Show 533, July 8, 2023: Long Beach Burger Week Preview with Chef Kat Vacharabul of Hangry Belly

Kat Vacharavbul of Hangry Belly

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as dozens of local restaurants and pop-ups will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 3rd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns July 23-20, 2023. Organized by local non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, the organization felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy. It’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?”

One of the participating restaurants in the 3rd Annual Long Beach Burger Week is Chef Kat’s fast-casual, Hangry Belly (established in 2020) located in SteelCraft in Bixby Knolls. It’s locally owned. “When you’re feeling hangry, Hangry Belly has got you covered.”

Offering a chef-inspired menu of over-the-top gourmet, creative burgers and generous portions of premium sides made with passion, there’s an option to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. From their sweet and savory We Be Jammin Burger (1/2 pound Beef Patty, Swiss, Onion Jam, Prosciutto, Arugula, Tomato, Garlic Aioli and served on a Potato Bun) to their spicy Fire Belly Burger.

Breakfast specialties centered around house-made biscuits are available Thursday through Sunday. Seek out their rotating selection of house-prepared decadent desserts including an Ube Brownie. (Their slogan is “No one leaves hangry…”) Hangry Belly will keep your bellies filled and wanting more!

Chef Kat Vacharabul joins us with spatula in hand.

Show 262, February 24, 2018: Laurie Porter, Smog City Brewing Co. & President, L.A. County Brewers Guild

Laurie Porter“In October 2011, Smog City Brewing Co. began brewing beer at the Tustin Brewing Co. (TBC) brewpub. By utilizing TBC’s excess fermentation capacity, Smog City was able to brew well-crafted beers, and personally distribute to restaurants and bars throughout Los Angeles County. We worked to create a presence in the craft brewing community and brewed and distributed 240 barrels in the first year.”

“By 2012, we’d grown faster than ever expected. After the purchase of our own full-scale brewing equipment, we formalized plans for our new brewery and taproom in Torrance, CA. In 2013, we received final building and license approvals and began brewing and opened our brewery taproom in May of 2013. Our Taproom in Torrance has become an amazing home for locals and visitors alike.”

“In January of 2017, we had an opportunity to join a unique and progressive project called SteelCraft in Long Beach. SteelCraft is a re-purposed outdoor food hall made entirely out of recycled shipping containers. This gorgeous outdoor beer garden has plenty of flavorful food options to choose from while you drink a delicious Smog City Beer.”

“Stop in and see us for a taste of our proven and experimental beers in Long Beach or a tour of our brewery & taproom in Torrance.”

Co-founder Laurie Porter taps the keg for us. She is also the President of the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild.