Show 461, February 12, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Celebrity Chef Carla Hall is well-known as the all-time fan favorite of Bravo’s “Top Chef” series (Seasons 5 and 8) as well as her years as one of the hosts of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “The Chew” Her most recent book is Carla and the Christmas Cornbread. Chef Carla is in town to participate in Taste Of The NFL at the Petersen Automotive Museum benefiting GENYOUth End Student Hunger Fund. Carla joins us.

“Modern media company Tastemade and Southern California’s PBS station have launched Season Two of the Emmy® and James Beard Award®-winning series “Broken Bread” – hosted by restaurant entrepreneur and acclaimed chef Roy Choi. Co-produced by Tastemade and KCET, the new season explores the future of the restaurant industry, highlighting diverse, expert perspectives and features notable names including Chef Wolfgang Puck, Restaurateur & Food Activist Alice Waters, Artist & Activist Chuck D. and more.” The Emmy Award-winning Director of “Broken Bread,” Antonio Diaz is our guest.

“With a history of working with and crafting some of the most sought -after brands in the world, Ten Five Hospitality represents the organizational, operational and creative excellence to bring original and authentic visions to life while outperforming the market on the bottom-line. Ten Five Hospitality brings a world class level of expertise in design, operations, marketing, financing, and food and beverage execution to any project that would typically require 4 or 5 separate consultants.” Among their host of expansive new projects in Hollywood is the Tommie Hotel. The Hotel features 212 guest rooms and over 25,000 square feet of food and beverage space, including a 12,000 square foot rooftop pool and easy-going bar, Desert 5 Spot, and a 6,000 square foot outdoor restaurant, Chef Wes Avila’s Ka’Teen. Managing partner Dan Daley joins us to share the details of Ten Five Hospitality’s evolving Hollywood plans.

Ellen Bennett is the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, an apron and kitchen gear brand that outfits many of the best chefs in the world. Since starting the business in her L.A. home, Ellen has grown H&B into a multi-million dollar business. They have collaborated with Vans, Madewell, Chrissy Teigen, and artist Takashi Murakami, among others and create uniforms for 4,000 restaurants and coffee shops all over the U.S.” “Dream First, Details Later – How to Quit Overthinking & Make it Happen! shares Ellen’s journey and her forged-in-the-fire personal playbook for starting before you stop yourself. If you’ve ever imagined doing something and immediately thought, “that’s impossible,” or “I wouldn’t even know where to start,” or “I’m not qualified to do that,” in these pages, you’ll learn how to shove aside your inner worrier and launch into action.” Savvy Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett joins us fashionably attired in a H & B apron.

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. Being an incurable romantic Chef Andrew shares some tips and practical advice on Valentine’s Day dining. If you’re going out on the 14th dine earlier when the kitchen is fresh and less frazzled. Consider dining out the day before or after when things are a bit calmer. Valentine’s Day itself is a great occasion to cook an intimate meal at home.

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

Show 461, February 12, 2022: Filmmaker Antonio Diaz, Director, “Broken Bread with Roy Choi” Season 2

Antonio Diaz

“Modern media company Tastemade and Southern California’s PBS station have launched Season Two of the Emmy® and James Beard Award®-winning series “Broken Bread – hosted by restaurant entrepreneur and acclaimed chef Roy Choi. Co-produced by Tastemade and KCET, the new season explores the future of the restaurant industry, highlighting diverse, expert perspectives and features notable names including Chef Wolfgang Puck, Restaurateur & Food Activist Alice Waters, Artist & Activist Chuck D. and more.”

““Broken Bread” follows Choi as he explores complex social justice issues through the lens of food – including gentrification, cultural erasure, and the corporate takeover of food and farming – and celebrates the people who are making big changes to the current food landscape, what is eaten and where communities gather. He meets inspiring individuals and organizations who challenge the status quo and use food as a platform for activism and a catalyst for change. As the connector, Choi teams up with those making a difference and thus, fuels his deep love for the food community and the players who fight to transform it for the better.”

The Emmy Award-winning Director of “Broken Bread,” Antonio Diaz is our guest. Antonio is also the Executive Producer of “The Migrant Kitchen” now airing it’s 4th season locally on KCET and PBS SoCal.

February 12: Carla Hall and Taste of the NFL, Broken Bread, Ten Five Hospitality, Hedley & Bennett

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Celebrity Chef & Food TV Personality Carla Hall
Segment Three: Filmmaker Antonio Diaz, Director, “Broken Bread with Roy Choi” Season 2
Segment Four: Restaurateur Dan Daley, Principal, Ten Five Hospitality, Ka’Teen at the Tommie Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Dan Daley, Principal, Ten Five Hospitality, Ka’Teen at the Tommie Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett, Founder, Hedley & Bennett, author of Dream First, Details Later Part One
Segment Seven: Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett, Founder, Hedley & Bennett, author of Dream First, Details Later Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Celebrity Chef Carla Hall is well-known as the all-time fan favorite of Bravo’s “Top Chef” series (Seasons 5 and 8) as well as her years as one of the hosts of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “The Chew” He most recent book is Carla and the Christmas Cornbread. Chef Carla is in town to participate in Taste Of The NFL at the Petersen Automotive Museum benefiting GENYOUth End Student Hunger Fund. Carla joins us.

Modern media company Tastemade and Southern California’s PBS station have launched for Season Two of the Emmy® and James Beard Award®-winning series “Broken Bread” – hosted by restaurant entrepreneur and acclaimed chef Roy Choi. Co-produced by Tastemade and KCET, the new season explores the future of the restaurant industry, highlighting diverse, expert perspectives and features notable names including Chef Wolfgang Puck, Restaurateur & Food Activist Alice Waters, Artist & Activist Chuck D. and more. The Emmy Award-winning Director of “Broken Bread,” Antonio Diaz is our guest.

“With a history of working with and crafting some of the most sought -after brands in the world, Ten Five Hospitality represents the organizational, operational and creative excellence to bring original and authentic visions to life while outperforming the market on the bottom-line. Ten Five Hospitality brings a world class level of expertise in design, operations, marketing, financing, and food and beverage execution to any project that would typically require 4 or 5 separate consultants.” Among their host of expansive new projects in Hollywood is the Tommie Hotel. The Hotel features 212 guest rooms and over 25,000 square feet of food and beverage space, including a 12,000 square foot rooftop pool and bar, Desert 5 Spot, and a 6,000 square foot outdoor restaurant, Chef Wes Avila’s Ka’Teen. Managing partner Dan Daley joins us to share the details of Ten Five Hospitality’s evolving Hollywood plans.

“Ellen Bennett is the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, an apron and kitchen gear brand that outfits many of the best chefs in the world. Since starting the business in her L.A. home, Ellen has grown H&B into a multi-million dollar business. They have collaborated with Vans, Madewell, Chrissy Teigen, and artist Takashi Murakami, among others and create uniforms for 4,000 restaurants and coffee shops all over the U.S.” “Dream First, Details Later shares Ellen’s journey and her forged-in-the-fire personal playbook for starting before you stop yourself. If you’ve ever imagined doing something and immediately thought, “that’s impossible,” or “I wouldn’t even know where to start,” or “I’m not qualified to do that,” in these pages, you’ll learn how to shove aside your inner worrier and launch into action.” Savvy Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett joins us fashionably attired in a H & B apron.

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. Being an incurable romantic Chef Andrew shares some tips and practical advice on Valentine’s Day dining. Also Chef Andrew has some thoughts on a controversial new trend at some restaurants where they aren’t reachable by phone. The guest communicates exclusively through their online reservation system, social media or email.

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

Celebrity Chef Carla Hall

Celebrity Chef Carla Hall is well-known as the all-time fan favorite of Bravo’s “Top Chef” series (Seasons 5 and 8) as well as her years as one of the hosts of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “The Chew” He most recent book is Carla and the Christmas Cornbread. Chef Carla is in town to participate in Taste Of The NFL at the Petersen Automotive Museum benefiting GENYOUth End Student Hunger Fund. Carla joins us.

“All Taste of the NFL proceeds benefit GENYOUth’s End Student Hunger Fund, which is dedicated to providing equipment and resources to help deliver and distribute school meals to the 30 million students nationwide who rely on them for their daily nutrition needs. The NFL has also earmarked a portion of funds as a donation to support the Super Bowl host city’s Los Angeles Unified School District and its Kool Kitchens renovations program, a district-wide initiative addressing student food insecurity. The PepsiCo Foundation is partnering with GENYOUth’s End Student Hunger Fund to address childhood hunger on a national level and to bring local support to the Los Angeles community through a partnership with Para Los Niños to provide nutritious weekend meals to students over the next year.”

Antonio Diaz

“Modern media company Tastemade and Southern California’s PBS station have launched Season Two of the Emmy® and James Beard Award®-winning series “Broken Bread – hosted by restaurant entrepreneur and acclaimed chef Roy Choi. Co-produced by Tastemade and KCET, the new season explores the future of the restaurant industry, highlighting diverse, expert perspectives and features notable names including Chef Wolfgang Puck, Restaurateur & Food Activist Alice Waters, Artist & Activist Chuck D. and more.”

““Broken Bread” follows Choi as he explores complex social justice issues through the lens of food – including gentrification, cultural erasure, and the corporate takeover of food and farming – and celebrates the people who are making big changes to the current food landscape, what is eaten and where communities gather. He meets inspiring individuals and organizations who challenge the status quo and use food as a platform for activism and a catalyst for change. As the connector, Choi teams up with those making a difference and thus, fuels his deep love for the food community and the players who fight to transform it for the better.”

The Emmy Award-winning Director of “Broken Bread,” Antonio Diaz is our guest.

Dan Daley of Ten Five Hospitality

“With a history of working with and crafting some of the most sought -after brands in the world, Ten Five Hospitality represents the organizational, operational and creative excellence to bring original and authentic visions to life while outperforming the market on the bottom-line.”

“Ten Five Hospitality brings a world class level of expertise in design, operations, marketing, financing, and food and beverage execution to any project that would typically require 4 or 5 separate consultants.”

Among their host of distinctive new projects in Hollywood is the Tommie Hotel. “The Hotel features 212 guest rooms and over 25,000 square feet of food and beverage space, including a 12,000 square foot rooftop pool and bar, Desert 5 Spot and a 6,000 square foot outdoor restaurant, Chef Wes Avila’s Ka’Teen.”

“Ka’Teen is an artful take on ancient Yucatan culinary tradition, made with the freshest ingredients hand-picked from local purveyors and farmers.”

Ten Five also has ambitious Hollywood dining projects with high profile chefs Evan Funke (Mother Wolf) and Lincoln Carson (Mes Amis)

Managing partner Dan Daley joins us to share the details of Ten Five Hospitality’s evolving Hollywood plans.

Ellen Bennett of Hedley and Bennett

Ellen Bennett is the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, an apron and kitchen gear brand that outfits many of the best chefs in the world. Since starting the business in her L.A. home, Ellen has grown H&B into a multi-million dollar business. They have collaborated with Vans, Madewell, Chrissy Teigen, and artist Takashi Murakami, among others and create uniforms for 4,000 restaurants and coffee shops all over the U.S. The biggest part of Hedley & Bennett’s business has now shifted to home cooks.”

Dream First, Details Later shares Ellen’s journey and her forged-in-the-fire personal playbook for starting before you stop yourself. If you’ve ever imagined doing something and immediately thought, “that’s impossible,” or “I wouldn’t even know where to start,” or “I’m not qualified to do that,” in these pages, you’ll learn how to shove aside your inner worrier and launch into action. This honest and bold illustrated book will be like having Ellen—your personal hype woman—there with you, all the while yelling, “Don’t stop! You got this!””

“As a 24-year-old line cook, Ellen Marie Bennett couldn’t stand the kitchen staff’s poorly designed, cheaply made aprons. So when her head chef announced he was ordering a new batch, she blurted out, “Chef, I have an apron company”—even though she had no company, no business plan—just a glimmer of a design idea and a business license. Through hustle and a willingness to leap into the unknown, time and time again, she built that first order into a multi-million-dollar company called Hedley & Bennett, making aprons and kitchen gear worn by many of the world’s best chefs and home cooks everywhere.”

Savvy Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett joins us fashionably attired in a H & B apron.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

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.

Being an incurable romantic Chef Andrew shares some tips and practical advice on Valentine’s Day dining. Also Chef Andrew has some thoughts on a controversial 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.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Celebrity Chef & Food TV Personality Carla Hall
Segment Three: Filmmaker Antonio Diaz, Director, “Broken Bread with Roy Choi” Season 2
Segment Four: Restaurateur Dan Daley, Principal, Ten Five Hospitality, Ka’Teen at the Tommie Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Dan Daley, Principal, Ten Five Hospitality, Ka’Teen at the Tommie Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett, Founder, Hedley & Bennett, author of Dream First, Details Later Part One
Segment Seven: Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett, Founder, Hedley & Bennett, author of Dream First, Details Later Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Show 306, January 12, 2019: Food & Entertainment Journalist Al Mancini, Las Vegas Review Journal

Al ManciniOne of our most reliable sources of quality restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants, Downtown Las Vegas and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guide series.

The huge restaurant news of the moment is L.A.’s own Chef Roy Choi (Kogi BBQ) opening his first venture outside of California, Best Friend restaurant at the new Park MGM. Al explains what he means by saying the spot has an “L.A. feel” to it.

Al shares a preview of what is on the menu there with us plus the other enticing food options at Park MGM. We also talk about the locals’ phenomenon that is the Vegas Golden Knights.

Show 57, January 18, 2013: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar. Continues…

Scopa Italian Roots in Marina del ReyChef Antonia Lofaso of the newly opened Scopa Italian Roots in Marina del Rey and Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City picks up the conversation.

Chef Antonia is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York and cooked at Spago for many years working her way up the tall kitchen ladder there. Her first executive chef post was at SBE’s Foxtail in West Hollywood.

Scopa, located next door to Roy Choi’s Sunny Spot, is her latest venture.

There is a huge antipasti bar where all the cheeses and salumi are cut and plated to order right in front of the guests. The mini Italian Hero (coppa, prosciutto, salami, provolone, olive oil, and vinegar) is very popular.

There is also an oyster bar.

The varied menu also offers salads, pasta, large plate mains, and seasonal sides including polenta. The Pappardelle with pork shank, stracciatella, and arugula is a standout. The flavorful T-Bone is a meat-lovers’ dream.

Antonia’s first cookbook, published in 2012, is still available via Amazon. It’s The Busy Mom’s Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, Home-Cooked Meals. Antonia has a teenage daughter and the recipes were developed through the eyes of a hardworking single mom.

January 18: Antonia Lafaso, Mark Boster, Kedric Francis, Skyler Reeves

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part One
Segment Three: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part Two
Segment Four: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part One
Segment Five: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part Two
Segment Six: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor, Orange County Register Magazine, Coast Magazine
Segment Seven: Skyler Reeves, master barman, co-producer of Golden State of Cocktails
Segment Eight: Chef Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris of “SoCal Restaurant Show”

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Los Angeles Times Travel ShowDon’t forget the Los Angeles Times Travel Show on January 18th & 19th at The L.A. Convention Center. There is a fun travel opportunity waiting for every budget. Save $2 per ticket with Promo Code: TRAVEL4.

You know the lovely Antonia Lafaso from Bravo’s “Top Chef” and Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Chef Antonia will be talking about her new restaurant, Scopa. The ace photo journalist from The Los Angeles Times is along to preview his presentation at The Los Angeles Times Travel Show and give us some insider’s tips on better food photography with smart phones. Kedric Francis, the dashing Executive Editor about town, previews the upcoming Restaurant Issue of The Orange County Register Magazine.

All of that and lots more deliciousness on the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

Antonia Lofaso of Black Market Liquor Bar and Scopa Italian RootsFor a chef with as much media exposure as she has received Antonia Lofaso is refreshingly low-key. Her name is not even on the menu for the two successful restaurants in Los Angeles that she is both executive chef & partner of. The popular restaurants are Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City and, the newest, Scopa Italian Roots in Marina del Rey, her loving homage to Italian-American red sauce cooking.

You first met Chef Antonia on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 4 set in Chicago. Two years later she was invited back to compete on “Top Chef All-Stars” where she battled to the finals.

Antonia currently serves as one of the regular judges on Food Network’s hit series, “Cutthroat Kitchen” hosted by Alton Brown. Season 2 is now airing on Sunday nights.

Chef Antonia is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York and cooked at Spago. Her first executive chef post was at SBE’s Foxtail in West Hollywood.

Scopa, located next door to Roy Choi’s Sunny Spot, is her latest venture.

There is a huge antipasti bar where all the cheeses and salumi are cut and plated to order right in front of the guests. The Italian Hero (coppa, prosciutto, salami, provolone, olive oil, and vinegar) is very popular.

There is also an oyster bar.

The varied menu also offers salads, pasta, large plate mains, and seasonal sides including polenta. The Pappardelle with pork shank, stracciatella, and arugula is a standout. The flavorful T-Bone is a meat-lovers’ dream.

Antonia’s first cookbook, published in 2012, is still available via Amazon. It’s The Busy Mom’s Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, Home-Cooked Meals. Antonia has a teenage daughter and the recipes were developed through the eyes of a hardworking single mom.

Mark BosterThe 16th Annual Los Angeles Times Travel show returns to the West Hall of the LA Convention Center on January 18 & 19. Veteran Los Angeles Times photojournalist, Mark Boster, is with us to preview his activities at the show.

Mark is on the LA Times Stage both Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with his “Postcards From the West” presentation. He’s doing this with LA Times Travel Writer Christopher Reynolds.

In an exclusive for our listeners Mark Boster is sharing tips for taking great food shots!

Boster is also quite an expert on California’s great treasure, Yosemite. He is the author of the acclaimed coffee table book, Four Seasons of Yosemite: A Photographer’s Journey with a forward by Robert Redford.

Mark is the co-presenter of “Postcards from the West” on the LA Times Stage at The Los Angeles Times Travel show at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 18th & 19th.

A photojournalist for 37 years and a Times photographer since 1983, Mark has covered presidential campaigns, the war in Kosovo, the 1984 Olympics, Super Bowls, the World Series, the Northridge earthquake, and Hurricane Katrina.

In this informative segment Mark shares an expert’s tips for better food photography using a smartphone.

Kedric Francis of Coast Magazine and the Orange County Register MagazineOur favorite debonair man about Orange County, Kedric Francis, is back with us with a preview of the upcoming “Restaurant Issue” of The Orange County Register Magazine which is with the newspaper on Monday, January 20th. Kedric is the restaurant-savvy Executive Editor of both Coast Magazine and The Orange County Register Magazine.

One of the most intriguing pieces is Orange County chefs who have professional ties to one of America’s great chefs, Thomas Keller. You know Chef Keller’s name from the French Laundry in Yountville, CA., Per Se in New York, Bouchon, and the Bouchon Bakeries. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at some of the OC chefs who have worked for Thomas Keller earlier in their careers.

Skyler ReevesSkyler Reeves is a master barman. Denizens of Downtown Los Angeles’ popular nightlife scene will know him from 213 Downtown. He’s one of the best…

His new project is co-producing the upcoming “Golden State of Cocktails.” It takes place January 27th through 30th primarily on the historic top floor of the Los Angeles Times Building in Downtown Los Angeles. This space was the former executive offices and the grandeur of the floor will surely impress. The educational event is designed exclusively for the trade.

“California’s long awaited large-scale cocktail event is finally here: Announcing Golden State of Cocktails! Staged in Los Angeles, the West Coast’s largest city and California’s anchor, Golden State of Cocktails celebrates all aspects of cocktail culture, both industry and consumer, from San Francisco to Los Angeles to San Diego and everywhere in between. Be a part of the inaugural event in one or more ways. From experiential interactive labs, take-away stations and brand immersion rooms, Golden State of Cocktails takes a hands-on approach to the learning experience and celebrates the best of what California cocktail culture is all about.” The event is open to restaurateurs, chefs, bartenders and people associated with the trade.

Chef Jet Tila host of the SoCal Restaurant ShowWe receive intriguing food related questions via social media…

Today Chef Jet is answering a sampling of those inquiries on the air. He’ll weigh-in on salt in food, the new regulation in California that food handlers touching raw food products must wear gloves, and the Letter Grade rating system for restaurants in effect in many California counties.

This will definitely get interesting…

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part One
Segment Three: Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef & Partner, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar Part Two
Segment Four: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part One
Segment Five: Mark Boster, Senior Photojournalist, Los Angeles Times Part Two
Segment Six: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor, Orange County Register Magazine, Coast Magazine
Segment Seven: Skyler Reeves, master barman, co-producer of Golden State of Cocktails
Segment Eight: Chef Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris of “SoCal Restaurant Show”