Show 509, January 28, 2023: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part One

Kathy Sidell of Saltie Girl

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.”

“With the opening, culinary director Kyle McClelland’s menu showcases Saltie Girl favorites alongside new dishes that reveal California influences and highlight local fishers and purveyors. McClelland’s broad menu features seafood towers, daily oyster and raw bar selections, farmer’s market salads and bright, seasonal crudos. Signature offerings include Fried Lobster & Waffles with sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup; Clam Chowder; and Lump Crab Toast with pistachios, avocado and stracciatella. Contemporary preparations of seafood classics will also be available such as Moules Frites, French Dover Sole and Saltie Girl Lobster Roll. Saltie Girl also boasts a separate caviar menu and a collection of over 130 varieties of tinned fish which can be ordered alongside fresh bread and accoutrements.”

“A full bar program complements the culinary experience with a well-balanced wine list showcasing international and biodynamic producers, Saltie Girl’s proprietary Rosé, and a champagne by-the-glass program. Cocktails showcasing seasonal ingredients and classic preparations include the Saltie Martini with vodka or gin, castelvetrano olive, pickled onion and caviar.”

Ben Sidell, founder of SweetBoy bakery and Kathy’s son, helms the pastry program, bringing his popular pop-up to life within Saltie Girl. His menu showcasing playful twists on classic desserts expands in the restaurant setting with plated desserts such as a Yuzu Persimmon Tart and Apple Tarte Tatin, with Ben lending his talents to savory pastries, as well, including buns to accompany the caviar service.

The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, is our guest with lobster cracker in hand.

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part Two

Kathy Sidell of Saltie Girl

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.”

“With the opening, culinary director Kyle McClelland’s menu showcases Saltie Girl favorites alongside new dishes that reveal California influences and highlight local fishers and purveyors. McClelland’s broad menu features seafood towers, daily oyster and raw bar selections, farmer’s market salads and bright, seasonal crudos. Signature offerings include Fried Lobster & Waffles with sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup; Clam Chowder; and Lump Crab Toast with pistachios, avocado and stracciatella. Contemporary preparations of seafood classics will also be available such as Moules Frites, French Dover Sole and Saltie Girl Lobster Roll. Saltie Girl also boasts a separate caviar menu and a collection of over 130 varieties of tinned fish which can be ordered alongside fresh bread and accoutrements.”

“A full bar program complements the culinary experience with a well-balanced wine list showcasing international and biodynamic producers, Saltie Girl’s proprietary Rosé, and a champagne by-the-glass program. Cocktails showcasing seasonal ingredients and classic preparations include the Saltie Martini with vodka or gin, castelvetrano olive, pickled onion and caviar.”

Ben Sidell, founder of SweetBoy bakery and Kathy’s son, helms the pastry program, bringing his popular pop-up to life within Saltie Girl. His menu showcasing playful twists on classic desserts expands in the restaurant setting with plated desserts such as a Yuzu Persimmon Tart and Apple Tarte Tatin, with Ben lending his talents to savory pastries, as well, including buns to accompany the caviar service.

The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, is our guest with lobster cracker in hand.

Show 458, January 15, 2022: Lindsay Hoopes, Proprietress, Hoopes Family Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Part One

Lindsay Hoopes of Hoopes Wines

Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery (Oakville) is a small, family-owned winegrower and producer with deep roots in Napa Valley. Now in it’s second generation, Lindsay Hoopes continues to live and work on the farm with revered dedication to her family heritage in dogged pursuit of perfect wines. Their critically acclaimed wines tell the exquisite story of the Hoopes’ vineyards, their philosophy, and the continued evolution of Napa Valley. With a true sense of place and raison d’être, Hoopes Vineyard wines strive to over deliver in flavor, history, passion, adventure and luxury.”

“Raised on the Hoopes farm by her wine-loving family, Lindsay Hoopes learned how to cultivate grapes and promote Napa’s sense of place and terroir through her father, Spencer Hoopes. Spencer Hoopes loved farming, and developed a passion for wine as the wine industry in Napa blossomed right around him.”

“Spencer Hoopes grew grapes for other vintners and quickly earned repute for some of the best cabernet sauvignon in the Napa Valley. Spencer’s stewardship of the land was heralded by many. When other vintners asked if they could use the Hoopes name to authenticate the high-calibre of their wine, Spencer concluded that, darn it, he should do it himself.”

“Enter Lindsay. Spencer encouraged Lindsay to explore the world and potentially other careers before making a decision to settle at home in the family business. Farming suffers no fools, and Spencer wasn’t just going to give her a job.”

“Lindsay has a wanderlust. After living abroad in many countries, from Ireland to Costa Rica, Lindsay studied international law, worked in international logistics and ultimately worked in homicide at the San Francisco District Attorney’s office. But Lindsay eventually made her way back to Napa Valley when a family illness prompted her to take over Hoopes Vineyard in 2012.”

“Lindsay honored her heritage and father’s winemaking philosophy, but retained her sense of adventure by giving Hoopes Family Vineyard some innovative upgrades. She adopted regenerative agricultural practices and bio-diverse farming initiatives, founded a rescue sanctuary for animals, worked with environmental groups for organic and sustainability certification, and created a hub for young wine fans to immerse themselves in California wine culture in what is now the Oasis by Hoopes. Lindsay also now tells the story of Hoopes wine through food in her many culinary partnerships and initiatives.” Hoopes Family Vineyard also hosts a variety intriguing Virtual Events.

The Hoopes Family Vineyard produces small lots of meritorious Cabernet Sauvignon in various expressions, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose and Syrah.

Proprietress Lindsay Hoopes is our guest to pull the cork on Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery.

Show 458, January 15, 2022: Lindsay Hoopes, Proprietress, Hoopes Family Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Part Two

Lindsay Hoopes of Hoopes Wines

Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery (Oakville) is a small, family-owned winegrower and producer with deep roots in Napa Valley. Now in it’s second generation, Lindsay Hoopes continues to live and work on the farm with revered dedication to her family heritage in dogged pursuit of perfect wines. Their critically acclaimed wines tell the exquisite story of the Hoopes’ vineyards, their philosophy, and the continued evolution of Napa Valley. With a true sense of place and raison d’être, Hoopes Vineyard wines strive to over deliver in flavor, history, passion, adventure and luxury.”

“Raised on the Hoopes farm by her wine-loving family, Lindsay Hoopes learned how to cultivate grapes and promote Napa’s sense of place and terroir through her father, Spencer Hoopes. Spencer Hoopes loved farming, and developed a passion for wine as the wine industry in Napa blossomed right around him.”

“Spencer Hoopes grew grapes for other vintners and quickly earned repute for some of the best cabernet sauvignon in the Napa Valley. Spencer’s stewardship of the land was heralded by many. When other vintners asked if they could use the Hoopes name to authenticate the high-calibre of their wine, Spencer concluded that, darn it, he should do it himself.”

“Enter Lindsay. Spencer encouraged Lindsay to explore the world and potentially other careers before making a decision to settle at home in the family business. Farming suffers no fools, and Spencer wasn’t just going to give her a job.”

“Lindsay has a wanderlust. After living abroad in many countries, from Ireland to Costa Rica, Lindsay studied international law, worked in international logistics and ultimately worked in homicide at the San Francisco District Attorney’s office. But Lindsay eventually made her way back to Napa Valley when a family illness prompted her to take over Hoopes Vineyard in 2012.”

“Lindsay honored her heritage and father’s winemaking philosophy, but retained her sense of adventure by giving Hoopes Family Vineyard some innovative upgrades. She adopted regenerative agricultural practices and bio-diverse farming initiatives, founded a rescue sanctuary for animals, worked with environmental groups for organic and sustainability certification, and created a hub for young wine fans to immerse themselves in California wine culture in what is now the Oasis by Hoopes. Lindsay also now tells the story of Hoopes wine through food in her many culinary partnerships and initiatives.” Hoopes Family Vineyard also hosts a variety intriguing Virtual Events.

The Hoopes Family Vineyard produces small lots of meritorious Cabernet Sauvignon in various expressions, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose and Syrah.

Proprietress Lindsay Hoopes continues with us gently pulling the cork on the activities of Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery.

Show 425, May 15, 2021: Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco Part One

Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco is collaborating with Three Sticks Wines on two, back-to-back tasting events in Long Beach and Newport Beach under the name of Rose on the Road.

Three Sticks will be pouring a celebratory selection of their latest wines (including the newly released 2020 Castenada Sonoma Coast Rose) at the Wahoo’s Fish Taco locations in Long Beach (May 20th from 5 to 7:00 p.m.) and Newport Beach (May 21stfrom 3 to 5:00 p.m.) as founder and chef, Wing Lam, cooks up his famous grilled fish tacos with spicy oven-roasted salsa on the patio. Tickets are limited.

Chef Wing Lam co-founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco in 1988 (with his two brothers) and the enterprise has grown to over 60 locations throughout California. A fresh and tasty fusion of Brazilian, Asian, and Mexican fare, Wahoo’s is best known for their signature fish tacos that pair perfectly with the newly released 2020 Castenada Rose.

Chef Wing graciously shares his recipe for Fish Tacos with Oven-Roasted Salsa.

Wing Lam is our guest spatula in hand.

Show 425, May 15, 2021: Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco Part Two

Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco is collaborating with Three Sticks Wines on two, back-to-back tasting events in Long Beach and Newport Beach under the name of Rose on the Road.

Three Sticks will be pouring a celebratory selection of their latest wines (including the newly released 2020 Castenada Sonoma Coast Rose) at the Wahoo’s Fish Taco locations in Long Beach (May 20th from 5 to 7:00 p.m.) and Newport Beach (May 21stfrom 3 to 5:00 p.m.) as founder and chef, Wing Lam, cooks up his famous grilled fish tacos with spicy oven-roasted salsa on the patio. Tickets are limited.

Chef Wing Lam co-founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco in 1988 (with his two brothers) and the enterprise has grown to over 60 locations throughout California. A fresh and tasty fusion of Brazilian, Asian, and Mexican fare, Wahoo’s is best known for their signature fish tacos that pair perfectly with the newly released 2020 Castenada Rose.

Chef Wing graciously shares his recipe for Fish Tacos with Oven-Roasted Salsa.

Show 388, August 29, 2020: Jeff Nelson, Founder & CEO, Liquid Farm, Lompoc

Jeff Nelson of Liquid FarmJeff Nelson is the Founder and CEO of Liquid Farm with their distinctive Tasting Room in Los Olivos and the Winery in Lompoc.

“We seek to support local viticulture and honor our palates’ love for old world wines that have naturally high acidity and are not masked by many of the modern-day manipulations.”

“To do so, we selfishly decided to make what we most love to drink: Chardonnay that is earth and mineral driven from cool climates with little or no new oak. To achieve these qualities we were drawn to one of the coolest of all California AVA’s, Sta. Rita Hills. Located in Santa Barbara County, it is home to some of the most Chardonnay-suited, unique, ancient soils in North America.”

“From the climate and soil, to the people and their wines, the Santa Ynez Valley is certainly one of the most special regions we have ever come across.”

“Often said, but very true, all great wine starts in the vineyard. Our project’s name reflects our strong belief in that philosophy. It is truly all about place in combination with the highest quality fruit and letting the varietal and regional TYPICITY of the wine shine through from vineyard to glass…Liquid from Farming.”

“We allow the wines to develop on their own with little intervention, minimal or no new oak and use no additives or machines to manipulate the wines inherent personality. The project is also committed to blending from the handful of special vineyards we work with in the small AVA of Sta. Rita Hills to produce a collection of Chardonnays that are markedly different expressions, but with the same thread of intense minerality and salinity they started with in the vineyard.”

The Liquid Farm collection also includes a Rose of Mourvedre and “SBC” Pinot Noir. James Sparks is the Winemaker.

“Jeff Nelson has been in the wine business for the past 20+ years, working for some of the top Champagne and Burgundy houses. With the name Liquid Farm on Jeff’s mind for many years, it was the catalyst in 2009 for starting the project with the helping guidance of Brandon Sparks-Gillis of Dragonette Cellars.”

Jeff Nelson gently pulls the cork for us on all things Liquid Farm.

Show 333, July 20, 2019: Golden Road Brewing Co’s Brewmaster Victor Novak and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres Part One

Steven Torres and Victor Novak at the KLAA StudiosTime for another effervescent installment of Ask the Brewers” where we answer listeners’ questions about craft beer. Joining us is Golden Road’s uber-accomplished Brewmaster, Victor Novak and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

A limited keg run of a small batch of Kissed By A Rose is about to return to the Golden Road Pub OC for a short window of availability. This is Golden Road’s Brewing Team’s tribute to the growing popularity of Rose Wine. Steven explains it’s not a simple recipe.

Victor updates us on the status of the eagerly anticipated and soon-to-be Golden Road Pub in Peter’s Landing in Huntington Beach. It’s good-sized at 250 guest seats.

Show 137, September 5, 2015: Chef / Proprietor Florent Marneau, Marche Moderne

Florent and Amelia Marneau of Marche Moderne at South Coast PlazaIf you’re a fan of bouillabaisse, the celebrated fresh seafood stew from Provence, then you need to head over to Marche Moderne in South Coast Plaza. Nightly from September 10th through Sunday, September 20th is their annual Bouillabaisse 2015 festival! It’s an occasion worthy of celebration.

Chef/Proprietor Florent Marneau flies in his fish from the South of France. In the bouillabaisse you’ll see Saint-Pierre, Daurade Royale or Seabream and Rouget or Rascasse. There is also a carefully selected group of Rose wines (available by the glass or bottle) to pair with the bouillabaisse.

The keys to a great bouillabaisse are the broth (made with fish bones) and the quality of the fish.

These nights at Marche Moderne are very popular. Reservations are needed.