Show 693, August 22, 2026: Restaurateur Adam Weisblatt of Last Word Hospitality with For the Love of Restaurants

Adam Weisblatt of Last Word Hospitality

You may not know the name of restaurateur Adam Weisblatt of Last Word Hospitality but if you live in the Los Angeles area you’ve heard of (or patronized) the popular restaurants he’s part of including Found Oyster, Barra Santos and Hermon’s. What’s it like to open a restaurant? Adam shares all of this in his new book, For the Love of Restaurants – An Insider’s Guide from Daydreams to Opening Night. Adam puts down his reservations tablet to join us.

“Adam’s book is a playful, soup-to-nuts guide to creating a restaurant, and a love letter to those who make the struggle palatable, the resilience possible, and the journey more fun—restaurant people.”

“There is no one secret ingredient to opening a successful restaurant—in this business everything matters.”

“It’s one thing to work in an established restaurant and a whole other beautiful challenge to turn an empty room with exposed plumbing and unpainted drywall into a stage for the complicated performance of prepping, cooking, and serving that transforms four simple walls into a living, breathing, welcoming place.”

“For the dreamers and admirers of the restaurant world who long to open their own place or simply crave a peek behind the line, For the Love of Restaurants is a multi-course romp through the processes of leasing, funding, designing, building, menu development, hiring, and opening a restaurant’s doors to the first guests.”

“Adam Weisblatt, cofounder of Last Word Hospitality and partner in its growing list of celebrated restaurants, traces the full journey from concept to opening of the company’s first spot, Found Oyster. Along the way, he shares everything he knows about imagining what future guests will love and what will make them want to return again and again.”

“For the Love of Restaurants is a curriculum-in-your-pocket for making your dream a reality and an invitation to more deeply appreciate the places you love—and the people who make them possible—each time you hear your table is ready.”

Show 692, August 15, 2026: La Nena Cantina, Walt Disney Concert Hall, with Restaurateur Vicente Del Rio

Vicente Del Rio of La Nena Cantina

“New to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in DTLA is La Nena Cantina, created by restaurateur Vicente Del Rio, which brings coastal-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails all made from scratch to guests dining before shows and to the broader community. Diners will find many of the beloved dishes from the restaurant’s Malibu and Hollywood locations, including Mole Negro, Tiradito de Hamachi, La Nena Molcajete and Tacos Malibu, as well as signature elements such as the tableside guacamole and handmade tortillas.”

“The restaurant showcases exclusive offerings created just for The Music Center, from specialty premium seasonal cocktails to specially curated pre-show menu options. La Nena Cantina is open for both lunch and dinner.”

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.; and Sunday, 11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. La Nena Cantina adjusts hours of operation to accommodate any pre-show or special event service windows.

“We are incredibly excited to bring La Nena Cantina to The Music Center and be part of such an iconic cultural destination in Los Angeles,” said Vicente Del Rio of La Nena Cantina. “This expansion allows us to share the vibrant flavors and coastal spirit that define our food with a new audience, while also creating something unique for the community.”

“La Nena Cantina (Hospitality 70 Group), is a contemporary Mexican restaurant concept inspired by the vibrant coastal flavors of Mexico and the relaxed sophistication of California living. Founded in 2025 by Vicente Del Rio and wife Andrea Nales—the team behind the acclaimed Frida Mexican Cuisine (Frimex Hospitality Group) — La Nena represents the evolution of more than 25 years of Los Angeles hospitality experience, offering a fresh interpretation of Mexican cuisine that honors tradition while embracing creativity and modern dining culture.”

Restaurateur Vicente Del Rio joins us.

Show 669, March 7, 2026: Descanso Restaurant, Costa Mesa with Rob Arellano, OC Restaurant Week

Rob Arellano of Descanso Restaurant

Restaurateur Rob Arellano’s Descanso Restaurant in Costa Mesa is one of the participating restaurants in OC Restaurant Week launching Sunday, March 8th. Their value priced menus for OC Restaurant Week include options for Featured Cocktails, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. Rob joins us highlighting all the salivating options.

“Descanso is a contemporary kitchen & bar that blends traditional Mexican recipes with modern influence highlighting the flavors of Michoacan. Created by restaurateur Rob Arellano, the concept draws inspiration from his Mexican heritage, offering a unique and nostalgic dining experience. At Descanso, you can choose to dine at a standard dining table or a la Plancha. Dining a la Plancha, you’ll witness skilled chefs prepare authentic Mexican dishes at your table in a lively setting, immersing you in the ambiance of a bustling Mexican town.”

“Led by Chef Jose Angulo, Descanso serves Michoacán inspired cuisine, featuring fresh bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. The dishes and cocktails are rich in history and flavor, reflecting traditional Mexican dining.”

Show 654, November 22, 2025: Restaurateur Drew Nieporent with I’m Not Trying To Be Difficult – Stories from the Restaurant Trenches

Drew Nieporent of Myriad Restaurant Group

“Hospitality veteran Drew Nieporent has been a staple of the New York dining scene for decades, establishing a host of iconic restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Montrachet. But his career started from much more humble beginnings—the grill at the local McDonald’s.”

“A middle class kid from New York’s East Side, Drew spends his childhood tagging along with his father to help restaurants get their liquor license, igniting a lifelong obsession with food. His passion takes him on a winding, continent-spanning journey, crossing paths with legendary chefs, iconic athletes, and movie stars as he grows into one of the most influential names in the culinary world. From waiting tables on a cruise ship to getting his first three-star review; from squabbling with Cornell professors to partnering with Robert DeNiro; this is more than a story of one man’s extraordinary life—it’s a story of an evolving industry. As culinary trends come and go, and relationships blossom and combust, Nieporent navigates it all with a simple yet powerful philosophy: give the customer what they want.”

“Told in Drew’s unforgettable voice, I’m Not Trying To Be Difficult is a rollicking memoir that feels like sitting across the dinner table from someone who has seen it all — one of the last great restaurateurs.

The always refreshingly opinionated Drew Nieporent joins us to share a few of his memorable stories.”

Show 652, November 8, 2025: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-host) of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

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.

As a paying guest you’re dining at a restaurant and something goes wrong. Oops. As a savvy diner what are the best ways to try and expeditiously resolve the issue with a minimum of hassle? Hint…It’s definitely not waiting until you get home and then initially loudly complaining on Yelp! As an experienced restaurateur known for satisfying his guests Chef Andrew has some time-tested advice…

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

Show 616, February 15, 2025: Restaurateur Russ Bendel of Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails, San Clemente

Russ Bendel of Ironwood, Olea and VIne

“Restaurateur Russell J. Bendel, known as Russ, was born in Pennsylvania and raised in California. Influenced by his father, a veteran restaurant industry executive, Russ grew up in the business and developed a passion for food and hospitality. He set his sights on a career in the industry and earned his bachelor’s degree from The Collins College at Cal Poly Pomona with an emphasis on Restaurants and Business Management. Russ worked with Bloomin’ Brands Restaurant Group for an impressive span of 15 years: first with Outback Steakhouse and later with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, where he was promoted to partner of the flagship Newport Beach location at 25, the youngest in company history.” 

“Russ also earned his Court of Master Sommeliers Certification and Level 5 Wines of the World Certification. He was honored in OC Metro’s annual issue of “40 Under 40” in 2012 and ended his tenure with Fleming’s as Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Armed with knowledge, experience and recognition, Russ began his own venture in February 2013 by assuming ownership of Vine Restaurant in San Clemente, bringing longtime friends and family along for the ride. Their efforts have resulted in the opening of Ironwood –  Cellar, Craft, Cook; Olea – Cellar, Craft, Cook; Sapphire & The Pantry – Cellar, Craft, Cook; Bloom – Restaurant & Bar; and, most recently, Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails in San Clemente.”

Russ takes a break from the Valentine’s Day Weekend madness to join us.

Show 549, October 28, 2023: Chef Chris Bianco, Restaurateur, Pizzeria Bianco, Pane Bianco, ROW DTLA Part One

Chris Bianco

“Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, multiple James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur Chris Bianco’s Pane Bianco DTLA offers NY style pizza, sandwiches, salads, and provisions. And with Pizzeria Bianco DTLA just around the corner, Chef Chris’ full restaurant experience is now available at Row DTLA.” Chef Chris joins us with pizza peel in hand.

“Along with their NY Style pizzas, Pane Bianco DTLA features their incredible sandwiches, meticulously prepared on house-made breads, baked daily. Combining premium meats, artisanal cheeses, and farm-fresh vegetables, the sandwiches are handcrafted with love! For a lighter option, explore vibrant salads bursting with freshness. Perfect as a meal or a refreshing side, these salads celebrate the bounty of nature’s offerings.”

“Pane Bianco also features select provisions, including their own lineup of Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes, Bianco swag, and our Bianco extra virgin olive oil.”

Hours at the Row DTLA are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“When Chris Bianco started Pizzeria Bianco in the back corner of a Phoenix grocery store in 1988, he had no idea that he would become a driving force in the artisanal pizza movement. All he knew was that his food would reflect the respect and sincere intention that he brings to each of his recipes, as the result of his relationships with farmers, local producers, customers, and staff.”

“Now the chef-owner of Pizzeria Bianco, with multiple locations in Phoenix, Arizona and Los Angeles, California, Bianco has come a long way from the back corner of that grocery store.”

“Bianco first won the James Beard Award for Best Chef (Southwest) in 2003 —the first pizzaiolo to receive the honor— and helped spawn a generation of independent and artisanal pizzerias, lending his advice, wisdom, and food philosophies to dozens of fellow chefs and restaurateurs. In 2022, Chris again won a second James Beard Award for Outstanding Restauranteur.”

Show 549, October 28, 2023: Chef Chris Bianco, Restaurateur, Pizzeria Bianco, Pane Bianco, ROW DTLA Part Two

Chris Bianco

“Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, multiple James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur Chris Bianco’s Pane Bianco DTLA offers NY style pizza, sandwiches, salads, and provisions. And with Pizzeria Bianco DTLA just around the corner, Chef Chris’ full restaurant experience is now available at Row DTLA.” Chef Chris continues with us with pizza peel in hand.

“Along with their NY Style pizzas, Pane Bianco DTLA features their incredible sandwiches, meticulously prepared on house-made breads, baked daily. Combining premium meats, artisanal cheeses, and farm-fresh vegetables, the sandwiches are handcrafted with love! For a lighter option, explore vibrant salads bursting with freshness. Perfect as a meal or a refreshing side, these salads celebrate the bounty of nature’s offerings.”

“Pane Bianco also features select provisions, including their own lineup of Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes, Bianco swag, and our Bianco extra virgin olive oil.”

Hours at the Row DTLA are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“When Chris Bianco started Pizzeria Bianco in the back corner of a Phoenix grocery store in 1988, he had no idea that he would become a driving force in the artisanal pizza movement. All he knew was that his food would reflect the respect and sincere intention that he brings to each of his recipes, as the result of his relationships with farmers, local producers, customers, and staff.”

“Now the chef-owner of Pizzeria Bianco, with multiple locations in Phoenix, Arizona and Los Angeles, California, Bianco has come a long way from the back corner of that grocery store.”

“Bianco first won the James Beard Award for Best Chef (Southwest) in 2003 —the first pizzaiolo to receive the honor— and helped spawn a generation of independent and artisanal pizzerias, lending his advice, wisdom, and food philosophies to dozens of fellow chefs and restaurateurs. In 2022, Chris again won a second James Beard Award for Outstanding Restauranteur.”

Show 516, March 11, 2023: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

If you have a successful restaurant concept what’s the best way (least risky) to finance the contemplated expansion? Should the restaurateur seek investors, private financing or perhaps franchising? Chef Andrew has been down this winding path previously. His best suggestion is to bootstrap the endeavor and proceed modestly closely watching expenses. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Show 462, February 19, 2022: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

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 has some thoughts on a controversial, but spreading, new trend at some restaurants where they aren’t reachable by phone. No listed phone number…The guest communicates exclusively through their online reservation system, social media or email. This emerging trend was first reported in the Food Section of The New York Times.

Chef Andrew’s perspective as a restaurateur is this trend started as a response to the current staffing shortage in restaurants. Restaurants spend a lot of time on the phone with distracting, nuisance calls. Chef Andrew’s point is that if a restaurant during service responds quickly to an email or social media inquiry that reasonably accommodates the potential future guest. Meanwhile the patrons then dining at the restaurant are properly taken care of.