“Yangban Society located in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles (in the previous home of Bon Temps Restaurant) draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences with California ingredients. Together, Chef / Proprietors Katianna & John Hong craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.” Chef Kat Hong takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.
It’s holiday Latke Time at The Spielberg Family’s kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. “There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way on Pico restaurant for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.” We pull founding Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.
Linda Kissam (Arizona and Seattle-based) is the immediate past President of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), a by-invitation only group of credentialed travel journalists primarily based in North America. Last month Princess Cruises brought Linda to San Pedro to board their newest ship, Discovery Princess, to preview their latest VIP amenity, ss, to preview their new VIP amenity, 360: An Extraordinary Experience. It’s a new, invitation-only experience from Princess Cruises that transports guests nightly to the Mediterranean – no matter where they’re actually sailing – engaging all of their senses with the tastes, sights, sounds, touches and fragrances of the Mediterranean.
Linda Kissam is our “Cruise Director” to share highlights of 360: An Extraordinary Experience on Discovery Princess.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruelthe Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. What’s going on with Maine Lobster and it’s availability at Whole Foods? Whole Foods has said that they are going to stop buying and stocking Maine Lobsters. Quite a blow to the hard-working Maine lobsterman. We’ll “Ask the Chef.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles and Travel Costa Mesa. Anne Marie joins us in-studio for her regular bi-monthly visit to talk about her recent Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Anne Marie also chats about her preview evening at the eagerly anticipated Bloom Restaurant + Bar (a newly launched restaurant from Russ Bendel and Partners) in a historic building in San Juan Capistrano and other Orange County restaurant news.
“Yangban Society located in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles (in the previous home of Bon Temps Restaurant) draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences with California ingredients. Together, Chef/Proprietors Katianna & John Hong craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.” Chef Kat Hong takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.
It’s holiday Latke Time at The Spielberg Family’s kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. “There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way on Pico restaurant for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.” We pull Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.
Linda Kissam (Arizona and Seattle-based) is the immediate past President of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA),a by-invitation only group of credentialed travel journalists primarily based in North America. Last month Princess Cruises brought Linda to San Pedro to board their newest ship, Discovery Princess, to preview their new VIP amenity, 360: An Extraordinary Experience. It’s a new, invitation-only experience from Princess Cruises that transports guests nightly to the Mediterranean – no matter where they’re actually sailing – engaging all of their senses with the tastes, sights, sounds, touches and fragrances of the Mediterranean.
Linda Kissam is our “Cruise Director” to share highlights of 360 : An Extraordinary Experience on Discovery Princess.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. This is a bit curious…The price of proteins has been on the rise yet the price of chicken breasts and wings has declined since the Summer. Definitely value to be found there. Chef Andrew adds his informed perspective. What’s going on with Maine Lobster and it’s availability at Whole Foods? We’ll “Ask the Chef.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Anne Marie joins us in-studio to talk about her recent Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Anne Marie also chats about her preview evening at the eagerly anticipated Bloom Restaurant + Bar (a newly launched restaurant from Russ Bendel and Partners) in a historic building in San Juan Capistrano and other Orange County restaurant news.
From there Anne Marie highlights (from her most recent column in Voice of OC) a new Orange County-based private dining platform that pre-sells pop-up events and private dining experiences with high profile private chefs and caterers.
“Yangban Society located in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles (in the previous home of Bon Temps Restaurant) draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences with California ingredients. Together, Chef / Proprietors Katianna & John Hong craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.” Chef Kat Hong takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.
“Within Yangban Society resides the Yangban Super, a stand-alone specialty minimart. In addition to retail products, housemade pantry staples, snacks and drinks such as Korean fruit milks, face masks, and incense, Yangban Super showcases items from L.A. – based and Asian-American-owned businesses. Carefully-crafted housemade canned and bottled cocktails, interesting wines, beer and Yangban’s custom-made Sawtelle Sake Makgeolli are just a few selections that one can find in the diversified beverage program. The space also gives voice to Katianna’s and John’s passion for Hip Hop, fashion and streetwear culture. This is a reflection of their intension for Yangban Society to speak to their identities outside the kitchen.”
“Born in Korea and raised in upstate New York, Katianna spent much of her childhood training in competitive gymnastics, developing a profound sense of drive and discipline at an early age. After high school, Katianna uncovered her passion for the culinary arts and went on to study at the Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park and the UNLV School of Hospitality. Following graduation, Katianna furthered her education under the acclaimed chef Josiah Citrin at the Michelin two-starred Melisse in Santa Monica, California. Amid long kitchen shifts at Melisse, Katianna met her culinary collaborator and future husband, John. The two relocated to Napa Valley in 2011, where Katianna began working as a line cook at chef Christopher Kostow’s lauded The Restaurant at Meadowood. In 2014, she was named the restaurant’s first-ever chef de cuisine, simultaneously becoming the only female chef de cuisine at a Michelin three-star restaurant in the United States.”
“Following the birth of their daughter, Alessia, Katianna and John relocated to Southern California in 2019 to pursue their dream of opening their first solo restaurant project together. At Yangban Society, Katianna & John offer a multi-dimensional, autobiographical experience that showcases their respective backgrounds and upbringings, while providing standout to-go offerings and a dynamic neighborhood space for locals to gather.”
It’s holiday Latke Time at The Spielberg Family’s (yes, the entertainment Spielberg Family) kosher diary restaurant, The Milky Way, located in the Pico / Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles.
“There will be candles, there will be dreidels – but most importantly there will be latkes! Often called “the best in Los Angeles”, people flock to The Milky Way for this Hanukkah necessity. Made fresh and ready to pick up in the signature Milky Way box, the Latke Box features a dozen latkes, house-made apple compote and sour cream.”
“A local legend in her own right, The Milky Way’s Leah “Lee Lee” (Spielberg) Adler’s restaurant has been an institution for more than 30 years. Her recipes are next level, and after her passing several years ago, The Spielberg Family is lovingly carrying on her legacy.”
“Bernie and Leah (Spielberg) Adler opened the doors to Milky Way restaurant in 1977. Their vision was to offer fine kosher food to the Jewish community at a time when such a thing didn’t exist in Los Angeles. The restaurant soon became known in the global Jewish communities, and among the general public too! Leah was a devoted mother to her four children and a beloved friend and employer. She will always be an iconic figure, revered by so many. Her memory is forever a blessing and her spirit lives on inside Milky Way, its food and community always.”
“A Holiday latke kit is $36 for a dozen and includes fresh, house-made apple compote and sour cream through Door Dash or by calling (310) 859-0004.”
We pull Consulting Executive Chef Philip Kastel away from gently frying the latkes to be with us.
Last month Princess Cruises brought Linda to San Pedro to board their newest ship, Discovery Princess, to preview their new VIP amenity, 360: An Extraordinary Experience. “It’s a new, invitation-only experience from Princess Cruises that transports guests nightly to the Mediterranean – no matter where they’re actually sailing – engaging all of their senses with the tastes, sights, sounds, touches and fragrances of the Mediterranean. The fully-immersive 360: An Extraordinary Experience is the cruise line’s most epic experience ever offered and is now available onboard Discovery Princess and coming to Enchanted Princess in late January.”
Linda Kissam is our “Cruise Director” to share highlights of 360: An Extraordinary Experience on Discovery Princess.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruelthe Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.
This is a bit curious…The price of proteins has been on the rise yet the price of chicken breasts and wings has actually declined since the Summer. Definitely value to be found with cluck. Chef Andrew adds his informed perspective. What’s going on with Maine Lobster and having it available at Whole Foods? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”
“In 2003, Covenant founders Jeff Morgan and the late Leslie Rudd tasted an Israeli wine that inspired them to bring a new California perspective to a 3,500-year-old winemaking tradition. What started as a 500-case Napa Cabernet project has now grown more than ten-fold. Today, Covenant’s 7,000-square-foot urban winery is situated in Berkeley, California, also home to other urban wineries. Covenant’s sister winery, Covenant Israel, was founded in 2013. Since 2013, Covenant Israel wines have been made in the northern Galilee.”
“Covenant Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from several exceptional vineyards in Napa Valley. Pinot Noir is sourced from Francis Mahoney’s hilltop Carneros vineyard. They also have long-standing relationships with growers in Sonoma’s Bennett Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Valley and Lake County. In Lodi, Covenant works with the Mettler family’s vineyards. In Israel, their best Syrah is grown on Israel’s only biodynamic vineyard—Tzivon—in the Upper Galilee.”
Vintner & Co-Owner Jeff Morgan is the featured guest at the upcoming Covenant Wine Dinner at The Milky Way (The Spielberg Family’s Kosher Dairy restaurant) in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 31st at 7:00 p.m. Executive Chef PhilKastel will serve a four-course repast with a Covenant wine matched with each dish. It starts with a Crispy Salmon Cake with a shaved fennel and arugula salad matched with 2020 Covenant Blanc De Blanc sparking wine.
The March 31st evening is at capacity but the better news is that the special Covenant Wine Dinner menu and the wine pairings will be available for the additional 5 nights of Sunday, April 3rd through Thursday, April 7th. Reservations are needed with the guests requesting the Covenant Wines Menu.
Jeff Morgan joins us to uncork all that is Covenant urban winery.
“The Milky Wayis a kosher dairy restaurant serving New American Kosher food in the heart of the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles, which reopened in February 2019 after the passing of its matriarch, Leah Adler. The menu features many of the restaurant’s original family recipes updated with a fresh twist as well as new dishes that have a global appeal, both for the international Jewish community and the general dining public alike.” All are warmly welcomed.
“Bernie and Leah (Spielberg) Adler opened the doors to Milky Way restaurant (A Kosher Dairy restaurant) in 1977. Their vision was to offer fine kosher food to the Jewish community at a time when such a thing didn’t exist in Los Angeles. Leah wanted to introduce interesting fare to many who had never tasted dishes like Cajun, Mexican, or Thai. Shortly after opening, it was very apparent that the main attraction wasn’t just the food, but was Leah herself! With her unique and exuberant charm; independent and confident style, Leah had the ability to make every guest in the restaurant feel as if they were the most important. People came for the food, but they kept coming back for Leah!”
“Leah disdained being identified as a “kosher deli”! Yes, she served traditional Jewish dishes like blintzes and potato pancakes, but that was where the similarities ended. When Leah would greet each table, she would describe the daily specials with such animation that she would easily convince the table to try them. She was known for her love of classical music, art, denim and Cabernet Sauvignon wine.”
When Leah passed the four Spielberg siblings (including Steven) made the decision to revamp and refresh The Milky Way as a living tribute to their late Mother. Nancy Spielberg became the point person for the Family for the ambitious effort. Well respected chef, Phil Kastel, was engaged as Executive Chef to tweak the recipes and enhance the menu.
For Hanukkah (and beyond) a custom latke kit To-Go (containing 12 latkes) with house-made apple compote and sour cream is now available. Among other menu items The Milky Way is known for are Leah’s cheese blintzes with strawberry preserves and their Halibut, beer-battered fish & chips. Also, trout amandine and other seafood specialties are on the menu. Dessert specialties include a classic cheesecake with blackberry compote and a rich carrot cake with cream cheese icing with toasted coconut.”
The Milky Way is open for Lunch and Dinner Monday through Thursday. Brunch and Dinner on Sundays. Closed for The Sabbath on Friday and Saturday.
Nancy Spielberg (Leah’s youngest child) and Chef Phil Kastel are our guests to chronicle the inspiring revival of The Milky Way.
“The Milky Wayis a kosher dairy restaurant serving New American Kosher food in the heart of the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles, which reopened in February 2019 after the passing of its matriarch, Leah Adler. The menu features many of the restaurant’s original family recipes updated with a fresh twist as well as new dishes that have a global appeal, both for the international Jewish community and the general dining public alike.” All are warmly welcomed.
“Bernie and Leah (Spielberg) Adler opened the doors to Milky Way restaurant (A Kosher Dairy restaurant) in 1977. Their vision was to offer fine kosher food to the Jewish community at a time when such a thing didn’t exist in Los Angeles. Leah wanted to introduce interesting fare to many who had never tasted dishes like Cajun, Mexican, or Thai. Shortly after opening, it was very apparent that the main attraction wasn’t just the food, but was Leah herself! With her unique and exuberant charm; independent and confident style, Leah had the ability to make every guest in the restaurant feel as if they were the most important. People came for the food, but they kept coming back for Leah!”
“Leah disdained being identified as a “kosher deli”! Yes, she served traditional Jewish dishes like blintzes and potato pancakes, but that was where the similarities ended. When Leah would greet each table, she would describe the daily specials with such animation that she would easily convince the table to try them. She was known for her love of classical music, art, denim and Cabernet Sauvignon wine.”
When Leah passed the four Spielberg siblings (including Steven) made the decision to revamp and refresh The Milky Way as a living tribute to their late Mother. Nancy Spielberg became the point person for the Family for the ambitious effort. Well respected chef, Phil Kastel, was engaged as Executive Chef to tweak the recipes and enhance the menu.
For Hanukkah (and beyond) a custom latke kit To-Go (containing 12 latkes) with house-made apple compote and sour cream is now available. Among other menu items The Milky Way is known for are Leah’s cheese blintzes with strawberry preserves and their Halibut, beer-battered fish & chips. Also, trout amandine and other seafood specialties are on the menu. Dessert specialties include a classic cheesecake with blackberry compote and a rich carrot cake with cream cheese icing with toasted coconut.”
The Milky Way is open for Lunch and Dinner Monday through Thursday. Brunch and Dinner on Sundays. Closed for The Sabbath on Friday and Saturday.
Nancy Spielberg (Leah’s youngest child) and Chef Phil Kastel continue as our guests to chronicle the inspiring revival of The Milky Way.
Leah Spielberg Adler was a fixture of the Pico-Robertson neighborhood (The Borscht Belt) in Los Angeles since 1977 until her passing in early 2017 at 97. She was the proprietress and heart of the kosher dairy restaurant, The Milky Way.
In a loving tribute to her memory The Spielberg Family (Steven, Nancy, Anne and Sue) reimagined and reopened The Milky Way in February of 2019 with a new look and an updated, appealing and streamlined kosher menu.
A Sunday Brunch menu was added right before Mother’s Day last Year. The varied selections range from Huevos Rancheros with Black Beans, Ranch Sauce, Fried Eggs, Feta Cheese, Lima Cream, Olives and Avocado to the Impossible™ Green Chile Breakfast Burger with fries. Also Brunch Cocktails (think Beermosa with IPA and Grapefruit Juice) and creative non-alcoholic Mocktails. Live piano music (played on Leah’s restored piano) is part of the Sunday Brunch experience.
The Milky Way serves Lunch and Dinner Monday thru Thursday. Friday is lunch only. Closed on Saturday. Sundays feature Brunch and Dinner.
Executive Chef & Restaurant Consultant Phil Kastel of PK+J Hospitality Group is the Creative Chef at The Milky Way and is out guest.
Leah Spielberg Adler was a fixture of the Pico-Robertson neighborhood (The Borscht Belt) in Los Angeles since 1977 until her passing in early 2017 at 97. She was the larger-than-life proprietress and heart of the kosher dairy restaurant, The Milky Way. In a loving tribute to her memory The Spielberg Family (Steven, Nancy, Anne and Sue) has reimagined and reopened The Milky Way (after an extensive renovation) with a fresh new look and an updated, appealing and streamlined menu of tasty kosher fare.
“Chef Kastel has put a modern spin on the kosher dairy menu, peppering the menu with entirely new items and updating many of Ms. Adler’s original family recipes with a new twist to create a menu that has a global appeal, both for the international Jewish community and the general public alike. All dishes are made using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, and diners can expect the menu to shift quarterly for seasonality, including a selection of seasonal fish. The new menu will now feature The Impossible CheeseburgerTM with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, American cheese and thousand island on a sesame seed bun, served with fries; the Famous Fish Chowder with halibut, Yukon potatoes, onions, celery and leeks, available daily; as well as the Cajun Pacific Snapper, with blackening spices and pineapple salsa, served alongside assorted seasonal vegetables.”
“Some of Ms. Adler’s original recipes have also been elevated with a modern spin. Signature dishes include Leah’s Cheese Blintzes served with strawberry preserves and sour cream; Salmon Puffs – a long-time, much loved signature dish, featuring crispy pocket, cream cheese, scallions and herbs – and the Potato Latkes with house-made apple compote and sour cream. Additional dishes not to be missed include the Eggplant Parmesan with marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil; the Ahi Tuna Burger with red bell peppers, ginger, scallions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and sriracha aioli, served on a sesame seed bun; and the Trout Amandine, with a panko crust, toasted almonds and tartar sauce paired with seasonal vegetables.”
“Dessert features Leah’s Classic Cheesecake – another original – as well as the new Apple Dream Pie, with a filling featuring crushed floral pink peppercorn and inspired in part by a dream Nancy Spielberg had of her mother. The restaurant also serves kosher wine by the glass or by the bottle, as well as a selection of bottled beer.”
“While there is much to celebrate with the new Milky Way, what hasn’t changed is the attitude of the restaurant. Leah Adler is still in the room – her life and spirit preserved in the photos, posters and tchotchkes that carefully speak to her legacy – supported by food and wine that is still kosher, delicious and accessible. This is, after all, a neighborhood kosher restaurant servicing the community with class and style.”
A new Brunch menu with (Brunch Cocktails) launches on Sunday, May 5th in advance of Mother’s Day. Think Huevos Racheros with black beans, ranchero sauce, fried eggs, Feta cheese, Lima Crema, Olives, Avocado and Cilantro in addition to the expected Smoked Fish Platter with smoked Salmon and Smoked Trout.
