On this week’s episode of Snacky Tunes, host Darin Bresnitz sits down with the ever-talented Peter Som to celebrate the release of his new book, Family Style: Elegant Everyday Recipes. They chat about Peter’s early career in fashion, his roots in the kitchen cooking alongside his mother and grandmother, and how those formative family dinners sparked a lifelong love of food—even while working in couture.

Then, we dip into the archives for a dreamy live set from Mahogany, who dropped by the HRN shipping containers to share their lush, electronic soundscapes. They performed a few tracks from their then-new album and talked about touring in support of its release.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

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.

On this episode of Snacky Tunes, host Darin Bresnitz sits down with two of his favorite voices in the LA restaurant scene—Ari Kolender and Joe Laraja of Found Oyster and Queen Street. They dive into the inspiration behind Queen Street, the Charleston-influenced seafood spot that’s quickly become a local favorite, and what it’s like running two standout restaurants at the same time.

Ari also shares insights from his new cookbook, How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea, a must-have guide for cooking seafood at home. Whether you're grilling, shucking, or just getting started, this book demystifies the process and highlights sustainability in the kitchen.

Then, we dip into the Snacky Tunes archives for a special performance from Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Prima, who stopped by the studio in 2017 to play tracks from her debut EP.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

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.

On this episode of Snacky Tunes, we welcome back our good friend Mike Traud to talk about the Chef Conference happening in Philadelphia from April 4th-7th. It’s a hometown hero kind of event, bringing some of the biggest culinary names and local legends to the City of Brotherly Love for a few days of food, conversation, and community.

Mike gives us the inside scoop on the Noma Project joining the conference this year, the top-tier guest lineup, and the major industry issues shaping the restaurant world right now.

And since we’re keeping it all Philly, we’ve got a performance and interview with SNACKTIME, one of the best acts to emerge from the local scene in recent years. Go Birds.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

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.

This week on Snacky Tunes, we sit down with Randy Clement of Good Neighbor Bar and West Altadena Wine & Spirits—part of the Everson Royce family of neighborhood spots—to talk about the Altadena area and how it was impacted by the Eaton Canyon fire. Randy shares what it was like being on the ground with his son, looking up houses as the flames still burned, the emotional weight of reopening for the community, and the long road to recovery.

Then, we dive into the archives for a set from French Horn Rebellion, the Milwaukee-born, Brooklyn-based indie electro-funk duo. They break down what it’s like to be brothers in a band and play some jams from their then-new album.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

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.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Snacky Tunes by becoming a member.

Snacky Tunes is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Snacky Tunes, Darin’s back in Bed-Stuy, chopping it up with Chef Jilbert El-Zmetr about his brand-new restaurant, Laziza. From growing up in the family business to globe-trotting his way to Williamsburg, Jilbert shares the journey that led him to open a spot that blends killer mezze, vintage vibes, and a soundtrack straight from his personal vinyl collection.

Then, we keep the Brooklyn love going, digging into the archives for a performance from Bad Credit No Credit. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the latest Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items.

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.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Snacky Tunes by becoming a member.

Snacky Tunes is Powered by Simplecast.

On this episode of Snacky Tunes, Darin heads down to San Diego to catch up with Chef Tara Monsod of ANIMAE and Le Coq. She shares her journey from growing up in LA to shaping a new kind of restaurant experience that blends her Filipino heritage with modern flavors. We talk about her culinary philosophy, the energy of her kitchens, and what makes a Saturday night at her spots something special.

Then, we take a trip into the archives for a performance from Freelance Whales, the very first band ever featured on Snacky Tunes. While their debut appearance is buried deep in episode 26 (go find it on Heritage Radio Network if you’re curious), today, we’re spinning their second live session—an early gem from the show’s history.

Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the latest Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items.

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.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Snacky Tunes by becoming a member.

Snacky Tunes is Powered by Simplecast.

In this special installment of Snacky Tunes, Darin continues the conversation on how the Los Angeles culinary community is responding to the devastating L.A. fires. First, we welcome back Brad Metzger and Jacqui Leanza, who are behind one of the most incredible fundraising dinners—Chefs Love LA. The event features an all-star lineup including Ruth Reichl, Daniel Boulud, Nyesha Arrington, Billy Harris, Phil Rosenthal, Jeremy Fox, Curtis Stone, Jonathan Waxman, and more!!! The dinner at the legendary Lawry’s is raising critical support for World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care.

In the second half of the show, we sit down with Zak Fishman, owner of Prime Pizza and a longtime Altadena local, to discuss the impact of the fires on the neighborhood and the restaurant community. He shares his experience navigating the aftermath and the path to rebuilding.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the latest Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items.

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.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Snacky Tunes by becoming a member.

Snacky Tunes is Powered by Simplecast.

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.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Snacky Tunes by becoming a member.

Snacky Tunes is Powered by Simplecast.

In this heartfelt and timely episode of Snacky Tunes, host Darin Bresnitz delves into the early recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles, including the Palisades and Eaton Canyon areas. The culinary community, as always, is at the forefront of healing, offering food, love, and support to those in need.

This week’s lineup features three incredible guests:

• Mary Sue Milliken: The renowned chef and co-founder of Border Grill discusses her work with World Central Kitchen, her deep ties to LA, and how the culinary world comes together in times of crisis, like Re:Her & The James Beard Awards.
• Andy Valdez from HomeState: Andy shares how the beloved Tex-Mex spot mobilized to deliver breakfast tacos to first responders and emergency workers, offering comfort through food in challenging times. Sign up here if you would like to volunteer. 
• Travis Hayden: Returning from last week’s episode, Travis reflects on how the fires have impacted him personally, as both a member of the culinary industry and a victim of the disaster.

This episode also includes a robust list of resources for listeners who want to support the recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of financial aid, gift cards, and direct restaurant donations. Join us as we explore how LA’s food community is working tirelessly to rebuild, one meal at a time. Tune in, take action, and remember: Together, we can help restore what was lost.

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.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Snacky Tunes by becoming a member.

Snacky Tunes is Powered by Simplecast.

We recorded this episode on Tuesday, January 7th at 12:30pm.  A few hours later, Travis Hayden, chef of Bar Etoile, would lose his house to the Palisades Fire and my family would lose our house to the Eaton Canyon Fire. Our communities have been devastated, but also beyond supportive and full of so much love. We wanted to share the episode we had put together for the start of the year to have something normal and regular.

On this episode of Snacky Tunes, Darin sits down with Julian, Jill, and Travis of Bar Etoile to chat about their recent opening and all of the amazing success from the jump. They talk about their journey to starting the restaurant, why they wanted to build a neighborhood spot, and which dish of theirs was named one of the best in LA.  Then we hang out with Andrew Dost of Metal Bubble Trio, who talks about and plays tracks from his new album, Cucumber.  We talk about his love for food, his creative process and how music & art has helped shape his life.

If you are looking to feed the community who was effected by the LA fire, please donate to WCK.

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.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Snacky Tunes by becoming a member.

Snacky Tunes is Powered by Simplecast.