Show 657, December 13, 2025: The Milky Way, Los Angeles with Executive Chef Phil Kastel – Special Hanukkah Boxes

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Adam Bell

“The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, starts at sundown on Sunday, December 14^th. A tradition at The Milky Way (a long-established Kosher-Dairy restaurant) in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles is the availability of special Hanukkah Boxes available from December 14^th through December 22^nd.”

“The Latke Kits contain a dozen crispy Latkes with sour cream and Chef Phil Kastel’s house-made apple compote along with reheating instructions.”

“The salivating Sufganiyot Box features six decadent Jelly Doughnuts made by The Milky Way’s friends at Mensch Bakery.”

“Each order comes beautifully packaged in Milky Way’s blue tulip boxes and make perfect additions to any holiday gathering. Add a handwritten gift note at no extra cost. Their Hanukkah Boxes will be available for curbside pickup and delivery via their website (minimum 48 hours’ notice required). Last-minute orders can be placed via DoorDash, or by calling the restaurant directly at 310-859-0004.”

The Milky Way’s executive chef, Phil Kastel, joins us with a decorative Latke Box at the ready.

December 13: ISM Brewing & Kitchen, OC Baking Co., Coravin, Carla & Linda’s Local Tours, Milky Way LA

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: ISM Brewing & Kitchen, OC Baking Co and Soup’d Up, Coravin
Hour Two: Coravin, Carla & Linda’s Local Food Tours, The Milky Way, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: ISM Brewing & Kitchen, Downtown Long Beach with Restaurateur Ian McCall
Segment Three: OC Baking’s Christmas Eve Holiday Pop-Up Market with Baker Dean Kim and Soup’d Up’s Lisa Gilmore
Segments Four and Five: Coravin Wine Savers’ Founder & Inventor, Greg Lambrecht
Segment Six: Carla & Linda’s Local Tours in Oceanside
Segment Seven: The Milky Way, Los Angeles with Executive Chef Phil Kastel – Special Hanukkah Boxes
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-host) of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

“Ian McCall’s ISM Brewing & Kitchen in Downtown Long Beach marks its second anniversary with a three-day celebration (December 12^th – 14^th) highlighting fresh beer, community partnerships, culinary creativity, and local artistry. The anniversary weekend invites guests to celebrate alongside the ISM team with three days of fresh craft beer, friends, and family. ISM’s kitchen will offer a special “greatest hits” menu along with limited-time dishes created by the culinary team, led by Chef Bobby Gill.” Ian McCall joins us to tap the keg on all that is ISM Brewing.

Every Christmas Eve Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking in Orange puts on a mouthwatering Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up featuring the very best in local food products from area small businesses. It’s everything from artisan pastries, holiday breads, pie, cakes, handmade treasures and even gourmet soup. The doors open at 8:00 a.m. and it runs until 1:00 p.m. Most participants operate on a cash basis. Joining us is OC Baking’s Master Baker Dean Kim and Lisa Gilmore of Soup’d Up.

“Coravin, Inc. is the leading global innovator of wine-by-the-glass systems, transforming how the world experiences wine. Since the company launched in the USA in 2013, Coravin’s pioneering technology has empowered trade professionals and wine lovers alike to explore, enjoy and serve wine without compromise. Trusted by leading sommeliers, retailers and wine lovers around the world, the Coravin portfolio includes Coravin Timeless, Coravin Pivot and Coravin Sparkling wine-by-the-glass systems. These systems allow wine to be poured in any amount, at any time, with the remaining wine completely unaffected — even years later.” Founder and Inventor Greg Lambrecht joins us to uncork all that is Coravin.

Food walking tours led by knowledgeable locals are a great way to experience the local flavors of any destination. “Oceanside’s Carla & Linda’s Local Tours offers area specific beer, wine and food tours. As true insiders’ guests experience an intriguing variety of the local flavors in Oceanside and nearby Vista. Local Tours operates a tour company that shows guests the unique things Oceanside has to offer. The tours specialize in the community’s food, beer and wine scenes while celebrating the independently owned businesses that make Oceanside so special. Tour guests meet innovative Chefs, world renowned brewers and winemakers. Guests interact with locals to eat, drink, explore and support Oceanside while making new friends along the way. Food is a great common denominator.” The Co-founder of Carla & Linda’s Local Tours, Linda Pina, is our guest.

The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, starts at sundown on Sunday, December 14^th. A tradition at The Milky Way (a long-established Kosher-Dairy restaurant) in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles is the availability of special Hanukkah Boxes available from December 14^th through December 22^nd. “The Latke Kits contain a dozen crispy Latkes with sour cream and Chef Phil Kastel’s house-made apple compote along with reheating instructions. The salivating Sufganiyot Box features six decadent Jelly Doughnuts made by The Milky Way’s friends at Mensch Bakery.” The Milky Way’s executive chef, Phil Kastel, joins us with a decorative Latke Box at the ready.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. How important are Michelin Stars or any Michelin recognition to a thriving restaurant? What is the Bib Gourmet designation? How are the annual Michelin judgements determined? Chef Andrew explains…

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

“In 2025, ISM earned significant recognition on the global and national stage, bringing home two silver medals at the World Beer Cup for Hamburghini, its Italian Pilsner, and Plough & Harrow, its Classic Saison. The brewery also secured a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in the New Zealand-Style IPA category for Chepedelic. Throughout the year, ISM continued to build community through food and beer collaborations with Hamburgers Nice, Got Your Back LB, Loquat Oysters, Battambong BBQ, LA Taco, Terrible Burger, and Moonlight Mash.”

“The anniversary weekend invites guests to celebrate alongside the ISM team with three days of fresh beer, friends, and family. ISM’s kitchen will offer a special “greatest hits” menu along with limited-time dishes created by the culinary team, led by Chef Bobby Gill.”

Ian McCall joins us to tap the keg on all that is ISM Brewing.

Dean Kim of OC Baking Company at KLAA Studios

Every Christmas Eve Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking in Orange puts on a mouthwatering Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up featuring the very best in local food products from area small businesses. It’s everything from artisan pastries, holiday breads, pie, cakes, handmade treasures and even gourmet soup. The doors open at 8:00 a.m. and it runs until 1:00 p.m. For best selection plan to arrive early! Most participants operate on a cash basis.

Joining us is OC Baking’s Master Baker Dean Kim and Lisa Gilmore of Soup’d Up.

“Coravin, Inc. is the leading global innovator of wine-by-the-glass systems, transforming how the world experiences wine. Since the company launched in the USA in 2013, Coravin’s pioneering technology has empowered trade professionals and wine lovers alike to explore, enjoy and serve wine without compromise.”

“Trusted by leading sommeliers, retailers and wine lovers around the world, the Coravin portfolio includes Coravin Timeless, Coravin Pivot and Coravin Sparkling wine-by-the-glass systems. These systems allow wine to be poured in any amount, at any time, with the remaining wine completely unaffected — even years later.”

“Coravin was born from my personal desire to enjoy any wine, in any amount, without the pressure to finish the bottle. As I savored that remarkable glass of Hermitage, the true power of that freedom became clear. I realized at that moment that every bottle, no matter how rare or special, was now accessible, one perfect glass at a time.” Greg Lambrecht, Founder and Inventor

Founder and Inventor Greg Lambrecht joins us to uncork all that is Coravin.

Linda Pina of Carla and Linda's Food Tours

Food walking tours led by knowledgeable locals are a great way to experience the local flavors of any destination. Oceanside’s Carla & Linda’s Local Tours “offers area specific beer, wine and food tours. As true insiders guests experience an intriguing variety of the local flavors in Oceanside and nearby Vista.”

“Local Tours operates a tour company that shows guests the unique things Oceanside has to offer. The tours specialize in the community’s food, beer and wine scenes while celebrating the independently owned businesses that make Oceanside so special. Tour guests meet innovative Chefs, world renowned brewers and winemakers. Guests interact with locals to eat, drink, explore and support Oceanside while making new friends along the way. Food is a great common denominator.”

“Carla & Linda’s Local Tours takes about 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Carla & Linda walk the guests to their favorite restaurants, breweries and wineries. The hosts provide guests with tastings of specially chosen items. During the tour Carla and Linda provide some appetizing history of the restaurant, the chef and the surrounding area.”

The Co-founder of Carla & Linda’s Local Tours, Linda Pina, is our guest.

“The Latke Kits contain a dozen crispy Latkes with sour cream and Chef Phil Kastel’s house-made apple compote along with reheating instructions.”

“The salivating Sufganiyot Box features six decadent Jelly Doughnuts made by The Milky Way’s friends at Mensch Bakery.”

The Milky Way’s executive chef, Phil Kastel, joins us with a decorative Latke Box at the ready.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

How important are Michelin Stars or any Michelin recognition to a thriving restaurant? What is the Bib Gourmet designation? How are the annual Michelin judgements determined? Michelin is, of course, a for-profit company. How do they monetize their ratings? Chef Andrew explains…

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: ISM Brewing & Kitchen, OC Baking Co and Soup’d Up, Coravin
Hour Two: Coravin, Carla & Linda’s Local Food Tours, The Milky Way, Andrew Gruel

Show 608, December 21, 2024: The Milky Way, Los Angeles – Latke To-Go Kits and Lights & Latkes Dinner

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Adam Bell

NOTE: Due to technical issues at KLAA, the majority of hour two was not recorded and we don’t have podcast segments for segments 6-8. The SoCal Restaurant Show apologizes for the inconvenience.

“Opened in 1977 by Bernie & Leah (Spielberg) Adler, The Milky Way is a storied, family-owned Kosher Dairy restaurant located in the heart of the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. Their New American menu is a celebration of California’s bounty of fresh, seasonal produce and sustainably-sourced seafood, carefully selected and thoughtfully prepared. Now under the ownership of the next generation of Spielbergs, The Milky Way continues to be a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, as well as a tribute to the family’s beloved mother Leah, warmly known as LeeLee. Her adventurous spirit and tireless sense of hospitality imbue everything from the décor to the menus to the way The Milky Way treats their guests—as she would—like family.”

For Hanukkah The Milky Way is offering Executive Chef Phil Kastel’s Latke To-Go Kits. It’s a dozen latkes with sour cream and house-made apple compote packaged in The Milky Way’s custom blue tulip boxes. Available from December 25th to January 2^nd, 2025. Curbside pickup or order via Milky Way’s site or DoorDash.

On Wednesday December 25^th at 6:00 p.m. the first night of Hanukkah, The Milky Way is hosting a Lights & Lakes Dinner with a festive Menorah Lighting. The Hanukkah menu specials feature premium Israeli wine, their soon-to-be famous Latkes, Chef Phil’s seasonal specials, and sufganiyot jelly doughnuts.

General Manager Stephanie Wilson is our guide to all the Holiday doings at The Milky Way.

Show 578, May 18, 2024: Restaurateur Bob Spivak with Saved by a Blonde & a Chicken Pot Pie – A Restaurateur’s Memoir

Posted on May 19, 2024 by Adam Bell

“In Saved by A Blonde & A Chicken Pot Pie – A Restaurateur’s Memoir, restaurateur Bob Spivak (The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills, The Daily Grill‘s and Public School Restaurant + Bar recounts growing up in the restaurant business, how athletics and ingenuity helped him succeed despite living with dyslexia, and the lunch meeting that changed the course of his life, personally and professionally.”

“A lifelong veteran of the food and beverage industry, Bob’s passion for hospitality, love of people and keen business savvy have made him both a respected and beloved figure to generations of restaurant workers and guests.”

“Bob Spivak is the past chairman of the California Restaurant Association, a Director for the California Culinary Academy, and the recipient of many awards, including Restaurateur of The Year from the California Restaurant Association.”

On Thursday evening, May 30^th as part of The Milky Way restaurant’s (Pico-Robertson neighborhood of LA) ongoing Book Series, Bob Spivak will be in residence with “An Evening with Bob Spivak.” Count on Bob sharing entertaining hospitality stories and a special 3-course menu from Executive Chef Phil Kastel (an alum of Bob Spivak’s Grill Concepts, Inc.)

Bob Spivak joins us with a chicken pot pie alongside a bowl of signature Smokey Joe’s BBQ Beans at the readyat the ready.

Show 554, December 2, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Adam Bell

Jeune et Jolie (Young & Beautiful in French) in Carlsbad is a highly acclaimed, One Star Michelin rated, fine-dining establishment overseen by Executive Chef Eric Bost (ex-Auburn in Los Angeles) and proprietor John Resnick. “It’s culinary experience celebrating the moment, reimagining French cuisine through the vibrant lens of the Southern California landscape, with a 4-course menu in which guests make their own selections, offered at $115 per person. Reservations are available for dining inside the restaurant or outdoors on the garden patio beneath twinkling stars.” Jeune et Jolie’s sister establishment in Carlsbad is the more casual, New American, Campfire, also led by Chef Eric Bost. “It’s a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, celebrating the spirit of their name as guests gather around a fire while the kitchen creates honest food to share it with friends.” Chef Eric Bost takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

“The 3rd Annual Long Beach International Tamales Festival will take place December 9, 2023. The wildly popular holiday event will take place at Long Beach City College PCH campus located at 1350 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and will include music, food, drinks, performances, Best Homemade Tamale Contest and more. Organized by Long Beach Home + Living, a local lifestyle multimedia outlet, the event is devoted to celebrating the diverse Tamale-making restaurants, pop-ups and food trucks around Long Beach. The event is designed to be a medium to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Latin food scene featuring holiday tamales.” Co-organizer Sal Flores joins us with a plate of freshly steamed traditional tamales in hand.

The original Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is located in The District in Tustin. “The interior promises a hip, lively & sophisticated atmosphere, with dark woods, leather and velvet bar stools. The state-of-the-art 7,500 bottle cellar is one of the largest in Orange County. The Winery Restaurant & Bar is open daily for lunch & dinner & features a wine tasting bar with a full bar menu and cigar patio.” There are elegant sister Winery Restaurant locations on The Bay in Newport Beach and in La Jolla. All locations are perfect for special Holiday parties. Each restaurant hosts Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners with special menus. Their popular Gift Card promotion is available through the end of the year. If a guest purchases $300 in Gift Cards they are rewarded with an extra $50 Gift Card. For a $500 Gift Card purchase the reward is a cool $100 Gift Card. The Newport Beach location is the ideal spot to dine while viewing the celebrated Newport Beach Boat Parade. Managing Partner JC Clow is our guest to celebrate the glad tidings of the season.

It’s holiday Latke Time (potato pancakes) at The Spielberg Family’s kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. The restaurant is a living tribute to their late Mother, Leah (Spielberg) Adler. “There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way on Pico restaurant for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.” Also there is a festive Hanukkah launch party with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 7th. We pull Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Can you successfully prepare a premium steak cooked to juicy and tender deliciousness with eye appeal in a microwave oven? Strong opinions here…Perhaps another spirited culinary controversy in the making? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Show 554, December 2, 2023: The Milky Way – Latke Boxes To-Go with Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel Part One

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Adam Bell

It’s holiday Latke Time at The Spielberg Family’s kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. It’s a loving tribute to The Family’s late Mother, Leah (Spielberg) Adler. “There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way on Pico restaurant for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.” We pull Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.

Also there is a festive Hanukkah launch party with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the menu for Thursday, December 7^th. Satisfy your Holiday cravings with The Milky Way’s signature Latkes, Psagot Wines from Israel, Sufganiyot Jelly Donuts (house-baked) and their Seasonal Specials. The Hanukkah menu continues for the Eight Nights of Hanukkah (but not on Friday and Saturday in observance of the Sabbath.)

Show 554, December 2, 2023: The Milky Way – Latke Boxes To-Go with Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel Part Two

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Adam Bell

Also there is a Hanukkah launch party with a festive Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 7th. Satisfy your Holiday cravings with The Milky Way’s signature Latkes, Psagot Wines from Israel, Sufganiyot Jelly Donuts (house-made) and their Seasonal Specials. The Hanukkah menu continues for the Eight Nights of Hanukkah (but not on Friday and Saturday.)

December 2: Eric Bost, Long Beach International Tamales Festival, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Milky Way LA

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Eric Bost, Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, Carlsbad, CA Part One
Segment Three: Chef Eric Bost, Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, Carlsbad, CA Part Two
Segment Four: 3rd Annual Long Beach International Tamale Festival
Segment Five: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tustin, Newport Beach and La Jolla with Founder JC Clow
Segment Six: The Milky Way – Latke Boxes To-Go with Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel Part One
Segment Seven: The Milky Way – Latke Boxes To-Go with Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad is a highly acclaimed, One Star Michelin rated, fine-dining establishment overseen by Executive Chef Eric Bost (ex- Auburn in Los Angeles) and proprietor John Resnick. “It’s culinary experience celebrating the moment, reimagining French cuisine through the vibrant lens of the Southern California landscape, with a 4-course menu in which guests make their own selections, offered at $115 per person. Reservations are available for dining inside the restaurant or outdoors on the garden patio beneath twinkling stars.” Jeune et Jolie’s sister establishment in Carlsbad is the more casual, New American, Campfire, also led by Chef Eric Bost. “It’s a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, celebrating the spirit of their name as guests gather around a fire while the kitchen creates honest food to share it with friends.” Chef Eric Bost takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

The 3^rd Annual Long Beach International Tamales Festival will take place December 9, 2023. The wildly popular holiday event will take place at Long Beach City College PCH campus located at 1350 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and will include music, food, drinks, performances, Best Homemade Tamale Contest and more. Organized by Long Beach Home + Living, a local lifestyle multimedia outlet, the event is devoted to celebrating the diverse Tamale-making restaurants, pop-ups and food trucks around Long Beach. The event is designed to be a medium to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Latin food scene featuring holiday tamales. Co-organizer Sal Flores joins us with a plate of freshly steamed traditional tamales in hand.

The original Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is located in The District in Tustin. “The interior promises a hip, lively & sophisticated atmosphere, with dark woods, leather and velvet bar stools. The state-of-the-art 7,500 bottle cellar is one of the largest in Orange County. The Winery Restaurant & Bar is open daily for lunch & dinner & features a wine tasting bar with a full bar menu and cigar patio.” There are elegant sister Winery Restaurant locations on The Bay in Newport Beach and in La Jolla. All locations are perfect for special Holiday parties. All restaurants host Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners with special menus. Their popular Gift Card promotion is available through the end of the year. If a guest purchases $300 in Gift Cards they are rewarded with an extra $50 Gift Card. For a $500 Gift Card purchase the reward is a cool $100 Gift Card. The Newport Beach location is the ideal spot to dine while viewing the celebrated Newport Beach Boat Parade. Managing Partner JC Clow is our guest to celebrate the glad tidings of the season.

It’s holiday Latke Time (potato pancakes) at The Spielberg Family’s kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. The restaurant is a living tribute to their late Mother, Leah (Spielberg) Adler. “There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way on Pico restaurant for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.” Also there is a festive Hanukkah launch party with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 7^th. We pull Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Can you prepare a premium steak cooked to juicy and tender deliciousness with eye appeal in a microwave oven? Strong opinions here… We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

“It’s culinary experience celebrating the moment, reimagining French cuisine through the vibrant lens of the Southern California landscape, with a 4-course menu in which guests make their own selections, offered at $115 per person. Reservations are available for dining inside the restaurant or outdoors on the garden patio beneath twinkling stars.”

“For those guests looking for a more casual evening, Jeune et Jolie features “Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at its bar and lounge.”

“Jeune et Jolie is a place to celebrate life’s special occasions, but also a place to celebrate the ordinary.”

Jeune et Jolie’s sister establishment in Carlsbad is the more casual, New American, Campfire. “It’s a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, celebrating the spirit of their name as guests gather around a fire while the kitchen creates honest food to share it with friends.”

“Also led by Chef Eric Bost, Campfire draws inspiration from the coasts, forests, mountains and deserts that make up the vibrant and eclectic landscape of California and provide profoundly distinct flavors, context and emotions, all of which are best captured by getting outside and setting up camp.”

Chef Eric Bost takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

“The 3^rd Annual Long Beach International Tamales Festival will take place December 9, 2023. The wildly popular holiday event will take place at Long Beach City College PCH campus located at 1350 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will include music, food, drinks, performances, Best Homemade Tamale Contest and more.”

“Organized by Long Beach Home + Living, a local lifestyle multimedia outlet, the event is devoted to celebrating the diverse Tamale-making restaurants, pop-ups and food trucks around Long Beach. The event is designed to be a medium to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Latin food scene featuring holiday tamales.”

“As somebody who grew up with this holiday tradition, I remember making tamales with my grandma and my tias, sharing great family stories, going to la plaza and seeing all the Christmas decorations, the folklorico dancers, the music, but best of all; eating delicious tamales on Christmas Eve together as a family,” stated co-organizer Sal Flores. “I want people to feel right at home, to embrace the Latino culture and history, while introducing what may be a new holiday tradition to people from different backgrounds.” Sal Flores joins us with a plate of freshly steamed traditional tamales in hand.

JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar

Their popular Gift Card promotion is available through the end of the year. If a guest purchases $300 in Gift Cards they are rewarded with an extra $50 Gift Card. For a $500 Gift Card purchase the reward is a cool $100 Gift Card.

“The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights will be held Wednesday, December 13 through Sunday, December 17. This is one of the region’s oldest holiday traditions, having started more than a century ago — and there’s no better viewing location than The Winery Restaurant in Newport Beach! Enjoy their limited ala carte menu with front-row seats at the turning point for the boat parade. Boat Parade viewing is expected at approximately 8:30 / 8:45 p.m. nightly. Guests interested in boat parade viewing may make reservations as early as 6:45 p.m. and tables will be offered at a set table price for the entire evening (specific pricing and table location will vary).”

Founder and Managing Partner JC Clow is our guest spreading the Holiday Cheer.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Can you prepare a premium steak to juicy and tender deliciousness with eye appeal in a microwave oven? Strong opinions here… We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Show 502, December 3, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on December 4, 2022 by Adam Bell

Happy National Cookie Day which is Sunday, December 4th.

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles and Travel Costa Mesa. Anne Marie joins us in-studio for her regular bi-monthly visit to talk about her recent Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Anne Marie also chats about her preview evening at the eagerly anticipated Bloom Restaurant + Bar (a newly launched restaurant from Russ Bendel and Partners) in a historic building in San Juan Capistrano and other significant Orange County restaurant news.

“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.

It’s holiday Latke Time at The Spielberg Family’s kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. “There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way on Pico restaurant for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.” We pull founding Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.

Linda Kissam (Arizona and Seattle-based) is the immediate past President of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), a by-invitation only group of credentialed travel journalists primarily based in North America. Last month Princess Cruises brought Linda to San Pedro to board their newest ship, Discovery Princess, to preview their latest VIP amenity, ss, to preview their new VIP amenity, 360: An Extraordinary Experience. It’s a new, invitation-only experience from Princess Cruises that transports guests nightly to the Mediterranean – no matter where they’re actually sailing – engaging all of their senses with the tastes, sights, sounds, touches and fragrances of the Mediterranean.

Linda Kissam is our “Cruise Director” to share highlights of 360: An Extraordinary Experience on Discovery Princess.

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. What’s going on with Maine Lobster and it’s availability at Whole Foods? Whole Foods has said that they are going to stop buying and stocking Maine Lobsters. Quite a blow to the hard-working Maine lobsterman. We’ll “Ask the Chef.

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

Show 502, December 3, 2022: Phil Kastel, Consulting Executive Chef, The Milky Way, Los Angeles

Posted on December 4, 2022 by Adam Bell

It’s holiday Latke Time at The Spielberg Family’s (yes, the entertainment Spielberg Family) kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, located in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles.

“There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.”

“A local legend in her own right, The Milky Way’s Leah “Lee Lee” (Spielberg) Adler’s restaurant has been an institution for more than 30 years. Her recipes are next level, and after her passing several years ago, The Spielberg Family is lovingly carrying on her legacy.”

“Bernie and Leah (Spielberg) Adler opened the doors to Milky Way restaurant in 1977. Their vision was to offer fine kosher food to the Jewish community at a time when such a thing didn’t exist in Los Angeles. The restaurant soon became known in the global Jewish communities, and among the general public too! Leah was a devoted mother to her four children and a beloved friend and employer. She will always be an iconic figure, revered by so many. Her memory is forever a blessing and her spirit lives on inside Milky Way, its food and community always.”

“A Holiday latke kit is $36 for a dozen and includes fresh, house-made apple compote and sour cream through Door Dash or by calling (310) 859-0004.”

New menu items include Salmon Piccata Linguine, Edamame Falafel Burger and Roasted Vegetable Chili featuring winter squash, black beans, corn, carrots, bell peppers, scallions, olives, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, crispy tortilla strips and avocado. Added options for Sunday Brunch are on the refreshed menu for January.

We pull Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.