Show 383, July 25, 2020: Restaurateur Steve Livigni, Food & Beverage Partner, June Hotel & Caravan Swim Club

Posted on July 26, 2020 by abell

Restaurateur Steve Livigni (Scopa Italian Roots & DAMA) is the Food & Beverage Partner for the newly opened June Hotel in Westchester. This is the inaugural, more casual sister brand of Proper Hotel group.

“The first restaurant to launch there is the breezy Baja-inspired Caravan Swim Club, a 2-story outdoor poolside gathering place for everything from cabana drinks to fire pit gatherings, creative meetings to laid-back lounging. The menus take you on a culinary road trip from Santa Barbara to Northern Baja, Mexico. Enjoy seasonal snacks like charcuterie, ceviche and a raw bar paired with biodynamic wines, craft beer, and small-batch tequilas.”

Think The June Chop Salad with brentwood corn, avocado, cotija cheese, lettuce, cilantro, onion and tomato. Indulge a bit with the Tropical Agave Tart with tequila caramelized pineapple, custard, spices and a dollop of coconut lime whip.

Scenic Route is the future, all-day Lobby restaurant. Opening date in the next few months.

Steve Livigni is our guest with all the enticing details.

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Show 291, September 22, 2018: Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, DAMA, City Market South, Downtown Los Angeles

Posted on September 23, 2018 by abell

DAMA is a Latin-inspired restaurant just launched (9 weeks ago) in the Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles in City Market South featuring culinary dishes from Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso (Venice’s Scopa Italian Roots) and standout cocktails from Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni.

“Chef Antonia Lofaso’s menu draws from her time spent in Mexico City, Spain, Colombia and the Caribbean. The cocktail menu, from Pablo Moix, features long-forgotten classics and spectacular blended drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris. A sprawling, multi-level outdoor patio establishes Dama as a go-to spot for taking in LA’s flawless weather.”

Think Whole Soft Shell Crab Taco with hot pickled onions, radish, Persian cucumbers and cilantro. Also for a “Large Plate” the standout is the Crispy Pork Shank with lettuce cups, house-made warm tortillas, hot pickled vegetables and avocado crema. On the cocktail side look for Sandia y Mezcal with mezcal, watermelon, citrus and salt and pepper.

Chef Antonia takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

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September 22: Mad Hungry Woman, Suzanne Tracht, Antonia Lofaso, Golden Road Brewing, Break of Dawn, LA Kitchen

Posted on September 20, 2018 by abell

Podcasts

Segment One: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman
Segment Two: Proprietress / Executive Chef Suzanne Tracht, Jar, Los Angeles
Segment Three: Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, DAMA, City Market South, Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles & Anaheim
Segment Five: Chef/Proprietor Dee Nguyen, Break of Dawn, Laguna Hills
Segment Six: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part One
Segment Seven: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part Two

Program Note:
Please join us at the special time this Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3:00 p.m. following Fighting Irish Football. It’s not the same without you.

Now an inspiring preview of this Saturday afternoon’s mouthwatering show. Let us temp you…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Our favorite Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, has been traveling in Northern Baja. She was recently an esteemed judge at the 5^th Annual Sabor de Baja, an annual food and wine pairing event staged on the lawn of the iconic Rosarita Beach Hotel overlooking the beach and blue Pacific. Sabor de Baja is a friendly culinary competition among 25 of Baja’s top chefs, each paired with the finest Mexican wines and artisanal beer producers. It’s an all-white affair.

Jar, a modern chophouse in the heart of Los Angeles, dazzles Angelenos with the allure of Chef Suzanne Tracht’s familiar retro dishes from the American culinary repertoire, including her signature Pot Roast, Kansas City Steak, wild and sustainable Fish, Lemon Grass Chicken, Black Mussels with Lobster Bearnaise and Fennel Salt, award -winning French Fries, market-fresh sides and perfect martinis. It’s been an L.A. staple since 2001. Chef Suzanne Tracht is our guest.

DAMA is a Latin-inspired restaurant just launched in Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles in City Market South featuring culinary dishes from Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso (Venice’s Scopa Italian Roots) and standout cocktails from Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni. Chef Antonia takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

It’s time to again “Ask the Brewers.” Joining us in-studio is the dynamic duo of Golden Road Brewing’s distinguished Brewmaster, Victor Novak, and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres. On tap is a discussion of the trend of craft brewers to now create their take on Baja-style lagers brewed with premium ingredients and what craft beer styles match with pickles and other fermented veggies. Thirst-quenching conversation for sure…

Back in 2006 rising-star, fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen (Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel) was looking to simplify his life and spend more time with his growing Family. He bravely branched out on his own to launch the modest Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills. Fortunately he quickly developed a loyal following of inspired guests. It’s a very personal statement for Chef Dee who serves breakfast, lunch and brunch Wednesday through Sunday only. It’s creative, fine-dining comfort foods with a Vietnamese twist. Chef Dee puts down the spatula and joins us.

L.A. Kitchen, a pioneering non-profit, is again rallying Angelenos to take a stand and participate in a city-wide party (October 5 to 7) to raise awareness and fight food waste, hunger and unemployment. Shared Plates is L.A Kitchen’s anti-gala, a weekend of dinner parties for good that invites thousands of Angelenos to sit around the table in their backyards, restaurants, businesses and schools across Los Angeles. Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO sets the table for us.

100% of the ticket sales help in feeding LA’s homeless and senior population, offering culinary job training to the formerly incarcerated or formerly homeless and towards diverting thousands of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

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

Sabor de Baja is a friendly culinary competition among 27 of Baja’s top chefs, each paired with the finest Mexican wines and artisanal beer producers. It’s an all-white affair.

“The intent of the Sabor de Baja is to promote gastronomy and tourism between the U.S. and Baja. Each attendee enjoys a pairing of all the chefs creations together with the wine or beer producers. There are two main awards given that night: The first is decided by a panel of distinguished judges and the second is called the “People’s Choice” which is decided by popular voting from every attendee who submits a ballot.”

“Suzanne Tracht, chef and owner of the critically-acclaimed Jar Restaurant, was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She began cooking professionally at the age of 19, when she left college for an apprenticeship under Siegbert Wendler, legendary chef at the four-star Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. After three years she moved to Southern California to work in the kitchen of the prestigious Hotel Bel-Air and later served as sous-chef at Noa Noa. In 1992, she became chef de cuisine at Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel’s Campanile. Four years later, she embarked on her first solo venture at executive chef at the Cal-Asian restaurant, Jozu. In its debut year, Jozu ranked number two for “L.A.’s Best New Restaurants” in Los Angeles magazine’s restaurant issue.”

“In 2001, she opened her modern chophouse, Jar, with her longtime chef de cuisine Preech Narkthong. Quickly, Tracht and Narkthong built a reputation for cooking cozily familiar American retro food – pot roast, steaks, pork chops, braised lamb shanks — with a modern twist.”

Chef / Proprietress Suzanne Tracht is our guest.

DAMA is a Latin-inspired restaurant just launched in the Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles in City Market South featuring culinary dishes from Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso (Venice’s Scopa Italian Roots) and standout cocktails from Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni.

Think Whole Soft Shell Crab Taco with hot pickled onions, radish, Persian cucumbers and cilantro. On the cocktail side look for Sandia y Mezcal with mezcal, watermelon, citrus and salt and pepper.

Chef Antonia takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

It’s time to once again “Ask the Brewers.” Joining us in-studio is the dynamic duo of Golden Road Brewing’s distinguished Brewmaster, Victor Novak, and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

On tap is a discussion of the current trend of craft brewers to now create their own take on the popular Baja-style lagers brewed with premium ingredients. Also, what craft beer styles match with pickles and other fermented veggies. Thirst-quenching conversation for sure…

Back in 2006 rising-star, fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen (ex-Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel) was looking to simplify his life and spend more time with his growing family. He bravely branched out on his own to launch the modest, 50-seat Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills.

Fortunately he quickly developed a loyal following of inspired guests. It’s a very personal statement for Chef Dee who serves breakfast, lunch and brunch Wednesday through Sunday only. It’s creative, fine-dining comfort foods with a Vietnamese twist.

“Guests can select from a variety of dishes, including bison sausage, French toast crème brulee, flax seed and quinoa oatmeal and mac and cheese. All foods are prepared with fresh ingredients and are designed to meld flavors and textures together. A children’s menu and beverage list with cocktails is also available.”

Think the unexpected including Goat Chili with morita, goat cheese, Mexican chocolate and chickpeas.

Chef Dee puts down the spatula and joins us.

Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO sets the table for us.

Now in its third year, the 2017 Shared Plates campaign provided over 100 dinners arranged by participating restaurants and private individuals, engaging 1,000 Angelenos for the cause and contributing over $120,000 to the non-profit for its services to those in need.

“This is our 3rd year of Shared Plates. We love that more and more people from across the region are hosting simple dinners in their homes to support L.A. Kitchen. We love that there’s no age, income or geographic barriers to our event….anybody can be a host, anyone can participate, and everyone can benefit. This is food democracy.”

Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO

Podcasts

Show 120, May 2, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on May 5, 2015 by abell

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host. His new restaurant makeover series on FYI, “Say it to My Face,” launches Saturday evening, May 9^th at 10:00 p.m. on FYI.

Now a preview of today’s satisfyingly overstuffed show.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) announces its next Los Angeles seminar, “Vive l’Aperitif! An Invitation to Preprandial Drinking,” Monday, May 11^th, 2015 at one of L.A.’s happening restaurants, Scopa Italian Roots in Venice. Sampling of classic aperitifs is on the menu. It’s all in celebration of National Aperitif Day. Scopa’s Steve Livigni and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard join us to explain what an aperitif is and how it fits into a modern cocktail program.

When two highly regarded young chefs get together for a collaborative dinner that’s a recipe for true dining excitement! On Tuesday, May 12th, Chef Eric Samaniego of Little Sparrow in Santa Ana and Chef Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria at SoCo in Costa Mesa will partner up for a special chefs collaboration event, Little Maria. The five-course dinner will be hosted at Little Sparrow, featuring dishes that motivate both chefs to break out of their comfort zones. Little Sparrow’s Chef Eric Samaniego is our guest with all the tantalizing 411.

Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan oversees the high-end Leatherby’s Café Rouge at the striking Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. It’s part of the prominent Patina Restaurant Group. Unusually it’s only available for dining on performance nights. Fortunately it’s not a stripped-down pre-theater, “get ‘em out fast” approach. It’s leisurely fine-dining that’s part of the evening’s show experience. Chef Pangilinan joins us to explain his novel “meal and a performance” approach to fine-dining.

Daniel Minjares, a senior restaurant manager at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim, has recently assumed an additional role as mixologist for the restaurant. Minjares, a Southern California native, and a 33 year restaurant veteran was the beverage manager at SkyCity Restaurant at the Seattle Space Needle prior to joining The Ranch team three years ago. Currently, he is combining the unique offerings of the restaurant’s heirloom vegetable farm in creating farm-to-glass cocktails, complimenting the restaurants’ seasonally driven menu.

Pastry Chef Mariah Swan of BLD in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles is no stranger to listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

Her latest, long-in-the-works venture, is ICDC (Ice Cream, Doughnuts and Coffee) located next door to BLD on Beverly Blvd. The sweets menu changes daily. Swan created the popular Doughnut Shoppe Wednesdays at BLD. Look for her signature butterscotch doughnut.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

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Show 120, May 2, 2015: MOTAC’s Philip Dobard and Scopa’s Steve Livigni

Posted on May 5, 2015 by abell

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) announces its next Los Angeles seminar, “Vive l’Aperitif! An Invitation to Preprandial Drinking,” Monday, May 11^th, 2015 at one of L.A.’s hottest restaurants, Scopa Italian Roots in Venice. Sampling of classic aperitifs is on the menu. It’s all in celebration of National Aperitif Day.

Ever wonder what distinguishes an aperitif from a digestif? And what their culinary function is? Well, celebrate National Aperitif Day with The Museum of the American Cocktail and wonder no more. Celebrated mixologists and restaurateurs Steve Livigni & Pablo Moix lead participants on a tasting tour of aperitifs both common and rare, neat and cocktailed. Guests will learn what they need to know to select and appreciate a fine before-dinner drink and enjoy innovative takes on Italian classics from “Top Chef” star Chef Antonia Lofaso who is also one of three regular judges on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” with Alton Brown.

For the record National Aperitif Day is actually May 18^th. MOTAC is getting an early start on the festivities!

Scopa’s Steve Livigni and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard join us to explain what an aperitif is and how it fits into a contemporary cocktail program.

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May 2: Philip Dobard, Scopa Italian Roots, Eric Samaniego, Ross Pangilinan, The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon, Mariah Swan

Posted on May 1, 2015 by abell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: MOTAC’s Philip Dobard and Scopa’s Steve Livigni
Segment Three: Chef Eric Samaniego and “Little Maria” Evening
Segment Four: Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan, Leatherby’s Café Rouge
Segment Five: Mixologist Dan Minjares, The Ranch Restaurant, Anaheim Part One
Segment Six: Mixologist Dan Minjares, The Ranch Restaurant, Anaheim Part Two
Segment Seven: Pastry Chef Mariah Swan, ICDC, Los Angeles’ Fairfax District Part One
Segment Eight: Pastry Chef Mariah Swan, ICDC, Los Angeles’ Fairfax District Part Two

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Now a preview of today’s satisfyingly overstuffed show.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) announces its next Los Angeles seminar, “Vive l’Aperitif! An Invitation to Preprandial Drinking,” Monday, May 11^th, 2015 at one of L.A.’s hottest restaurants, Scopa Italian Roots in Venice. Sampling of classic aperitifs is on the menu. It’s all in celebration of National Aperitif Day. Scopa’s Steve Livigni and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard join us to explain what an aperitif is and how it fits into a contemporary cocktail program.

When two highly regarded young chefs get together for a collaborative dinner that’s a recipe for true dining excitement! On Tuesday, May 12th, Chef Eric Samaniego of Little Sparrow in Santa Ana and Chef Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria at SoCo in Costa Mesa will partner up for a special chef collaboration event, Little Maria. The five-course dinner will be hosted at Little Sparrow, featuring dishes that motivate both chefs to break out of their comfort zones. Little Sparrow’s Chef Eric Samaniego is our guest with all the tantalizing 411.

Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan oversees the high-end Leatherby’s Café Rouge at the striking Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. It’s part of the prominent Patina Restaurant Group. Unusually it’s only available for dining on performance nights. Fortunately it’s not a stripped-down pre-theater, “get ‘em out fast” approach. It’s leisurely fine-dining with flair that’s part of the show experience. Chef Pangilinan joins us to explain his novel “meal and a performance” approach to fine-dining.

Daniel Minjares, a senior restaurant manager at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim, has recently assumed an additional role as mixologist for the restaurant. Minjares, a Southern California native, and a 33 year restaurant veteran was the beverage manager at SkyCity Restaurant at the Seattle Space Needle in Seattle prior to joining The Ranch team three years ago. Currently, he is combining the unique offerings of the restaurant’s heirloom vegetable farm in creating farm-to-glass cocktails, complimenting the restaurants’ seasonally driven menu.

Pastry Chef Mariah Swan of BLD in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles is no stranger to listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

Her latest, long-in-the-works venture, is ICDC (Ice Cream, Doughnuts and Coffee) located next door to BLD on Beverly Blvd. The menu changes daily. Swan created the popular Doughnut Shoppe Wednesdays at BLD. Look for her signature butterscotch doughnut.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) announces its next Los Angeles seminar, “Vive l’Aperitif! An Invitation to Preprandial Drinking,” Monday, May 11^th, 2015 at one of L.A.’s hottest restaurants, Scopa Italian Roots in Venice. Sampling of classic aperitifs is on the menu. It’s all in celebration of National Aperitif Day.

Ever wonder what distinguishes an aperitif from a digestif ? And what their culinary function is? Well, celebrate National Aperitif Day with The Museum of the American Cocktail and wonder no more. Celebrated mixologists and restaurateurs Steve Livigni & Pablo Moix lead participants on a tasting tour of aperitifs both common and rare, neat and cocktailed. Guests will learn what they need to know to select and appreciate a fine before-dinner drink and enjoy innovative takes on Italian classics from “Top Chef” star Chef Antonia Lofaso (who is a co-owner.)

Scopa’s Steve Livigni and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard join us to explain what an aperitif is and how it fits into a contemporary cocktail program.

When two highly regarded young chefs get together for a collaborative dinner that’s a recipe for true dining excitement! On Tuesday, May 12th, Chef Eric Samaniego of Little Sparrow in Santa Ana and Chef Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria at SoCo in Costa Mesa will partner up for a special chef collaboration event, Little Maria. The five-course dinner will be hosted at Little Sparrow, featuring dishes that motivate both chefs to break out of their comfort zones.

“Guests can expect the unexpected” Samaniego said. “This has been in the works for a long time and Carlos and I are excited it’s finally happening.”

The Little Maria dinner features two seatings, at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., priced at $85 per person with an optional $30 wine pairing. Tickets must be purchased in advance. To maintain the element of suspense the menu will not be revealed until a few days before the dinner.

Both Chef Samaniego and Salgado have made a huge impact on the Orange County culinary scene in the past year. Little Sparrow recently had their debut on Season One of Bravo’s “Best New Restaurant” series hosted by Chef Tom Colicchio while Chef Salgado was recognized by Food & Wine magazine as one of the “Best New Chefs of 2015.”

Little Sparrow’s Chef Eric Samaniego is our guest with all the tantalizing 411.

For over five years Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan has overseen the high-end Leatherby’s Café Rouge at the striking Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. It’s part of the prominent Patina Restaurant Group. Unusually it’s only available for dining on performance nights. Fortunately it’s not a stripped-down pre-theater, “get ‘em out fast” approach. It’s leisurely fine-dining that’s part of the full show experience.

Currently the creative pre-theater menus are the continuation of their Broadway-themed menus. They take inspiration from the music and characters of the running shows. Pangilinan and team transport patrons into the world of highly acclaimed theatrical performances through carefully crafted three-course menus that pay tribute to each cherished tale.

June showcases a Broadway jukebox musical, Motown, with dishes such as Motown Sound featuring Smoked and Grilled Pork Porterhouse, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Roasted Vegetables, and Rosemary Jus.

Chef Pangilinan joins us to explain his novel “meal and a performance” approach to creative fine-dining.

Daniel Minjares, a senior restaurant manager at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim, has recently assumed an additional role as mixologist for the restaurant.

Minjares, a Southern Califorenia native, and a 33 year restaurant veteran was the beverage manager at SkyCity Restaurant at the Seattle Space Needle in Seattle prior to joining The Ranch team three years ago. Currently, he is combining the unique offerings of the restaurant’s heirloom vegetable farm in creating farm-to-glass cocktails, complimenting the restaurants’ seasonally driven menu.

The Edwards Ranch Estates heirloom vegetable farm is located on Ranch Owner, Andrew Edwards’s private property and is where a portion of the produce is grown that supplies the restaurant’s menu. The farm supports Executive Chef Michael Rossi’s vision of a seasonally driven menu and provides Rossi the creative freedom and flexibility to design menus and dishes around the seasons. Initially intended for restaurant menu development, the farm will now support a seasonally driven beverage menu.

Rossi and Minjares are currently working together on plans for the upcoming season. “Having the ability to blend the flavors from fruits, herbs, peppers and heirloom vegetables grown on our own farm, creating our own unique flavors for cocktails, it just doesn’t get any better,” said Minjares. Currently Minjares is also barrel aging and crafting his own bitters and aromatics for the new Spring cocktail menu.

This Spring’s beverage menu is divided into three sections, leading with Edwards Ranch Estates farm crafted cocktails featuring the LemonThyme Cocktail with house-made Meyer Limoncello, Nolet Gin, muddled Edward Ranch Estates lemon thyme, simple syrup, fresh lemon and a splash of soda. Listed next are the Signature cocktails and includes the Chipotle Margarita – Riviera Magazine’s 2013 Cocktail Tour Winner and the Old Fashion Cowboy. Signature Martinis & Manhattans complete the new menu and includes The Ranch Cucumber Martini, The Two-Step and the California Manhattan.

Pastry Chef Mariah Swan of BLD in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles is no stranger to listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

Her latest, long-in-the-works venture is ICDC (Ice Cream, Doughnuts and Coffee) located next door to BLD on Beverly Blvd. Everything is created in-house. The menu of ice cream and doughnuts changes daily.

Swan created the popular Doughnut Shoppe Wednesdays at BLD which ICDC now replaces. Now you can get incredible fresh doughnuts every day ICDC is open. (Closed on Monday.) You can get doughnut holes by the half-dozen. Look for her signature butterscotch doughnut.

Podcasts

Show 57, January 18, 2013: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris

Posted on January 21, 2014 by abell

Don’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 photojournalist 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 smartphones. 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 guaranteed deliciousness on the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

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

Posted on January 21, 2014 by abell

For 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 hey way into 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.

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

Posted on January 21, 2014 by abell

Chef 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.

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

Posted on January 17, 2014 by abell

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.

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.”

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 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.

Our 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 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.

We 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…

SoCal Restaurant Show Saturdays 10:00AM PT on AM 830 KLAA Los Angeles

Tag Archives: Scopa Italian Roots

Show 383, July 25, 2020: Restaurateur Steve Livigni, Food & Beverage Partner, June Hotel & Caravan Swim Club

Show 291, September 22, 2018: Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, DAMA, City Market South, Downtown Los Angeles

September 22: Mad Hungry Woman, Suzanne Tracht, Antonia Lofaso, Golden Road Brewing, Break of Dawn, LA Kitchen

Podcasts

Podcasts

Show 120, May 2, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Show 120, May 2, 2015: MOTAC’s Philip Dobard and Scopa’s Steve Livigni

May 2: Philip Dobard, Scopa Italian Roots, Eric Samaniego, Ross Pangilinan, The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon, Mariah Swan

Podcasts

Podcasts

Show 57, January 18, 2013: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris

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

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