Show 693, August 22, 2026: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Adam Bell

“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 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!

Show 693, August 22, 2026: Tastemakers or Orange County preview with Restaurateur & Baker Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakery

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Adam Bell

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan Bakers at KLAA Studios

“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.

Show 693, August 22, 2026: Tastemakers or Orange County preview with Restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Adam Bell

Ed Lee of Wahoo's Fish Taco and Toast Bakery

Restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery in Tustin is one of the long-time participating restaurants in Tastemakers. We’ll meet him.

August 22: 10th Anniversary of Tastemakers of Orange County, Adam Weisblatt, Darkroom and Chrysalis

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: Tastemakers of Orange County, Adam Weisblatt
Hour Two: Adam Weisblatt, Darkroom & Chrysalis, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Tastemakers or Orange County preview with Restaurateur & Baker Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakery
Segment Three: Tastemakers or Orange County preview with Restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery
Segments Four and Five: Restaurateur Adam Weisblatt of Last Word Hospitality with For the Love of Restaurants
Segments Six and Seven: Darkroom & Chrysalis, Santa Ana, with Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House and Show Co-host

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!

“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.”

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.”

“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.

Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams take a respite from their busy kitchen to join us in-studio.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

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.

Podcasts

Hour One: Tastemakers of Orange County, Adam Weisblatt
Hour Two: Adam Weisblatt, Darkroom & Chrysalis, Andrew Gruel

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!

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.

“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

“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.”

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.

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 643, September 6, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Since 2004, Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. Zin offers crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. They are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence year-after-year for their extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating Zin offers an attractive heated and cooled covered patio for the best in outdoor dining.” Proprietress Mindy Reed joins us to uncork all that is Zin American Bistro.

“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. The historic property is now owned by Rupert Murdoch. In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the original property. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled. The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933. Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our guest) joined Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch’s commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality. In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch.” Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

“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. 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.” Restaurant Coordinator and Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers) joins us along with Board Member Sora Tanjasiri representing OCAPICA.

Following Tarit and Sora Tanjasari is Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove. Chef Bill is also part of the culinary lineup for Tastemakers of Orange County. “Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Orange County California. Founded in 2013 their mission is simple: Through food rescue, culinary training and their community feeding program Bracken’s Kitchen is committed to rescuing, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives.” Bracken’s Kitchen’s annual fundraiser, Hungry Games 8.0, is set for the evening of Thursday, September 11th.

“LA Chef Conference 2025 at Redbird and the Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday, October 6th is an event for the chef and restaurant industry community. The organizers, Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions Hospitality Recruitment, invite attendees to come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food and drinks. It’s also a great opportunity to see industry friends and to meet new ones!” Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) is the benefiting charity. Founder Brad Metzger joins us with all the specifics. Also joining us is Shane Call, District Director – Southwest for Open Table. He’s the Moderator of the “Shaping the Future: L.A.’s Rising Stars” panel with Lord Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord), Kat Turner (Highly Likely), Melissa Lopez (Barra Santos), and Byron Lazaroff-Puck (President, WP Fine Dining, Global.)

What happens to a successful, multi-unit restaurant concept founded by hands-on entrepreneurs when it’s sold for mad money to a private equity fund. Chef Andrew shares his informed thoughts.

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

Show 643, September 6, 2025: Tastemakers of Orange County Preview Benefiting OCAPICA

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Adam Bell

Restaurant Coordinator and Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers) joins us along With Board Member Sora Tanjasiri representing OCAPICA.

Show 643, September 6, 2025: Founder & Chef Bill Bracken, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Adam Bell

Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is also one of the Tastemakers of Orange County’s celebrity chef participants on September 24^th. We’ll meet him.

“Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Orange County California. Founded in 2013 their mission is simple: Through food rescue, culinary training and their community feeding program Bracken’s Kitchen is committed to rescuing, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives. The heart of who Bracken’s Kitchen is can be found in a statement first uttered in 1957 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?””

“Hungry Games 8.0 (Bracken’s Kitchen’s annual fundraiser) is back for yet another fantastic evening of food and fun for GOOD. It’s hosted at their home kitchen facility in Garden Grove on Thursday, September 11th, 2025 with doors opening at 5:30 pm. Competing popular local chefs will vie for the title of “Hungry Games Champion” while 500 guests act as judges. It’s a casual and fun evening with amazing food and great music intended to help us fund our trio of services: community feeding, food rescue, and culinary training.”

September 6: Zin American Bistro, Moraga Vineyards, Tastemakers of Orange County, Bracken’s Kitchen, LA Chef Conference 2025

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: Zin American Bistro, Moraga Vineyards
Hour Two: Tastemakers of Orange County, Bracken’s Kitchen, LA Chef Conference, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Zin American Bistro, Palm Springs, with Proprietress Mindy Reed
Segments Three and Four: Moraga Vineyards, Bel Air, CA with Winemaker Paul Warson
Segment Five: Tastemakers of Orange County Preview Benefiting OCAPICA
Segment Six: Founder & Chef Bill Bracken, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove
Segment Seven: LA Chef Conference 2025 Preview with Founder Brad Metzger and Shane Call of Presenting Sponsor Open Table
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

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

Since 2004, Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. Zin offers crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. They are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence year-after-year for their extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating Zin offers an attractive heated and cooled covered patio for the best in outdoor dining. Proprietress Mindy Reed joins us to uncork all that is Zin American Bistro.

“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. The historic property is now owned by Rupert Murdoch. In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the original property. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled. The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933. Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our guest) joined Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch’s commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality. In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch.” Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6^th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

“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. 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.” Restaurant Coordinator and Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers) joins us along with Board Member Sora Tanjasiri representing OCAPICA.

Following Tarit and Sora Tanjasari is Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove. Chef Bill is also part of the culinary lineup for Tastemakers of Orange County. “Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Orange County California. Founded in 2013 their mission is simple: Through food rescue, culinary training and their community feeding program Bracken’s Kitchen is committed to rescuing, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives.” Bracken’s Kitchen’s annual fundraiser, Hungry Games 8.0, is set for the evening of Thursday, September 11^th.

“LA Chef Conference 2025 at Redbird and the Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday, October 6th is an event for the chef and restaurant industry community. The organizers, Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions Hospitality Recruitment, invite attendees to come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food and drinks. It’s also a great opportunity to see industry friends and to meet new ones!” Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) is the benefiting charity. Founder Brad Metzger joins us with all the specifics. Also joining us is Shane Call, District Director – Southwest for Open Table. He’s the Moderator of the “Shaping the Future: L.A.’s Rising Stars” panel with Lord Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord), Kat Turner (Highly Lively), Melissa Lopez (Barra Santos), and Byron Lazaroff-Puck (President, WP Fine Dining, Global.)

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.

What happens to a successful, multi-unit restaurant concept founded by hands-on entrepreneurs when it’s sold for mad money to a money fund. Chef Andrew shares his informed thoughts.

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

“Since 2004, Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs, a consistently top-rated establishment, has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. Zin offers crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.”

They are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence year-after-year for their extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating Zin offers an attractive heated and cooled (depending on the season) covered patio for the best in outdoor dining.

Proprietress Mindy Reed joins us to uncork all that is Zin American Bistro.

“In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the property with a long and colorful history. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled.”

“Because they found their non-commercial vintages so enjoyable, the Joneses decided to officially launch Moraga Bel Air as a commercial entity. The first vintage, 1989, was produced by Bruno D’Alfonso at Sanford Winery in Santa Barbara County.”

“The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933.”

“Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our guest) joined Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch’s commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality.”

“In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch. Mr. Murdoch is committed to carrying on the Jones’ legacy of producing top quality wine from one of California’s most unique estate wineries.”

Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6^th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

Winemaker Paul Warson is our guest uncorking all that is Moraga Bel Air.

Restaurant Coordinator and Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers) joins us along With Board Member Sora Tanjasiri representing OCAPICA.

Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is also one of the Tastemakers of Orange County’s celebrity chef participants on September 24^th. We’ll meet him.

Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions

“Included in the ticket price is first come first served access to all the panel discussions and programming, all food and drinks, including coffee, bagels, and snacks, during registration hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., the LA Chef Con Lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Cocktail Party from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the Official Afterparty at Grand Central Market from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. hosted by Chef’s Warehouse.”

Founder Brad Metzger ;joins us with all the specifics.

Also joining us is Shane Call, District Director – Southwest for Open Table. He’s the Moderator of the “Shaping the Future: L.A.’s Rising Stars” panel with Lord Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord), Kat Turner (Highly Likely), Melissa Lopez (Barra Santos), and Byron Lazaroff-Puck (President, WP Fine Dining, Global.)

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.

What happens to a successful, multi-unit restaurant concept founded by hands-on entrepreneurs when it’s sold for mad money to a money fund. Chef Andrew shares his informed thoughts.

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

Hour One: Zin American Bistro, Moraga Vineyards
Hour Two: Tastemakers of Orange County, Bracken’s Kitchen, LA Chef Conference, Andrew Gruel