Tag Archives: Yelp

Show 506, January 7, 2023: Executive Chef Justin Werner, Trust Kitchen DTSA and Trust Dinner Party, Santa Ana

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Justin Werner of Trust Kitchen

“The intimate, 18-seat Trust Kitchen in downtown Santa Ana is where Chef Justin Werner hosts themed tasting events, generally at least 12 food offerings, each paired by sommelier Jason Scarborough. Seating is limited and reservations are required.” It’s a Chef’s Table experience truly like no other. Upcoming Trust Events are listed as a calendar on their website. There are also Trust Lite evenings as well as special guest chefs and ingredient themed evenings. “Just come in, sit down and let us take you on an adventure”

Yelp has named Trust one of its Top 100 US Restaurants for 2023.

“As part of his visiting Guest Chef series Justin has invited long- time friend and former co-chef from Colicchio and Sons, Gabriel Pascuzzi on Saturday, January 14th. Gabriel owns three successful restaurants in Portland Oregon. The two chefs reconnected after Gabriel’s appearance on Top Chef Season 18 to host a dinner together in Portland. It’s a mashup of New York, Portland, and Orange County flavors. $275 per person, food, wine pairings, tax, and gratuity included.” The 6 p.m. seating has a few seats available. 8:30 p.m. is sold out.

“Chef Justin is New York raised and cut his culinary chops in some of Manhattan’s top-tier restaurants. He spent half a decade working at Craft for Tom Colicchio, followed by a couple of years at Thomas Keller’s Per Se before moving on to Corton where he maintained two Michelin stars as a Sous Chef for Paul Liebrandt. After winning an episode of the hit Food Network show Chopped, he used his winnings to travel to Copenhagen to intern at Noma while it was rated as the best restaurant in the world.

Upon moving back to America, he came to Orange County to work alongside Chef Jason Quinn in Playground 2.0. He then launched the critically acclaimed Porch & Swing (Orange Coast’s Restaurant of the Year) in Irvine as executive chef. When Chef Jason decided it was time for him to develop a new project, he asked Justin to come back and take the helm at Playground 2.0, which was renamed the Trust Kitchen.””

Chef Justin takes a break from his preparations in the Trust Dinner Party kitchen to join us.

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Show 423, May 1, 2021: Ika Taft, Proprietress, More Than Waffles, Encino

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The proudly family-owned More Than Waffles located in the Encino Town Center launched in 1975. Since 1998 the established has been owned and operated by the Taft Family. “They specialize in the authentic Belgian Waffle called, “Gaufre.” They are known for their thickness but have a light and airy texture which makes them lower in calories, only 140 calories per waffle. The waffles are made from the finest ingredients and served plain or with a variety of fresh toppings and are accompanied with house-made jam and melted butter. More than Waffles offers some 19 different waffles to choose from, and of course you can create your own.”

“More Than Waffles also offers a full breakfast menu that includes 21 omelets which are served with a Belgian Waffle or home fries, breakfast burritos, crepes, pancakes, various benedicts, hash and much more.”

“Besides breakfast, More Than Waffles offers a full lunch menu including Sandwiches, Salads, Pastas, Chicken Dishes, house-made Soups and juicy Hamburgers (including Vegi Burgers and Turkey Burgers.) More Than Waffles uses a variety of Organic products and offers many healthy and low-calorie dishes for a lighter touch.”

Love is in the air at More Than Waffles. Proprietress Ika Taft (who started there as a server) met her future husband, Greg, at the restaurant. As coincidence would have it Ika’s and Greg’s daughter, Henny, also was introduced to her future husband (Mike) at More Than Waffles. Henny is currently the General Manager of More Than Waffles representing the 2nd generation of caring, hands-on Taft Family stewardship.

Since they only have 17 tables available in their comfortable patio on the lower level of the Encino Town Center Ika suggests getting on their Yelp Waitlist during normal operating hours. If your party is on the list by the 2 p.m. daily close you’re guaranteed attentive & relaxed service even if you’re seated after 2:00 p.m. That’s real hospitality….

More Than Waffles was a beneficiary of Chef Andrew & Lauren Gruel’s “86 Restaurant Struggle” relief fund with support to both the Front and Back of The House Staff there.

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Show 396, October 24, 2020: Restaurateur and FULL COMP Podcast Host Josh Kopel Part One

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Josh Kopel of Full Comp Media“Restaurateur, Tech Entrepreneur and Host Josh Kopel has just launched Season 2 of the FULL COMP podcast. The restaurant industry is staring down the barrel of a 60% permanent closure rate due to COVID-19 and Kopel, himself being a casualty, decided it was time to help fix what’s broken. FULL COMP is a weekly show exploring the past and future of the hospitality industry. Provocative and actionable, the show aims to ask the tough questions, supplying listeners with the tools and resources needed to thrive post-pandemic.”

“As Host of FULL COMP, Josh Kopel challenges conventional wisdom by hosting both hospitality professionals and thought leaders from outside of the industry while tackling today’s toughest topics. Andrew Zimmern (Surviving the Pandemic), Nina Compton (The Benefits of Community Building), Jet Tila (Becoming a Brand), Joe Sasto (Charting a New Path Forward), Alex Day of Death & Co. (Redefining Cocktail Culture), David Meltzer (Set Yourself Up for Success), Dean Alex Susskind of Cornell University (The Future of Restaurants), and Nyesha Arrington (Breaking the Rules for a Better Life) are just some of the most notable guests from FULL COMP SEASON 1, offering a new perspective on an old business.”

“FULL COMP was a selfish endeavor. I was lost and needed guidance. I’ve used the show as a platform to reach out to the folks I’ve looked up to my entire career, hoping their wisdom could help us chart a new path forward,” says Kopel.

Restaurateur Josh Kopel joins us.

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Show 396, October 24, 2020: Restaurateur and FULL COMP Podcast Host Josh Kopel Part Two

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Josh Kopel of Full Comp Media“Restaurateur, Tech Entrepreneur and Host Josh Kopel has just launched Season 2 of the FULL COMP podcast. The restaurant industry is staring down the barrel of a 60% permanent closure rate due to COVID-19 and Kopel, himself being a casualty, decided it was time to help fix what’s broken. FULL COMP is a weekly show exploring the past and future of the hospitality industry. Provocative and actionable, the show aims to ask the tough questions, supplying listeners with the tools and resources needed to thrive post-pandemic.”

“As Host of FULL COMP, Josh Kopel challenges conventional wisdom by hosting both hospitality professionals and thought leaders from outside of the industry while tackling today’s toughest topics. Andrew Zimmern (Surviving the Pandemic), Nina Compton (The Benefits of Community Building), Jet Tila (Becoming a Brand), Joe Sasto (Charting a New Path Forward), Alex Day of Death & Co. (Redefining Cocktail Culture), David Meltzer (Set Yourself Up for Success), Dean Alex Susskind of Cornell University (The Future of Restaurants), and Nyesha Arrington (Breaking the Rules for a Better Life) are just some of the most notable guests from FULL COMP SEASON 1, offering a new perspective on an old business.”

“Kopel, now serving up SEASON 2 of FULL COMP, hits harder and goes deeper. Together with some of the brightest minds from within and outside of hospitality, Kopel works to highlight the issues we need to tackle and work towards long-term solutions. FULL COMP SEASON 2 has a power-packed lineup including Jon Taffer (Bar Rescue), Sam Nazarian (SBE), Seth Godin (Marketing Genius), Jim Collins (Good to Great), Jeremiah Tower (Chez Panisse, Stars), Kat Cole (COO, Focus Brands), Will Guidara (IRC), Johnny Ray Zone (Howlin’ Rays), and many more! States Kopel, “I think Che Guevara said it best ‘A revolution is not an apple that falls when it’s ripe. You have to make it fall.’ The restaurant industry needs a revolution and now is the time.””

“The provocative ideas presented on the show have morphed into action with the release of the FULL COMP Industry Guide to Restructuring. This guide, which is available for free on Kopel’s website, is the culmination of the efforts of some of the brightest minds in the restaurant industry. Strategic partners included Oyster Sunday, Cornell University, Death & Co., Yelp and Jon Taffer, as well as countless insights provided by guests of the show, the result being an informative and actionable resource guide.”

“ When asked about the inspiration for the guide, Kopel responded, “As an independent restaurant owner, I had no interest in reinventing the wheel. I wanted to know what the smartest folks in our industry were going to do, and I’d follow suit. That’s why I started the podcast, but after months of doing the show, I still lacked a cohesive plan to reopen. So, I reached out to the innovators, frontrunners and the folks that were already open, to determine what was working and what wasn’t. This guide is the result of those efforts. One hundred percent of the credit for this project goes to the amazing people and companies that provided this information. This is my path forward. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best I’ve seen out there.””

Restaurateur Josh Kopel joins us.

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Show 344, October 12, 2019: David Hanna, Proprietor, Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar Part One

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GOlden Foodie Award Winner David HannaHanna’s Restaurant & Bar is one of South Orange County’s premiere dining establishments. Named one of the U.S. top 100 restaurants by Yelp, Hanna’s offers modern American Steakhouse cuisine prepared with a classic, traditional flair. “Our appetite for an exceptional dining experience is rooted deep in our passion for extraordinary culinary creations and exemplified in our award-wining service and ambiance.”

“Hanna’s is an American Steakhouse, sourcing USDA prime steak, along with American & Japanese Wagyu. We believe in celebrating classic cuisine with a modern twist. Market-driven farm-to-table creations.”

“It has often been said that a true fine dining experience represents a work of art; from the skill of creativity and execution of technique, to the quality of ingredients used and precision of presentation. At Hanna’s, we have made it our philosophy and passion to master the art of perfection in every single dish we create. Every day we seek to find the newest culinary innovations to continue to establish the highest standards in fine dining distinction.”

David Hanna has been the recipient of the Golden Foodie Award for Outstanding Community Service for both 2018 and 2019.

Hands-on proprietor David Hanna, a third-generation restaurateur, is our hospitable guest.

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Show 344, October 12, 2019: David Hanna, Proprietor, Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar Part Two

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GOlden Foodie Award Winner David Hanna“Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar was established in 2005 and has quickly become one of Orange County’s premiere dining establishments. Named one of the U.S. top 100 restaurants by Yelp, Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar offers modern American Steakhouse cuisine prepared with classic, traditional flair.”

“Our appetite for an exceptional dining experience is rooted deep in our passion for extraordinary culinary creations and exemplified in our award-wining service and ambiance. From our friendly bartenders, vibrant ambiance, outgoing wait staff, and incredible menu, our guests are always embraced in a comforting fashion. And on any given night you can always find owner David Hanna mingling among guests and ensuring that every detail of their experience at Hanna’s is (hopefully) nothing short of extraordinary.​”

“Dave Hanna’s passion for food and hospitality is deeply rooted in family tradition. The Hanna family’s culinary connection began with owner David Hanna’s grandfather who served as a cook in the US Army during World War I. After his service, David’s Grandfather expanded his love for the culinary arts with the opening of his own restaurant in Western Pennsylvania called The Lone Star – the first of many restaurants opened by the Hanna family.” ​

“Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, David Hanna established the first coffee house in Rancho Santa Margarita called Haute Caffé and opened a second location quickly after. Both shops eventually sold in 1997 and, after taking several years to recharge, David decided to venture back into the hospitality scene in 2005 with the opening of Hanna’s Restaurant and Bar.”

“Hanna’s believes the essence of life is sharing meals and cherishing time with one another. Hanna’s aims to foster a connective experience with service that is based on the art of hospitality. We believe in a commitment to excellence from how we source our food to training our gold standard team.”

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Show 332, July 13, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

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Now a provocative preview of Saturday’s scrumptious 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 that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Couldn’t do it without you.

The 2019 OC Fair opened the gates on Friday, July 12th. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up for July 12th through August 11th.

Chef Davide Cerretini is the Chef/ Co-Proprietor of the modest (10 tables) Botto Bistro in Richmond, CA. In 2014 he discontinued an advertising effort on Yelp and things then suddenly turned highly negative on his Yelp page. Curious…Meanwhile aggressive sales staff at Yelp was relentless in pursuing him to continue advertising. This is all detailed by Chef Davide in the new documentary on Yelp, “Billion Dollar Bully.” Chef Davide engagingly explains the unlikely story of how he creatively turned the tables on Yelp.…As the “One Star Chef” business now actually couldn’t be better…

Adding to the growing culinary scene that can be found in and around Newport Beach’s Lido Marina, Fable & Spirit launched in June on the Newport Peninsula. The restaurant is the 3rd in Orange County for husband-and-wife team Darren and Jean Coyle, who brought Dublin 4 Gastropub and Wineworks for Everyone to Orange County. Their newest establishment celebrates the Spirit and heritage of the Irish people, and the setting shares the many Fairytales (Fables) of Mythological Ireland, complete with heroes, queens and goddesses. The

Coyle Family joins us including daughter, Ali, the Sommelier and son, Drew, who is the Director of Spirits.

Go Little Tokyo’s 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo returns to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles for two days on Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th and features over 20 exclusive events including all-new interactive workshops, tastings, and demonstrations curated for first-time foodies and culinary enthusiasts alike. Little Tokyo Community Council’s 1st Vice Board Chairman, Chris Komai, separates the chopsticks for us revealing all the tantalizing details.

Chef & Restaurateur Don Tahara is a Co-Owner of both Sake Dojo! and Far Bar in Little Tokyo. He is hosting two different tasting demos on Saturday afternoon, July 20th as part of the 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo. First up is “Sake & Food Pairing with Sake Dojo” and then “Craft Beer & Chicken Wing Pairing with Far Bar.” We’ll meet him.

Our Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, the Founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us from the road where he is in the process of opening new Slapfish restaurants. We’re continuing the popular “Ask the Chef” segments responding to your questions about all things culinary. To our benefit Chef Andrew is a real, working chef.

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

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Show 332, July 13, 2019: Chef Davide Cerretini, Botto Bistro, Richmond, CA, -“The One-Star Chef”

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Chef Davide CerretiniChef Davide Cerretini is the Chef / Co-Proprietor of the modest (10 tables) Botto Bistro in Richmond, CA. In 2014 he discontinued a modest advertising effort on Yelp that clearly wasn’t bringing in new business and things suddenly turned highly negative on his Yelp page. Curious… Meanwhile the hugely aggressive sales staff at Yelp was relentless in pursuing him to resume advertising.

This is all engagingly explained by Chef Davide in the new documentary on Yelp, “Billion Dollar Bully.” Chef Davide details the unlikely story of how he eventually creatively turned the tables on Yelp.…As the “One Star Chef” business at Botto Bistro actually couldn’t be better…

“For five long years, we have refused service to their supporters (Yelp), mocked their users and made profit out of their arrogance, using their forum as we please without their permission. All while having a blast.”

“We made the world laugh at them, a small Italian restaurant sticking it to what they thought was the god of the online review sites. But we have no gods to worship here, just pizza and a bad Italian attitude. After all, it was not such a great idea try to extort the Italians and now they know.” – Chef Davide Cerretini

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July 13: Midway Gourmet, Davide Carretini, Fable & Spirit, Delicious Little Tokyo

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Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair 2019
Segment Three: Chef Davide Cerretini, Botto Bistro, Richmond, CA, -“The One-Star Chef”
Segment Four: Fable & Spirit, Newport Beach with Proprietors Darren and Jean Coyle
Fable & Spirit, Newport Beach with Sommelier Ali Coyle
Segment Six: Delicious Little Tokyo with Chris Komai, Little Tokyo Community Council
Segment Seven: Little Tokyo Chef & Restaurateur Don Tahara, Sake Dojo! & Far Bar
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Now a provocative preview of this Saturday’s scrumptious 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 that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Couldn’t do it without you.

The 2019 OC Fair opens the gates on Friday, July 12th. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up for July 12th through August 11th.

Chef Davide Cerretini is the Chef/ Co-Proprietor of the modest (10 tables) Botto Bistro in Richmond, CA. In 2014 he discontinued a modest advertising effort on Yelp and things suddenly turned highly negative on his Yelp page. Curious…The aggressive sales staff at Yelp was relentless in pursuing him. This is all detailed by Chef Davide in the new documentary on Yelp, “Billion Dollar Bully.” Chef Davide engagingly explains the unlikely story of how he creatively turned the tables on Yelp.…As the “One Star Chef” business actually couldn’t be better…

Adding to the growing culinary scene that can be found in and around Newport Beach’s Lido Marina, Fable & Spirit launched in June on the Newport Peninsula. The restaurant is the 3rd in the region for husband-and-wife team Darren and Jean Coyle, who brought Dublin 4 Gastropub and Wineworks for Everyone to Orange County. Their newest establishment celebrates the Spirit and heritage of the Irish people, and the setting shares the many Fairytales (Fables) of Mythological Ireland, complete with heroes, queens and goddesses. The Coyle Family joins us including daughter, Ali, the Sommelier and son, Drew, who is the Director of Spirits.

Go Little Tokyo’s 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo returns to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles for two days on Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th and features over 20 exclusive events including all-new interactive workshops, tastings, and demonstrations curated for first-time foodies and culinary enthusiasts alike. Little Tokyo Community Council’s 1st Vice Board Chairman, Chris Komai, separates the chopsticks for us revealing all the tantalizing details.

Chef & Restaurateur Don Tahara is a Co-Owner of both Sake Dojo! and Far Bar in Little Tokyo. He is hosting two different tasting demos on Saturday afternoon, July 20th as part of the 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo. First up is “Sake & Food Pairing with Sake Dojo” and then “Craft Beer & Chicken Wing Pairing with Far Bar.” We’ll meet him.

Our Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, the Founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us from the road where he is in the process of opening new Slapfish restaurants. We’re continuing the popular “Ask the Chef” segments responding to your questions about all things culinary. To our benefit Chef Andrew is a real, working chef.

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

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetThe 2019 OC Fair opens the gates on Friday, July 12th. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway.

Chef Dominic has noticed a taste trend in addition to the continuing appeal of spicy flavors. That’s sour. The creative minds at The Midway Gourmet have found spicy & sour inspiration and now perfected the “Crunchy Flaming Hot Pickle” which debuts at the OC Fair. “This is a massive jumbo dill pickle cored out, filled with ground crunchy flaming hot Cheetos and then topped with whole crunchy flaming hot Cheetos and cheese.”

We’ll find out what other indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up for July 12th through August 11th.

Chef Davide CerretiniChef Davide Cerretini is the Chef / Co-Proprietor of the modest (10 tables) Botto Bistro in Richmond, CA. In 2014 he discontinued a modest advertising effort on Yelp that clearly wasn’t bringing in new business and things suddenly turned highly negative on his Yelp page. Curious… The aggressive sales staff at Yelp was then relentless in pursuing him.

This is all engagingly explained by Chef Davide in the new documentary on Yelp, “Billion Dollar Bully.” Chef Davide details the unlikely story of how he eventually creatively turned the tables on Yelp.…As the “One Star Chef” business at Botto Bistro actually couldn’t be better…

“For five long years, we have refused service to their supporters (Yelp), mocked their users and made profit out of their arrogance, using their forum as we please without their permission. All while having a blast.”

“We made the world laugh at them, a small Italian restaurant sticking it to what they thought was the god of the online review sites.

But we have no gods to worship here, just pizza and a bad Italian attitude. After all, it was not such a great idea try to extort the Italians and now they know.” – Chef Davide Cerretini

Darren and Jean Coyle of Fable and SpiritAdding to the growing culinary scene that can be found in and around Newport Beach’s Lido Marina, Fable & Spirit launched in June on the Newport Peninsula. The restaurant is the 3rd in the region for husband-and-wife team Darren and Jean Coyle, who previously brought Dublin 4 Gastropub and Wineworks for Everyone to Orange County. Their newest establishment celebrates the Spirit and heritage of the Irish people, and the setting will share the many Fairytales (Fables) of Mythological Ireland, complete with heroes, queens and goddesses.

With a menu curated by Executive Chef David Shofner, this sophisticated and captivating neighborhood restaurant presents a high energy, yet refined dining experience and setting that plays into Irish fairytale whimsy.

“My dream is for Fable & Spirit to become that favorite neighborhood restaurant known for its imaginative, progressive and delicious from-scratch signature food and drink creations. I want our guests to thoroughly enjoy the best that life has to offer with their friends and family,” comments Darren Coyle, who draws from his own upbringing in County Mayo and Dublin 4, Ireland. “When our guests pass through the Georgian gold-colored Dublin Door, they will be warmly welcomed and introduced to some of the best of food, drink and good times that Orange County has to offer. While our kitchen and bar take a serious approach to all things culinary and craft, we want to share the spirit and magic of our rich Irish heritage.”

Darren and Jean Coyle are our guests.

Darren, Jean, Ali and Drew CoyleFable & Spirit is a true Coyle Family affair. Daughter, Ali, is the Sommelier and son, Drew, is the Director of Spirits.

“The wine program is of note, with a forward- thinking ideology that presents a list with more than just popular wineries, but also lesser-known quality wines. Ali first became intrigued by the world of wine at the age of 17, when her parents opened Wineworks for Everyone.”

“Drew’s rich bar program focuses on an extensive selection of whiskeys, gins and spirits, and liqueurs to present serious cocktails. These complement the bar’s more colorful creations, including the pretty-in-pink ‘Friends In High Places’ with Ford’s Gin, Pomp & Whimsy, raspberry syrup, lemon, lavender water and egg white; the Celtic green ‘Morrigan’s Dream’ with Hendrick’s Gin, pressed celery, pineapple, and chartreuse; and a carrot-orange libation, playfully named ‘Hares Looking at You’, with Wheatley Vodka, Canton Ginger, pressed carrot, lemon and basil.”

“As important as locally sourced, fresh ingredients are to our kitchen, they are equally important to a perfectly designed cocktail,” emphasizes Drew. “Everything but the spirit is hand squeezed, pressed, or infused in-house daily.”

Ali & Drew Coyle join the conversation about Fable & Spirit.

Chris Komai of the Little Tokyo Community CouncilGo Little Tokyo’s 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo returns to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles for two days on Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th and features over 20 exclusive events including all-new interactive workshops, tastings, and demonstrations curated for first-time foodies and culinary enthusiasts alike.

“Taste, experience, and indulge during Delicious Little Tokyo, Los Angeles’ largest annual Japanese culinary weekend. The foodie festival features two days of delicious food harvested from the streets of Little Tokyo, celebrating the diversity, cultural traditions, and of course, food of the historic neighborhood!”

“Sample, explore, and discover, with friends and family, all Little Tokyo has to offer including tastings by participating Little Tokyo restaurants, hands-on culinary workshops, live cooking demonstrations, sake and beer food pairing classes, and more, exclusively available during Delicious Little Tokyo weekend.”

Little Tokyo Community Council’s 1st Vice Board Chairman, Chris Komai, separates the chopsticks for us revealing all the tantalizing details.

Dont Tahara of Sake DojoChef & Restaurateur Don Tahara is a Co-Owner of both Sake Dojo! and Far Bar in Little Tokyo. He is hosting two different tasting demos on Saturday afternoon, July 20th.

Sake & Food Pairing with Sake Dojo, 12:00 – 1:00 PM — Learn the history, cultural significance and brewing process of various types of sake offered at Little Tokyo’s newest Japanese-style restaurant with a modern culinary twist, Sake Dojo! Join Sake Dojo Co-Owner, Don Tahara, for a lesson on pairing sake with cheese and desserts. $20 admission, must be 21 years or older to attend.

Craft Beer & Chicken Wing Pairing with Far Bar, 2:00 – 3:00 PM — Far Bar Little Tokyo continues to host some of the world’s newest and best craft beers, introducing Los Angeles to brewers like Mumford Brewing, El Segundo Brewing, and Bottle Logic Brewing that regularly rotate on their taps. Curated by co-owner, Don Tahara, pair some of their unique selection of brews with different chicken wings including their famous Ming’s Wings. $20 admission, must be 21 years or older to attend.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, the Founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us from the road where he is in the process of opening new Slapfish restaurants. We’re continuing the popular “Ask the Chef” segments responding to your questions about all things culinary. To our benefit Chef Andrew is a real, working chef.

Always doing his part to generously serve and give back to the community Chef Andrew was just in Venice, Italy volunteering for the US Army as part of their Healthy Army Communities. We’ll chat about it.

GMO salmon engineered to grow twice as fast as it’s natural cousin is back in the news. Is it safe to eat? We’ll get Chef Andrew’s informed thoughts.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair 2019
Segment Three: Chef Davide Cerretini, Botto Bistro, Richmond, CA, -“The One-Star Chef”
Segment Four: Fable & Spirit, Newport Beach with Proprietors Darren and Jean Coyle
Fable & Spirit, Newport Beach with Sommelier Ali Coyle
Segment Six: Delicious Little Tokyo with Chris Komai, Little Tokyo Community Council
Segment Seven: Little Tokyo Chef & Restaurateur Don Tahara, Sake Dojo! & Far Bar
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 329, June 22, 2019: “Billion Dollar Bully” Update with Filmmaker Kaylie Milliken

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Kaylie MillikenNow that the thought-provoking documentary, Billion Dollar Bully, is in release it’s time to revisit filmmaker Kaylie Milliken. In the film business owners (including chefs & restaurateurs) from across a broad spectrum share their personal stories of Yelp‘s questionable business dealings — all of which have been vehemently denied by Yelp.

“Today, consumers Yelp everything, from restaurants to surgeons. The same businesses that receive reviews — good or bad — simultaneously receive phone calls from Yelp salespeople to pay to advertise on Yelp. The small business community sees Yelp’s sales tactics as extortion, as their business’s reviews are filtered in ways that negatively impact their progress if advertisements aren’t purchased.”

“Does Yelp genuinely have an interest in helping people support the best local businesses, or is Yelp a pay-to-play platform? How can Yelp do an honest job of representing consumer sentiment while at the same time fueling their business with advertising dollars from the same companies being reviewed on their site? How does Yelp respond to claims of extortion? As a company that has claimed to care about free speech, what responsibility does Yelp have to provide recourse for business owners who need to address malicious libel from competitors and others who malign them for personal reasons? Should libelous reviews be allowed to remain, even when proven untrue?”

These questions are thoughtfully investigated and answered in the new documentary, Billion Dollar Bully.

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