Show 115, March 21, 2015: Chef Louie Jocson, Zov’s Bistro

Louie JocsonFinally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson, the new Director of Culinary Operations for the growing Family of Zov’s restaurants. Chef Louie most recently created the highly regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach, a locals’ favorite. He sold his interest to his former partners right before joining Zov’s.

Chef Louie has come full circle with Zov Karamardian. He started his career in the restaurant business at age 15 washing dishes and helping in the kitchen at Zov’s Bistro before enrolling in culinary school in San Francisco (California Culinary Academy) and working his way up the ranks at many of Orange County’s top restaurants in the ensuring years. Zov wrote the needed Letter of Recommendation for Louie to be accepted to culinary school at age 18.

Earlier in his career he was the Co-Executive Chef of the highly regarded Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Village.

It’s a cooking family. Louie’s older brother, Carlito, is the long-time Executive Chef for Yard House and is an original partner. It’s now owned by Darden Restaurants.

Show 114, March 14, 2015: Antonio Cagnolo, Antonello Ristorante, South Coast Plaza Village

Antonio CagnoloIn 1977 veteran restaurateur Antonio Cagnolo (Antonello Ristorante) met Henry Segerstrom for the first time. He was the new assistant manager at the fine-dining Alfredo’s (managed by a German) which was part of what is now the Westin South Coast Plaza. Mr. Segerstrom greatly appreciated Antonio’s gracious Italian hospitality and his innovative table-side service. A friendship blossomed.

A native of Northwestern Italy, Antonio Cagnolo has emerged as a dynamic force in the field of dining having received honor after honor for his many contributions both in and out of culinary circles. Most recently Antonello has debuted its version of an enoteca room (wine library) called the Enoteca Lounge.

Cagnolo also owns several nearby South Coast Plaza establishments that have proven to be favorites of the critics and public, alike. Nello Cucina is located at the entrance of South Coast Plaza north of Bear Street. The Italian restaurant specializes in steaks, pasta and pizza from an authentic brick oven. Across the street, at the center of the bustling South Coast Plaza, sits Quattro Café, a 104-seat dining establishment featuring specialty pasta dishes and entree selections. The casual coffee destination, Antonello Expresso Bar, offers a wide variety of gourmet coffee drinks as well as baked goods and sandwiches.

Antonio Cagnolo joins us to share the story of how Antonello Ristorante came to be at the South Coast Plaza Village in 1979 and other ventures thereafter.