Podcasts
Hour One: Andrew Gruel, Chris Cosentino, Neal Fraser
Hour Two: Lisa Fontanesi, Jayro Martinez, Eric Klein, Jim McCafferty
Segment One: 12th Anniversary Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Chris Cosentino, Koast, Wailea Village Maui and “Losing Your Mind with Chris Cosentino” Podcast
Segment Three: Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird and Vibiana, DTLA. Host Chef for Manhattan Beach Food & Wine
Segment Four: Lisa Fontanesi, Los Angeles Director, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP)
Segment Five: Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, Westwood Coast Steakhouse, Triangle Square, Costa Mesa
Segment Six: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Seven: Westdrift Manhattan Beach – An Autograph Collection Hotel
Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.
Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach and the Co-Host of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” for the last eight years joins us to celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA radio reaching all of Southern California.
We’re live today from the Westdrift Manhattan Beach – an Autograph Collection Hotel and the Official Hotel of the inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine which continues tonight from 7 to 10:00 p.m. (VIP admission at 6:00 p.m.) at Manhattan Village.
All of our distinguished chef guests this morning are participants in the Festival.
For today’s very special anniversary show we’ll be joined by some of the high- profile chefs cooking at Manhattan Beach Food and Wine including Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Partner and Vice President Culinary for Wolfgang Puck Catering, Host Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird & Vibiana, The Bay Area’s Chris Cosentino, and Jayro Martinez of Westwood Coast Steakhouse in Costa Mesa. Also Lisa Fontanesi, the Los Angeles Director for C-CAP, the benefiting charity of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Chris Cosentino is a passionate chef, author, cyclist, and philanthropist.
“A graduate of the culinary program at Johnson & Wales University in his home state of Rhode Island, Cosentino got his professional start at some of the country’s most beloved restaurants in Washington, D.C. and then the Bay Area. In his first executive chef position at Incanto, elevating a neighborhood Italian restaurant to the international scene. During his twelve-year tenure, Cosentino drew critical acclaim for his innovative Italian and whole animal cooking. Cosentino mastered the art of hand-crafted cured meats and helped raise awareness about sustainability & utilizing the entire animal. He also created Boccalone, a celebrated cured meat company, with manufacturing and retail operations in the Bay Area.”
“Cosentino won the popular series Top Chef Masters, competing against the nation’s top chefs to take the coveted title while earning over $140,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. He has hosted, judged and competed on numerous national food television shows, including Top Chef; Top Chef Family Style; Iron Chef America; Next Iron Chef; Guy’s Grocery Games; The Best Thing I Ever Ate; Tournament of Champions; and Chefs vs. City.”
Currently, Chef Chris is gearing up to open Koast, a celebration of local ingredients and coastal cuisine, in Wailea Village on Maui, with a hoped-for launch for late 2024.
Chef Chris Cosentino is our guest.
“Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll’s flagship restaurant Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles. As a follow up to Grace and BLD, Fraser’s menu features seasonal plates ranging from snacks or “kickshaws” to entrees meant to be enjoyed by the whole table. An extensive cocktail menu by Tobin Shea features well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics. Wine Director Christopher Dugan’s selections are well rounded with great finds from both established and emerging wine regions throughout the world.”
“Located in downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana – the cathedral-turned-event-venue also owned and operated by Knoll and Fraser. Designer Robert Weimer and Knoll created a dynamic space that pays homage to the cathedral next door and the existing timeless architecture by inserting simple modern forms to complement rather than overtake the feel of the rooms. The result is a warm and comfortable considered space.”
Event Host Chef Neal Fraser is our guest discussing the salivating culinary aspects of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.
The Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is the charitable beneficiary of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Lisa Fontanesi is the long-time Los Angeles Director. We’ll meet her.
“Led by chef, author and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson as national Board Co-chair, Careers C-CAP transforms the lives of underserved high school students and young people around the country by helping them pursue their culinary dreams. C-CAP prepares these talented young adults for college, and for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.”
Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job and life skills to over 22,000 middle-and-high school students across the entire state of Arizona, as well as in Baltimore, Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City & Long Island, Newark, Philadelphia, suburban Maryland, and Washington DC.
“Westwood Coast Steakhouse, the newest culinary venture from San Francisco-based Proof Positive, debuted in early July at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Proof Positive now makes its debut in Orange County with Westwood Coast Steakhouse by pairing an elevated, chef-driven steakhouse dining experience with lively country entertainment.
At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, a C-CAP graduate, who brings over a decade of culinary experience to the venture. Martinez has led as an Executive Chef in several acclaimed kitchens, including Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, AHBA in Laguna Beach, Social in Costa Mesa, and most recently, at Dana Point’s Outer Reef and then Knife Modern Steak under the tutelage of Texas-based celebrity Chef John Tesar.
“Westwood Coast is bolstered by a team of powerhouse hospitality professionals, including General Manager Michael Ruiz of BOA Steakhouse. Westwood Coast presents a unique experience that artfully blends attentive hospitality, lively entertainment, and bold American flavors with premium cuts of meat.”
A Dinner menu highlight is the massive 40 oz. Australian Wagyu Ribeye from Margaret River. For Brunch a standout is the Crab Benedict.
Executive Chef Jayro Martinez is our guest to reveal all the diverse elements that are Westwood Coast and what he’s preparing for the Grand Tasting tonight at Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.
We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” back when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. In 2016 Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the distinct honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2024 was the 30th year celebration of the Governors Ball. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The pastry design was by Kamel Guechida and Gary Larduinat.
Most recently Wolfgang Puck Catering designed the state-of-the-art kitchen and operates the foodservice for the ambitious Los Angeles Chargers “The Bolt” training and practice facility in El Segundo. The kitchen includes a tiled, custom Italian pizza oven in the shape of a Chargers football helmet.
Chef Eric Klein takes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive chat.
The Westdrift Manhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is the official hotel of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.
The expansive 26-acre property with a 9-hole, par 3 golf course and pickleball courts is a boutique hotel for travelers of all callings and Westdrift Manhattan Beach delivers the sophistication of a true-blue East Coast classic blended with the laid-back vibe of coastal California.
“Modern decor and sophisticated amenities combine to create Westdrift’s intimate guest spaces, sumptuously adorned for comfort with the rolling golf course views and sparkling city lights in view for that added touch of luxury.”
“Jute Coastal Bar & Kitchen, Westdrift’s signature restaurant for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, is an indoor-outdoor enclave that features a fresh, creative and communal-focused dining experience.”
“Jute’s signature cocktails, craft beer, and wines from private labels will whisk you away on an experience slated to elevate the already vibrant Manhattan Beach culinary scene. Calling upon talents of local mixologists to evolve their ever-changing cocktail menu, Westdrift’s Mixology Lab is always testing new ingredients and innovative techniques using seasonal ingredients.”
Westdrift’s Jim McCafferty, Director of Catering & Events is our guide to all the luxe amenities of Westdrift Manhattan Beach.
Podcasts
Hour One: Andrew Gruel, Chris Cosentino, Neal Fraser
Hour Two: Lisa Fontanesi, Jayro Martinez, Eric Klein, Jim McCafferty
Segment One: 12th Anniversary Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Chris Cosentino, Koast, Wailea Village Maui and “Losing Your Mind with Chris Cosentino” Podcast
Segment Three: Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird and Vibiana, DTLA. Host Chef for Manhattan Beach Food & Wine
Segment Four: Lisa Fontanesi, Los Angeles Director, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP)
Segment Five: Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, Westwood Coast Steakhouse, Triangle Square, Costa Mesa
Segment Six: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Seven: Westdrift Manhattan Beach – An Autograph Collection Hotel
