In this episode of Snacky Tunes, Darin continues the conversation about the ongoing challenges faced by the Los Angeles restaurant community in the wake of the devastating fires. Over two weeks in, the fires continue to impact the city with little clarity on the road ahead.

First, Darin welcomes back Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan of Tsubaki, Ototo, and Camélia, who share their experiences navigating the crisis. The duo instead provides an honest look at how the fires have affected their business and the broader restaurant industry—facing a 50% drop in covers, grappling with outdoor dining decisions, and doing their best to keep staff employed. They offer valuable insights and practical tips on how listeners can support their favorite spots during these uncertain times.

In the second half of the show, Courtney Storer joins the conversation to discuss how she has been feeding the community through her company, Coco’s to GoGo, an inspiring culinary initiative driven by a dedicated network of volunteers. She shares actionable advice on organizing community support, the importance of self-care for those committing to long-term relief efforts, and her goal to make her nonna inspired food feel like a warm hug.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

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