Show 550, November 4, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Katianna Hong, Yangban, Arts District, DTLA Part One

Katianna Hong of the Yangban Society

Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather.  The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.”

“While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday. Serving dinner each evening, the restaurant recalls a Night Market with a curated playlist rotating through early-aughts hip-hip and the option to order a la carte or participate in a Yangban-style prix fixe menu”

“One year in, the genre-defying Korean-American culinary ‘conversation’ re-emerged after a transformative one-month overhaul of the space, revealing an ‘intentional evolution’ of the highly acclaimed restaurant. Featuring a full-service (more comfortable) dining room, and updated food and beverage programs, the concept remains at its core a modern Korean-American dining concept, rich in self-exploration, as told through the lens of seasonal California ingredients and set in a warm, communal environment.”

“The new phase of Yangban aims to offer guests the deeply personal dishes that convey the Chefs’ distinct perspective and upbringings as Korean Americans which they’ve become known for, but further embellished to highlight their nuanced culinary approach and usher in the next chapter for both the Hongs and Los Angeles’ rich Korean dining scene.”

Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a bowl Matzoh Ball Mandu stuffed with Grandma Sindy’s matzoh ball with chicken broth and shmaltz.

Show 550, November 4, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Katianna Hong, Yangban, Arts District, DTLA Part Two

Katianna Hong of the Yangban Society

“Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather. The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.”

“While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday. Serving dinner each evening, the restaurant recalls a Night Market with a curated playlist rotating through early-aughts hip-hip and the option to order a la carte or participate in a Yangban-style prix fixe menu”

“One year in, the genre-defying Korean-American culinary ‘conversation’ re-emerged after a transformative one-month overhaul of the space, revealing an ‘intentional evolution’ of the highly acclaimed restaurant. Featuring a full-service (more comfortable) dining room, and updated food and beverage programs, the concept remains at its core a modern Korean-American dining concept, rich in self-exploration, as told through the lens of seasonal California ingredients and set in a warm, communal environment.”

“The new phase of Yangban aims to offer guests the deeply personal dishes that convey the Chefs’ distinct perspective and upbringings as Korean Americans which they’ve become known for, but further embellished to highlight their nuanced culinary approach and usher in the next chapter for both the Hongs and Los Angeles’ rich Korean dining scene.”

Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a plate of Yangban Cheesecake (with a coconut biscuit and brown butter crust, coconut cream and local strawberry jam) at the ready.

Show 545, September 30, 2023: Chef Josiah Citrin – Launch of Charcoal Sunset, West Hollywood

Josiah Citrin of Melisse

Charcoal SUNSET (newly launched) is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals. Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal SUNSET is an everyday dining spot.” (This is the sister restaurant to the original Charcoal VENICE in Los Angeles.)

Last Saturday (Sept. 23rd) Chef Josiah was one of the chefs donating their time and food to the L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand Culinary Cookout benefit at UCLA. He served a dirty fried chicken sandwich on a brioche bun from Rockenwagner Bakery that was a big hit.

“Josiah Citrin is a culinary expert and veteran of Los Angeles’s gourmet dining scene, with more than 30 years of experience. He is chef and owner of Santa Monica, California’s Mélisse Restaurant. In December of 2019, Chef Citrin reopened the reimagined Mélisse restaurant as two distinct concepts- Citrin, a high-end ala carte dining experience that won one Michelin Star in 2022, and Mélisse, a 14-seat tasting menu, which won two Michelin Stars in 2021 and 2022. His culinary philosophy, “In Pursuit of Excellence” sets the standard for all his concepts, whether fine-dining or casual.”

Over Labor Day Weekend at the CIA Copia Campus in Napa, Chef Citrin was a member of the distinguished jury panel of Ment’or Foundation selecting Team USA 2024 to compete in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon, France in early 2025.

Chef Josiah takes a break from tending the embers to join us. (We’re actually talking with Chef Josiah who was in Paris, France.)

Show 502, December 3, 2022: Katianna Hong, Chef & Partner – Yangban Society and Yangban Super, Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles Part One

Katianna Hong of the Yangban Society

Yangban Society located in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles (in the previous home of Bon Temps Restaurant) draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences with California ingredients. Together, Chef / Proprietors Katianna & John Hong craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.” Chef Kat Hong takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

“Within Yangban Society resides the Yangban Super, a stand-alone specialty minimart. In addition to retail products, housemade pantry staples, snacks and drinks such as Korean fruit milks, face masks, and incense, Yangban Super showcases items from L.A. – based and Asian-American-owned businesses. Carefully-crafted housemade canned and bottled cocktails, interesting wines, beer and Yangban’s custom-made Sawtelle Sake Makgeolli are just a few selections that one can find in the diversified beverage program. The space also gives voice to Katianna’s and John’s passion for Hip Hop, fashion and streetwear culture. This is a reflection of their intension for Yangban Society to speak to their identities outside the kitchen.”

“Born in Korea and raised in upstate New York, Katianna spent much of her childhood training in competitive gymnastics, developing a profound sense of drive and discipline at an early age. After high school, Katianna uncovered her passion for the culinary arts and went on to study at the Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park and the UNLV School of Hospitality. Following graduation, Katianna furthered her education under the acclaimed chef Josiah Citrin at the Michelin two-starred Melisse in Santa Monica, California. Amid long kitchen shifts at Melisse, Katianna met her culinary collaborator and future husband, John. The two relocated to Napa Valley in 2011, where Katianna began working as a line cook at chef Christopher Kostow’s lauded The Restaurant at Meadowood. In 2014, she was named the restaurant’s first-ever chef de cuisine, simultaneously becoming the only female chef de cuisine at a Michelin three-star restaurant in the United States.”

“Following the birth of their daughter, Alessia, Katianna and John relocated to Southern California in 2019 to pursue their dream of opening their first solo restaurant project together. At Yangban Society, Katianna & John offer a multi-dimensional, autobiographical experience that showcases their respective backgrounds and upbringings, while providing standout to-go offerings and a dynamic neighborhood space for locals to gather.”

Standout dishes include Fried White “Soondae” Sausage with Vermicelli noodles, Matzoh Ball Soup with hand-torn Sujebi Dumplings and ethereal Whipped Cheesecake.

Show 502, December 3, 2022: Katianna Hong, Chef & Partner – Yangban Society and Yangban Super, Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles Part Two

Katianna Hong of the Yangban Society

Yangban Society located in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles (in the previous home of Bon Temps) draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences with California ingredients. Together, Chef / Proprietors Katianna & John Hong craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.” Chef Kat Hong takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

“Within Yangban Society resides the Yangban Super, a stand-alone specialty minimart. In addition to retail products, housemade pantry staples, snacks and drinks such as Korean fruit milks, face masks, and incense, Yangban Super showcases items from L.A. – based and Asian-American-owned businesses. Carefully-crafted housemade canned and bottled cocktails, interesting wines, beer and Yangban’s custom-made Sawtelle Sake Makgeolli are just a few selections that one can find in the diversified beverage program. The space also gives voice to Katianna’s and John’s passion for Hip Hop, fashion and streetwear culture. This is a reflection of their intension for Yangban Society to speak to their identities outside the kitchen.”

“At Yangban Society, Katianna & John offer a multi-dimensional, autobiographical experience that showcases their respective backgrounds and upbringings, while providing standout to-go offerings and a dynamic neighborhood space for locals to gather.” 

Show 463, February 26, 2022: Restaurateur & Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice Part One

Josiah Citrin of Melisse

Charcoal Venice is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin (Melisse, OpenAire at The Line Hotel and Dear John’s) that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals.”

“Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal Venice is an everyday dining spot.”

All of the creative condiments accompanying the steaks are house-made including the signature J-1 Steak Sauce.

There is a landscaped backyard patio in the rear of Charcoal (with efficient space heaters) for guests seeking a pleasant open air dining option.

Chef Josiah joins us with tongs in hand.

Show 463, February 26, 2022: Restaurateur & Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice Part Two

Josiah Citrin of Melisse

Charcoal Venice is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin (Melisse, OpenAire at The Line Hotel and Dear John’s) that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals.”

“Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal Venice is an everyday dining spot.”
All of the creative condiments accompanying the steaks are house-made including the signature J-1 Steak Sauce.

There is a landscaped backyard patio in the rear of Charcoal (with efficient space heaters) for guests seeking a pleasant open air dining option.

Also available is Charcoal – New Ways to Cook with Fire by Josiah Citrin and JoAnn Cianciulli.

Chef Josiah and Hans Rockenwagner (Rockenwagner Bakery) have a new restaurant collaboration on the horizon in Marina del Rey. Specifics as they are revealed…

Chef Josiah continues with us, a bottle of J-1 Steak Sauce at the ready.

Show 408, January 16, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

We’re previewing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Weekend show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Chef Josiah Citrin is the respected proprietor of Melisse & Citrin in Santa Monica, Openaire at the Line Hotel in Koreatown, Charcoal Venice and Dear John’s (retro, classic American steakhouse) in Culver City (in partnership with Hans and Patti Rockenwagner) as well as other properties. Chef Josiah joins us to provide the overview of how his establishments are serving guests right now with takeaway and delivery.

“Women restaurateurs from across Los Angeles have created a new charitable organization called RE:Her. Its debut initiative, a food festival called 10 Days RE:Her, will feature 10 days of unique collaborations, thematic menus, and one-on-one conversations between female industry leaders.” 10 Days RE:Her kicks off on January 21, the anniversary of the groundbreaking Women’s March of 2017, and runs through January 30. Over 100 restaurants and collaborators are involved. Observing local dining restrictions, aspects of the festival will take place virtually and remotely. “RE:Her is an affiliate of Let’s Talk, an industry group founded and led by Rohini Dey and supported by the James Beard Foundation. Let’s Talk unites over 250 women restaurateurs across 10 cities; the LA chapter is hosted by Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill & Socalo and Dina Samson (Rossoblu and Superfine Pizza.)”  Dina Samson and Chef Mary Sue Milliken are our guests with all the intriguing specifics of “10 Days RE;Her.”

Since 1995, Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been growing grapes and producing wines in Southern Arizona. The winery is supplied with distinctive, high-quality fruit from its two estate vineyards: Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita, and Cimarron Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement. Kelly & Todd Bostock are co-WineWorkers at Dos Cabezas WineWorks in Sonoita, Arizona – the winery they purchased in 2006 along with Todd’s parents, Paula & Frank Bostock. Dos Cabezas.

WineWorks has been producing great Arizona wines (typically blends) from the vineyards they farm (the Cimarron Vineyard in Willcox & the Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita) since pioneer Al Buhl started operations in 1995. Winemaker Todd Bostick joins us to pull the cork on Dos Cabezas WineWorks.

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 which is a genuine (and increasingly growing) concern. Extended restrictions for restaurants are now in place for Southern California for at least the first 3 weeks of January. Chef Andrew updates us on the inspiring progress for the grass-roots, 86 Restaurant Struggle campaign to benefit deserving out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have already distributed over $250,000 (as of today’s show) to restaurant workers in dire need. Chef Andrew also continues to explain his carefully considered, multi-point plan to bolster the fate of struggling restaurants right now. What’s in store for restaurants and dining in 2021?  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 408, January 16, 2021: Chef & Restaurateur Josiah Citrin of Melisse + Citrin, Openaire, Charcoal Venice and Dear John’s Part One

Josiah CitrinChef Josiah Citrin is the respected proprietor of Melisse & Citrin in Santa Monica, Openaire at the Line Hotel in Koreatown, Charcoal in Venice and Dear John’s (retro American steakhouse) in Culver City (in partnership with Hans and Patti Rockenwagner) as well as other properties. Chef Josiah is our guest providing the overview of how his establishments are serving guests right now with takeaway and delivery.

Chef Josiah’s Santa Monica flagship, the combination of Melisse & Citrin, presents each week a new, coursed menu available for pickup Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 7:00 p.m. The menus frequently honor Chef Josiah’s favorite chefs, restaurants or a particular ingredient. Different courses can be added on including the Black Truffle Risotto kit and the Black Truffle Pasta kit. The Dirty Chicken experience is also on the menu.

Openaire at the Line Hotel offers the weekly changing Taste of Openaire dinner menu. This week it’s Dry Aged Bone-In New York Steak, Hibachi grilled with Black Pepper Pineapple Jam. Saturday and Sundays from 9 to 1:00 p.m. it’s the Openaire Bottomless Brunch with the Bottomless Michelada Kit. The brunch affair can be order To Go as individual menu items or as the complete package.

Charcoal Venice at Home is on the menu at Charcoal Venice. You can Order the Charcoal Venice at home tasting menu via Tock for same-day pickup. You can also order the a la care menu directly from the Charcoal website. You can also order the a la care menu directly from the Charcoal website. This week it’s the Salsa Verde Half -Chicken experience.

Dear John’s in Culver City has a couple of carry away options plus delivery. The a la carte menu for pickup can be ordered directly from the Dear John’s website. Tock offers the a la carte menu plus the Steakhouse Dinner experience. This week it’s Shrimp Scampi Risotto and “Steak Diane” with Wild Mushrooms and Wagyu Sirloin. Delivery is available via Doordash.

Show 408, January 16, 2021: Chef & Restaurateur Josiah Citrin of Melisse + Citrin, Openaire, Charcoal Venice and Dear John’s Part Two

Josiah CitrinChef Josiah Citrin is the respected proprietor of Melisse & Citrin in Santa Monica, Openaire at the Line Hotel in Koreatown, Charcoal in Venice and Dear John’s (retro American steakhouse) in Culver City (in partnership with Hans and Patti Rockenwagner) as well as other properties. Chef Josiah continues with us providing the overview of how his establishments are serving guests right now with takeaway and delivery.

Chef Josiah’s Santa Monica flagship, the combination of Melisse & Citrin, presents each week a new, coursed menu available for pickup Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 7:00 p.m. The menus frequently honor Chef Josiah’s favorite chefs, restaurants or a particular ingredient. Different courses can be added on including the Black Truffle Risotto kit and the Black Truffle Pasta kit. The Dirty Chicken experience is also on the menu.

Openaire at the Line Hotel offers the weekly changing Taste of Openaire dinner menu. This week it’s Dry Aged Bone-In New York Steak, Hibachi grilled with Black Pepper Pineapple Jam. Saturday and Sundays from 9 to 1:00 p.m. it’s the Openaire Bottomless Brunch with the Bottomless Michelada Kit. The brunch affair can be order To Go as individual menu items or as the complete package.

Charcoal Venice at Home is on the menu at Charcoal Venice. You can Order the Charcoal Venice at home tasting menu via Tock for same-day pickup. You can also order the a la care menu directly from the Charcoal website. You can also order the a la care menu directly from the Charcoal website. This week it’s the Salsa Verde Half -Chicken experience. Chef Josiah looks forward to the return of his popular Patio Happy Hour once outside dining is again allowable.

Dear John’s in Culver City has a couple of carry away options plus delivery. The a la carte menu for pickup can be ordered directly from the Dear John’s website. Tock offers the a la carte menu plus the Steakhouse Dinner experience. This week it’s Shrimp Scampi Risotto and “Steak Diane” with Wild Mushrooms and Wagyu Sirloin. Delivery is available via Doordash.