Show 432, July 3, 2021: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, A.O.C. Brentwood

Caroline Styne of Lucques Restaurant Group

Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne, owners and operators of The Lucques Group, debuted the long-in-the-works A.O.C. Brentwood early last month. Located at 11648 San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, the restaurant features the small plates format that A.O.C. originated with Suzanne’s regularly changing menu inspired by California’s seasons and regional farmers’ markets which helped her win the coveted Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2016.”

“Caroline, who similarly won Outstanding Restaurateur in 2018, curates the wine program for which A.O.C. is known. Designed for discovery and exploration, the A.O.C. wine list highlights small-production wines from grapes that are either sustainably, organically or biodynamically grown and features a large selection available by the glass and carafe. The beverage program features local beer producers and a seasonal selection of market-driven cocktails.

“The decor encompasses three interior dining spaces: the main bar room with cozy velvet booths and banquettes, a long rough-hewn communal table and a spectacular charcoal wood back bar with mirror detail. A second dining room in gorgeous hues of green runs along the Darlington Avenue side of the building. And with an eye to the post-Covid future, there is an intimate private dining room perfect for gatherings of up to 40 guests. The rooms are vibrant and cozy with beautifully textured fabrics, lively yet sophisticated wallpapers and charming Nickey-Kehoe-designed lighting throughout.”

“We are incredibly excited about this as we have seen such positive response to A.O.C. at our Third Street location and feel that there is definitely a need for our small plates dining format on the Westside,” states Caroline Styne. “After the devastation and tragedy of the past year, we are beyond thrilled to reopen this restaurant with a new concept and lively, forward-looking energy. We feel so fortunate to have this moment to build on the positivity of the city and country as it comes back to life. And, more than anything, we can’t wait to get our staff back to work!”

“A.O.C. in Brentwood is now serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m., expanding to lunch, weekend brunch and breakfast in the coming weeks with takeout and delivery options as well.”

Show 394, October 10, 2020: Restaurateur Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group Part One

Caroline Styne of Lucques Restaurant GroupJames Beard Award-winning restaurateur Caroline Styne is the Co-Proprietor (with Chef Suzanne Goin) of The Lucques Group. Caroline is an active member of the nationwide Independent Restaurant Coalition. Their primary objective is to get the Federal Restaurants Act (HR 7197)passed. The Independent Restaurant Coalition is fighting to save local restaurants affected by COVID-19.

a.o.c. in Los Angeles is back with dine-in as well as takeaway. The wholesale Larder Baking Co. has a variety of bread and pastry packages available To-Go at retail. Cassoulet Night by Lucques Catering returns on Saturday evening, October 24th for socially distanced sit-down dining in The Courtyard at Maple Drive in Beverly Hills and for takeout / delivery orders via TOCK on October 23rd or 24th.

Caroline joins us to talk about the efforts of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and what is currently available for hungry guests from the Lucques Group establishments.

Show 394, October 10, 2020: Restaurateur Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group Part Two

Caroline Styne of Lucques Restaurant GroupJames Beard Award-winning restaurateur Caroline Styne is the Co-Proprietor (with Chef Suzanne Goin) of The Lucques Group. Caroline is an active member of the nationwide Independent Restaurant Coalition. Their primary objective is to get the Federal Restaurants Act (HR 7197) passed. The Independent Restaurant Coalition is fighting to save local restaurants affected by COVID-19.

a.o.c. in Los Angeles is back with dine-in as well as takeaway. The wholesale Larder Baking Co. has a variety of bread and pastry packages available To-Go at retail. Cassoulet Night by Lucques Catering returns on Saturday evening, October 24th for socially distanced sit-down dining in The Courtyard at Maple Drive in Beverly Hills and for takeout / delivery orders via TOCK on October 23rd or 24th.

Caroline continues with us talking about the efforts of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and what is currently available for hungry guests from the Lucques Group establishments.

Show 374, May 23, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Let the season of inspired & relaxing grilling happily commence…

Chefs and restaurateurs are honestly the most generous people we know. In times of need they are always the very first in generously giving back and meaningfully supporting their communities. Truly remarkable…Right now restaurants urgently need our support to stay afloat. Kindly keep this in mind and please do what you possibly can (as you can afford) to support a community-focused, local restaurant….

As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without the enthusiastic encouragement of the foodie community.

When accomplished fine dining chef Ross Pangilinan left the Patina Group’s Leatherby’s Café Rouge (Segerstrom Center for the Arts) to venture out on his own he wanted to create a more personal, chef-driven concept. His vision came to be as Mix Mix Kitchen Bar located in a bit of an unlikely location in Santa Ana. In normal times it’s a globally inspired dining concept presenting dishes which see influence from traditional French and Italian to modern Filipino cuisines. During the ban on dine-in Chef Ross has shifted to preparing Tapas Family Kits (for 2 or 4 guests) for curbside pick-up. Also in Chef Ross’ family of restaurants is Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza and the newly (soft) opened ReMix Kitchen Bar in the Long Beach Exchange. Chef Ross joins us with the overview.

One of our most reliable sources of significant restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 19 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series. Al joins us with a report on the return of dining in the restaurants that have been allowed to reopen in Las Vegas.

James Beard Award-winning Chef & Author Suzanne Goin is the Co-Proprietor (with Caroline Styne) of The Lucques Group. a.o.c and Tavern are back on Thursday through Sunday with take-out for pick up or delivery via TOCK. Lucques’ Sunday Suppers are newly available via Lucques Catering with curbside pick up or delivery via TOCK. Chef Suzanne Goin joins us with all the tantalizing specifics.

Previously we’ve met passionate winemaker Clarissa Nagy who has her own boutique label, c nagy, with a rustic tasting room in historic Orcutt. C nagy wines are “A pure expression of grapes from a vineyard celebrating the experience of Santa Barbara County.” Clarissa has a particular affinity for Pinot Noir but other available current releases include Syrah, Grenache, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc. Winemaker Clarissa Nagy is our encore guest.

Sol Agave, the popular elevated regional Mexican restaurant in South County, operates the original location in San Juan Capistrano and the 2-year old branch in Mission Viejo in Kaleidoscope. San Juan Capistrano is open for to-go orders and Mission Viejo will soon reopen for curbside take out on June 1st. Restaurateur Jesse Galvez shares the secrets of Sol Agave’s Famous Carnitas.

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 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. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. Chef Andrew will conclude his revealing commentary on 3rd Party Delivery Services and explain why he suggests you tip the delivery driver in cash. It’s the start of Summer Grilling Season. Chef Andrew has some meaty tips for the backyard master of the grill.

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

Show 374, May 23, 2020: Chef & Restaurateur Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group Part One

Suzanne Goin of the Lucques GroupJames Beard Award-winning Chef & Author Suzanne Goin is the Co-Proprietor of The Lucques Group. a.o.c. is back on Thursday through Sunday with an all- day menu and classic dinner menu for 4 guests through TOCK. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tavern in Brentwood has returned with an all-day menu offered Thursday through Sunday. Also box assortments of bread and pastries from Larder Baking Co.

With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard award-winning Che f/ Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two fine dining restaurants – a.o.c. and Tavern.

Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also operates Lucques Catering, the Larder Baking Company and comprehensive food services for the Hollywood Bowl. They will operate new restaurants at the highly anticipated Proper Hotel opening in downtown Los Angeles in 2020. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.

Chef Suzanne Goin continues the conversation about the return of Lucques.

Show 374, May 23, 2020: Chef & Restaurateur Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group Part Two

Suzanne Goin of the Lucques GroupJames Beard Award-winning Chef & Author Suzanne Goin is the Co-Proprietor of The Lucques Group with Caroline Styne.

LUCQUES CATERING, the full-service catering arm of The Lucques Group, has started take-out and delivery of Suzanne Goin’s signature dishes and menus for enjoying at home. The menus continue with a weekly changing Lucques Supper Series menu created by Suzanne Goin in addition to a complete brunch kit, pantry items and other selections.

An inspired list of sparkling, white, rosé and red wines, and all favorites of Caroline Styne, are available by the bottle or boxed sets. Bar man, Christiaan Röllich, completes the menu with two of his ready-mixed batched cocktails to-go.

Ordering is exclusively through TOCK for safety-compliant curbside pick-up at The Larder Maple Drive from Thursday through Sunday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Delivery is also available within a five-mile radius for $15.

“My whole team and I have missed the restaurant and cooking for our guests so terribly for these past weeks, states Suzanne Goin. “We are thrilled to be back with our new version of Sunday Suppers for our guests to enjoy at home—and not just on Sundays! In our new Supper Series, our latest weekly seasonal menus from the market will be available Thursday to Sunday each week.”

Chef Suzanne Goin continues the conversation about the return of Lucques To-Go.

May 23: Ross Pangilinan, Al Mancini, Suzanne Goin, Clarissa Nagy, Sol Agave

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Ross Pangilinan, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, Terrace by Mix Mix & ReMix Kitchen Bar
Segment Three: Journalist Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Segment Four: Chef & Restaurateur Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group Part One
Segment Five: Chef & Restaurateur Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group Part Two
Segment Six: Winemaker Clarissa Nagy, c nagy Wines
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Jesse Galvez, Sol Agave, Kaleidoscope Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Let the season of inspired & relaxing grilling commence…

Chefs and restaurateurs are honestly the most generous people we know. In times of need they are always the very first in generously giving back and meaningfully supporting their communities. Truly remarkable…Right now restaurants urgently need our support to stay afloat. Kindly keep this in mind and please do what you possibly can (as you can afford) to support a community-focused, local restaurant….

As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without the enthusiastic encouragement of the foodie community.

When accomplished fine dining chef Ross Pangilinan left the Patina Group’s Leatherby’s Café Rouge (Segerstrom Center for the Arts) to venture out on his own he wanted to create a more personal, chef-driven concept. His vision came to be as Mix Mix Kitchen Bar located in a bit of an unlikely location in Santa Ana. In normal times it’s a globally inspired dining concept presenting dishes which see influence from traditional French and Italian to modern Filipino cuisines. During the ban on dine-in Chef Ross has shifted to preparing Tapas Family Kits (for 2 or 4 guests) for curbside pick-up. Also in Chef Ross’ family of restaurants is Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza and the newly opened ReMix Kitchen Bar in the Long Beach Exchange. Chef Ross joins us with the overview.

One of our most reliable sources of restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 19 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series. Al joins us with a report on dining in the restaurants that have been allowed to reopen in Las Vegas.

James Beard Award-winning Chef & Author Suzanne Goin is the Co-Proprietor (with Caroline Styne) of The Lucques Group. a.o.c.and Tavern are back on Thursday through Sunday with take-out for pick up or delivery via TOCK. Lucques’ Sunday Suppers are newly available via Lucques Catering with curbside pick up or delivery via TOCK. Chef Suzanne Goin joins us with all the tantalizing specifics.

Previously we’ve met passionate winemaker Clarissa Nagy who has her own boutique label, c nagy, with a rustic tasting room in historic Orcutt. C nagy wines are “A pure expression of grapes from a vineyard celebrating the experience of Santa Barbara County.” Clarissa has a particular affinity for Pinot Noir but other available current releases include Syrah, Grenache, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc. Winemaker Clarissa Nagy is our encore guest.

Sol Agave, the popular elevated regional Mexican restaurant in South County, operates the original location in San Juan Capistrano and the 2-year old branch in Mission Viejo in Kaleidoscope. San Juan Capistrano is open for to-go orders and Mission Viejo will soon reopen for curbside take out on June 1st. Restaurateur Jesse Galvez shares the secrets of Sol Agave’s Famous Carnitas.

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 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. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. Chef Andrew will conclude his revealing commentary on 3rd Party Delivery Services and explain why he suggests you tip the delivery driver in cash. It’s the start of Summer Grilling Season. Chef Andrew has some meaty tips for the backyard master of the grill.

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

Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen BarWhen accomplished fine dining chef Ross Pangilinan left the Patina Group’s Leatherby’s Café Rouge (Segerstrom Center for the Arts) to venture out on his own he wanted to create a more personal, chef-driven concept. His vision came to be as Mix Mix Kitchen Bar located in a bit of an unlikely location in Santa Ana. In normal times it’s a globally inspired dining concept presenting dishes which see influence from traditional French and Italian to modern Filipino cuisines.

During the ban on dine-in Chef Ross has shifted to preparing Tapas Family Kits (for 2 or 4 guests) for curbside pick-up. Also in Chef Ross’ family of restaurants is Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza and the newly opened ReMix Kitchen Bar in the Long Beach Exchange.

For Friday, Saturday and Sunday Terrace by Mix Mix is serving Share Plates (for 1 to 10 guests) for curbside pick-up. For Friday, Saturday and Sunday Remix Kitchen Bar offers a Tasting Menu for 2 or 4 guests for curbside pick-up.

Chef Ross joins us with the cuisine overview.

Al Mancini of the Las Vegas Review JournalOne of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 19 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series.

Al joins us with a report on dining in the restaurants that have been allowed to reopen in Las Vegas. Restaurants located off The Strip have permission to reopen for dine-in with precautions. Establishments located in The Strip hotel casinos (and other hotel casinos) can only reopen if they have outside access to the restaurants that doesn’t necessitate walking through a closed casino floor.

Suzanne Goin of the Lucques GroupJames Beard Award-winning Chef & Author Suzanne Goin is the Co-Proprietor of The Lucques Group. a.o.c. is back on Thursday through Sunday with an all- day menu and classic dinner menu for 4 guests through TOCK. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tavern in Brentwood has returned with an all-day menu offered Thursday through Sunday. Also box assortments of bread and pastries from Larder Baking Co.

With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard award-winning Che f/ Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two fine dining restaurants – a.o.c. and Tavern. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also operates Lucques Catering, the Larder Baking Company and comprehensive food services for the Hollywood Bowl. They will operate new restaurants at the highly anticipated Proper Hotel opening in downtown Los Angeles in 2020. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.

LUCQUES CATERING, the full-service catering arm of The Lucques Group, has started take-out and delivery of Suzanne Goin’s signature dishes and menus for enjoying at home. The menus continue with a weekly changing Lucques Supper Series menu created by Suzanne Goin in addition to a complete brunch kit, pantry items and other selections.

An inspired list of sparkling, white, rosé and red wines, and all favorites of Caroline Styne, are available by the bottle or boxed sets. Bar man, Christiaan Röllich, completes the menu with two of his ready-mixed batched cocktails to-go.

Ordering is exclusively through TOCK for safety-compliant curbside pick-up at The Larder Maple Drive from Thursday through Sunday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Delivery is also available within a five-mile radius for $15.

“My whole team and I have missed the restaurant and cooking for our guests so terribly for these past weeks, states Suzanne Goin. “We are thrilled to be back with our new version of Sunday Suppers for our guests to enjoy at home—and not just on Sundays! In our new Supper Series, our latest weekly seasonal menus from the market will be available Thursday to Sunday each week.”

Chef Suzanne Goin continues the conversation about the return of Lucques.

Clarissa Nagy of c.nagy winesPreviously we’ve met passionate winemaker Clarissa Nagy who has her own boutique label, c nagy, with a rustic tasting room in historic Orcutt. C nagy wines are “A pure expression of grapes from a vineyard celebrating the experience of Santa Barbara County.” Clarissa has a particular affinity for Pinot Noir but other available current releases include Syrah, Grenache, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc.

Curbside pickup of wines by the bottle is available at the Tasting Room while the signature tastings are on hold.

“People often ask how I started in the wine industry. It was never my plan to make wine. Actually, my original intention was to work with food. Thankfully, food and wine are often paired together. Through that means, wine found me.”

“Pinot Noir and Syrah were my main focus for the next 6 years. I made a Viognier in 2010, but frost would prevent me from doing so in 2011. The loss of Viognier opened the door to work with Pinot Blanc as well, and my journey continued to unfold. The newest chapter of my story is the addition of the tasting room.”

“Winemaking has become my passion. Sharing that joy with others is a priority. I’d love to be able to bring everyone into the vineyard and cellar to experience winemaking firsthand. Since that isn’t realistic, I offer you a taste of my labor. Here is that experience captured in bottle. I hope to share this passion with you in person. Until then, enjoy!”
– Owner/Winemaker Clarissa Nagy

Winemaker Clarissa Nagy is our encore guest.

Jess Galvez of Sol AgaveSol Agave, the popular elevated regional Mexican restaurant in South County, has the original location in San Juan Capistrano and the 2-year old branch in Mission Viejo in Kaleidoscope. San Juan Capistrano is open for to-go orders and Mission Viejo will reopen for curbside take out on June 1st.

Restaurateur Jesse Galvez and his partner Chef Manny Velasco, who was honored as the Golden Foodies 2017 Rising Star Chef of the Year, were at the forefront of the food truck trend when they started Sol Agave as a taco truck in 2015. They attracted such a loyal following for their elevated Mexican cuisine that they decided to open a restaurant in San Juan Capistrano in 2016. The success of that original location lead to moving into a larger space within the same retail center just a year later.

At Sol Agave the focus is on organic ingredients, fresh seafood, USDA Prime steak, and all-natural pork for its carnitas. Signature dishes include Our Famous Carnitas (chef’s famous Mexican braised pork, served with rice, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, “trocka” sauce, and hand-made corn tortillas), Tacos de Hongo (skirt steak, portabello mushrooms, grilled onions, and cheese served on a hot skillet with salsa morita, rice, refried beans and hand-made tortillas), and Camarones Vallarta (jumbo breaded Mexican prawns, butterflied and stuffed with Dungeness crab, topped in a Creole tomato spicy sauce, and served with cilantro rice.)

Restaurateur Jesse Galvez shares the secrets of Sol Agave’s Famous Carnitas.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur 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 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. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Chef Andrew will conclude his revealing commentary on 3rd Party Delivery Services for restaurants and explain why he suggests you tip the delivery driver in cash. It’s the start of Summer Grilling Season. Chef Andrew has some meaty tips for the backyard master of the grill.

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Ross Pangilinan, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, Terrace by Mix Mix & ReMix Kitchen Bar
Segment Three: Journalist Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Segment Four: Chef & Restaurateur Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group Part One
Segment Five: Chef & Restaurateur Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group Part Two
Segment Six: Winemaker Clarissa Nagy, c nagy Wines
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Jesse Galvez, Sol Agave, Kaleidoscope Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Show 276, June 2, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Hosts Andy Harris & Andrew Gruel

Program Note :
Next Saturday, June 9th only
we unusually follow the early Angel game (playing Minnesota) from 3 to 5:00 p.m. Please don’t miss us! We’re there for you…

Condolences to The Brennan Family in New Orleans on the passing of Family Matriarch Miss Ella Brennan. Among her many important accomplishments was discovering Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme. The Jazz Sunday Brunch at Commander’s Palace is a local tradition. Ella also originated the signature NOLA dessert, Bananas Foster. We recommend her biography (written with her daughter Ti Adelaide Martin) Miss Ella of Commander’s Palace. (Ti has been a previous guest on the show.)

Now an attention-grabbing preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with an informative and entertaining show.

If you’re at all fascinated by the story of how American restaurant chefs in the 1970s and 1980s became celebrities then you’ll want to grab food journalist Andrew Friedman’s well-researched, new tome, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll: How Food Lovers, Free Spirits, Misfits and Wanderers Created a New American Profession. It’s a real page turner for genuine foodies. Andrew Friedman joins us.

2018 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine season is upon us. Building on the success of last two summers with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & LeisureHollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their flagship restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings, which include over 17 concepts, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin in tandem with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, recent recipient of the Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Sodexo Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.

Caroline Styne is our guest with a delicious preview.

After four centuries in Japan and almost four decades in the United StatesCHAYA continues to transcend convention between Japanese and American dining, inviting guests to discover innovative Japanese-Californian cuisine along with an unprecedented new beverage program as the CHAYA Restaurant Group has now officially transitioned the 28-year-old Chaya Venice into CHAYA Modern Izakaya. Owner & President Yuta Tsunoda has all the intriguing details.

The newest craft brewery on the Big Island of Hawaii is the community focused, Ola Brew. Unusually it was partially crowd-funded to launch and also just completed it’s 2nd round of crowd-funding to expand brewing capacity and build an on-site kitchen. Ola Brew’s world class beers and ciders are made from island-sourced ingredients. General Manager Shawn O’Shaughnessy taps the keg for us.

Would you believe a contemporary gastropub located on 5 landscaped acres hidden in the Porter District of Langley, Whidbey Island, WA in a magnificently converted and renovated airplane hanger serving Asian-inspired flavors ? It actually exists in the form of Roaming Radish’s R2 Gastropub owned by Chefs Jess & JP Dowdell. It’s a memorable dining experience that you simply won’t find elsewhere…

Chef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of “Ask the Chef.” Chef Andrew just returned from the Aquaculture Canada Conference in Quebec City. He was the Keynote Speaker there. Chef Andrew discussed the overview of farm-raised salmon and farm-raised seafood in general. We’ll get the highlights of his informed presentation.

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

June 2nd: Andrew Friedman, Carolyne Styne, Chaya Modern Izakaya, Ola Brew, Roaming Radish

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Hosts Andy Harris & Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Journalist Andrew Friedman, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll Part One
Segment Three: Journalist Andrew Friedman, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll Part Two
Segment Four: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine
Segment Five: Yuta Tsunoda, Chaya Modern Izakaya, Venice
Segment Six: Shawn O’Shaughnessy, GM, Ola Brew, Kailu-Kona, HI
Segment Seven: Chefs Jess and JP Dowdell, Roaming Radish’s R2 Gastropub, Whidbey Island, WA
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Program Note:
On Saturday, June 9th only we unusually follow the early Angel game (playing Minnesota) from 3 to 5:00 p.m. Please don’t miss us! We’re there for you…

Now an attention-grabbing preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with an informative and entertaining show.

If you’re at all fascinated by the story of how American restaurant chefs in the 1970s and 1980s became celebrities then you’ll want to grab food journalist Andrew Friedman’s well-researched, new tome, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll: How Food Lovers, Free Spirits, Misfits and Wanderers Created a New American Profession. It’s a real page turner for foodies. Andrew Friedman joins us.

2018 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine season is upon us. Building on the success of last two summers with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their flagship restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings, which include over 17 concepts, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin in tandem with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, recent recipient of the Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Sodexo Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.

Caroline Styne is our guest with a delicious preview.

After four centuries in Japan and almost four decades in the United States, CHAYA continues to transcend convention between Japanese and American dining, inviting guests to discover innovative Japanese-Californian cuisine along with an unprecedented new beverage program as the CHAYA Restaurant Group has now officially transitioned the 28-year-old Chaya Venice into CHAYA Modern Izakaya. Owner & President Yuta Tsunoda has all the intriguing details.

The newest craft brewery on the Big Island of Hawaii is the community focused, Ola Brew. Unusually it was partially crowd-funded to launch and also just completed it’s 2nd round of crowd-funding to expand brewing capacity and build an on-site kitchen. Ola Brew’s world class beers and ciders are made from island-sourced ingredients. General Manager Shawn O’Shaughnessy taps the keg for us.

Would you believe a contemporary gastropub located on 5 landscaped acres hidden in the Porter District of Langley, Whidbey Island, WA in a magnificently converted and renovated airplane hanger serving Asian-inspired flavors ? It actually exists in the form of Roaming Radish’s R2 Gastropub owned by Chefs Jess & JP Dowdell. It’s a memorable dining experience that you simply won’t find elsewhere…

Chef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of “Ask the Chef.” Chef Andrew just returned from the Aquaculture Canada Conference in Quebec City. He was the Keynote Speaker there. Chef Andrew discussed the overview of farm-raised salmon. We’ll get the highlights of his informed presentation.

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

Andrew FriedmanIf you’re at all fascinated by the story of how American restaurant chefs in the 1970s and 1980s became celebrities then you’ll want to grab food journalist Andrew Friedman’s well-researched, new tome, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll: How Food Lovers, Free Spirits, Misfits and Wanderers Created a New American Profession. It’s a genuine page turner for foodies.

The book transports readers back in time to witness the remarkable evolution of the American restaurant chef in the 1970s and 1980s – from the pioneers behind Chez Panisse, Spago, and other landmarks to the young cooks like Tom Colicchio and Bobby Flay who went on to become household names.

“Told largely in the words of the people who lived it – from writers like Ruth Reichl to chefs like Jeremiah Tower and Jonathan WaxmanChefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll treats readers to an unparalleled 360-degree re-creation of the industry and the times through the perspectives not only of the groundbreaking chefs but also of line cooks, front-of-house personnel, investors, and critics who had front-row seats to this extraordinary transformation.”

Author Andrew Friedman joins us.

Andrew Friedman has chronicled the life and work of some of the best American chefs. He is the author of Knives at Dawn: America’s Quest for Culinary Glory at the Bocuse d’Or.

Caroline Styne2018 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine season is upon us. Building on the success of last two summers with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their flagship restaurant.

At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings, which include over 17 concepts, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin in tandem with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, recent recipient of the Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award.

Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Sodexo Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.

“This year concert-goers can skip the line before the concert and use the Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine mobile app and choose pizzas, barbecue, bánh mi, hot dogs, and popcorn, and easily pick up their picnic on the way to their seats. For the highly praised Supper in Your Seats, Suzanne adds her Susanita’s Carnitas Feast for Two as well as a new picnic box, the Maple Drive, slow-roasted prime beef tenderloin served with Early Girl tomato salad, roasted potatoes, wild mushrooms and a caramel chocolate brownie. For a grab-and-go option, Alex’s Veggie Sandwich – a tribute to Suzanne’s daughter Alex – will be found at all Marketplace venues.”

“Returning for the 2018 season is the well-received Winemaker Wednesdays series, an eight-week program of complimentary wine tastings at the Plaza Marketplace from guest winemakers hand selected by Caroline Styne.”

“Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining choices include two sit-down restaurants, street-food kiosks, pre-ordered picnic boxes, and full-service dinner delivered to your box seat. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine will also provide catering at several locations for groups both large and small.”

Caroline Styne is our guest with a delicious preview.

Please visit the Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine site for more information about the food and wine experiences available at the Hollywood Bowl.

Yudo Tsunoda of Chaya BrasserieAfter four centuries in Japan and almost four decades in the United States, CHAYA continues to transcend convention between Japanese and American dining, inviting guests to discover innovative Japanese-Californian cuisine along with an unprecedented new beverage program as the CHAYA Restaurant Group has now officially transitioned the 28-year-old Chaya Venice into CHAYA Modern Izakaya.

Comparable to the Western gastropub, a Japanese izakaya is traditionally a drinking establishment which serves small tapas-style plates intended to be shared amongst friends. CHAYA Modern Izakaya elevates the izakaya experience by introducing a present-day dining and drinking destination that invites guests to come discover a new Japanese-Californian cuisine with a modern izakaya approach, including handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, Japanese Whisky selection, eclectic sake and wine collection, Japanese and local craft beers.

With roots deeply planted in over 400 years of Japanese history, CHAYA originally evolved from a beloved teahouse in Japan in the 17th century, then to an imperial summer villa in Japan in the 19th century. In the early 20th century CHAYA Japan became a landmark dining destination known for providing exquisite service and catering to the royal court and Japanese government officials, to then landing in Los Angeles in the 1980s, ultimately becoming a pioneer of fusion cuisine by introducing the revolutionary combination of French and Japanese ingredients and culinary techniques, while catering to many loyal guests for almost 40 years, including artists, actors, titans of industry, and foodists alike.

“CHAYA has existed in some incarnation or another for the last four-hundred plus years, as long as the earliest izakaya. Part of the essential CHAYA DNA is adaptability and fusion, and CHAYA Modern Izakaya bridges the past with the present, while allowing CHAYA to move forward into the future pioneering a marriage between Japanese and Western traditions, fresh ingredients, and contemporary culinary techniques,” says Owner and President Yuta Tsunoda.

Owner & President Yuta Tsunoda has all the intriguing details.

Shawn O'ShaugnessyThe newest craft brewery on the Big Island of Hawaii is the community focused, Ola Brew. Unusually it was partially crowd-funded to launch and also just completed its 2nd round of crowd-funding to expand brewing capacity and build an on-site kitchen. Ola Brew’s world class beers and ciders are made from island-sourced ingredients.

“Did you know that a) More than half of the tropical fruit grown in Hawai’i falls to the ground and never makes it to market; b) U.S. demand for craft alcohols has doubled in the last 5 years, and c) Most beer and cider consumed in Hawai’i is imported? Our conclusion: it’s time Hawai’i County had its own brewery designed to turn the state’s abundance of produce into revenue for local farmers. And as the experienced beverage entrepreneurs who started Hawaiian Ola, we are the best team to do it.” 

Brett Jacobson
CEO, OLA BREW CO.

General Manager Shawn O’Shaughnessy taps the keg for us.

Jess and JP DowdellWould you believe a contemporary gastropub located on 5 landscaped acres hidden in the Porter District of Langley, Whidbey Island, WA in a magnificently converted and renovated airplane hanger serving Asian-inspired flavors? It actually exists in the form of Roaming Radish’s R2 Gastropub owned by Chefs Jess & JP Dowdell. It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience that you simply won’t find elsewhere…

It’s only open for Dinner (by reservation only) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. It’s an extension of the well-known Roaming Radish Catering.

Also on the expansive grounds is an English Tudor house available for special events and stays. Between the restaurant building and the adjacent air strip is one of the single engine planes previously housed inside. Chef JP is even taking flying lessons.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosChef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of Ask the Chef.”

Chef Andrew just returned from the Aquaculture Canada Conference in Quebec City. He was the Keynote Speaker there. Chef Andrew discussed the overview of the state of farm-raised salmon. We’ll get the highlights of his informed presentation.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Hosts Andy Harris & Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Journalist Andrew Friedman, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll Part One
Segment Three: Journalist Andrew Friedman, Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll Part Two
Segment Four: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine
Segment Five: Yuta Tsunoda, Chaya Modern Izakaya, Venice
Segment Six: Shawn O’Shaughnessy, GM, Ola Brew, Kailu-Kona, HI
Segment Seven: Chefs Jess and JP Dowdell, Roaming Radish’s R2 Gastropub, Whidbey Island, WA
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Show 174, June 4, 2016: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine

Caroline StyneThe Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has recently announced the dynamic new offerings from Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 2016 summer season. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine — developed with the LA Phil, local restaurateurs James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure — will offer patrons a broad range of enticing new, reimagined culinary experiences.

The vision is brought to life by Goin and Styne, whose restaurants, Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern and the Larder, have defined, and advanced, Los Angeles culinary tastes since 1998. Beverage Maven Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group now uncorks the details of the new beverage program.

Highlights include:
The Wine Bar by a.o.c.
– L.A.’s favorite wine bar comes to life at the Bowl featuring artisanal cheese and charcuterie, market-fresh salads, grilled fish and meats. The wine list, curated by Caroline Styne, features only wines that are farmed sustainably, organically or biodynamically, and are made by small-production, artisanal winemakers. A selection of craft brew and farmers’ market-driven cocktails made with soju and other wine-based liquors complete the offerings. Menu Highlight: Soft Polenta with Wild Mushrooms, Mascarpone and Gremolata

Marketplace – Goin and Styne’s casual Larder café-marketplace comes to the Bowl offering grab-and-go salads, hot entrées that include rotisserie chicken, barbecued beef brisket and mac n’ cheese, as well as other picnic-friendly sandwiches, cheese plates and foods prepared with the best local produce and products. Choose from a large selection of hand-picked wines, craft beers, sodas and waters as well as salty and sweet snacks such as Larder Baking Company cookies and brownies, candy, nuts and crackers. Menu Highlight: Slow-Roasted Salmon with Cucumber Yogurt, Quinoa and Turmeric

Lucques at the Circle – Fine dining for subscribers of the Pool Circle with a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from the award winning cuisine of Lucques, one of the defining restaurants of Los Angeles. Menu Highlight: Grilled Pork Chop with Cornbread-Chorizo Stuffing and Glazed Bing Cherries