June 3: Tacolandia, Breakwater Brewing, OC Foodie Fest Pub & Grub, Greg Daniels, Chinois on Main

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: 5th Annual Tacolandia Preview with “Tacorazza” Bill Esparza (The Street Gourmet)
Segment Three: Shannon Sager, CEO & General Manager, Breakwater Brewing Co., Oceanside
Segment Four: James Foxall, Pub & Grub’s Curator & Chef Jake McPeck, The Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck
Segment Five: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub, The James Beard Foundation’s Blended Burger Project
Segment Six: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Seven: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part Two

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s ample, and calorie-packed, show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The 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. The best-of-the-best tacos represented are personally selected by Street Gourmet’s Bill Esparza, known as the Tacorazza. We’ll talk taco with Senor Bill.

The 9th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-Off taps the craft beer keg in Temecula on Saturday afternoon, June 10th. One of the new participating craft breweries at the Microbrew Festival is Breakwater Brewing Co. in Oceanside. Founder Shannon Sager (CEO & GM) is our guest.

You’ve been hearing us talk about OC Foodie Fest’s Pub & Grub – A Culinary Crawl happening in Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, June 10th. It’s time to get the specifics. Joining us is James Foxall, the curator of Pub & Grub and Chef Jake McPeck of the crowd-pleasing Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck.

The national challenge of The James Beard Foundation’s annual Blended Burger Project is on! Answering the call in the OC is Chef Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub in Orange with his creation of the Haven Breakfast Burger. We’ll hear all about blended burger deliciousness with Chef Greg and how you can vote in support of Chef Greg’s creation!

Executive Chef Nick Liberato of Venice Restaurant Group and The Venice Whaler is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” Just in time for Summer The Venice Whaler has a new Dinner Menu, Brunch Menu and Cocktail Program. Chef Nick will fill us in with what’s new at the beach.

Longevity for a restaurant in the highly competitive Los Angeles restaurant arena isn’t an easy thing. Wolfgang Puck’s 2nd fine-dining restaurant in the Los Angeles area after Spago was Chinois on Main in Santa Monica. It launched in 1983 and is still a landmark dining destination in Santa Monica that consistently delivers. GM & Partner Bella Lantsman has, extraordinarily, been there since almost the beginning. We’ll meet her.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

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.

Shannon SagerIf you’ve been wanting to try out the burgeoning Southern California craft brew scene, this June in Temecula is your chance. Craft beer makers throughout Southern California and beyond will all come together in Temecula Wine Country for a festival in support of Habitat for Humanity. The 9thAnnual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-off is Saturday, June 10, from 1 – 5 p.m. inside the Pechanga Resort & Casino Grand Ballroom.

One of the new participating craft breweries at the Microbrew Festival is Breakwater Brewing Co. in Oceanside. The restaurant started brewing on-site in early 2009. Their 6.8 per cent Rye Dawn (a Brown Ale brewed with rye, oats, wheat and barley) won a Gold Medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup.

Founder Shannon Sager (CEO & GM) is our guest.

Guests must be 21 or older to attend. For tickets or for more information, visit Pechanga’s Website or call (877) 711-2946.

Jake McPeckYou’ve been hearing us talk about the upcoming OC Foodie Fest’s Pub & Grub – A Culinary Crawl happening in Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, June 10th. Attendees are invited to “crawl” through Downtown Santa Ana deliciously eating and drinking every step of the way.

It’s Orange County’s most mouth-watering edibles including smothered tots, addictive tacos, and piping hot churros. Multiple bars with craft beer, wine, and outrageous cocktails. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel will be represented there with Two Birds’ drool-worthy, Hot Fried Chicken Sandwiches.

The June 10th event will take place in two parts. The Artisan Bazaar, buy-as-you go area for a modest $10, will run from 12 Noon to 11:00 p.m. Tickets for the 2-sessions of the All-Access Area, all you can eat and drink section are $60. Tickets available now right here.

Joining us with all the details are James Foxall the curator of Pub & Grub and Chef Jake McPeck of the crowd-pleasing Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck. Mess Hall is famous at Festivals for their signature Drunken Sailor Tots. Just look for the long, line line…

Greg Daniels of Haven GastropubThe national challenge of The James Beard Foundation’s annual Blended Burger Project is on! Answering the call in the OC is Chef Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub in Orange with his creation of the Haven Breakfast Burger.

“The James Beard Foundations’ Blended Burger Project invites past and new Blended Burger Project™ participants to join a movement that strives to make burgers better by blending ground meat with chopped mushrooms, creating an incredibly delicious patty that’s healthier for your guests and more sustainable for the planet.”

The Haven Breakfast Burger contains more than 25% mushroom chorizo, combined with Haven’s custom grind, Tillamook sharp cheddar, maple coffee braised bacon, fried egg, arugula, and Haven ketchup, on an OC Baking Company double egg-washed brioche bun.

“My culinary team and I had a lot of fun creating a blended burger for the James Beard Foundation. Blending meat with mushrooms reduces calories, fat, and sodium while adding important nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, and B vitamins,” explained Chef Daniels, whose original Haven Burger has received national acclaim. “A blended burger also brings more sustainable, plant-based items to menus allowing Americans to enjoy the taste and flavor of the burgers they love, knowing it’s a healthier and more sustainable preparation.”

Haven Gastropub is asking guests to post photos with the hashtags #havenbreakfastburger and #blendedburgerproject. All guests who vote for their favorite blended burger online will also be entered to win an all-expense paid trip for two to the 2018 Blended Burger event at the James Beard House. More information and a list of all participating restaurants can be found online here.

We’ll hear all about blended burger deliciousness with Chef Greg.

Belle LantsmanLongevity for a restaurant in the highly competitive Los Angeles restaurant arena isn’t an easy thing. Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Pucks 2nd fine-dining restaurant in the Los Angeles area after Spago was Chinois on Main in Santa Monica. It launched in 1983 and is still a landmark dining destination in Santa Monica that consistently delivers with memorable food and polished service. Many of the professional servers have, unusually, been there for years.

Chinois on Main boldly combines Chinese tradition and fresh California ingredients with contemporary French techniques. The restaurant pioneered Asian fusion cuisine in the United States. Today, Chinois remains a culinary icon with its timeless interior design by Barbara Lazaroff, an open kitchen, full-service bar, and extensive (and expertly crafted) wine list.

The Executive Chef is Rene Mata. He started at Chinois on Main as a line cook in 1987.

GM & Partner Bella Lantsman has, extraordinarily, been there since almost the beginning. We’ll meet her.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: 5th Annual Tacolandia Preview with “Tacorazza” Bill Esparza (The Street Gourmet)
Segment Three: Shannon Sager, CEO & General Manager, Breakwater Brewing Co., Oceanside
Segment Four: James Foxall, Pub & Grub’s Curator & Chef Jake McPeck, The Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck
Segment Five: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub, The James Beard Foundation’s Blended Burger Project
Segment Six: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Seven: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part Two

Show 93, October 18, 2014: Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Andy Harris

Today’s Guest Host is Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the growing Slapfish empire.

Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” Producer, Andy Harris, preview the show.

Vancouver, British Columbia is a wonderful food town. The Fairmont Waterfront in downtown Vancouver also has a reputation for culinary excellence. Their new destination restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is ARC. Their motto is, “Life is Complicated, Good Food Shouldn’t Be.” We’ll get all the 411…

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” recently was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. This morning we continue our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard. With us is HAL’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin who also serves as Chairman of their celebrated Culinary Council.

The Careers through Culinary Art Program’s (C-CAP) Sweet & Savory Spectacular benefit is Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19th at the Art Institute of California Los Angeles campus in Santa Monica. C-CAP Advisory Board member Eric Boardman previews the event. Eric is an accomplished Food Television personality and producer.

The classic Venice Whaler (dating from 1944) located across from the beach in Venice has a new look and attitude. Specialty handcrafted cocktails are on the menu as well as “upscale dive-bar” cuisine created by Executive Chef Nick Liberato.

The creative forces behind the KTOWN Night Market are at it again. Their inaugural Halloween Food Fest comes to Koreatown for two days on October 25th and 26th. The Seoul Sausage Co. partners (winners of Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race Season 3) are “curating” the selection of diverse food outlets.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Show 93, October 18, 2014: Chef Nick Liberato & Venice Whaler Part One

Nick LiberatoThe classic Venice Whaler (dating from 1944) located across from the beach in Venice has a new look and attitude. Specialty handcrafted cocktails are on the menu as well as “upscale dive-bar” cuisine created by Executive Chef Nick Liberato (Spike TV’s Bar Rescue.”)

“We source from local farms, bakeries, and our in-house Chef’s Garden.”

There is live music in the Crab Shell Bar.

“Absorbing culture and passing it on through food is part of Chef Nick Liberato’s heritage. Raised believing that every day is a holiday which should be celebrated with food, wine, great conversation, and loved ones, Chef Nick has been cooking professionally for 18 years and now calls the Southern California coast his home.”

Show 93, October 18, 2014: Chef Nick Liberato & Venice Whaler Part Two

Nick LiberatoExecutive Chef Nick Liberato of the Venice Whaler continues.

Chef Nick is also an accomplished mixologist. Part of the repositioning of the Venice Whaler is a new emphasis on specialty handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients

The Bar Director is Anthony Settacase.

The signature “Crab Shell” Bloody Mary comes with a real crab claw instead of a celery stalk…

Weekend Brunch is now on the menu at the Venice Whaler. It’s 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. How about Short Rib Hash with roasted potatoes and a sunny side up egg ?

October 18: Andrew Gruel, Jet Tila, Fairmont Waterfront, Rudi Sodamin, Eric Boardman, Nick Liberato, KTown Night Market

Podcasts

Segment One: Chef Jet Tila
Segment Two: Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Andy Harris
Segment Three: Marc Witney, The Fairmont Waterfront
Segment Four: Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Holland America Liner
Segment Five: C-CAP’s “Sweet & Savory Spectacular” Benefit
Segment Six: Chef Nick Liberato & Venice Whaler Part One
Segment Seven: Chef Nick Liberato & Venice Whaler Part Two
Segment Eight: KTOWN Night Market’s Halloween Food Fest

Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish is today’s Guest Host.

Produce Marketing Association Fresh SummitThe Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo is this Saturday & Sunday, October 18th & 19th at the Anaheim Convention Center. Companies representing every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain will be there. Some 900 exhibitors from 60 countries will be welcoming 20,000 attendees.

Chef Jet Tila, the emeritus host of the “SoCal Restaurant Show,” will be there performing cooking demos on Saturday for Idaho Potatoes.

Chef Jet Tila host of the SoCal Restaurant ShowJet joins us from the floor at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center. He’s doing cooking demos at the Idaho Potato booth. About 20,000 attendees will pass through there on Saturday and Sunday.

Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” Producer, Andy Harris, preview the show.

Vancouver, British Columbia is a wonderful food town. The Fairmont Waterfront in downtown Vancouver also has a reputation for culinary excellence. Their new destination restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is ARC. Their motto is, “Life is Complicated, Good Food Shouldn’t Be.” We’ll get all the 411…

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” recently was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. This morning we continue our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard. With us is HAL’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin who also serves as Chairman of their celebrated Culinary Council.

The Careers through Culinary Art Program’s (C-CAP) Sweet & Savory Spectacular benefit is Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19th at the Art Institute of California Los Angeles campus in Santa Monica. C-CAP Advisory Board member Eric Boardman previews the event. Eric is an accomplished Food Television personality and producer.

The classic Venice Whaler (dating from 1944) located across from the beach in Venice has a new look and attitude. Specialty handcrafted cocktails are on the menu as well as “upscale dive-bar” cuisine created by Executive Chef Nick Liberato.

The creative forces behind the KTOWN Night Market are at it again. Their inaugural Halloween Food Fest comes to Koreatown for two days on October 25th and 26th. The Seoul Sausage Co. partners (winners of Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race” Season 3) are “curating” the selection of diverse food outlets.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Marc WitneyVancouver, British Columbia is a wonderful food town. The Fairmont Waterfront in downtown Vancouver also has a reputation for culinary excellence.

Dana Hauser, Executive Chef at The Fairmont Waterfront, hails from Newfoundland and brings a passion for regionally-inspired cuisine. Her culinary philosophy (influenced by the abundance of just-caught seafood) continues to focus on an appreciation for the freshest of ingredients sourced from neighboring farms and artisanal producers.

Their new destination restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is ARC. Their motto is, “Life is Complicated, Good Food Shouldn’t Be.”

The chef’s bench offers communal dining. Power lunches get guests in & out in an hour. Our guest, Marc Witney, is the Outlets Manager for The Fairmont Waterfront.

Rudi SodaminThe “SoCal Restaurant Show” recently was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile.

This morning we continue our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard. With us is HAL’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin who also serves as Chairman of their celebrated Culinary Council. (Australian Chef Mark Best is the newest member.)

An internationally respected food authority with 30 years of hospitality and cruise industry experience, Chef Rudi is perhaps the most highly decorated chef working on the world’s oceans. He is considered one of the hospitality industries most innovative and peripatetic chefs.

Chef Rudi has authored 13 cookbooks including his most recent, Holland America Line’s Appetizer’s (Rizzoli, June 2012.) Chef Rudi’s books can be found on Amazon.com and in bookstores everywhere.

The Careers through Culinary Art Program’s (C-CAP) Sweet & Savory Spectacular benefit is this Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19th at the Art Institute of California Los Angeles campus in Santa Monica.

C-CAP Advisory Board member Eric Boardman previews the event. Eric is an accomplished Food Television personality and producer (Food Network’s “Calling All Cooks”) and will be MCing the Sweet & Savory Chef’s Challenge at the Benefit.

The Challenge is a “Chopped”– style cooking competition where C-CAP graduates will compete for cash prizes to showcase their talents and test their skills, speed and creativity. It’s serious…

Nick LiberatoThe classic Venice Whaler (dating from 1944) located across from the beach in Venice has a new look and attitude. Specialty handcrafted cocktails are on the menu as well as “upscale dive-bar” cuisine created by Executive Chef Nick Liberato (Spike TV’s Bar Rescue.”)

“We source from local farms, bakeries, and our in-house Chef’s Garden.”

There is live music in the Crab Shell Bar.

“Absorbing culture and passing it on through food is part of Chef Nick Liberato’s heritage. Raised believing that every day is a holiday which should be celebrated with food, wine, great conversation, and loved ones, Chef Nick has been cooking professionally for 18 years and now calls the Southern California coast his home.”

Chef Nick is also an accomplished mixologist. Part of the repositioning of the Venice Whaler is a new emphasis on specialty handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients.

The signature “Crab Shell” Bloody Mary comes with a real crab claw instead of a celery stalk…

Koreatown Night MarketThe creative forces behind the KTOWN Night Market are at it again. Their inaugural Halloween Food Fest comes to Koreatown for two days on October 25th and 26th. Saturday is 2:00 p.m. to Midnight and Sunday is Noon to 9:00 p.m.

The Seoul Sausage Co. partners (winners of Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race Season 3) are “curating” the wide selection of food outlets. Look for the Lobsta Truck along with Seoul Sausage Co. It’s an international selection of flavors.

Podcasts

Segment One: Chef Jet Tila
Segment Two: Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Andy Harris
Segment Three: Marc Witney, The Fairmont Waterfront
Segment Four: Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Holland America Liner
Segment Five: C-CAP’s “Sweet & Savory Spectacular” Benefit
Segment Six: Chef Nick Liberato & Venice Whaler Part One
Segment Seven: Chef Nick Liberato & Venice Whaler Part Two
Segment Eight: KTOWN Night Market’s Halloween Food Fest