Show 459, January 22, 2022: Chef Vida Virgillito of the Gone Loco Spicy Food Truck, Long Beach

Vida Virgillito of the Gone Lock Spicy Food Truck

“The city-wide inaugural Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 23-30, 2022. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be a platform to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, along with Velika Turner, former co-owner of Derricks on Atlantic, Long Black Restaurant Week will be an eight day event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.”

A participating food truck is Chef Vida Virgillito’s Gone Loco Spicy Food Truck. It’s the first certified rolling grill in Long Beach that features a menu of all spicy foods. You choose your preferred level of spice ranging from “Tame” to “Insane.” All the hot sauces and special seasonings are Chef Vida’s creations. They are vegan and vegetarian options on the Gone Loco menu.

Popular menu items include My Chick Bangin’ Sandwich with a spicy chicken breast (grilled or fried,) spicy house aioli, spicy pickles, lettuce and tomato; and Mom’s Grilled PB&PJ Sammie with pepper jelly and peanut butter on grilled artisan bread. The onion rings have a special seasoning that elevates the taste and flavor. Chef Vida takes a break from the rolling grill and joins us with spatula in hand.

Show 363, March 7, 2020: Owner / Chef Cathy Pavlos of Provenance Previewing OC Restaurant Week

Cathy Pavlos of ProvenanceOrange County Restaurant Week, possibly the region’s most eagerly anticipated Restaurant Week for more than a decade, returns Sunday, March 8th through Saturday, March 14th. This year, nearly 150 restaurants will participant in OC Restaurant Week, offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining, which will once again allow for a “luxe experience” with a select group of menus priced at a $80 price point! For 2020 the Cocktails of Restaurant Week will be highlighted to complete dining experiences and many participating restaurants will offer a Spicy Food Lover option for the many flavor cravers out there!”

Proprietor / Executive Chef (Cathy Pavlos) of Newport Beach’s Provenance (Italian Soul & California Style) is again a participating restaurant in OC Restaurant Week. Provenance is featuring both a $20 Lunch menu as well as a $40 Dinner menu. Chef Cathy also is showcasing a spicy food menu item, a spicy chicken pasta. Chef Cathy joins us with an enticing menu preview.

Show 363, March 7, 2020: Descanso’s Proprietor Rob Arellano and Executive Chef Sergio Ortega Previewing OC Restaurant Week

Sergio Ortega of Descanso Modern TaqueriaOrange County Restaurant Week, possibly the region’s most eagerly anticipated Restaurant Week for more than a decade, returns Sunday, March 8th through Saturday, March 14th. This year, nearly 150 restaurants will participant in OC Restaurant Week, offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining, which will once again allow for a “luxe experience” with a select group of menus priced at a $80 price point! For 2020 the Cocktails of Restaurant Week will be highlighted to complete dining experiences and many participating restaurants will offer a Spicy Food Lover option for the many flavor cravers out there!”

Executive Chef Sergio Ortega of Costa Mesa’s Descanso – A Modern Taqueria (along with Proprietor Rob Arellano) are participating in OC Restaurant Week. Descanso is featuring both a $15 Lunch menu as well as a $30 Dinner menu. Think special OC Restaurant Week cocktails, too. Chef Sergio also is highlighting a spicy food menu item, a pair of carnitas tacos with Habanero salsa.

Chef Ortega and Rob Arellano join us with a salivating menu preview.