Orange County Register Magazine which is with the newspaper on Monday, January 20th. Kedric is the restaurant-savvy Executive Editor of both Coast Magazine and The Orange County Register Magazine.

One of the most intriguing pieces is Orange County chefs who have professional ties to one of America’s great chefs, Thomas Keller. You know Chef Keller’s name from the French Laundry in Yountville, CA., Per Se in New York, Bouchon, and the Bouchon Bakeries. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at some of the OC chefs who have worked for Thomas Keller earlier in their careers.

Skyler ReevesSkyler Reeves is a master barman. Denizens of Downtown Los Angeles’ popular nightlife scene will know him from 213 Downtown. He’s one of the best…

His new project is co-producing the upcoming “Golden State of Cocktails.” It takes place January 27th through 30th primarily on the historic top floor of the Los Angeles Times Building in Downtown Los Angeles. This space was the former executive offices and the grandeur of the floor will surely impress. The educational event is designed exclusively for the trade.

“California’s long awaited large-scale cocktail event is finally here: Announcing Golden State of Cocktails! Staged in Los Angeles, the West Coast’s largest city and California’s anchor, Golden State of Cocktails celebrates all aspects of cocktail culture, both industry and consumer, from San Francisco to Los Angeles to San Diego and everywhere in between. Be a part of the inaugural event in one or more ways. From experiential interactive labs, take-away stations and brand immersion rooms, Golden State of Cocktails takes a hands-on approach to the learning experience and celebrates the best of what California cocktail culture is all about.” The event is open to restaurateurs, chefs, bartenders and people associated with the trade.

Chef Jet Tila host of the SoCal Restaurant ShowWe receive intriguing food related questions via social media…

Today Chef Jet is answering a sampling of those inquiries on the air. He’ll weigh-in on salt in food, the new regulation in California that food handlers touching raw food products must wear gloves, and the Letter Grade rating system for restaurants in effect in many California counties.

This will definitely get interesting…

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part One
Segment Three: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part Two
Segment Four: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part One
Segment Five: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part Two
Segment Six: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor, Orange County Register Magazine, Coast Magazine
Segment Seven: Skyler Reeves, master barman, co-producer of Golden State of Cocktails
Segment Eight: Chef Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris of “SoCal Restaurant Show”

Show 56, January 11, 2013: Jessica Gelt, Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times Travel ShowThe 16th Annual Los Angeles Times Travel show returns to the West Hall of the L.A. Convention Center on January 18 & 19. Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, Jessica Gelt, is with us to preview her activities at the show.

Gelt has written extensively about food, nightlife, entertainment and travel for The Times. She sometimes combines a few different beats within one entertaining story.

She is moderating two sessions of the same panel, “On the Road: Traveling for Music & Festivals” both days at Noon on the LA Times Stage.

Jessica also shared some insider tips about finding the best food at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. It helps to have VIP access…