Podcasts

Hour One: ISM Brewing, Levain Bakery, Wife and the Somm
Hour Two: Wife and the Somm, French Bloom, Masters of Taste Generous Plates, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Levain Bakery with Connie McDonald & Pam Weekes
Segments Four and Five: Wife and the Somm, Glassell Park with Proprietors Christy & Chris Lucchese
Segment Six: French Bloom No-Alcohol Organic Sparkling Wine
Segment Seven: Masters of Taste – Generous Plates Benefit with Chef Bret Thompson
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel

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

Craft Breweries from around the state and country (25 states) have joined together to create some 180 versions of “We Love L.A.” craft beer with proceeds going to benefit victims of the Eaton and Pacific Palisades wildfires. A portion of the Proceeds are donated to United Way’s L.A. Wildfire Response Fund. ISM Brewery in Long Beach has crafted “We Love L.A.” Hazy DIPA. “With a pillowy body, this hop cocktail kicks off massive notes of dole whip, guava jam and fresca.” Proprietor Ian McCall joins us to tap the keg on this effort.

“Levain Bakery the iconic, award-winning bakery known for its decadent, 6-ounce beloved cookies, is excited to announce its second Los Angeles bakery in Venice, California, anticipated to open early next month. The Westside location will be located at 1661 Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Founded in New York in 1995 by best friends Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, Levain served up delicious breads and baked goods that immediately resonated with the neighborhood, drawing anticipation for their daily offerings. When the two decided to quietly start selling cookies, they flew off the shelves and an icon was born.

“Our Larchmont opening last year was a dream come true for us. We had imagined opening a bakery in Los Angeles for years and when it finally happened, it felt like home – and LA locals made us feel incredibly welcome.” said Pam and Connie. “Now, we’re excited to be a part of the Venice community and continue meeting new neighbors and friends.”” Cookie Mavens Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald join us.

“A bit secluded in the vibrant neighborhood of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is more than just an intimate dining destination: it is a love letter to food, wine, and warm hospitality, brought to life by Owners and Restaurateurs Christy and Chris Lucchese. Their journey from the world of film to the realm of culinary excellence is a testament to their shared passion for bringing people together over exceptional dining experiences. Seamlessly blending seasonal, farm fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine with a thoughtfully curated and ever-evolving wine selection, Wife and the Somm is a hidden gem where guests can savor not just a meal, but a true celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and connection. With an inviting atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, Christy and Chris have created a space where food and wine lovers alike can gather, explore, and indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience!” Wife (Christy) and The Somm (Chris) join us with their salivating overview of Wife & The Somm.

“French Bloom organic sparkling wine (no alcohol) reinvents the codes of conviviality for moments of pleasure shared between everyone – family and friends from all walks of life. Made from organic Chardonnay wines and Organic Pinot Noir wines that have been dealcoholized, French Bloom alcohol-free French Sparkling cuvées embody the incomparable intersection of French tradition and innovation.” West Marketing & Sales Manager Jeridan Frye-Schechter joins us to pull the cork on all that is French Bloom.

“As a result of the devastating impact of the Los Angeles wildfires, Masters of Taste has made the difficult decision to postpone the highly anticipated 8th Annual Masters of Taste event. However, in the spirit of resilience, generosity, and community, Masters of Taste is proud to introduce Generous Plates – A Benefit for Union Station Homeless Services, a one-night-only premier dining experience set to take place on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, in the iconic Locker Rooms at the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl. This exclusive event will offer guests an intimate and immersive dining experience featuring Two Exquisite Five-Course Tasting Menus created by some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated Culinary Masters, including Chef Bret Thompson of Pez Coastal Kitchen. Accompanied by premier selections of Spirits, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from top-tier Beverage Masters, and Delectable Desserts from L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, this night promises to be an unparalleled culinary journey.”

Masters of Taste Alum Culinary Master Bret Thompson is our guest previewing all the deliciousness of his 5-course Tasting Menu.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Julia Child aways said, “it’s better with butter.” We’re resuming last week’s truncated conversation about the benefits of butter versus margarine. Chefs prefer to cook with butter and a little can go a long way in terms of adding extra flavor.

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

“Levain Bakery the iconic, award-winning bakery known for its decadent, 6-ounce beloved cookies, is excited to announce its second Los Angeles bakery in Venice, California, anticipated to open early next month. The Westside location will be located at 1661 Abbot Kinney Boulevard.”

“Founded in New York in 1995 by best friends Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, Levain served up delicious breads and baked goods that immediately resonated with the neighborhood, drawing anticipation for their daily offerings. When the two decided to quietly start selling cookies, they flew off the shelves and an icon was born.

“Our Larchmont opening last year was a dream come true for us. We had imagined opening a bakery in Los Angeles for years and when it finally happened, it felt like home – and LA locals made us feel incredibly welcome.” said Pam and Connie. “Now, we’re excited to be a part of the Venice community and continue meeting new neighbors and friends.””

“Remaining true to its neighborhood bakery origins, Levain continues the tradition of crafting their signature breads and iconic 6-ounce cookies by hand each day, using the same high-quality ingredients that defined their beginnings in 1995, when Pam and Connie first opened their small bread shop on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Levain has since grown with bakery locations in cities like New York, Washington DC, Bethesda, Boston and Chicago.”

Cookie Mavens Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald join us.

“A bit secluded in the vibrant neighborhood of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is more than just an intimate dining destination: it is a love letter to food, wine, and warm hospitality, brought to life by Owners and Restaurateurs Christy and Chris Lucchese. Their journey from the world of film to the realm of culinary excellence is a testament to their shared passion for bringing people together over exceptional dining experiences. Seamlessly blending seasonal, farm fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine with a thoughtfully curated and ever-evolving wine selection, Wife and the Somm is a hidden gem where guests can savor not just a meal, but a true celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and connection. With an inviting atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, Christy and Chris have created a space where food and wine lovers alike can gather, explore, and indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience!”

“Christy Lucchese, the Wife, and Chris Lucchese, the Sommelier, met in 2009 while working in the film industry, quickly bonding over homemade dinners and a shared love for travel. Chris, from a big Italian family in Pennsylvania, and Christy, whose Southern California roots trace back to the late 1800s, connected deeply through their appreciation for hospitality and dreamed of creating a space where guests could relax, feel at home, and indulge in an intimate, unforgettable experience. That dream took shape in 2017 when they founded Home Somm, a boutique catering company dedicated to pairing thoughtfully crafted seasonal dishes with exceptional wines.

“As their reputation grew across California, so did their desire for a permanent home, and when they discovered a hidden, ivy-covered gem in Glassell Park, complete with a backyard of century-old grapevines, they knew they had found the perfect spot. On April 1, 2021, that vision became reality when they opened Wife and the Somm, offering a warm, inviting space where guests can savor a farm fresh seasonally inspired menu and explore a fun, innovative, carefully curated, ever-evolving wine list, with a strong focus on low-intervention wines and small producers from around the world and great value.”

“Wife and the Somm has become a destination for food and wine connoisseurs, offering a dining experience that seamlessly blends craftsmanship, farm fresh seasonality, and brightness. Chris and Christy’s partnership with Chef Frank Saporito is the perfect blend of their visionary leadership and his visionary approach to food, creating a dynamic synergy that elevates every dish. In 2022, the restaurant welcomed Saporito as Sous Chef, and in 2024, he was promoted to Chef de Cuisine. A classically trained French chef with nearly two decades of experience, Saporito immediately connected with Chris and Christy over their shared vision of ingredient-driven cuisine, a hyper-seasonal approach, and the artful balance of acidity. He embraced their commitment to an ever-evolving seasonal menu, allowing Chris to seamlessly pair the perfect wines with each dish.”

Wife (Christy) and The Somm (Chris) join us with their tasty overview of Wife & The Somm.

“French Bloom organic sparkling (non-alcoholic) wine reinvents the codes of conviviality for moments of pleasure shared between everyone – family and friends from all walks of life. Made from organic Chardonnay wines and Organic Pinot Noir wines that have been dealcoholized, French Bloom alcohol-free French Sparkling cuvées embody the incomparable intersection of French tradition and innovation.”

“Long-time friends, Constance Jablonski & Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic, meet again in Paris in 2019. Maggie, Director of the Michelin Guide, is pregnant with twins. Constance pursues her career as a top model. Both of them are driven by a quest for well-being against all odds. During social gatherings, they soon realize how non-alcoholic, festive and sophisticated drinks are non-existent. The idea for French Bloom was born. Through their innovative and female-founded brand, French Bloom gives an alternative and inviting beverage to those wanting to celebrate elegantly and differently, making the most of the precious moments shared with friends and family. A bouquet of what memories are made of…”

“Le Blanc offers a mineral freshness and pear aromas from Chardonnay, tropical notes are followed by tart Granny Smith apple, spicy citrus fruits and white flowers.”

“La Cuvee Vintage 2022 reveals rich aromas of toasted bread, hazelnut and dried apricot, well-balanced with a multitude of mineral and citrus notes. The lingering finish is refreshingly crisp yet luxuriously creamy.”

“Le Rose tastes with well-balanced complexity of minerality and freshness, rose petals and freshly picked berry aromas are present, finishing on delicate white peach notes.”

French Bloom’s Jeridan Frye-Schechter (West Sales & Marketing Manager) joins us to pop the cork on French Bloom non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

“Due to the devastating impact of the Los Angeles wildfires, Masters of Taste has made the difficult decision to postpone the highly anticipated 8th Annual Masters of Taste event. However, in the spirit of resilience, generosity, and community, Masters of Taste is proud to introduce Generous Plates – A Benefit for Union Station Homeless Services, a one-night-only premier dining experience set to take place on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, in the iconic Locker Rooms at the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl!”

“This exclusive event will offer guests an intimate and immersive dining experience featuring Two Exquisite Five-Course Tasting Menus created by some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated Culinary Masters, including Chef Bret Thompson of Pez Coastal Kitchen. Accompanied by premier selections of Spirits, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from top-tier Beverage Masters, and Delectable Desserts from L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, this night promises to be an unparalleled culinary journey.”

Masters of Taste Alum Culinary Master Bret Thompson is our guest previewing all the deliciousness of his 5-course Tasting Menu.

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.

We’re resuming last week’s truncated but provocative conversation about the benefits of butter versus margarine. Chefs prefer to cook with butter and a little can go a long way in terms of adding extra flavor.

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

Podcasts

Hour One: ISM Brewing, Levain Bakery, Wife and the Somm
Hour Two: Wife and the Somm, French Bloom, Masters of Taste Generous Plates, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Levain Bakery with Connie McDonald & Pam Weekes
Segments Four and Five: Wife and the Somm, Glassell Park with Proprietors Christy & Chris Lucchese
Segment Six: French Bloom No-Alcohol Organic Sparkling Wine
Segment Seven: Masters of Taste – Generous Plates Benefit with Chef Bret Thompson
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel