Show 696, September 12, 2026: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andy Harris at the KLAA Studios

I really apologize for this but there was a major meltdown in the Control Room at AM 830 KLAA on Saturday morning and, sadly, only the first and second segments survived in their entirety. We’re only posting the Links to the segments that were recorded.

We previewed the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival (later in the show) coming up on September 25th and 26th. (Those segments are lost.) Producer Shelby Russell surprised us with a special offer for discounted tickers.

Special Offer: At Checkout type ANDY26 in Promo Code Box for Discount.

“The 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week returns this Sunday, September 13th with twenty plus restaurants participating. The Restaurants will feature special Burger Offers during eight-day Dine-in Event from September 13th to 20th. Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as a variety of local restaurants will offer unique, over-the-top burgers and value-priced burger offers when the 6th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns September 13-20, 2026. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25. Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special $5 Burger Week Menu just for dogs.” ISM Brewing on the Promenade in Long Beach is one of the returning Burger Week’s participants. Proprietor Ian McCall joins us with a preview.

The Kroft in The Hangar (an original tenant) at the LBX Exchange is one of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Burger Week. Founder & Chef Stephen Le joins us with a preview of their layered Instagram able creation.

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

Show 696, September 12, 2026: 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week with Stephen Le of The Kroft at The Hangar at LBX Exchange

Stephen Le of the Kroft

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a juicy treat once again as a variety of local restaurants will offer unique, over-the-top burgers and value-priced burger offers when the 6th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns September 13-20, 2026. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25.”

“Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special $5 Burger Week Menu just for dogs.”

“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured burgers delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food trucks to visit.”

The Kroft in The Hangar at the LBX Exchange is one of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Burger Week. Chef Stephen Le joins us with a preview of their layered Instagrammable creation.

Chef Stephen has created the Pastrami Waygu Smash Burger for Burger Week. It’s a pair of wagyu smash patties, two slices of swiss cheese, hand sliced RC Provisions (supplier to the best Jewish Delis) brisket pastrami, creamy coleslaw, Russian dressing and presented on a buttered toasted brioche bun.

September 12: Long Beach Burger Week with ISM Brewing and the Kraft, Manhattan Beach Food + Wine, Top of the V, City Market Social House

Podcasts

Hour One: Long Beach Burger Week with ISM Brewing & The Kroft

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week with Ian McCall of ISM Brewing
Segment Three: 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week with Stephen Le of The Kroft at The Hangar at LBX Exchange

“The 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week returns this Sunday, September 13th with twenty plus restaurants participating. The Restaurants will feature special Burger Offers during eight-day Dine-in Event from September 13th to 20th. Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as a variety of local restaurants will offer unique, over-the-top burgers and value-priced burger offers when the 6th annual Long Beach Burger Week returnsSeptember 13-20, 2026. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25. Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special $5 Burger Week Menu just for dogs.” ISM Brewing on the Promenade in Long Beach is one of the returning Burger Week’s participants. Proprietor Ian McCall joins us with a preview.

The Kroft in The Hangar (an original tenant) at the LBX Exchange is one of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Burger Week. Founder & Chef Stephen Le joins us with a preview of their layered Instagram able creation.

“Festival Founder & Producer Shelby Russell and Culinary Curator & Host Chef Neal Fraser proudly announce the return of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival. Taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, the eagerly anticipated two-night celebration introduces an All-Star Chef Lineup and debut at its exciting new home, westdrift Manhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel. Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with two Grand Tasting Celebrations on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more. Producer Shelby Russell is our guest providing the enticing overview of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.

Chef Jayro Martinez is the Executive Chef of the Viv Hotel and Top of the V in Anaheim. He’s, again, a participating chef in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Chef Jayro is also a graduate of the Culinary Careers Program, the charity beneficiary of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. We’ll meet him.

“It’s about here…”Ready for LA Chef Con 2026? An eagerly-anticipated event for the chef and restaurant community with great networking opportunities. Come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food & drinks. LA Chef Conference 2026 presented byOpenTable + Slang and produced by BMRS Hospitality Recruitment, is the well-established, top-shelf gathering for chefs and restaurant professionals in the heart of Los Angeles. This year’s event takes place Monday, October 5th at City Market Social House in Downtown LA. 15% of all ticket sales will benefit the Independent Hospitality Coalition.” The Conference is open exclusively to members of the Hospitality Industry. A handful of tickets remain and are distributed via a lottery system. The host venue for LA Chef Con 2026 is City Market Social House. Proprietress Sara Sedlacek joins us with the overview of the versatile event facility.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Today Chef Andrew continues sharing his very timely American Gravy Substack piece, “How to Eat Better for Less.”

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

Ian McCall at the KLAA Studios

”The 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week returns this Sunday, September 13th with twenty plus restaurants participating. The Restaurants will feature special Burger Offers during eight-day Dine-in Event from September 13th to 20th.”

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a juicy treat once again as a variety of local restaurants will offer unique, over-the-top burgers and value-priced burger offers when the 6th annual Long Beach Burger Week returns September 13-20, 2026. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25.”

“Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special $5 Burger Week Menu just for dogs.”

“Organized by Axiom Productions LLC, who are behind some of the most popular culinary events Long Beach, organizers stated 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 and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants.” “With the current economic challenges, restaurants continue to struggle, and the 6th annual city-wide Long Beach Burger Week will help increase restaurant sales and guest counts in September,” organizer Qiana Mafnas stated. “And hey, it’s still summertime, and who doesn’t love a good burger?”

Stephen Le of the Kroft

“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured burgers delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food trucks to visit.”

ISM Brewing on the Promenade in Long Beach is one of Burger Week’s returning participants Proprietor Ian McCall joins us with a preview.

The Kroft in The Hangar at the LBX Exchange is one of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Burger Week. Chef Stephen Le joins us with a preview of their layered Instagrammable creation.

Shelby Russell of Electric Avenue Events

“Festival Founder & Producer Shelby Russell and Culinary Curator & Host Chef Neal Fraser proudly announce the return of the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival. Taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, the eagerly anticipated two-night celebration introduces an All-Star Chef Lineup and debut at its exciting new home, westdriftManhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel.”

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine is a spectacular two-nightstrolling culinary extravaganza with two Grand Tasting Celebrations on Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”

“Tickets are on sale now for the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine and guests are encouraged to purchase early and begin planning an unforgettable weekend of world-class culinary experiences, exceptional wines and spirits, luxury accommodations, and the relaxed sophistication of beautiful Manhattan Beach. Exclusive Hotel Packages at westdrift Manhattan Beach are also available, inviting guests to stay, sip, savor, and experience Southern California’s premier luxury coastal culinary festival all weekend long.”

Jayro Martinez of Westwood Coast Steakhouse

“Manhattan Beach Food & Wine’s event beneficiary is Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP). Long co-chaired by Chef Marcus Samuelsson, C•CAP is a workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens pathways to pursue careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Annually, C•CAP provides culinary, job and life skills in 186 schools across the United States across the entire state of Arizona, as well as in Baltimore, Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City & Long Island, Newark, Philadelphia, suburban Maryland, and Washington DC.”

Producer Shelby Russell is our guest providing the enticing overview of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.

Chef Jayro Martinez is the Executive Chef of the Viv Hotel and Top of the V in Anaheim. He’s, again, a participating chef in Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Chef Jayro is also a graduate of the Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) , the charity beneficiary of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. We’ll meet him.

Sara Sedlacek of City Market Social House

“It’s about here…”Ready for LA Chef Con 2026? An eagerly-anticipated event for the chef and restaurant community with great networking opportunities. Come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food & drinks. LA Chef Conference 2026 presented by OpenTable + Slang and produced by BMRS Hospitality Recruitment, is the well-established, top-shelf gathering for chefs and restaurant professionals in the heart of Los Angeles. This year’s event takes place Monday, October 5th at City Market Social House in Downtown LA. 15% of all ticket sales will benefit the Independent Hospitality Coalition.”

The Conference is open exclusively to members of the Hospitality Industry. A handful of tickets remain and are distributed via a lottery system.

The host venue for LA Chef Con 2026 is City Market Social House. Proprietress Sara Sedlacek joins us with the overview of the versatile event facility.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Today Chef Andrew continues sharing his very timely American Gravy Substack piece, “How to Eat Better for Less.” “Shop for ingredients, not meals.” Good advice…

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: Long Beach Burger Week with ISM Brewing & The Kroft

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week with Ian McCall of ISM Brewing
Segment Three: 6th Annual Long Beach Burger Week with Stephen Le of The Kroft at The Hangar at LBX Exchange

Show 485, July 30, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey had reopened. Chef and restaurateurs are again welcome to view and try a myriad of state-of-the-art and energy efficient restaurant kitchen equipment on display there. Rebates are available for qualified energy efficient natural gas equipment. There are also a host of informative, in-person seminars on the schedule. The Gas Co’s Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver are our guests providing all the key details.

Our bargain-loving, Social Media and Website authority, Adam Bell, was fortunate enough to spend a few glorious days in Maui in late April and early May. Maui is an ever-popular destination for Californians. Adam was based in Kihei which is near Wailea. Adam previously shared some informative trip highlights including the roundtrip experience on Hawaiian Airlines, the condo option to a hotel and a standout Dinner and Breakfast. For Adam’s concluding installment it’s the best in Hawaiian coffee and local craft beer (actually brewed in Hawaii.) Also, an overview of stationary food truck parks featuring delicious Island bites prepared with a side of Aloha.

“Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated Chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.”  Executive Chef Lincoln Carson is our guest.

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25. There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at Long Beach Burger Week site.” The Kroft’s Stephen Le and Remix Kitchen Bar’s Chef Ross Pangilinan join us with all the juicy details on their respective Long Beach Burger Week specials.

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. We all know salmon is healthy and should be part of our regular diet. It also can be kind of boring. As our resident seafood authority we have Chef Andrew to the rescue. Chef Andrew shares his thoughts on adding some excitement to that traditional salmon dish. Also some advice for jazzing up Salmon Burgers.

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

Show 485, July 30, 2022: Restaurateur Stephen Le, The Kroft, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week

Stephen Le

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25.”

“Long Beach Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special Burger Week Menu just for dogs for $5 each.”

“Organized by local 501(c)3 non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, executive director Terri Henry, who has been organizing culinary events Long Beach for almost a decade, 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 and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants. “We may be past the pandemic stage of COVID, but restaurants are still struggling and the 2nd annual city-wide Long Beach Burger Week will help increase guest counts and sales in August,” stated Henry. “And hey, it’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?”.”

“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at the Long Beach Burger Week site.”

The Kroft in The Hangar LBX is a participating restaurant in Long Beach Burger Week. Their special is an ample Chili Cheeseburger for $15. It’s a double Chili Cheeseburger with grilled onions and secret sauce on a brioche bun with fries and a soft drink. Co-Founder Stephen Le joins us with all the juicy details.

July 30: The Gas Company Energy Resource Center, Adam Bell in Maui, Mes Amis with Lincoln Carson, Long Beach Burger Week with the Kroft and ReMix Kitchen Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey Reopens
Segment Three: Maui Culinary & Beverage Highlights with “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” Adam Bell
Segment Four: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Restaurateur Stephen Le, The Kroft, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan, ReMix Kitchen Bar, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey had reopened. Chef and restaurateurs are welcome to view and try a myriad of state-of-the-art and energy efficient restaurant kitchen equipment on display there. Rebates are available for qualified energy efficient natural gas equipment. There are also a host of informative, in-person seminars on the schedule. The Gas Co’s Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver are our guests providing all the key details.

Our bargain-loving, Social Media and Website authority, Adam Bell, was fortunate enough to spend a few glorious days in Maui in late April and early May. Maui is an ever-popular destination for Californians. Adam was based in Kihei which is near Wailea. Adam previously shared some informative trip highlights including the roundtrip experience on Hawaiian Airlines, the condo option to a hotel and a standout Dinner and Breakfast. For Adam’s concluding installment it’s the

best in Hawaiian coffee and local craft beer (actually brewed in Hawaii.) Also, an overview of food truck parks featuring delicious Island bites prepared with a side of heart.

“Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson is our guest.

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022.

Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25. There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at the Burger Week site.” The Kroft’s Stephen Le and Remix Kitchen Bar’s Chef Ross Pangilinan join us with all the juicy details on their respective Long Beach Burger Week specials.

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. We all know salmon is healthy and should be part of our regular diet. It also can be kind of boring. As our resident seafood authority we have Chef Andrew to the rescue. Chef Andrew shares his thoughts on adding some excitement to that traditional salmon dish. Also some advice for jazzing up Salmon Burgers.

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

Carmen Oliver of the Gas Company

The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey had reopened. Chef and restaurateurs are welcome to view and try a myriad of state-of-the-art and energy efficient restaurant kitchen equipment on display there. Rebates are available for qualified energy efficient natural gas equipment. There are also a host of informative, in-person seminars on the schedule.

The Gas Co’s Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver are our guests providing all the details.

Adam Bell of dataTV

Our bargain-loving, Social Media and Website authority, Adam Bell, was fortunate enough to spend a few glorious days in Maui in late April and early May. Maui is an ever-popular destination for Californians. Adam was based in Kihei which is near Wailea. Adam previously shared some informative trip highlights including the roundtrip experience on Hawaiian Airlines, the condo option to a hotel and a standout Dinner and Breakfast. For Adam’s concluding installment it’s the best in Hawaiian coffee and local craft beer (actually brewed in Hawaii.) Also, an overview of food truck parks featuring delicious Island bites prepared with a side of Aloha.

Lincoln Carson of Mes Amis

“Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson takes a break from the kitchen and is our guest.

“Rooted in French style and technique and brought to life through local ingredients and purveyors from around the world, Carson’s broad menu is an invitation for any occasion. Carson’s contemporary take on classic brasserie fare encourages guests to convene for a casual weeknight bite, while large format entrees inspire group gatherings. Pristine offerings from an expansive raw bar include East and West Coast Oysters and Maine Scallop Crudo, with plates such as Chicory Salad with fourme d’ambert, citrus, walnut, and Steak Tartare with “everything lavash” showcasing California interpretations of traditional French dishes.”

“Entrees include Steak Frites, French Onion Burger with raclette and caramelized onions, Smoked Liberty Duck, and Niman Ranch Country Pork Chop with crispy brussels sprouts. Large format presentations such as 45-Day Dry Aged Prime Ribeye with potato-onion rolls and Whole Roasted Pasture Chicken further nod to everyday French favorites. Carson’s pastry expertise is revealed in whimsical renditions of classic French desserts including Chocolate Soufflé with chartreuse verte; Pavlova with rose geranium and Harry’s Berries strawberries; and Gateaux St. Honoré with pecan mousseline, puff pastry and caramel.”

“Designed to complement Carson’s menu, the beverage program features a comprehensive wine list of predominantly French and Californian producers, along with thoughtfully selected wines by the glass. Cocktail offerings named in honor of Mes Amis’ photography collection of Old Hollywood scenes and icons include the Safari Party with London dry gin, Lillet Blanc, Gran Classico Bitter, bubbles, lemon and thyme, as well as Happy Birthday No. 35 with rye whiskey, Dubonnet Rouge, herbs de Provence and bitters. An extensive range of classic and eclectic champagne offerings lends further levity to the Mes Amis experience with nightly selections presented tableside on a roving champagne cart.”

“Mes Amis is open for dinner service with plans to debut brunch in the months ahead. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with reservations available 7 days in advance on Resy.”

Stephen Le

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25.”

“Long Beach Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special Burger Week Menu just for dogs for $5 each.”

“Organized by local 501(c)3 non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, executive director Terri Henry, who has been organizing culinary events Long Beach for almost a decade, 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 and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants. “We may be past the pandemic stage of COVID, but restaurants are still struggling and the 2nd annual city-wide Long Beach Burger Week will help increase guest counts and sales in August,” stated Henry. “And hey, it’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?”.”

“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at the Long Beach Burger Week site.”

The Kroft in The Hangar LBX is a participating restaurant in Long Beach Burger Week. Their special is an ample Chili Cheeseburger for $15. It’s a double Chili Cheeseburger with grilled onions and secret sauce on a brioche bun with fries and a soft drink. Co-Founder Stephen Le joins us with all the juicy details.

Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar

Then Remix Kitchen Bar at LBX is also a participating restaurant in Long Beach Burger Week. Their special is the Remix Burger for $20. It layered on a house-made Brioche Bun with Thyme Garlic Aioli, American Cheese, Arugula, Tomato, Shallot Jam, Bacon and served with Fries. Founder & Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan (Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza) joins us with spatula in hand.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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.

We all know salmon is healthy and, ideally, should be part of our regular diet. It also can be kind of boring. As our resident seafood authority we have Chef Andrew to the culinary rescue. Chef Andrew shares his thoughts on easily adding some excitement to that traditional salmon dish. Also some advice for jazzing up Salmon Burgers.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey Reopens
Segment Three: Maui Culinary & Beverage Highlights with “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” Adam Bell
Segment Four: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Restaurateur Stephen Le, The Kroft, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan, ReMix Kitchen Bar, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House

Show 144, October 31, 2015: National Sandwich Day – The Kroft’s Creation

Stephen LeIt’s National Sandwich Day on Tuesday, November 3rd. We’re honoring the beloved “portable meal” created by the 18th century English noble, John Montagu.

The Kroft, with popular locations at the Anaheim Packing House and, now, Tustin Union Market, has created The Leftover Sandwich to mark the occasion. It’s the full Thanksgiving feast served on an artisan ciabatta roll with everything created from scratch. Even the turkey thyme gravy is house-made. It’s more than a mouthful and layers of deliciousness…

The treat is that The Leftover Sandwich will be available through the end of 2015!

We’ll hear all about it from The Kroft’s energetic co-founder, Stephen Le.

The Kroft is known for introducing (and popularizing) Poutine to the OC. For the upcoming “Best of the OC” for OC Weekly, The Kroft has been nominated for “Best Sandwich” and “Best New Restaurant.”