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

“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

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan Bakers at KLAA Studios

“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.

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

Ed Lee of Wahoo's Fish Taco and Toast Bakery

“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.

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

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

“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!

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan Bakers at KLAA Studios

“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.”

Ed Lee of Wahoo's Fish Taco and Toast Bakery

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 Weisblatt of Last Word Hospitality

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.

“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.”

Zach Scherer of Chrysalis

“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.”

Drew Adams of the Darkroom

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

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.

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

Show 668, February 28, 2026: Rise Bagels, Irvine with Chef & Baker John Park

John Park of Rise Bagels

John Park is a prominent (and well-credentialed) Orange County-based restauranteur, chef, baker and dessert artisan. He is fondly remembered for creating the menus at Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa and Tableau Kitchen and Bar in South Coast Plaza. While perfecting a recipe for pizza dough Chef John became intrigued with creating an assortment of redefined fusion bagels along with premium bagel sandwiches. The result is Rise Bagels (opened with business partner, John I. Park) in Irvine at Centerview at Irvine Concourse.

“Rise Bagels features a lighter, airier bagel with the chew of a traditional New York bagel, reimagined as a canvas for Southern California’s fresh produce and seafood.”

Think Pokeman with ahi tuna, sesame shoyu, seaweed salad, imitation crab, soy pickled onion, cucumber, tobiko with a Tokyo negi schmear.

“The menu highlights collaborations with local farmers, fishermen and artisan olive oil makers. Rise Bagels’ menu balances tradition with creativity, offering open-faced selections like the “One Fish” with citrus-cured salmon, yuzu kosho pickled onion, tomato, dill, citrus olive oil, and lemon schmear, alongside inventive sandwiches such as the “Get Jjigae with it,” featuring bulgogi, kimchi jjigae, scrambled eggs, American cheese, sesame leaf, soy pickled radish, cucumber kimchi, and ssamjang schmear.”

Current bagel options are Salted, Everything, Furikake, Cheddar Jalapeno, Sesame and Cinnamon Raisin.

Chef John takes a break from his busy kitchen, and proofing bagels, to join us.

Show 659, December 27, 2025: Anne Marie Panoringan, Food Columnist, Culture OC

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

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 (November 26, 2025) highlighting her favorite spots in the OC for fried chicken. You’ll be surprised…

Also the surprise closing (after 7 years) of Toast in Costa Mesa on the site of the long-running Golden Truffle.

Anne Marie earlier in the Month was on a cruise of the Mexican Riviera aboard the Royal Princess. She will talk about that experience.

Anne Marie is our resident Disneyland Resort authority. Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian has been closed since April for a major refurbishment and reimagining. Curious minds want to know when in 2026 Napa Rose will relaunch? We’ll ask Disneyland Resort aficionado Anne Marie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show 645, September 20, 2025: Restaurateur Ed Lee of Toast Bakery & Kitchen, Costa Mesa and Tustin. Participating restaurant in “Tastemakers of OC.”

Ed Lee of Wahoo's Fish Taco and Toast Bakery

“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.”

“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. New at the Tustin location is a full liquor license and a Tuesday thru Friday Happy Hour from 3 to 7:00 p.m. with Chef Jimmy’s savory creations.

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

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 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, 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!

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

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 25th) highlighting four “Standout Spots” opened in Orange County this summer.

Ed Lee of Wahoo's Fish Taco and Toast Bakery

“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.”

“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. 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, Caroline Styne (A.O.C., Larder Baking Co, Cara Cara at Proper DTLA and The Hollywood Bowl), along with Chef David Lentz, featuring top chefs, breweries, vintners and mixologists to benefit kids with cancer.”

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

Chef Steve Samson at Superfine Pizza

“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.

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

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

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

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

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

Podcasts

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

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

Show 456, December 18, 2021: Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee, Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza Part One

John Park of Toast Kitchen and Bakery

“From the accomplished culinary minds of Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee of foodie favorite Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa comes Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza. At Tableau, Chef Park elevates New American cuisine showcasing the inventive global influences and unexpected twists on classic dishes for which he is known. Tableau’s seafood-forward menu takes full advantage of the restaurant’s coastal location and features the freshest produce from local farms.”

“Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer something for every palate, from sweet to savory, salads to sandwiches, scallops to steak. A full bar with craft cocktails, draft beers and a curated wine list and Chef Park’s famous pastries complement the exciting menu selections. At Tableau Kitchen and Bar, every meal makes a difference, with a percentage of proceeds donated to local charities.”

Chef John and Ed take a break from their busy soft opening to join us.