“Celebrating its 10th anniversary is Tastemakers of Orange County on Thursday, September 3 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine created by more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs. Proceeds from the event support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities. Guests will be provided the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-eat setting. While guests savor their gourmet dishes, they will also enjoy live entertainment, groovy tunes from a local DJ, and participate in an opportunity drawing to win unique items and experiences.” The restaurant and chef wrangler for Tastemakers, Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers, joins us to preview the event followed by participating restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery.
“At Darkroom in Santa Ana, our goal is not just to give diners a wonderful experience — it is to change their understanding of Californian food and local farm communities.” Owner / Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams. “We are using the unique and world class produce of Southern California. We are leveraging the techniques from cuisines around the world. We are changing the menu weekly so that guests will always have something new to enjoy.” “A 5-course experience in a separate, private room at Darkroom is Chrysalis tasting room celebrating California with big flavors and fun techniques.” The meal is prepared a la minute, with running commentary, by the chefs in front of the guests. Two styles of wine pairings are available as options in addition to a curated zero alcohol pairing. Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams take a respite from their busy kitchen to join us in-studio.
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. Recent unfortunate food contamination scares with Cyclospora and Salmonella in raw produce have us thinking. Chef Andrew weighs in with his thoughts. Also, an update on supporting California avocados and the family farmers who grow them.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“Celebrating its 10th anniversary is Tastemakers of Orange County on Thursday, September 3 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine created by more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs. Proceeds from the event support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities.”
“Guests will be provided the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-eat setting. While guests savor their gourmet dishes, they will also enjoy live entertainment, groovy tunes from a local DJ, and participate in an opportunity drawing to win unique items and experiences.
“I really can’t take much credit for how we all came together. I believe it speaks to the strength and generosity of our Orange County chefs and bakers, who understand the importance of supporting an organization like OCAPICA,” commented Tarit Tanjasiri, Owner of Crema Café and Co-Founding TMOC Chef. “These culinary visionaries are committed to being there for us year after year because OCAPICA’s mission and vision truly resonate with them. In fact, we’re fortunate that new chefs continue to ask if they can join the event each year, which is a testament to the impact OCAPICA has made.”
The 10th annual Tastemakers of Orange County will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Julianne & George Argyros Plaza (600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa). Tickets are available to the public for $295 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (one hour earlier than General Admission); and $225 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Restaurateur & Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (also the benefit’s chef & restaurant wrangler) joins us.
“Celebrating its 10th anniversary is Tastemakers of Orange County on Thursday, September 3 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine created by more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs. Proceeds from the event support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities.”
“Guests will be provided the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-eat setting. While guests savor their gourmet dishes, they will also enjoy live entertainment, groovy tunes from a local DJ, and participate in an opportunity drawing to win unique items and experiences.
“I really can’t take much credit for how we all came together. I believe it speaks to the strength and generosity of our Orange County chefs and bakers, who understand the importance of supporting an organization like OCAPICA,” commented Tarit Tanjasiri, Owner of Crema Café and Co-Founding TMOC Chef. “These culinary visionaries are committed to being there for us year after year because OCAPICA’s mission and vision truly resonate with them. In fact, we’re fortunate that new chefs continue to ask if they can join the event each year, which is a testament to the impact OCAPICA has made.”
The 10th annual Tastemakers of Orange County will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Julianne & George Argyros Plaza (600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa). Tickets are available to the public for $295 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (one hour earlier than General Admission); and $225 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery in Tustin is one of the long-time participating restaurants in Tastemakers. We’ll meet him.
“Celebrating its 10th anniversary is Tastemakers of Orange County on Thursday, September 3 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine created by more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs. Proceeds from the event support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities. Guests will be provided the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-eat setting. While guests savor their gourmet dishes, they will also enjoy live entertainment, groovy tunes from a local DJ, and participate in an opportunity drawing to win unique items and experiences.” The restaurant and chef wrangler for Tastemakers, Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers, joins us to preview the event followed by participating restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery.
You may not know the name of restaurateur Adam Weisblatt of Last Word Hospitality but if you live in the Los Angeles area you’ve heard of (or patronized) the popular restaurants he’s part of including Found Oyster, Barra Santos and Hermon’s. What’s it like to open a restaurant? Adam shares all of this in his new book, For the Love of Restaurants – An Insider’s Guide from Daydreams to Opening Night. Adam puts down his reservations tablet to join us.
“At Darkroom in Santa Ana, our goal is not just to give diners a wonderful experience — it is to change their understanding of Californian food and local farm communities.” Owner / Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams. “We are using the unique and world class produce of Southern California. We are leveraging the techniques from cuisines around the world. We are changing the menu weekly so that guests will always have something new to enjoy.” “A 5-course experience in a separate, private room at Darkroom is Chrysalis tasting room celebrating California with big flavors and fun techniques.” The meal is prepared a la minute, with commentary, by the chefs in front of the guests. Two styles of wine pairings are available as options in addition to a curated zero alcohol pairing. Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams take a respite from their busy kitchen to join us in-studio.
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. Recent unfortunate food contamination scares with Cyclospora and Salmonella in raw produce have us thinking. Chef Andrew weighs in with his thoughts.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“Celebrating its 10th anniversary is Tastemakers of Orange County on Thursday, September 3 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine created by more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs. Proceeds from the event support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities.”
“Guests will be provided the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-eat setting. While guests savor their gourmet dishes, they will also enjoy live entertainment, groovy tunes from a local DJ, and participate in an opportunity drawing to win unique items and experiences.”
“I really can’t take much credit for how we all came together. I believe it speaks to the strength and generosity of our Orange County chefs and bakers, who understand the importance of supporting an organization like OCAPICA,” commented Tarit Tanjasiri, Owner of Crema Café and Co-Founding TMOC Chef. “These culinary visionaries are committed to being there for us year after year because OCAPICA’s mission and vision truly resonate with them. In fact, we’re fortunate that new chefs continue to ask if they can join the event each year, which is a testament to the impact OCAPICA has made.”
The 10th annual Tastemakers of Orange County will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Julianne & George Argyros Plaza (600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa). Tickets are available to the public for $295 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (one hour earlier than General Admission); and $225 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Restaurateur & Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (also the benefit’s chef & restaurant wrangler) joins us with a preview followed by Restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery in Tustin, who is one of the participating restaurants in Tastemakers. We’ll meet him as well.
“Adam’s book is a playful, soup-to-nuts guide to creating a restaurant, and a love letter to those who make the struggle palatable, the resilience possible, and the journey more fun—restaurant people.”
“There is no one secret ingredient to opening a successful restaurant—in this business everything matters.”
“It’s one thing to work in an established restaurant and a whole other beautiful challenge to turn an empty room with exposed plumbing and unpainted drywall into a stage for the complicated performance of prepping, cooking, and serving that transforms four simple walls into a living, breathing, welcoming place.”
“For the dreamers and admirers of the restaurant world who long to open their own place or simply crave a peek behind the line, For the Love of Restaurants is a multi-course romp through the processes of leasing, funding, designing, building, menu development, hiring, and opening a restaurant’s doors to the first guests.”
“Adam Weisblatt, cofounder of Last Word Hospitality and partner in its growing list of celebrated restaurants, traces the full journey from concept to opening of the company’s first spot, Found Oyster. Along the way, he shares everything he knows about imagining what future guests will love and what will make them want to return again and again.”
“For the Love of Restaurants is a curriculum-in-your-pocket for making your dream a reality and an invitation to more deeply appreciate the places you love—and the people who make them possible—each time you hear your table is ready.”
“At Darkroom in Santa Ana, our goal is not just to give diners a wonderful experience — it is to change their understanding of Californian food and local farm communities.” Owners / Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams.
“We are using the unique and world class produce of Southern California.”
“We are leveraging the techniques from cuisines around the world.”
“We are changing the menu weekly so that guests will always have something new to enjoy.”
A 5-course experience in a separate, private room at Darkroom is Chrysalis tasting room celebrating California with big flavors and fun techniques. The meal is prepared a la minute by the chefs in front of the guests. Two styles of wine pairings are available as options in addition to a curated zero alcohol pairing.
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.
Recent, unfortunate, food contamination scares with Cyclospora and Salmonella in raw produce have us thinking. Chef Andrew weighs in with what we should know.
Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.
“The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) brings back its always anticipated Tastemakers of Orange County fundraising event on Thursday, October 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than two dozen local chefs will celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islander community and culture by providing guests the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-enjoy setting. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event go to support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and combating anti-Asian racism.”
“In addition to the food tastings, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy beverages by Brewery X and BondleWines. This fundraiser will feature groovy tunes from a live DJ, a silent auction with luxury experiences and unique items, and an exciting opportunity drawing. Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m.; and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.”
OCAPICA’s long-time Chairperson of the Board, Sora Park Tanjasiri, and participating chef Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Cafe (Seal Beach) and Crema Artisan Bakers (Irvine) join us with all the enticing details.
Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on Friday, December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery (Panettone) to Pascal Coffee. Cash is best as not all merchants can process credit cards.
Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of seasonally-changing Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups.
Baker Dean Kim, Trait Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan Bakery and Chef Lisa Gilmorejoin us with all the delectable specifics.
Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on Friday, December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery (2 styles of Holiday artisan Italian Panettone) to Pascal Coffee. Cash is best as not all merchants can process credit cards.
Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of seasonally-changing Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups.
“On the heels of celebrating its first anniversary, Fountain Valley-based ARTISAN has introduced new, hand-crafted pizzas to its celebrated menu. The elevated fast-casual restaurant and café, a marriage of Orange County-born concepts, 7 Leaves Café and Crema Bakery, has gained a loyal following for its energetic and unique teas, and focused, chef-driven menu of brunch-focused anytime dishes and premium baked goods. Now, the concept takes the same quality ingredients and attention to detail and extends it to an innovative selection of ARTISAN Café Pizza offerings prepared under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Chad Urata.”
“Each pizza features an artisanal crust that begins with pillowy dough created by award-winning baker Tarit Tanjasiri, owner of Crema Bakery and co-founder of ARTISAN. “While each ARTISAN Café Pizza is baked to order, great care is taken in the preparation of the dough,” explained Tanjasiri, who oversees all of the baked goods served at ARTISAN. “Our ingredients are simple – flour, water, salt, natural starter, and time – the latter being key, as flavor is developed through a 48-hour cold fermentation.””
“Upon entering the 3,000 square-foot restaurant and café, guests are immersed into an environment that revolves around chic European style, reminiscent of a fine Parisian boulangerie, complete with a display of fresh-baked bread and pastries.”
Chef & Manager Chad Urata takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us with pizza peel in hand.
“On the heels of celebrating its first anniversary, Fountain Valley-based ARTISAN has introduced new, hand-crafted pizzas to its celebrated menu. The elevated fast-casual restaurant and café, a marriage of Orange County-born concepts, 7 Leaves Café and Crema Bakery, has gained a loyal following for its energetic and unique teas, and focused, chef-driven menu of brunch-focused anytime dishes and premium baked goods. Now, the concept takes the same quality ingredients and attention to detail and extends it to an innovative selection of ARTISAN Café Pizza offerings prepared under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Chad Urata.”
“Each pizza features an artisanal crust that begins with pillowy dough created by award-winning baker Tarit Tanjasiri, owner of Crema Bakery and co-founder of ARTISAN. “While each ARTISAN Café Pizza is baked to order, great care is taken in the preparation of the dough,” explained Tanjasiri, who oversees all of the baked goods served at ARTISAN. “Our ingredients are simple – flour, water, salt, natural starter, and time – the latter being key, as flavor is developed through a 48-hour cold fermentation.””
“Upon entering the 3,000 square-foot restaurant and café, guests are immersed into an environment that revolves around chic European style, reminiscent of a fine Parisian boulangerie, complete with a display of fresh-baked bread and pastries.”
Chef & Manager Chad Urata takes a 2nd break from his busy kitchen to continue with us with pizza peel in hand.
“Chef Amy Riolo’s latest, Italian Recipes For Dummies, is your roadmap to cooking like an Italian at your own home. For those of us not lucky enough to have our very own Italian grandmother or have attended culinary school in Italy, Italian Recipes For Dummies is stepping in to fill the gap. Award-winning chef and author Amy Riolo delivers a step-by-step guide to creating authentic Italian dishes, starting from the basics and progressing to more advanced techniques and recipes. You’ll discover how to shop for, plan, and cook authentic Italian meals properly. You’ll also find guidance on how to incorporate the cultural, nutritional, and historical influences that shape classic Italian cuisine. This book includes more than 150 authentic Italian recipes with step-by-step instructions.”
Amy Riolo is our guest with Italian extra virgin olive oil in hand.
The 6th Annual Tastemakers of Orange County celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the benefiting OCAPICA is set for Wednesday, Sept. 14th at 6 p.m. at the Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. “Tastemakers of Orange County is a culinary event celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander inspired cuisine created by distinguished chefs throughout Orange County. Proceeds from the event go to support OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and anti-asian racism.” OCAPICA’s Sora Tanjasiri (Board Member) and participating chef Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan join us with all the mouthwatering details.
The event runs Friday through Sunday, September 16 to 18, in the Danish-rooted town of Solvang just 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara.
The three-day event weekend includes family-friendly entertainment and activities including fan-favorite food events all about Æbleskiver [ay·bluh·skee·vr], those famous Danish pastry rounds, including an Æbleskiver Eating Contest. Also, a Danish-style beer and wine garden serving local brews, wines and festival foods, an axe throwing arena, and story time sessions with Hans Christian Andersen. Overall admission to Danish Days is free, and the weekend features plentiful free entertainment with three parades, Danish folk dancers and musicians, and an afternoon and evening of live concerts in downtown Solvang. Saturday and Sunday Æbleskiver Breakfast tickets are available online, as are “Dane For A Day” VIP ticket bundles.
“On Monday, October 17, 2022, LA Chef Conference returns after a close to three-year pandemic induced hiatus with a full day of programming at the Jonathan Club in downtown LA featuring some of Los Angeles’ preeminent chef talent engaging in hot topic panel discussions, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind pop-ups from sought-after restaurant concepts and chefs, and an after party—all included in the price of admission ($180.00). LA Chef Conference is a production of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions—a Southern California-based hospitality recruitment and placement firm—in partnership with Open Table and benefitting the James Beard Foundation.” Organizer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and participants Chef Jet Tila and Elissa Phillips of Mise En Place Restaurant Services join us to highlight the specifics.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruelthe Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. What’s the problem with Lionfish in American waters (it’s an invasive species) and why is this fish now appearing as an appealing menu item in select seafood restaurants? Chef Andrew has the engaging answers.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
