Show 664, January 31, 2026: Restaurateur & Chef Steve Samson, Rossoblu, DTLA

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Adam Bell

“At Chef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu Dinner isn’t meant to feel rushed. Or loud. Or like the same forgettable meal you had last week. At Rossoblu, it never does. Tucked into Downtown LA’s Fashion District, Rossoblu is a hidden oasis—a place where the city slips away and Italy comes into view. Chef Steve Samson draws from a life between LA and Bologna to create a menu rooted in soulful tradition and the joy of gathering.”

“Think tagliatelle hand-rolled daily, tossed in Nonna Olimpia’s long-simmered ragù. Meats grilled over a nine-foot flame, kissed with nothing but housemade herb salt and fire.”

“What sets Rossoblu apart isn’t just the food—it’s how it feels. Tucked-away corners invite conversation. Lights glow overhead. Wine arrives without fuss. Time slows. Even a Wednesday feels worth celebrating – just like in Italy.”

Chef Steve Samson takes a break from rolling the pasta to join us.

“Dine L.A.” is running now thru Sunday, February 8th, 2026 and Rossoblu is a participating restaurant with a special Dinner Menu.

Chef Steve also previews his Valentine’s Day options including a special to-go romantic feast for two. Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Show 645, September 20, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Adam Bell

Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’ well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current, and future, columns. Of course, more tasty Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation including a recent column (August 25th) highlighting four “Standout Spots” opened in Orange County this summer.

“Get ready to feast for a cause as the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) proudly presents the return of its beloved Tastemakers of Orange County on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the vibrant Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This high-energy culinary celebration spotlights the rich and diverse flavors of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine, crafted by more than two dozen of Orange County’s top chefs. Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m. (one hour earlier than General Admission); and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be held in the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa). Restaurateur Ed Lee (Co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco) of Toast Bakery and Kitchen (Costa Mesa and Tustin) joins us. He’s a participating restaurant in Tastemakers of Orange County.

The annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade benefit is set for Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4th from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on the Royce Hall Quad on the UCLA Campus. “This spectacular cookout is hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner, Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner, Caroline Styne (A.O.C., Larder Baking Co, Cara Cara at Proper DTLA and The Hollywood Bowl), along with Chef David Lentz, featuring top chefs, breweries, vintners and mixologists to benefit kids with cancer. This fun and family-friendly afternoon features one-of-a-kind food and drink samplings. Guests can mingle with the celebrated chefs behind the dishes and taste fine dining nationwide. With over $1.6 million raised in 2024, this event’s impact only continues to grow for all kids with cancer. Since its inception, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade has raised more than $10 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to fund critical childhood cancer research.” Liz Scott (Alex’s Mom) is the Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Alex’s Lemonade Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Liz Scott joins us with all the details of the upcoming L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade.

Also joining us thereafter for his own segment supporting L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is Chef and Restaurateur Steve Samson of Rossoblu, and Superfine Pizza in DTLA, and Superfine Playa in Playa Vista. Chef Steve is a multiple year participant in L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, even predating the opening of Rossoblu eight years ago!

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

Continued from last week is California Restaurant Association’s (CRA) recently launched the “What the Fork?!” campaign with the theme that California’s lawmakers are making everything more expensive.

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

Show 645, September 20, 2025: L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Preview with Chef & Restaurateur Steve Samson of Rossoblu in DTLA

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Adam Bell

“The annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade benefit is set for Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4^th from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on the Royce Hall Quad on the UCLA Campus. This spectacular cookout is hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner, Caroline Styne (A.O.C., Larder Baking Co, Cara Cara at Proper DTLA and The Hollywood Bowl), along with Chef David Lentz, featuring top chefs, breweries, vintners and mixologists to benefit kids with cancer.”

“This fun and family-friendly afternoon features one-of-a-kind food and drink samplings. Guests can mingle with the celebrated chefs behind the dishes and taste fine dining nationwide. With over $1.6 million raised in 2024, this event’s impact only continues to grow for all kids with cancer.”

Chef Steve Samson of Rossoblu and Superfine Pizza in DTLA, and Superfine Playa in Playa Vista, who is one of the longtime participating chefs. Rossoblu has been part of the event for it’s eight years of existence. When Alex’s first debuted in L.A. Chef Steve and Dina were there at the very beginning with his predecessor restaurant (now closed), Sotto. We’ll chat with him.

September 20: Anne Marie Panoringan, Tastemakers of Orange County with Toast Bakery and Kitchen, LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade with Liz Scott and Steve Samson

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: Anne Marie Panoringan, Toast Bakery & Kitchen
Hour Two: Toast Bakery & Kitchen, LA Loves Alex’s with Liz Scott and Steve Samson, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Anne Marie Panonringan, Food Writer Culture OC
Segments Four and Five: Restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Bakery & Kitchen, Costa Mesa and Tustin. Participating restaurant in “Tastemakers of OC.”
Segment Six: L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade with Liz Scott, Founder of Alex’s Lemonade Foundation for Childhood Cancer
Segment Seven: L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Preview with Chef & Restaurateur Steve Samson of Rossoblu in DTLA
Segment Eight: Chef, Restaurateur & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House, Sunset Beach

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-Host previews the show.

Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns. Of course, more tasty Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation including a recent column (August 25^th) highlighting four “Standout Spots” opened in Orange County this summer.

Restaurateur Ed Lee (Co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco) of Toast Bakery and Kitchen (Costa Mesa and Tustin) joins us. He’s a participating restaurant in Tastemakers of Orange County.

The annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade benefit is set for Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4^th from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on the Royce Hall Quad on the UCLA Campus. This spectacular cookout is hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner, Caroline Styne (A.O.C., Larder Baking Co, Cara Cara at Proper DTLA and The Hollywood Bowl), along with Chef David Lentz, featuring top chefs, breweries, vintners and mixologists to benefit kids with cancer. This fun and family-friendly afternoon features one-of-a-kind food and drink samplings. Guests can mingle with the celebrated chefs behind the dishes and taste fine dining nationwide. With over $1.6 million raised in 2024, this event’s impact only continues to grow for all kids with cancer. Since its inception, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade has raised more than $10 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to fund critical childhood cancer research.

Liz Scott (Alex’s Mom) is the Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Alex’s Lemonade Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Liz Scott joins us with all the details of the upcoming L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade.

Also joining us for his own segment supporting L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is Chef and Restaurateur Steve Samson of Rossoblu, and Superfine Pizza in DTLA, and Superfine Playa in Playa Vista. Chef Steve is a multiple year participant in L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade.

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

Continued from last week is California Restaurant Association’s (CRA) recently launched “What The Fork!” campaign with the theme that California’s lawmakers are making everything more expensive.

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

Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns. Of course, more tasty Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation including a recent column (August 25^th) highlighting four “Standout Spots” opened in Orange County this summer.

Ed Lee of Wahoo's Fish Taco and Toast Bakery

“Guests will enjoy exclusive, all-you-can-enjoy creations in a lively outdoor setting, knowing every bite supports OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education, and combating anti-Asian racism.”

“Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m. (one hour earlier than General Admission); and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be held in the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa).

Restaurateur Ed Lee (Co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco) of Toast Bakery and Kitchen (Costa Mesa and Tustin) joins us. He’s a participating restaurant in Tastemakers of Orange County.

Liz Scott at LA Loves Alexs in September 2019

“Since its inception, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade has raised more than $10 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to fund critical childhood cancer research.”

From there, we’ll revisit with Chef Steve Samson of Rossoblu and Superfine Pizza in DTLA, and Superfine Playa in Playa del Rey, who is one of the longtime participating chefs. We’ll chat with him as well.

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) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

California has become the land of regulations and a dose of overkill is starting to seriously negatively impact the potential survival of California restaurants of all sizes. The California Restaurant Association (CRA) is paying attention and has embarked on their unusual “What the Fork?!” campaign to attract the public’s attention to the plight of California’s restaurants. Continued from last week.

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: Anne Marie Panoringan, Toast Bakery & Kitchen
Hour Two: Toast Bakery & Kitchen, LA Loves Alex’s with Liz Scott and Steve Samson, Andrew Gruel

Show 565, February 17, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Adam Bell

“Piccalilli located on the busy corner of Culver Blvd. and Main St. in downtown Culver City is a cozy restaurant and bar (including a lush front patio) with shareable plates that take inspiration from Asia and the American South. The dinner menu is designed around local and seasonal ingredients with a focus on preservation, pickling, and freshness. The bar serves spirit forward pre-prohibition cocktails, local beer, and a small carefully selected wine list. The distinctive decor (artfully designed by Preen) has colors of lush green and purple, bright with open garage doors, centered around a beautiful U-shaped bar filled with local spirits. Macks Collins is the Chef & Owner of restaurant Piccalilli in Culver City. A South Carolina native, Collins’ childhood dream of becoming a chef began after watching his idols, Martin Yan, Justin Wilson, and Julia Child cook on PBS. His professional career began when he stepped into a restaurant kitchen at age 16.” Chef Macks Collins takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us with tongs in hand.

“Creature Comforts Brewing Company, an award-winning, purpose-driven craft brewery based in Athens, GA, opened its second taproom and brewery locally late last year. Located in City Market South, nestled in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles at 1124 San Julian St., the Creature Comforts DTLA site is the brewery’s first expansion beyond its home state of Georgia. Having previously collaborated with several breweries in Los Angeles, Creature Comforts sought to build a world-class brewery that allows the team to make beers locally and truly become a part of the Los Angeles beer community. The state-of-the-art facility has a 3,000 square-foot taproom and a 10,000 square-foot production facility. The taproom is in a reclaimed historic space that incorporates numerous items representing its roots. Situated on a bustling piazza near top restaurants and coffee shops, guests can order from nearby Superfine Pizza to be delivered directly to their taproom table. The brewery offers extensive outdoor seating with a beer garden and an upper-level covered patio with views of the city skyline. With private event space, bocce ball court and cornhole, the space is flexible to meet the needs of its guests.” Jake Wood heads the Los Angeles venture and joins us to tap the keg on all things Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Centennial Farm is a three-acre working farm located at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. They offer Garden Classes open to the public including the upcoming Centennial Farm Workshop : Backyard Bantams – Your Guide to Urban Chicken Keeping on Saturday, February 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. “Join Centennial Farm for a unique urban-ag venture tailored specifically for Southern Californians looking to embrace backyard chicken keeping within the confines of city living. In this course, discover the world of bantam chickens, the ideal choice for enthusiasts with limited space and keen to comply with city ordinances while maintaining good neighborly relations. Learn about the diverse breeds of these petite and charming chickens, including which ones are prolific egg producers. Instructor Adam Waugh (our guest) will guide attendees through the essentials, from designing the perfect coop to providing optimal nutrition and health management. Plus, get advice on navigating your city’s specific chicken-keeping regulations.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. It’s “National Potato Lovers” Month! Chef Andrew shares his quick and simple classic recipe for “Instant” Golden Potatoes using Melissa’s Dutch Yellow Potatoes grown in Idaho.

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

Show 565, February 17, 2024: Creature Comforts Brewing Co. DTLA with Jake Wood Part One

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Adam Bell

Jake Wood of Creature Comforts Brewing Company

“Having previously collaborated with several breweries in Los Angeles, Creature Comforts sought to build a world-class brewery that allows the team to make beers locally and truly become a part of the Los Angeles beer community.” Jake Wood heads the Los Angeles venture.

“The state-of-the-art facility has a 3,000 square-foot taproom and a 10,000 square-foot production facility. The taproom is in a reclaimed historic space that incorporates numerous items representing its roots. Situated on a bustling piazza near top restaurants and coffee shops, guests can order from nearby Superfine Pizza to be delivered to their taproom table. The brewery offers extensive outdoor seating with a beer garden and an upper-level covered patio with views of the city skyline. With private event space, bocce ball court and cornhole, the space is flexible to meet the needs of its guests.”

“Known for its wide range of highly rated beers, the Creature Comforts line-up includes year-round and seasonal offerings such as Tropicália (American IPA), Classic City Lager (Lager), Bigger Dreams (Hazy IPA), Cosmik Debris (Double IPA) and others. Limited releases range from Hazy Double IPAs and Fruited Berliner Weisses to rustic barrel-aged farmhouse-style ales using locally sourced ingredients. Creature Comforts DTLA also produces select beers exclusively for the California market.” Just released in draft is DTLA IPA, a new West Coast IPA.

“Since launching in 2014 in downtown Athens, GA, home to the University of Georgia, Creature Comforts has electrified the craft beer community with its year-round and limited-release beers, with sales skyrocketing them to be the number one craft brewer in Georgia.”

Jake Wood (who heads the L.A. operation) joins us to tap the keg on all that is Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Show 565, February 17, 2024: Creature Comforts Brewing Co. DTLA with Jake Wood Part Two

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Adam Bell

“The state-of-the-art facility has a 3,000 square-foot taproom and a 10,000 square-foot production facility. The taproom is in a reclaimed historic space that incorporates numerous items representing its roots. Situated on a bustling piazza near top restaurants and coffee shops, guests can order from nearby Superfine Pizza to be delivered to their taproom table. The brewery offers extensive outdoor seating with a beer garden and an upper-level covered patio with views of the city skyline. With private event space, bocce ball court and cornhole, the space is flexible to meet the needs of its guests.” It’s in the same food-centric development with Steve and Dina Samson’s Rossoblu and Celebrity Chef Antonia Lofaso’s, Dama.

“Creature Comforts’ mission is to foster human connection and sees its beer as a means of creating these ties. Its groundbreaking strategic impact programs, “Get Comfortable,” targeting those most in need, “Get Artistic,” supporting the arts, and “Brew For One,” an annual beer initiative helping one worthy individual, have helped generate more than $4 million of value for the local communities they serve.”

Jake Wood (who heads the L.A. operation)continues with us tapping the keg on all that is Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

February 17: Piccalilli, Creature Comforts Brewing Company, Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Co-Proprietor & Executive Chef Macks Collins, Piccalilli, Culver City Part One
Segment Three: Co-Proprietor & Executive Chef Macks Collins, Piccalilli, Culver City Part Two
Segment Four: Creature Comforts Brewing Co. DTLA with Jake Wood Part One
Segment Five: Creature Comforts Brewing Co. DTLA with Jake Wood Part Two
Segment Six: Backyard Bantams – Guide to Urban Chicken Keeping at Centennial Farm Part One
Segment Seven: Backyard Bantams – Guide to Urban Chicken Keeping at Centennial Farm Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

“Piccalilli located on the busy corner of Culver Blvd. and Bagley Ave. in downtown Culver City is a cozy restaurant and bar (including a lush front patio) with shareable plates that take inspiration from Asia and the American South. The dinner menu is designed around local and seasonal ingredients with a focus on preservation, pickling, and freshness. The bar serves spirit forward pre-prohibition cocktails, local beer, and a small carefully selected wine list. The distinctive decor (artfully designed by Preen) has colors of lush green and purple, bright with open garage doors, centered around a beautiful U-shaped bar filled with local spirits. Macks Collins is the Chef & Owner of restaurant Piccalilli in Culver City. A South Carolina native, Collins’ childhood dream of becoming a chef began after watching his idols, Martin Yan, Justin Wilson, and Julia Child cook on PBS. His professional career began when he stepped into a restaurant kitchen at age 16.” Chef Macks Collins takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us with tongs in hand.

“Creature Comforts Brewing Company, an award-winning, purpose-driven craft brewery based in Athens, GA, opened its second taproom and brewery locally late last year. Located in City Market South, nestled in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles at 1124 San Julian St., the Creature Comforts DTLA site is the brewery’s first expansion beyond its home state of Georgia. Having previously collaborated with several breweries in Los Angeles, Creature Comforts sought to build a world-class brewery that allows the team to make beers locally and truly become a part of the Los Angeles beer community. The state-of-the-art facility has a 3,000 square-foot taproom and a 10,000 square-foot production facility. The taproom is in a reclaimed historic space that incorporates numerous items representing its roots. Situated on a bustling piazza near top restaurants and coffee shops, guests can order from nearby Superfine Pizza to be delivered to their taproom table. The brewery offers extensive outdoor seating with a beer garden and an upper-level covered patio with views of the city skyline. With private event space, bocce ball court and cornhole, the space is flexible to meet the needs of its guests.” Jake Wood heads the Los Angeles venture and joins us to tap the keg on all things Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Centennial Farm is a three-acre working farm located at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. They offer Garden Classes open to the public including the upcoming Centennial Farm Workshop: Backyard Bantams – Your Guide to Urban Chicken Keeping on Saturday, February 24^th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. “Join Centennial Farm for a unique urban-ag venture tailored specifically for Southern Californians looking to embrace backyard chicken keeping within the confines of city living. In this course, discover the world of bantam chickens, the ideal choice for enthusiasts with limited space and keen to comply with city ordinances while maintaining good neighborly relations. Learn about the diverse breeds of these petite and charming chickens, including which ones are prolific egg producers. Instructor Adam Waugh (our guest) will guide attendees through the essentials, from designing the perfect coop to providing optimal nutrition and health management. Plus, get advice on navigating your city’s specific chicken-keeping regulations.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm(New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. It’s “National Potato Lovers” Month! Chef Andrew shares his quick and simple classic recipe for “Instant” Golden Potatoes using Melissa’s Dutch Yellow Potatoes grown in Idaho.

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

The bar serves spirit forward pre-prohibition cocktails, local beer, and a small carefully selected wine list. The decor (artfully designed by Preen) has colors of lush green and purple, bright with open garage doors, centered around a beautiful U-shaped bar filled with local spirits.”

“Macks Collins is the Chef & Owner of restaurant Piccalilli in Culver City. A South Carolina native, Collins’ childhood dream of becoming a chef began after watching his idols, Martin Yan, Justin Wilson, and Julia Child cook on PBS. His professional career began when he stepped into a restaurant kitchen at age 16.”

Chef Macks Collins takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us with tongs in hand.

Jake Wood (who heads the L.A. operation) joins us to tap the keg on all that is Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

“Join Centennial Farm for a unique urban ag-venture tailored specifically for Southern Californians looking to embrace backyard chicken keeping within the confines of city living. In this course, discover the world of bantam chickens, the ideal choice for enthusiasts with limited space and keen to comply with city ordinances while maintaining good neighborly relations. Learn about the diverse breeds of these petite and charming chickens, including which ones are prolific egg producers.”

“Instructor Adam Waugh (our guest) will guide attendees through the essentials, from designing the perfect coop to providing optimal nutrition and health management. Plus, get advice on navigating your city’s specific chicken-keeping regulations.”

“Adam Waugh is a high school science teacher with a passion for urban agriculture and sustainable living. During the summer, he works in the Garden & Floral Department at Centennial Farm at the OC Fair, sharing his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening and plant care. A keen urban farmer, Adam specializes in gardening and raising bantams in his backyard, skillfully maximizing the potential of small animals in limited urban spaces.”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

In case you missed the ongoing festivities It’s “National Potato Lovers” Month! Chef Andrew shares his quick and simple classic recipe for “Instant” Golden Potatoes using Melissa’s Dutch Yellow Potatoes grown in Idaho.

Podcasts

Show 409, January 23, 2021: Restaurateur & Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café in Woodland Hills

Posted on January 24, 2021 by Adam Bell

Chef Sandra Cordero of Gasolina Café in Woodland Hills is one of the organizers of the Festival as well as serves on the active RE:Her board. Sandra takes a break from her busy kitchen to preview the variety of “10 Days RE:Her” events that she is part of.

A highlight is “The Girls Got Taste,” a 3-course menu available to go (in Santa Monica and Woodland Hills) created by Socalo, Gasolina Café and Valerie Confections. Chef Sandra provides a Salad of Mussels in Escabeche with blood orange, fennel, celeriac, bocarones and olives.

Chef Sandra is hosting a 3-course, wine-paired menu (to-go) with Chef Sherry Yard and Sommelier Coly Den Haan on Friday, January 29th and Saturday, January 30th entitled “The Farm, The Fin & The Grape.” Paella de Mariscos and Paella de Inverno are on the menu.

Chef Sandra also has developed a Spanish-themed, bake-at-home pizza kit as part of “Around The World with Superfine Pizza.” The 12-inch pizza creation is LA-ES-PAN-OLA by GASOLINA Café with chorizo soria, manchego cheese, mushroom crema, cherry tomato, caramelized onion and topped with a sunny side up egg. Additionally the ES-CA-ROLE by Superfine Pizza is on the menu at Gasolina Café. The acclaimed Superfine Pizza dough is the base or both items. Both are available by pre-order from January 21st to 30th.

Show 408, January 16, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on January 17, 2021 by Adam Bell

We’re previewing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Weekend show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Chef Josiah Citrin is the respected proprietor of Melisse & Citrin in Santa Monica, Openaire at the Line Hotel in Koreatown, Charcoal Venice and Dear John’s (retro, classic American steakhouse) in Culver City (in partnership with Hans and Patti Rockenwagner) as well as other properties. Chef Josiah joins us to provide the overview of how his establishments are serving guests right now with takeaway and delivery.

“Women restaurateurs from across Los Angeles have created a new charitable organization called RE:Her. Its debut initiative, a food festival called 10 Days RE:Her, will feature 10 days of unique collaborations, thematic menus, and one-on-one conversations between female industry leaders.” 10 Days RE:Her kicks off on January 21, the anniversary of the groundbreaking Women’s March of 2017, and runs through January 30. Over 100 restaurants and collaborators are involved. Observing local dining restrictions, aspects of the festival will take place virtually and remotely. “RE:Her is an affiliate of Let’s Talk, an industry group founded and led by Rohini Dey and supported by the James Beard Foundation. Let’s Talk unites over 250 women restaurateurs across 10 cities; the LA chapter is hosted by Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill & Socalo and Dina Samson (Rossoblu and Superfine Pizza.)” Dina Samson and Chef Mary Sue Milliken are our guests with all the intriguing specifics of “10 Days RE;Her.”

Since 1995, Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been growing grapes and producing wines in Southern Arizona. The winery is supplied with distinctive, high-quality fruit from its two estate vineyards: Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita, and Cimarron Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement. Kelly & Todd Bostock are co-WineWorkers at Dos Cabezas WineWorks in Sonoita, Arizona – the winery they purchased in 2006 along with Todd’s parents, Paula & Frank Bostock. Dos Cabezas.

WineWorks has been producing great Arizona wines (typically blends) from the vineyards they farm (the Cimarron Vineyard in Willcox & the Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita) since pioneer Al Buhl started operations in 1995. Winemaker Todd Bostick joins us to pull the cork on Dos Cabezas WineWorks.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and increasingly growing) concern. Extended restrictions for restaurants are now in place for Southern California for at least the first 3 weeks of January. Chef Andrew updates us on the inspiring progress for the grass-roots, “86 Restaurant Struggle” campaign to benefit deserving out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have already distributed over $250,000 (as of today’s show) to restaurant workers in dire need. Chef Andrew also continues to explain his carefully considered, multi-point plan to bolster the fate of struggling restaurants right now. What’s in store for restaurants and dining in 2021? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!