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, including dining advice navigating all the food options aboard Caribbean Princess. Of course tasty Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation.

Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al joins us sharing some dining tidbits including the upcoming surprising move of Jose Andres’ celebrated Bazaar Meats from the Sahara to The Venetian and the ever-popular Chicken Fingers with Fries served in a eye-catching miniature Zamboni at Vegas Golden Knights games. The 3rd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happens in February. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as neonfeast.com), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

“Winemaker Cecil Park of WineFornia and INNOVATUS wines is widely known as Napa Valley’s first Korean winemaker and viticulturist. Her journey from Yonsei University in Biotechnology Engineering to U.C. Davis in Viticulture and Enology has set her apart as a cultural and professional pioneer. Her background brings diversity to a traditionally Western-dominated field, and she has become an inspiration for others who want to break into the industry. With over 17 years of experience, she seamlessly blends modern techniques with traditional sustainable winemaking practices, creating wines that not only stand out for their quality but also for their unique character. INNOVATUS is the embodiment of Cecil Park’s innovative approach to winemaking. As the founder and creative force behind the brand, Cecil has crafted INNOVATUS into a symbol of both her personal and professional values. The brand stands out in the highly competitive Napa Valley wine scene for its small-lot production and attention to detail, resulting in elegant, expressive, and distinctive wines.” Cecil Park is our guest to uncork all that is INNOVATUS wines.

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. From a working chef and restaurateur’s perspective what is Chef Andrew optimistic about and, conversely, what’s of concern as we enter 2025? Meanwhile egg prices are still on the rise and there are spot shortages at retail.

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