SoCal Restaurant Show

“Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll’s flagship restaurant Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles. As a follow up to Grace and BLD, Fraser’s menu features seasonal plates ranging from snacks or “kickshaws” to entrees meant to be enjoyed by the whole table. An extensive cocktail menu by Tobin Shea features well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics. Wine Director Christopher Dugan’s selections are well rounded with great finds from both established and emerging wine regions throughout the world.”

“Located in downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana – the cathedral-turned-event-venue also owned and operated by Knoll and Fraser. Designer Robert Weimer and Knoll created a dynamic space that pays homage to the cathedral next door and the existing timeless architecture by inserting simple modern forms to complement rather than overtake the feel of the rooms. The result is a warm and comfortable considered space.”

Event Host Chef Neal Fraser is our guest discussing the salivating culinary aspects of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.

The Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is the charitable beneficiary of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. Lisa Fontanesi is the long-time Los Angeles Director. We’ll meet her.

“Led by chef, author and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson as national Board Co-chair, Careers C-CAP transforms the lives of underserved high school students and young people around the country by helping them pursue their culinary dreams. C-CAP prepares these talented young adults for college, and for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.”

Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job and life skills to over 22,000 middle-and-high school students across the entire state of Arizona, as well as in Baltimore, Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City & Long Island, Newark, Philadelphia, suburban Maryland, and Washington DC.

“Westwood Coast Steakhouse, the newest culinary venture from San Francisco-based Proof Positive, debuted in early July at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Proof Positive now makes its debut in Orange County with Westwood Coast Steakhouse by pairing an elevated, chef-driven steakhouse dining experience with lively country entertainment. 

At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, a C-CAP graduate, who brings over a decade of culinary experience to the venture.  Martinez has led as an Executive Chef in several acclaimed kitchens, including Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, AHBA in Laguna Beach, Social in Costa Mesa, and most recently, at Dana Point’s Outer Reef and then Knife Modern Steak under the tutelage of Texas-based celebrity Chef John Tesar.

“Westwood Coast is bolstered by a team of powerhouse hospitality professionals, including General Manager Michael Ruiz of BOA Steakhouse. Westwood Coast presents a unique experience that artfully blends attentive hospitality, lively entertainment, and bold American flavors with premium cuts of meat.”

A Dinner menu highlight is the massive 40 oz. Australian Wagyu Ribeye from Margaret River. The Korean chili glazed Duck Wings with sesame and green onion are worth contemplating, too.

Executive Chef Jayro Martinez is our guest to reveal all the diverse elements that are Westwood Coast Steakhouse and what he’s preparing (dual dishes) for the Grand Tasting tonight at Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” back when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. In 2016 Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the distinct honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2024 was the 30th year celebration of the Governors Ball. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The pastry design was by Kamel Guechida and Gary Larduinat.

Most recently Wolfgang Puck Catering designed the state-of-the-art kitchen and operates the foodservice for the ambitious Los Angeles Chargers “The Bolt” training and practice facility in El Segundo. The kitchen includes a tiled, custom Italian pizza oven in the shape of a Chargers football helmet.

Chef Eric Klein takes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive chat.

His presentation tonight at Manhattan Beach Food & Wine is Oktoberfest sausages and giant pretzels.

The Westdrift Manhattan Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is the official hotel of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.

The expansive 26-acre property with a 9-hole, par 3 golf course and pickleball courts is a boutique hotel for travelers of all callings and Westdrift Manhattan Beach delivers the sophistication of a true- blue East Coast classic blended with the laid-back vibe of coastal California.

“Modern decor and sophisticated amenities combine to create Westdrift’s intimate guest spaces, sumptuously adorned for comfort with the rolling golf course views and sparkling city lights in view for that added touch of luxury.”

“Jute Coastal Bar & Kitchen, Westdrift’s signature restaurant for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, is an indoor-outdoor enclave that features a fresh, creative and communal-focused dining experience.”

“Jute’s signature cocktails, craft beer, and wines from private labels will whisk you away on an experience slated to elevate the already vibrant Manhattan Beach culinary scene. Calling upon talents of local mixologists to evolve their ever-changing cocktail menu, Westdrift's Mixology Lab is always testing new ingredients and innovative techniques using seasonal ingredients.”

Westdrift’s Jim McCafferty, Director of Catering & Events is our guide to all the luxe amenities of Westdrift Manhattan Beach.

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 publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns.

When we last spoke with Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower in DTLA) last December he was the Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO.PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. Chef Michael is now surfing the culinary waves at the Palm Springs Surf Club, an unusual destination water oasis in the desert.

Chef Michael Hung oversees the soon to be Navigator, the ultimate dining experience at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Navigator features indoor and outdoor seating offering breathtaking views of the surf and mountains where guests indulge in a curated artisanal menu reflecting the cuisine of famous surf regions around the globe. The bar features TVs and a craft cocktail program, complemented by an extensive wine list. Chef Michael takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

SoCalGas is hosting the 11th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, October 22nd and Wednesday, October 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 11th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry's largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) is our guest providing all the details.

Restaurateur and Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the celebrated Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro. His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious, Trani’s Dockside Station located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. Trani’s Dockside celebrated their year anniversary earlier in the year. Chef Dustin Trani joins us with all the update details for Trani’s Dockside Station.

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. Lots of premium options available for tastier chicken. What do all the labels means and which are really worth the extra cost? Chef Andrew explains…

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

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 publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and discuss her current columns.

Along the way Anne Marie will highlight her recent European sailing aboard the Caribbean Princess, a Grand Class vessel in Princess’ fleet. She will also chat about the upcoming Tastemakers or Orange County benefit event at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) and her dining column in the new issue of Taste.

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 publications. Anne Marie continues with us in-studio discussing her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC.

Along the way Anne Marie will highlight her recent European sailing aboard the Caribbean Princess, a Grand Class vessel in Princess’ fleet. She will also chat about the upcoming Tastemakers or Orange County event at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) and her dining column in the new issue of Taste with a preview of The VOX Kitchen soon coming to Level 1 of the Crate & Barrel Wing at South Coast Plaza.

When we last spoke with Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower in DTLA) he was the Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO.PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. Chef Michael is now surfing the culinary waves at the Palm Springs Surf Club, a destination water oasis in the desert.

“Discover a destination in Greater Palm Springs like no other at The Palm Springs Surf Club featuring a state-of-the-art wave technology catering to surfers of all levels. Enjoy resort-style amenities, captivating waterpark attractions, and savor meticulously crafted chef-driven dining options.”

Chef Michael Hung oversees the soon to debut Navigator, the ultimate dining experience at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Navigator features indoor and outdoor seating offering breathtaking views of the surf and mountains where guests indulge in a curated artisanal menu featuring the cuisine of the famous surf regions around the globe. The bar offers TVs and a craft cocktail program, complemented by an extensive wine list.”

Also on Chef Michael’s menu is Drifters, the poolside oasis at the Palm Springs Surf Club. “Drifters offers outdoor dining with a creative beverage program to cater to surfing enthusiasts with a healthy twist from early morning until late at night, featuring delightful breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The full bar serves specialty cocktails and provides TVs for entertainment and additional desert views.”

Chef Michael Hung is one of the noteworthy chefs (25 high profile chefs for each night) for the upcoming Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival in Manhattan Village set for the evenings of Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12th.

Chef Michael Hung takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

When we last spoke with Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower in DTLA) he was the Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO.PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. Chef Michael is now surfing the culinary waves at the Palm Springs Surf Club, a destination water oasis in the desert.

“Discover a destination in Greater Palm Springs like no other at The Palm Springs Surf Club featuring a state-of-the-art wave technology catering to surfers of all levels. Enjoy resort-style amenities, captivating waterpark attractions, and savor meticulously crafted chef-driven dining options.”

Chef Michael Hung oversees the soon to debut Navigator, the ultimate dining experience at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Navigator features indoor and outdoor seating offering breathtaking views of the surf and mountains where guests indulge in a curated artisanal menu featuring the cuisine of the famous surf regions around the globe. The bar offers TVs and a craft cocktail program, complemented by an extensive wine list.”

Also on Chef Michael’s menu is “Drifters, the poolside oasis at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Drifters offers outdoor dining with a creative beverage program to cater to surfing enthusiasts with a healthy twist from early morning until late at night, featuring delightful breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The full bar serves specialty cocktails and provides TVs for entertainment and additional desert views.”

Chef Michael Hung takes a further break from his busy kitchens to continue with us.