Show 507, January 14, 2023: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

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. Calico Fish House will be officially opening later this month.

In the headlines this week is the sad news that Chef Rene Redzepi’s Noma in Copenhagen, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world, will close at the end of 2024 because the business model is unsustainable. In California Chef David Kinch’s Manresa, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant in Los Gatos shuttered after 20-years at the end of 2022. Is high-end, fine-dining perhaps endangered? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos, specializing in clean and simple tacos, burritos and standout specialty sauces.

January 14: Extraordinary Banana Pudding, Brianne Grajkowski, Ricardo Zarate, Sweet Carolina’s Macarons

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Toran Grays, Proprietor, Extraordinary Banana Pudding, Participant, Long Beach Black Restaurant Week
Segment Three: Brianne Grajkowski, food & lifestyle blogger with Cooking with Kids
Segment Four: Executive Chef Ricardo Zarate, Colibri Peruvian Cantina, Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Ricardo Zarate, Colibri Peruvian Cantina, Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Sweet Carolina Macarons with Baker / Proprietress Carolina Larrea Part One
Segment Seven: Sweet Carolina Macarons with Baker / Proprietress Carolina Larrea Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

“The city-wide 2nd annual Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 22-29, 2023. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be an avenue to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, Long Black Restaurant Week is an eight day, city-wide event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.” One of the participating gourmet specialty food products firms in Long Beach Black Restaurant Week is Extraordinary Banana Pudding founded by Toran Grays in La Mesa in 2020. In October of 2021 Toran opened his 2nd Extraordinary Banana Pudding shop on Long Beach Blvd. We’ll meet him.

Brianne Grajkowski’s Cooking with Kids – Fun, Easy, Approachable Recipes to help Teach Kids How to Cook is, perhaps, the ultimate kids’ cookbook for parents to get their children involved in the kitchen. This must-have book features 101 fun, approachable, carefully chosen and easy recipes that will teach kids how to cook simple dishes and drinks for every meal of the day. From smoothies and savory Hawaiian waffles to a salami grilled cheese, chicken quesadillas, pumpkin cheesecake bites, sweet potato fries, and so much more, each kid-friendly recipe includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, helpful visuals, and engaging photography that will help them grow in the kitchen as they learn to use different kitchen utensils and tools.” Brianne Grajkowski is our guest with kid-safe knife in hand.

L.A.’s favorite Peruvian chef, Chef Ricardo Zarate (Causita) is now in Hollywood (in the former Los Balcones space on Vine Street) with the Colibri Peruvian Cantina Pop-Up. “It’s his sophisticated take on rustic Peruvian cuisine highlighting how it balances the opposites of hot and cold, acid and starch, and bright, colorful spices and flavors with mellower ones. Peru’s culinary heritage is incredibly diverse, melding together ingredients and techniques from Africa, Europe and East Asia, and Chef Ricardo celebrates this mélange of global flavors at Colibri Pop-Up.” There is also a menu of intriguing hand-crafted cocktails including the Chica Sour with pisco, Peruvian purple corn, lime, egg white, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters. It’s Dinner only. Chef Ricardo Zarate takes a break from his busy Colibri Kitchen to join us.

Our always on-the-go Social Media and Website Guru, Adam Bell, gets around town and is on the hunt for good food. He was fortunate enough to be invited to the premier party in Hollywood for HBO MAX’s Season Two of the acclaimed series, “The White Lotus.” Adam enjoyed the festivities (almost as good as a stay in Sicily) but as a foodie in good-standing what made the biggest impression with him was the gift box of French macarons from Sweet Carolina Macarons. Further research was then absolutely in order. The creator of Sweet Carolina Macarons is Carolina Larrea a graphic artist turned artisan baker. After the recovery from COVID she wanted to try something new and had been a serious home baker. Her flavors are Strawberries and Cream, Lemon Granache, Chocolate Granache and Chocolate Ganache with a Dulce de Leche heart. Baker Carolina Larrea continues as our guest.

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. In the headlines this week is that Chef Rene Redzepi’s Noma in Copenhagen, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world, will close at the end of 2024 because the business model is unsustainable. In California Chef David Kinch’s Manresa, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant in Los Gatos, shuttered at the end of 2022. Is high-end fine-dining perhaps endangered? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Toran Grays of Extraordinary Banana Pudding

“The city-wide 2nd annual Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 22-29, 2023. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be an avenue to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, Long Black Restaurant Week is an eight day, city-wide event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.”

One of the participating gourmet specialty food entities in Long Beach Black Restaurant Week is Extraordinary Banana Pudding founded by Toran Grays in La Mesa In 2020. The original recipe was created by Toran’s great-grandmother and passed down by the women in his Family. In October of 2021 Toran opened his 2nd Extraordinary Banana Pudding retail store on Long Beach Blvd. We’ll meet him. Extraordinary Banana Pudding serves some 30 varieties of Banana Pudding along with Pudding Tacos, Pudding-Filled Cupcakes and even a Pudding Sandwich.

Momprenuer Brianne Grajkowski

Brianne Grajkowski’s Cooking with Kids – Fun, Easy, Approachable Recipes to help Teach Kids How to Cook is, perhaps, the ultimate kids’ cookbook for parents to get their children involved in the kitchen. This must-have book features 101 fun, approachable, carefully chosen and easy recipes that will teach kids how to cook simple dishes and drinks for every meal of the day. From smoothies and savory Hawaiian waffles to a salami grilled cheese, chicken quesadillas, pumpkin cheesecake bites, sweet potato fries, and so much more, each kid-friendly recipe includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, helpful visuals, and engaging photography that will help them grow in the kitchen as they learn to use different kitchen utensils and tools.”

“Have a blast as you supervise and bond with your child while they grow their basic cooking skills and make delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond with Cooking with Kids!”

Brianne Grajkowski is our guest with kid-safe knife in hand.

Brianne Grajkowski is a food and lifestyle blogger behind the site BriGeeski.com. A mom of two who is known for creating fun and easy recipes she makes with her kids, Brianne is also an artist, creative entrepreneur, graphic designer, and adventure seeker who shares everyday recipes, travel ideas, things to do in San Diego, and life as a mompreneur.”

To learn more about Brianne, visit her website or follow her on social media.

Chef Ricardo Zarate

L.A.’s favorite Peruvian chef, Chef Ricardo Zarate (Causita) is now in Hollywood (in the former Los Balcones space on Vine Street) with the Colibri Peruvian Cantina Pop-Up. “It’s his sophisticated take on rustic Peruvian cuisine highlighting how it balances the opposites of hot and cold, acid and starch, and bright, colorful spices and flavors with mellower ones. Peru’s culinary heritage is incredibly diverse, melding together ingredients and techniques from Africa, Europe and East Asia, and Chef Ricardo celebrates this mélange of global flavors at Colibri Pop-Up.” There is also a menu of intriguing hand-crafted cocktails including the Chica Sour with pisco, Peruvian purple corn, lime, egg white, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters. It’s Dinner only.

Standout dishes include Ceviche Mixto with crispy calamari, sea bass, shrimp, leche de tigre, sweet potato, choclo and fried corn, and Tallarines Verdes with house made tagliatelle pasta, Peruvian pesto, sauteed king mushrooms and parmesan. For dessert there is Fried Churro Balls with caramel and Berry Sauce. It’s Dinner only.

Chef Ricardo Zarate takes a break from his busy Colibri Kitchen to join us.

Carolina Larrea of Sweet Carolina Macarons

Our always on-the-go Social Media and Website Guru, Adam Bell, gets around town and has his eyes out seeking good food. He was fortunate enough to be invited to the premier party in Hollywood for HBO MAX’s Season Two of the acclaimed series, The White Lotus.” Adam enjoyed the festivities (almost as good as a stay in Sicily) but as a foodie in good-standing what made the biggest impression with him was the gift box of standout French macarons from Sweet Carolina Macarons. Further research was then absolutely in order.

Macarons are a French pastry popularized in the United States by Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery. It’s a decadent meringue-based confection made with egg white, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond meal, and food coloring. The belief is that it first arrived in France from the Italian-born chef of Catherine de Medici.

The creator of Sweet Carolina Macarons is Carolina Larrea a graphic artist turned artisan baker. After COVID she wanted to try something new and had been a serious home baker all along. Her flavors are Strawberries and Cream, Lemon Granache, Chocolate Granache and Chocolate Ganache with a Dulce de Leche heart.

We’ll meet Carolina Larrea with rolling pin firmly in hand.

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.

In the headlines this week is the sad news that Chef Rene Redzepi’s Noma in Copenhagen, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world, will close at the end of 2024 because the business model is unsustainable. In California Chef David Kinch’s Manresa, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant in Los Gatos shuttered after 20-years at the end of 2022. Is high-end, fine-dining perhaps endangered? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Toran Grays, Proprietor, Extraordinary Banana Pudding, Participant, Long Beach Black Restaurant Week
Segment Three: Brianne Grajkowski, food & lifestyle blogger with Cooking with Kids
Segment Four: Executive Chef Ricardo Zarate, Colibri Peruvian Cantina, Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Ricardo Zarate, Colibri Peruvian Cantina, Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Sweet Carolina Macarons with Baker / Proprietress Carolina Larrea Part One
Segment Seven: Sweet Carolina Macarons with Baker / Proprietress Carolina Larrea Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 393, October 3, 2020: “A Chef’s Voyage” with Director Rémi Anfosso

Film Director Remi EnfasssoNewly released on Virtual Cinema is “A Chef’s Voyage.” The film follows Emmy (Mind of a Chef) and James Beard award-winning Chef David Kinch and his team from their 3 Star Michelin restaurant, Manresa, in Los Gatos, California for a one of a kind “four hands” collaboration in France with three legendary chefs at their iconic restaurants in Paris, Provence, and Marseille. The ambitious trip was a celebration of Manresa’s 15 Anniversary. The feature documentary was Directed (and Produced) by Rémi Anfosso. He joins us from France.

“Rémi Anfosso is a bi-lingual French director working in France and Los Angeles. A Chef’s Voyage (2020) is his feature film directorial debut. Other recent credits include directing/producing Love at First Heist (short/2016) with Attic Light Films, 1st assistant directing with producer Richard Linklater on I Dream Too Much (2015), starring Danielle Brooks and Diane Ladd, and producing with showrunner Nneka Onuorah on the Viceland documentary Queer & Fier(ce) (2019).”

“I believe that gastronomy, like any art, captures the real data on what it’s like to exist. In A Chef’s Voyage, it happens like a family affair: a quiet artist lives by a duty to exist and preserve his legacy within his “reassembled” family that is, his kitchen team. This is a tale of the land, the city and the sea, in which infinite labor meets loving creativity, thereby giving us faithful accounts on being alive.” – Rémi Anfosso

Show 390, September 12, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

The world’s first off the grid, fully sustainable, completely green 100% solar powered freezer, “The Beast,” has been placed and activated on the campus of Anaheim High School. The need for emergency cold storage for recovered excess edible food from the food service industry to distribute to non-profit food pantries has been a priority for Mike Learakos, Executive Director of Waste Not OC, and Impact The Change’s Founder, Jonathan Stone. “The Beast” was created from a forty-foot refrigerated cargo container, designed to ship food. During a power outage, its solar technology will generate its own green power, virtually eliminating food waste, and operate completely off of the electrical grid. Waste Not OC’s Mike Learakos joins us with the details.

Just released on Virtual Cinema is A Chef’s Voyage.” The film follows Emmy (“Mind of a Chef”) and James Beard award-winning Chef David Kinch and his team from their 3 Star Michelin restaurant, Manresa, in Los Gatos, California for a one of a kind “four hands” collaboration in France with three legendary chefs at their iconic restaurants in Paris, Provence, and Marseille. The ambitious trip was a celebration of Manresa’s 15 Anniversary. Chef David Kinch sabors the celebratory Champagne and joins us.

Newly arrived last year in Downtown Los Angeles in a tastefully restored Beaux Arts building is The Hoxton hotel with sister properties in Williamsburg, Portland, Chicago and International. Their 174 rooms are spread across four different size categories from Snug to Biggy, meaning there’s something to suit everyone. Destination restaurants located at Hoxton properties are a trademark. The Hoxton DTLA has Sibling Rival, the elevated, all-day restaurant located on the ground floor (temporarily closed,) and Pilot (service from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) on the rooftop (with eye-catching L.A. skyline views) which also includes the Pilot Bar adjacent to the pool. All the rooftop food & beverage spaces (outdoors) have reopened with all the health and safety protocols solidly in place. We’ll get the updated specifics from Executive Chef John Taube who oversees the ample culinary portfolio.

One of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 19 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series. Al joins us with his quarterly update on the Las Vegas dining scene. Labor Day Weekend was huge for them. He’ll preview what’s of particular interest to him in some major restaurant openings on the horizon. We’ll also find out about food & beverage available at the new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Ou t/ Delivery when you can surely helps… What’s an appropriate topping for pizza that compliments the pie versus clashes with it? Chef Andrew opened the can on the subject of the Hawaiian Pizza (didn’t actually originate in Hawaii) topped with pineapple last week. We’ll continue that spirited conversation along with discussing what savory toppings (including a variety of seafood) really enhance pizza from a culinary POV. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 390, September 12, 2020: Chef / Proprietor David Kinch of Manresa in Los Gatos

David Kinch of ManresaNewly released on Virtual Cinema is A Chef’s Voyage.” The film follows Emmy (Mind of a Chef) and James Beard award-winning Chef David Kinch and his team from their 3 Star Michelin restaurant, Manresa, in Los Gatos, California for a one of a kind “four hands” collaboration in France with three legendary chefs at their iconic restaurants in Paris, Provence, and Marseille. The ambitious trip is a celebration of Manresa’s 15th Anniversary.

“As soon as the Manresa team arrives in France, the crew prepares to cook alongside chefs and teams from three of the country’s best starred restaurants, and esteemed Relais & Chateaux members: Le Taillevent, L’Oustau de Baumanière and Le Petit Nice. Even for Kinch’s highly proficient team, it’s difficult to navigate their host kitchens and represent Californian gourmet cuisine on Michelin’s home turf while jetlagged, on a tight schedule, and with a language barrier.”

“Reminiscent of a classic “Rock Doc,” A Chef’s Voyage (directed by Remi Anfosso) goes behind the scenes of their ‘voyage’ as they stage five dinner and four lunch events over the course of just 10 days in the world’s most cinematic venues, observing culinary superstars and their young and diverse supporting cast, and ultimately create something much more than food.”

“A Chef’s Voyage” officially opens on Virtual Cinema in North America on Friday September 18th. Chef Josiah Citrin of Melisse (a longtime friend of Chef David’s) is preparing a five-course, limited availability To-Go dinner package as a tribute to the release of “A Chef’s Voyage.” It includes a special dessert collaboration with celebrity pastry chef Sherry Yard, a multiple James Beard Award recipient. (Manresa’s accomplished Pastry Chef, Courtney Moisant, describes Sherry as her career inspiration in the film.) Order via Tock for availability on Sept. 17th through 20th only. The takeaway dinner package includes a virtual ticket to a home viewing of “A Chef’s Journey” via Laemmle Theaters Virtual Cinema.

Chef David Kinch sabors the celebratory Champagne and joins us.

September 12: Waste Not OC, David Kinch, John Taube, Al Mancini

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Mike Learakos, Executive Director of Waste Not OC
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor David Kinch of Manresa in Los Gatos
Segment Four: Executive Chef John Taube, The Hoxton DTLA & Sunday Hospitality Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef John Taube, The Hoxton DTLA & Sunday Hospitality Part Two
Segment Six: Food Journalist Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part One
Segment Seven: Food Journalist Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

The world’s first off the grid, fully sustainable, completely green 100% solar powered freezer, “The Beast,” has been placed and activated on the campus of Anaheim High School. The need for emergency cold storage for recovered excess edible food from the food service industry to distribute to non-profit food pantries has been a priority for Mike Learakos, Executive Director of Waste Not OC, and Impact The Change’s Founder, Jonathan Stone. “The Beast” was created from a forty-foot refrigerated cargo container, designed to ship food. During a power outage, its solar technology will generate its own green power, virtually eliminating food waste, and operate completely off of the electrical grid. Waste Not OC’s Mike Learakos joins us with the details.

Newly released on Virtual Cinema is “A Chef’s Voyage.” The film follows Emmy (Mind of a Chef) and James Beard award-winning Chef David Kinch and his team from their 3 Star Michelin restaurant, Manresa, in Los Gatos, California for a one of a kind “four hands” collaboration in France with three legendary chefs at their iconic restaurants in Paris, Provence, and Marseille. The ambitious trip is a celebration of Manresa’s 15 Anniversary. Chef David Kinch sabors the celebratory Champagne and joins us.

Newly arrived last year in Downtown Los Angeles in a tastefully restored Beaux Arts building is The Hoxton hotel with sister properties in Williamsburg, Portland, Chicago and International. Their 174 rooms are spread across four different size categories from Snug to Biggy, meaning there’s something to suit everyone. Destination restaurants located at Hoxton properties are a trademark. The Hoxton DTLA has Sibling Rival, the elevated, all-day restaurant located on the ground floor (temporarily closed,) and Pilot (service from 7:00 a.m.to 10:00 p.m.) on the rooftop (with eye-catching L.A. skyline views) which also includes the Pilot Bar adjacent to the pool. All the rooftop food & beverage spaces (outdoors) have reopened with all the health and safety protocols solidly in place. We’ll get all the updated specifics from Executive Chef John Taube who oversees the ample culinary portfolio.

One of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 19 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series. Al joins us with his quarterly update on the Las Vegas dining scene. Labor Day Weekend was huge for them. He’ll preview what’s of particular interest to him in some major restaurant openings on the horizon. We’ll also find out about food & beverage available at the new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately take-out/delivery when you can surely helps… What’s an appropriate topping for pizza that compliments the pie versus clashes with it? Chef Andrew opened the can on the subject of the Hawaiian Pizza (didn’t actually originate in Hawaii) and pineapple on it last week. We’ll continue that spirited conversation along with discussing what savory toppings really belong on a pizza from a culinary POV. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Mike Learakos of Katella Grill and Waste Not OCThe world’s first off the grid, fully sustainable, completely green 100% solar powered freezer, “The Beast,” has been placed and activated on the campus of Anaheim High School.

The need for emergency cold storage for recovered excess edible food from the food service industry to distribute to non-profit food pantries has been a priority for Mike Learakos, Executive Director of Waste Not OC, and Impact The Change’s Founder, Jonathan Stone.

After three years of planning and building, ‘The Beast’ was created from a forty-foot refrigerated cargo container, designed to ship food. During a power outage, its solar technology will generate its own green power, virtually eliminating food waste, and operate completely off of the electrical grid.

“Local businesses are on board developing products for the unit to help protect, maintain inventory and manage temperature for thousands of vacuum sealed, frozen ‘Ready To Heat & Eat’ meals used to feed people that can’t get out for a nutritious, hot meal. This new cold storage unit will also help feed those in need during a disaster, regardless of power interruptions, including rolling black outs.”

David Kinch of ManresaNewly released on Virtual Cinema is A Chef’s Voyage.” The film follows Emmy (Mind of a Chef) and James Beard award-winning Chef David Kinch and his team from their 3 Star Michelin restaurant, Manresa, in Los Gatos, California for a one of a kind “four hands” collaboration in France with three legendary chefs at their iconic restaurants in Paris, Provence, and Marseille. The ambitious trip is a celebration of Manresa’s 15th Anniversary.

“As soon as the Manresa team arrives in France, the crew prepares to cook alongside chefs and teams from three of the country’s best starred restaurants, and esteemed Relais & Chateaux members: Le Taillevent, L’Oustau de Baumanière and Le Petit Nice. Even for Kinch’s highly proficient team, it’s difficult to navigate their host kitchens and represent Californian gourmet cuisine on Michelin’s home turf while jetlagged, on a tight schedule, and with a language barrier.”

“Reminiscent of a classic “Rock Doc,” A Chef’s Voyage (directed by Remi Anfosso) goes behind the scenes of their ‘voyage’ as they stage five dinner and four lunch events over the course of just 10 days in the world’s most cinematic venues, observing culinary superstars and their young and diverse supporting cast, and ultimately create something much more than food.”

Chef David Kinch sabors the celebratory Champagne and joins us.

John Taube of Sibling Rival at the Hoxton DTLANewly arrived last year in Downtown Los Angeles in a tastefully restored Beaux Arts building is The Hoxton hotel with sister properties in Williamsburg, Portland, Chicago and International. Their 174 rooms are spread across four different size categories from Snug to Biggy, meaning there’s something to suit everyone. Destination restaurants located at Hoxton properties are a trademark. The Hoxton DTLA has Sibling Rival, the elevated, all-day restaurant located on the ground floor (temporarily closed,) and Pilot (service from 7:00 a.m.to 10:00 p.m.) on the rooftop (with eye-catching L.A. skyline views) which also includes the Pilot Bar adjacent to the pool.

All the rooftop food & beverage spaces (outdoors) at The Hoxton have reopened with all the health and safety protocols securely in place. It’s Breakfast, Brunch, Happy Hour (2 to 6:00 p.m. Weekdays,) Mid-Afternoon and Dinner along with a Late Night menu. Many of the classic daytime menu items from Sibling Rival have temporarily migrated to Pilot until guests can again be served at Sibling Rival.

Pilot is named in tribute to The Hoxton, Downtown LA rooftop’s cameo in the 1921 film “Stranger than Fiction” where it served as the launch pad from which stuntman Frank Clarke and pilot Wally Timm flew their plane.

Weekend Specials include Spanish Paella for Two with Chorizo Sofrito and Fresco, Prawns, Mussels, Pee Wee Potatoes, Market Peppers and swerved with Pan de Tomat and Saffron Aioli.

Chef John’s team at Pilot DTLA also includes Chef de Cuisine Tyler Curtis and Pastry Chef Mallory Canyon.

We’ll get all the updated specifics from Executive Chef John Taube who oversees the ample culinary portfolio.

Al Mancini of the Las Vegas Review JournalOne of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 19 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series.

Al joins us with his quarterly update report on the Las Vegas dining scene. Labor Day Weekend was huge for them. There is a development this week on whether Vegas bars that serve food can reopen counter service that has created a lot of confusion for restaurateurs. We’ll also ask Al about the status of the iconic Las Vegas buffets. He’ll also preview what’s of particular interest to him in some major restaurant openings on the horizon. We’ll also find out about food & beverage available at the new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style PizzaOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

What’s an appropriate topping for quality pizza that compliments the pie versus clashes with it? Chef Andrew opened the can on the subject of the Hawaiian Pizza (didn’t actually originate in Hawaii) and pineapple on it last week. We’ll continue that spirited conversation along with discussing what savory toppings really belong on a pizza from a culinary POV. You may be surprised…We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Mike Learakos, Executive Director of Waste Not OC
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor David Kinch of Manresa in Los Gatos
Segment Four: Executive Chef John Taube, The Hoxton DTLA & Sunday Hospitality Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef John Taube, The Hoxton DTLA & Sunday Hospitality Part Two
Segment Six: Food Journalist Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part One
Segment Seven: Food Journalist Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 285, August 11, 2018: Farley Elliott, Senior Editor, Eater LA Part Two

Farley ElliottFood journalist Farley Elliott is the Senior Editor for Eater LA He contributes six pieces a day, five days a week to this very widely read on-line magazine and newsletter. He also graciously responds to readers’ feedback.

Farley talks about some major restaurant openings on the horizon. In the Arts District of Downtown he has his eye on Simone from Chef Jessica Largey (ex-Manresa) and Chicago’s Stephanie Izard who is bringing her acclaimed Girl and the Goat to L.A. next year.

Eater LA publishes a helpful daily newsletter that’s free for the asking. Sign up on their Website.