Show 419, April 3, 2021: “The Street Gourmet’s” Bill Esparza Part One

Street Gourmet Bill Esparza

The Street Gourmet, Bill Esparza, (a James Beard Award-winner for excellence in journalism,) revived the grand taco fest in Los Angeles in June of 2019 with Bill Esparza’s Taqueando, an all-you-could-eat taco lifestyle event, celebrating the best traditional and contemporary taqueros at Skylight ROW DTLA. Bill was previously the curator of LA Weekly’s Tacolandia from 2013-2017. The inaugural Taqueando was a spirited gathering of the best taquerias in Los Angeles, Mexico, the state of California, and in the USA for a grand tasting of America’s favorite snack; the taco.

Awaiting the ability to safely bring back Taqueando as an outdoor food festival, Bill has created a series of pop-up food events at the location of the former Church & State in Downtown Los Angeles under the name of Taqueando & Friends by Bill Esparza.” The residencies benefit struggling independent restaurateurs, chefs and their employees.

Next up is the unusual return of John Rivera Sedler’s (Eloisa in Santa Fe) lauded Rivera. It’s 6 nights only over 2 weeks on April 15th to 17th and then April 22nd to 24th.

Bill is also a valued contributor to Eater LA. Last week he published an update to his Best Oaxacan Food in L.A.” guide. We’ll ask him about the list.

Senor Esparza is our well-traveled guide.

Show 419, April 3, 2021: “The Street Gourmet’s” Bill Esparza Part Two

Street Gourmet Bill Esparza

The Street Gourmet, Bill Esparza, (a James Beard Award-winner for excellence in journalism,) revived the grand taco fest in Los Angeles in June of 2019 with Bill Esparza’s Taqueando, an all-you-could-eat taco lifestyle event, celebrating the best traditional and contemporary taqueros at Skylight ROW DTLA. Bill was previously the curator of LA Weekly’s Tacolandia from 2013-2017. The inaugural Taqueando was a spirited gathering of the best taquerias in Los Angeles, Mexico, the state of California, and in the USA for a grand tasting of America’s favorite snack; the taco.

Awaiting the ability to safely bring back Taqueando as an outdoor food festival, Bill has created a series of pop-up food events at the location of the former Church & State in Downtown Los Angeles under the name of Taqueando & Friends by Bill Esparza.” The residencies benefit struggling independent restaurateurs, chefs and their employees.

Next up is the return of John Rivera Sedler’s (Eloisa in Santa Fe) lauded Rivera. It’s 6 nights only on April 15th to 17th and April 22nd to 24th.

Bill is also a valued contributor to Eater LA. Last week he published an update to his Best Oaxacan Food in L.A.” guide. We’ll ask him about the list.

Senor Esparza is our well-traveled guide.

Show 226, June 3, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s ample, and calorie-packed, show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The madness that is LA Weekly’s 5th Annual Tacolandia presented by Tabasco returns on Saturday, June 17th at El Pueblo de Los Angeles with over 120 taco vendors. The best-of-the-best tacos represented are personally selected by Street Gourmet’s Bill Esparza, known as the Tacorazza. We’ll talk taco with Senor Bill.

The 9th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-Off taps the craft beer keg in Temecula on Saturday afternoon, June 10th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” will be live from the Pechanga Grand Ballroom that morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. One of the new participating craft breweries at the Microbrew Festival is Breakwater Brewing Co. in Oceanside. Founder Shannon Sager (CEO & GM) is our guest.

You’ve been hearing us talk about OC Foodie Fest’s Pub & Grub – A Culinary Crawl happening in Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, June 10th. It’s time to get the specifics. Joining us is James Foxall, the curator of Pub & Grub and Chef Jake McPeck of the crowd-pleasing Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck.

The national challenge of The James Beard Foundation’s annual Blended Burger Project is on! Answering the call in the OC is Chef Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub in Orange with his creation of the Haven Breakfast Burger. We’ll hear all about blended burger deliciousness with Chef Greg and how you can vote in support of Chef Greg’s creation.

Longevity for a restaurant in the highly competitive Los Angeles restaurant arena isn’t an easy thing. Wolfgang Puck’s 2nd fine-dining restaurant in the Los Angeles area after Spago was Chinois on Main in Santa Monica. It launched in 1983 and is still a landmark dining destination in Santa Monica that consistently delivers. GM & Partner Bella Lantsman has, extraordinarily, been there since the beginning. We’ll meet her.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

June 3: Tacolandia, Breakwater Brewing, OC Foodie Fest Pub & Grub, Greg Daniels, Chinois on Main

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: 5th Annual Tacolandia Preview with “Tacorazza” Bill Esparza (The Street Gourmet)
Segment Three: Shannon Sager, CEO & General Manager, Breakwater Brewing Co., Oceanside
Segment Four: James Foxall, Pub & Grub’s Curator & Chef Jake McPeck, The Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck
Segment Five: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub, The James Beard Foundation’s Blended Burger Project
Segment Six: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Seven: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part Two

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s ample, and calorie-packed, show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The madness that is LA Weekly’s 5th Annual Tacolandia presented by Tabasco returns on Saturday, June 17th at El Pueblo de Los Angeles with over 120 taco vendors. The best-of-the-best tacos represented are personally selected by Street Gourmet’s Bill Esparza, known as the Tacorazza. We’ll talk taco with Senor Bill.

The 9th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-Off taps the craft beer keg in Temecula on Saturday afternoon, June 10th. One of the new participating craft breweries at the Microbrew Festival is Breakwater Brewing Co. in Oceanside. Founder Shannon Sager (CEO & GM) is our guest.

You’ve been hearing us talk about OC Foodie Fest’s Pub & Grub – A Culinary Crawl happening in Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, June 10th. It’s time to get the specifics. Joining us is James Foxall, the curator of Pub & Grub and Chef Jake McPeck of the crowd-pleasing Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck.

The national challenge of The James Beard Foundation’s annual Blended Burger Project is on! Answering the call in the OC is Chef Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub in Orange with his creation of the Haven Breakfast Burger. We’ll hear all about blended burger deliciousness with Chef Greg and how you can vote in support of Chef Greg’s creation!

Executive Chef Nick Liberato of Venice Restaurant Group and The Venice Whaler is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” Just in time for Summer The Venice Whaler has a new Dinner Menu, Brunch Menu and Cocktail Program. Chef Nick will fill us in with what’s new at the beach.

Longevity for a restaurant in the highly competitive Los Angeles restaurant arena isn’t an easy thing. Wolfgang Puck’s 2nd fine-dining restaurant in the Los Angeles area after Spago was Chinois on Main in Santa Monica. It launched in 1983 and is still a landmark dining destination in Santa Monica that consistently delivers. GM & Partner Bella Lantsman has, extraordinarily, been there since almost the beginning. We’ll meet her.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Bill EsparzaThe madness that is LA Weekly’s 5th Annual Tacolandia presented by Tabasco returns on Saturday, June 17th at El Pueblo de Los Angeles with over 120 taco vendors from California, Mexico and beyond. The best-of-the-best tacos represented are personally selected by Street Gourmet’s Bill Esparza, known as the Tacorazza.

Visitors get to enjoy unlimited tastes of these signature tacos. Some are from prized family recipes that have been around for generations. The taco fiesta is paired with some thirst-quenching, ice-cold beer and margaritas.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel will be there with Slapfish. Thinking a lobster taco.

It’s Los Angeles’ largest ticketed taco festival and it continues to grow each year.

VIP is, unfortunately, already sold-out!

We’ll talk taco with Senor Bill.

Shannon SagerIf you’ve been wanting to try out the burgeoning Southern California craft brew scene, this June in Temecula is your chance. Craft beer makers throughout Southern California and beyond will all come together in Temecula Wine Country for a festival in support of Habitat for Humanity. The 9thAnnual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-off is Saturday, June 10, from 1 – 5 p.m. inside the Pechanga Resort & Casino Grand Ballroom.

One of the new participating craft breweries at the Microbrew Festival is Breakwater Brewing Co. in Oceanside. The restaurant started brewing on-site in early 2009. Their 6.8 per cent Rye Dawn (a Brown Ale brewed with rye, oats, wheat and barley) won a Gold Medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup.

Founder Shannon Sager (CEO & GM) is our guest.

Guests must be 21 or older to attend. For tickets or for more information, visit Pechanga’s Website or call (877) 711-2946.

Jake McPeckYou’ve been hearing us talk about the upcoming OC Foodie Fest’s Pub & Grub – A Culinary Crawl happening in Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, June 10th. Attendees are invited to “crawl” through Downtown Santa Ana deliciously eating and drinking every step of the way.

It’s Orange County’s most mouth-watering edibles including smothered tots, addictive tacos, and piping hot churros. Multiple bars with craft beer, wine, and outrageous cocktails. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel will be represented there with Two Birds’ drool-worthy, Hot Fried Chicken Sandwiches.

The June 10th event will take place in two parts. The Artisan Bazaar, buy-as-you go area for a modest $10, will run from 12 Noon to 11:00 p.m. Tickets for the 2-sessions of the All-Access Area, all you can eat and drink section are $60. Tickets available now right here.

Joining us with all the details are James Foxall the curator of Pub & Grub and Chef Jake McPeck of the crowd-pleasing Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck. Mess Hall is famous at Festivals for their signature Drunken Sailor Tots. Just look for the long, line line…

Greg Daniels of Haven GastropubThe national challenge of The James Beard Foundation’s annual Blended Burger Project is on! Answering the call in the OC is Chef Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub in Orange with his creation of the Haven Breakfast Burger.

“The James Beard Foundations’ Blended Burger Project invites past and new Blended Burger Project™ participants to join a movement that strives to make burgers better by blending ground meat with chopped mushrooms, creating an incredibly delicious patty that’s healthier for your guests and more sustainable for the planet.”

The Haven Breakfast Burger contains more than 25% mushroom chorizo, combined with Haven’s custom grind, Tillamook sharp cheddar, maple coffee braised bacon, fried egg, arugula, and Haven ketchup, on an OC Baking Company double egg-washed brioche bun.

“My culinary team and I had a lot of fun creating a blended burger for the James Beard Foundation. Blending meat with mushrooms reduces calories, fat, and sodium while adding important nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, and B vitamins,” explained Chef Daniels, whose original Haven Burger has received national acclaim. “A blended burger also brings more sustainable, plant-based items to menus allowing Americans to enjoy the taste and flavor of the burgers they love, knowing it’s a healthier and more sustainable preparation.”

Haven Gastropub is asking guests to post photos with the hashtags #havenbreakfastburger and #blendedburgerproject. All guests who vote for their favorite blended burger online will also be entered to win an all-expense paid trip for two to the 2018 Blended Burger event at the James Beard House. More information and a list of all participating restaurants can be found online here.

We’ll hear all about blended burger deliciousness with Chef Greg.

Belle LantsmanLongevity for a restaurant in the highly competitive Los Angeles restaurant arena isn’t an easy thing. Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Pucks 2nd fine-dining restaurant in the Los Angeles area after Spago was Chinois on Main in Santa Monica. It launched in 1983 and is still a landmark dining destination in Santa Monica that consistently delivers with memorable food and polished service. Many of the professional servers have, unusually, been there for years.

Chinois on Main boldly combines Chinese tradition and fresh California ingredients with contemporary French techniques. The restaurant pioneered Asian fusion cuisine in the United States. Today, Chinois remains a culinary icon with its timeless interior design by Barbara Lazaroff, an open kitchen, full-service bar, and extensive (and expertly crafted) wine list.

The Executive Chef is Rene Mata. He started at Chinois on Main as a line cook in 1987.

GM & Partner Bella Lantsman has, extraordinarily, been there since almost the beginning. We’ll meet her.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: 5th Annual Tacolandia Preview with “Tacorazza” Bill Esparza (The Street Gourmet)
Segment Three: Shannon Sager, CEO & General Manager, Breakwater Brewing Co., Oceanside
Segment Four: James Foxall, Pub & Grub’s Curator & Chef Jake McPeck, The Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck
Segment Five: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub, The James Beard Foundation’s Blended Burger Project
Segment Six: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Seven: Bella Lantsman, General Manager & Partner, Chinois on Main, Santa Monica Part Two

Show 170, May 7, 2016: Bill Esparza, Street Gourmet, Tacolandia

Bill EsparzaA preview of Tacolandia with Bill Esparza.

Congrats to Bill on his prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for best “Food Coverage in a General Interest Publication” which he shares with his L.A. Magazine Editor, Lesley Bargar Suter. This was for their 14-page “Taco City” spread in L.A. Magazine last year.

LA Weekly presents Tacolandia 2016 on Saturday afternoon, June 11th from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at El Pueblo de Los Angeles in DTLA. The fourth annual gourmet taco festival will feature more than 100 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza. Taquerias from as far away as London, England participate. All restaurants have tasty samples of their signature gourmet tacos for all to enjoy.

Complete with live mariachi music, cash bars with beer, wine and cocktails as well as awards for best tacos in various categories presented by The Vendys, Tacolandia 2016 will be LA Weekly’s largest event of the year and one not to be missed. This event is for guests 21 years of age and older.

Some VIP tickets are still available. This event usually sells out so buy your tickets now.

Show 116, April 4, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Now a preview of today’s delightfully “bursting-at-the-seams,” content-rich show

James Beard Award-winner Mary Sue Milliken is well-know to the audience of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She is a pioneer in Food TV and also the co-founder and co-executive chef of the hugely successful Border Grill restaurants (and truck) in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Monica. She is also an active volunteer for The James Beard Foundation in her prominent position on the Board of Trustees as a Board Member. Mary Sue joins us to talk about The James Beard Foundation’s 2015 Culinary Scholarship opportunities. A record $700,000 (plus) in Educational Scholarships and Professional Grants are available.

The inaugural SOCO Uncorked 2015 is a delightfully indulgent food and wine pairing experience set for Thursday, April 16th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. on the grounds at SOCO in Costa Mesa. The charitable beneficiary is the Project Hope Alliance. The premium wine pairings representing over 30 producers are curated by LCA Wine’s own sommelier, Nancy Milby who is our guest.

Chef Shelly Register is the highly accomplished Market Chef for A Market located in a highly visible historic building on West Coast Highway in Newport Beach next to A Restaurant (the former Arches location.) It’s a dazzling gourmet convenience store with freshly-prepared gourmet sandwiches, incredible baked goods and desserts, cheeses, coffee, craft beer and premium wine. No product is carried in the store that hasn’t received Chef Sherry’s personal seal of approval. We’ll chat with Shelly Register who is also a noted pastry chef and bread baker.

Nutrition bars are all the rage these days but there surely isn’t a product out there that has the back story which compares to the origins of the Perfect Bar “handmade in sunny San Diego” by the 2nd generation of the Keith Family. 8 Keith siblings now run the fast-growing company which was a big hit at the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim. “Everyone has a story. Ours is a little nuttier than most.” PJ Roustan of Perfect Bar will explain…

Hidden away in Oxnard’s Heritage Square in a restored three-story 1901 pre-Craftsman-style mansion is La Dolce Vita Ristorante featuring Italian and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Family recipes and contemporary creations abound. The owner and executive chef is Michelle Kenney, a second generation restaurateur. She also is known locally for her wide variety of popular cooking classes. We’ll meet her.

The Third Annual Tacolandia presented by LA Weekly is set for El Pueblo de Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, June 6th.

The featured attraction is 80 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza. All restaurants have tasty samples of their signature gourmet tacos for attendees to enjoy. Bill Esparza joins us with the details.

Finally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish. At long last he can tell us about his exciting new restaurant makeover series on FYI which debuts Saturday evening, May 9th. He’ll also share some useful tips about selecting and preparing lobster.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

April 4: Andrew Gruel, Mary Sue Milliken, SOCO Uncorked, A Market, Perfect Bar, La Dolce Vita, Tacolandia

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken, Border Grill
Segment Three: SOCO Uncorked 2015, Costa Mesa
Segment Four: Market Chef Shelly Register, A Market, Newport Beach
Segment Five: Perfect Bar
Segment Six: La Dolce Vita Ristorante, Heritage Square, Oxnard
Segment Seven: Tacolandia and Tacorazzo Bill Esparza
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Now a preview of today’s delightfully “bursting-at-the-seams,” content-rich show

James Beard Award-winner Mary Sue Milliken is well-know to the audience of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She is a pioneer in Food TV and also the co-founder and co-executive chef of the hugely successful Border Grill restaurants (and truck) in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Monica. She is also an active volunteer for The James Beard Foundation in her prominent position on the Board of Trustees as a Board Member. Mary Sue joins us to talk about The James Beard Foundation’s 2015 Culinary Scholarship opportunities. Over $700,000 in Educational Scholarships and Professional Grants are available.

The inaugural SOCO Uncorked 2015 is a positively indulgent food and wine pairing experience set for Thursday, April 16th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. on the grounds at SOCO in Costa Mesa. The charitable beneficiary is the Project Hope Alliance. The premium wine pairings representing over 30 producers are curated by LCA Wine’s own sommelier, Nancy Milby who is our guest.

Chef Shelly Register is the accomplished Market Chef for A Market located in a highly visible historic building on West Coast Highway in Newport Beach next to A Restaurant (the former Arches location.) It’s a dazzling gourmet convenience store with freshly-prepared upmarket sandwiches, incredible baked goods and desserts, cheeses, coffee, craft beer and premium wine. No product is carried in the store that hasn’t received Chef Sherry’s personal seal of approval. We’ll chat with Shelly Register who is also a noted pastry chef and bread baker.

Nutrition bars are all the rage these days but there surely isn’t a product out there that has the back story which compares to the origins of the Perfect Bar “handmade in sunny San Diego” by the 2nd generation of the Keith Family. 13 Keith siblings now run the fast-growing company which was a big hit at the recent Natural Products West Expo in Anaheim. “Everyone has a story. Ours is a little nuttier than most.” PJ Roustan of Perfect Bar will explain…

Hidden away in Oxnard’s Heritage Square in a restored, three-story 1901 pre-Craftsman-style mansion is La Dolce Vita Ristorante featuring Italian and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Family recipes and contemporary creations abound. The owner and executive chef is Michelle Kenney, a second generation restaurateur. She also is known locally for her wide variety of popular cooking classes. We’ll meet her.

The Third Annual Tacolandia presented by LA Weekly is set for El Pueblo de Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, June 6th.

The featured attraction is 80 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza. All restaurants have tasty samples of their signature gourmet tacos for attendees to enjoy. Bill Esparza joins us with the details.

Finally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish. He’ll share some useful tips about selecting and preparing lobster. Chef Andrew will also advise us on what parts of the lobster are best for use in some familiar dishes.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Mary Sue MillikenJames Beard Award-winner Mary Sue Milliken is well-know to the audience of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She is a pioneer in Food TV and also the co-founder and co-executive chef of the hugely successful Border Grill restaurants (and truck) in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Monica.

Mary Sue is also an active volunteer for The James Beard Foundation in her prominent position on the Board of Trustees as a Board Member. Mary Sue joins us to talk about The James Beard Foundation’s 2015 Culinary Scholarship opportunities. Over $700,000 in Educational Scholarships and Professional Grants are available.

James Beard is fondly remembered by friends and colleagues as a man who offered unstinting help and encouragement to people embarking on a culinary career. Upholding Beard’s legacy of culinary education and support through their scholarship program is an essential component of the James Beard Foundation’s mission. The Friends of James Beard Foundation Scholarships and the James Beard Foundation School Scholarships have been established to assist aspiring culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school. Professional grants are also available for independent work, study and travel.

SOCO Uncorked 2015The inaugural SOCO Uncorked 2015 is a delightfully indulgent food and wine pairing experience set for Thursday, April 16th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. on the grounds at SOCO in Costa Mesa. The charitable beneficiary is the Project Hope Alliance. The premium wine pairings representing over 30 producers are curated by LCA Wine’s own sommelier, Nancy Milby who is our guest.

The event is set in the open courtyard of the SOCO Collection. Guests (regular and VIP tickets available) will indulge in delicious small bites from award-winning SOCO restaurants, hand-crafted wine from over 30 different producers and live music.

Participating SOCO/OC Mix tenants: LCA Wine, ST Patisserie, Bistro Papillote, Pueblo, Taco Maria, ARC, We Olive, The Cheese Shop, Portola Coffee, The Mixing Glass, Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop, Surfas Culinary District, 24 Carrots Catering + Events, The Iron Press, Shuck Oyster Bar and Savory Spice Shop.

Shelly RegisterChef Shelly Register is the accomplished Market Chef for A Market located in a highly visible historic building on West Coast Highway in Newport Beach next to A Restaurant (the former Arches location.) It’s a dazzling gourmet convenience store with freshly-prepared upmarket sandwiches, incredible baked goods and desserts, cheeses, coffee, craft beer and premium wine. No product is carried in the store that hasn’t received Chef Sherry’s personal seal of approval.

A lunch standard is the “My Favorite” sandwich. It’s turkey, avocado, pear and ginger marmalade, honey mustard and watercress on corn rye. Soups are prepared in-house daily. Thursday’s featured soup, for example, is White Bean, Kale and Chicken Italian Sausage.

Chef Shelly joins us as our official tour guide of A Market.

PJ Roustan of Perfect BarNutrition bars are all the rage these days but there surely isn’t a product out there that has the back story which compares to the origins of the Perfect Bar “handmade in sunny San Diego” by the 2nd generation of the Keith Family. 13 Keith siblings now run the fast-growing company which was a big hit at the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim.

“Everyone has a story. Ours is a little nuttier than most.”

The Perfect Bar story started with “Dr. Bud Keith.” He was a health food guy before anyone said “health food.” In the mid-1960’s he opened one of the first modern gyms – Healthouse Gym and Juice Bar in Mission Beach, San Diego. He knew what we eat has a direct effect on how we feel. He worked with fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne to help change the way people viewed health and fitness.

PJ Roustan of Perfect Bar will explain…

Michelle KenneyHidden away in Oxnard’s Heritage Square in a restored, three-story 1901 pre-Craftsman-style mansion is La Dolce Vita Ristorante featuring Italian and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Family recipes and contemporary creations abound.

The owner and executive chef is Michelle Kenney, a second generation restaurateur. Michelle has over twenty-five years of experience in the restaurant and catering fields. She also is known locally for her wide variety of popular cooking classes.

Michelle took the opportunity earlier in her hospitality career to work in New England for several years to expand her expertise in the food business. She has worked every aspect of the business from large banquets at the Mystic Hilton to bartending, serving and supervising a large staff.

Along the way she even found the time to pen a cookbook, La Dolce Vita – Recipes For Living The Sweet Life.

We’ll meet her.

Bill EsparzaThe Third Annual Tacolandia presented by LA Weekly is set for El Pueblo de Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, June 6th.

The featured attraction is 80 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza.

All restaurants have tasty samples of their signature gourmet tacos for attendees to enjoy. Complete with live mariachi music, cash bars with beer, wine and cocktails as well as awards for best tacos in various categories presented by The Vendys, Tacolandioa 2015 will be LA Weekly’s largest event of the year.

This year LA Weekly’s Tacolandia will partner with The Vendy Awards to crown six taco purveyors amongst the 80 of Los Angeles and Mexico’s top taco vendors who will be at the event. Categories will include Best Traditional Taco, Best New School (Non-Traditional) Taco, Best Street Taco, People’s Choice and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bill Esparza joins us with the tasty details.

Andrew GruelFinally a chance to chat with our patient Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish. He really knows seafood.

Chef Andrew will share some useful tips about selecting and preparing lobster. It’s easier to enjoy than its reputation. Chef Andrew will also advise us on what parts of the lobster are best for use in some familiar dishes.

Lobster Rolls are appearing on a lot of restaurant menus. Everyone, of course, has the “best.” Chef Andrew will give us some background on this delicacy. He grew up on the East Coast where this craveable sandwich originated.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken, Border Grill
Segment Three: SOCO Uncorked 2015, Costa Mesa
Segment Four: Market Chef Shelly Register, A Market, Newport Beach
Segment Five: Perfect Bar
Segment Six: La Dolce Vita Ristorante, Heritage Square, Oxnard
Segment Seven: Tacolandia and Tacorazzo Bill Esparza
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish

Show 74, May 31, 2014: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Pioneering California Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck with destination restaurants around the globe really needs no introduction. Among many accomplishments he cooks for the VIP guests at the Oscars every year. His new book, Wolfgang Puck Makes it Healthy : Light, Delicious Recipes and Easy Exercises for a Better Life is a true labor of love.

The Orange County Register’s award-winning food writer, Cathy Thomas, has just returned from a cruise on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. She shares her travel and food adventures in India and Singapore.

What’s the most exotic coffee bean in the world? Our resident coffee expert from the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has the unexpected answer. It’s unusual…

The 2nd Annual Tacolandia (“Where All Your Taco Dreams Come True”) is coming up June 28th. The Taco in Chief (a.k.a. “The Street Gourmet,”) Bill Esparza, serves it up.

Understanding and selecting specialty cheese can be a bit intimidating. Cheesemonger extraordinaire, Chester Hastings, to the rescue!

Fireside Tavern is an undiscovered gem of a new destination restaurant in the unlikely location of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Costa Mesa just off the 405 Freeway. The secret is Executive Chef Scott Brandon.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Show 74, May 31, 2014: Bill Esparza, “The Street Gourmet” & Curator for Tacolandia

Bill EsparzaThe 2nd Annual Tacolandia (“Where All Your Taco Dreams Come True”) is coming up June 28th at El Pueblo De Los Angeles. The hours are 3 to 7:00 p.m.

The Taco in Chief, Bill Esparza (a.k.a. “The Street Gourmet,”) serves it up.

It’s 40 plus taco vendors, the Tequila Tasting Experience, and live Mariachi entertainment.

Show 74, May 31, 2014: Bill Esparza, “The Street Gourmet” & Curator for Tacolandia Continues…

Tacolandia from LA WeeklyBill previews the incredible taco creations of a number of the chefs participating in LA Weekly’s Tacolandia. The best tacos on food trucks, too…

The 2nd Annual Tacolandia (“Where All Your Taco Dreams Come True”) is coming up June 28th at El Pueblo De Los Angeles. The hours are 3 to 7:00 p.m.