SoCal Restaurant Show

“Welcome to TheOrenco, Hillsboro, Oregon’s 10-room boutique luxury hotel. TheOrenco is ideally situated within the vibrant and growing work-live-play community of Orenco Station in Hillsboro, OR. They offer guests calm, comfortable, and privacy-oriented accommodations not found at the typical corporate chains.”

“Guests appreciate their nontraditional European lodging format, their brownstone architecture and the wide variety of unique restaurants, breweries and shops available within a short walking distance of their front door. The included morning breakfast is at the nearby Tous Les Jours (French-Asian artisan bakery), a local institution where all the pastries and breads are baked fresh, daily”


“TheOrenco includes all the amenities a savvy business traveler or family on the go seeks when choosing lodging, including contactless check-in, fast Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, free lobby snacks, in-room coffee, private courtyards (select rooms), and even gear to enjoy the local area, like pickleball paddles and bicycles. Their knowledgeable and dedicated staff ensures that all guests have a comfortable, relaxing stay with everything they need in spotless rooms.”


“TheOrenco is a short walk away from the TriMet MAX stop at Orenco (Portland’s efficient light rail system), which provides easy access to nearby communities and Portland International Airport (PDX).”

The hospitable owners of TheOrenco, Margie Waltz and Richard Lyons, stay with us providing more of the accommodating details.

Chef Andrew is a recognized authority on Lobster Rolls. He’s expertly served them by the 100s over the years. Besides the familiar Maine-style there is also the equally delicious Connecticut-style roll. Choose your personal favorite. Let the discussions begin…Chef Andrew has the inspirational overview as well as tips for getting the most meat out of the lobster...

We graciously stepped aside this Saturday morning for Angels Baseball at 11:30 a.m. (in Toronto versus the Blue Jays) so we got right to it this morning.

“Jewel of the South, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar, is a classic New Orleans tavern, reimagined. The Proprietors are in this business because they love hospitality. The Owners love to host, love to serve, and mostly love the power of hospitality to bring people together to celebrate, commiserate, and communicate. No matter where you are from or where you are going, Jewel of the South looks forward to creating a memorable experience with guests in their home.”

“Cocktails, food, and wine at Jewel are prepared and presented with intention and precision. Their award-winning cocktail program is steeped in history, showcasing classic techniques with innovative, seasonal flavors. The food program seeks out unique products that deliver delicious nourishment for their guests, such as a broad range of caviars, whole vegetables, and diverse animal proteins. The menu changes regularly. Jewel’s wine program features classic labels, cult favorites, and new talent, limited to the best value available for wine that should be consumed tonight.” 

“Jewel of the South is owned by partners Chris Hannah, Victoria Espinel, and John Stubbs. Hannah directs Jewel’s award-winning cocktail program and is a daily presence at 1026 Saint Louis Street. The culinary program is led by Chef Philip Whitmarsh. Paul Greagoff is the General Manager.” John Stubbs joins us to share the recipe for success that Jewel of the South represents. https://www.jewelnola.com/

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

“Jewel of the South, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar, is a classic New Orleans tavern, reimagined. The Proprietors are in this business because they love hospitality. The Owners love to host, love to serve, and mostly love the power of hospitality to bring people together to celebrate, commiserate, and communicate. No matter where you are from or where you are going, Jewel of the South looks forward to creating a memorable experience with guests in their home.”“Cocktails, food, and wine at Jewel are prepared and presented with intention and precision. Their award-winning cocktail program is steeped in history, showcasing classic techniques with innovative, seasonal flavors. The food program seeks out unique products that deliver delicious nourishment for their guests, such as a broad range of caviars, whole vegetables, and diverse animal proteins. The menu changes regularly. Jewel’s wine program features classic labels, cult favorites, and new talent, limited to the best value available for wine that should be consumed tonight.”

“Jewel of the South is owned by partners Chris Hannah, Victoria Espinel, and John Stubbs. Hannah directs Jewel’s award-winning cocktail program and is a daily presence at 1026 Saint Louis Street. The culinary program is led by Chef Philip Whitmarsh. Paul Greagoff is the General Manager.” John Stubbs continues with us sharing all that is Jewel of the South in the French Quarter.

“Brooklyn-born Sherry Yard of Bakery by the Yard is a nationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, teacher and presenter, who has spent her extensive career making a mark as a disruptor in the hospitality industry.  Her innovative and uncompromising approach has garnered three James Beard Awards and an induction into their Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America.  She has received accolades from renowned publications such as Bon Appétit Magazine, Food + Wine and became affectionately known by the media as “L.A.’s Sweetheart”, both for her bubbly personality and her incomparably creative fresh from the farm desserts.”

“Her esteemed career has included working with the Wolfgang Puck empire for nearly 20 years, encompassing the crafting of masterful breads, creating menus, and opening new restaurants while simultaneously mentoring an entire generation of chefs in kitchens from Singapore to Santa Monica. Her pastry creations became staples at events such as the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball, the Grammy Awards, and the Emmy Awards, where she could be spotted in her iconic pink chef’s jacket in support of breast cancer awareness.  Yard is the author of two award- winning cookbooks, and currently is working on her third”

Bakery by the Yard’s delectable baked goods are available as a pop-up by advance order for pickup in Manhattan Beach on Saturday mornings. Special orders welcomed, too. Chef Sherry is one of the featured celebrity chefs for the inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival on the evenings of October 11th and 12th in Manhattan Beach.

Chef Sherry joins us with here trusty whisk at the ready.

“Brooklyn-born Sherry Yard of Bakery by the Yard is a nationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, teacher and presenter, who has spent her extensive career making a mark as a disruptor in the hospitality industry.  Her innovative and uncompromising approach has garnered three James Beard Awards and an induction into their Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America.  She has received accolades from renowned publications such as Bon Appétit Magazine, Food + Wine and became affectionately known by the media as “L.A.’s Sweetheart”, both for her bubbly personality and her incomparably creative fresh from the farm desserts.”

“Her esteemed career has included working with the Wolfgang Puck empire for nearly 20 years, encompassing the crafting of masterful breads, creating menus, and opening new restaurants while simultaneously mentoring an entire generation of chefs in kitchens from Singapore to Santa Monica. Her pastry creations became staples at events such as the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball, the Grammy Awards, and the Emmy Awards, where she could be spotted in her iconic pink chef’s jacket in support of breast cancer awareness.  Yard is the author of two award winning cookbooks, and currently is working on her third.”

Bakery by the Yard’s delectable baked goods are available as a pop-up by advance order for pickup in Manhattan Beach on Saturday mornings. Special orders welcomed, too. Chef Sherry is one of the celebrity host chefs for the inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival benefiting the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) on the evenings of October 11th and 12th in Manhattan Beach at Manhattan Village.

“Holy Saints! in Old Pasadena opened in May 2023 and is owned by Chef Daniel Torres and partner Stephanie, a husband-and-wife team. As a small business, they understand the importance of working with local farmers, small family vineyards, and micro-breweries. The menu reflects a progressive Californian-style cuisine and some of Chef Daniel's favorite homemade meals. You'll experience the warmth and passion in their work through their delicious wine, beer, and food. Stop by for lunch to try the famous Cubano sandwich. They also cater for special events, too. Chef Daniel endeavored to be a future industry titan since 2009 when he started to sell tacos late-night to patrons in East LA while going to college. Chef Daniel was most recently the executive chef of Ace Hotel for nearly 6 years and was the youngest and only chef within the Ace Hotel brand to be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for his work with Best Girl restaurant along with Michelin starred Chef Michael Cimarusti (Providence.)” Chef Daniel takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Zuzu's Petals located in the East Village area of Long Beach is a one-of-a-kind brunch restaurant that combines the best of Contemporary American cuisine. Their dishes are crafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients, and they incorporate unique flavors and spices from around the world. Their cooks under the direction of partners Evan Papakakis and Chef Jessie Franco take pride in preparing each dish with care, infusing them with flavors and textures that are sure to delight your senses. Zuzu’s Petals commitment to quality extends to all aspects of establishment, from their friendly and attentive staff to their artfully-designed space that makes guests feel right at home.” The establishment is also a thoughtful tribute to the Frank Capra classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Proprietor Evan Papadakis is our guest to unwrap all that is Zuzu’s Petals.

Chef Wes Whitsell earned a well-deserved Michelin Star for Hatchet Hall in Culver City and thereafter took a little breather from L.A. kitchens to recharge along with some consulting work. Chef Wes is back with the new post as Culinary Director for the Local LA restaurant group. Local LA operates the beachfront Waterfront on The Boardwalk in Venice and the nearby Mama’s Boy at Winston House. For 2025 Chef Wes will oversee an ambitious new concept in the former (and fondly remembered) Enterprise Fish Co. space in Santa Monica. Chef Wes takes a break from the Santa Monica Farmers Market to join us.

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. It’s summer grilling season so a juicy steak is definitely on our minds. What’s the difference between skirt steak, flat iron steak and hangar steak? What are the other popular cuts of steak? Top sirloin is a good value right now. Chef Andrew answers the meaty steak questions.

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

“Holy Saints! in Old Pasadena opened in May 2023 and is owned by Chef Daniel Torres and partner Stephanie, a husband-and-wife team. As a small business, they understand the importance of working with local farmers, small family vineyards, and micro-breweries. The menu reflects a progressive Californian-style cuisine and some of Chef Daniel's favorite homemade meals. You'll experience the warmth and passion in their work through their delicious wine, beer, and food. Stop by for lunch (Thursday thru Sunday) to try the famous Cubano sandwich. They cater for special events, too.”

“Chef Daniel endeavored to be a future industry titan since 2009 when he started to sell tacos late-night to patrons in East LA while going to college. Chef Daniel was most recently the executive chef of Ace Hotel for nearly 6 years and was the youngest, and only, chef within the Ace Hotel brand to be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for his work with Best Girl restaurant along with Michelin starred Chef Michael Cimarusti (Providence.)”

“Holy Saints! works with only local farmers to source the majority of the vegetables, fruit, and dairy that go into their dishes.
The wines and beers there showcase the craft and highlight small family vineyards and micro-breweries.”

Chef Daniel takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Holy Saints! in Old Pasadena opened in May 2023 and is owned by Chef Daniel Torres and partner Stephanie, a husband-and-wife team. As a small business, they understand the importance of working with local farmers, small family vineyards, and micro-breweries. The menu reflects a progressive Californian-style cuisine and some of Chef Daniel's favorite homemade meals. You'll experience the warmth and passion in their work through their delicious wine, beer, and food. Stop by for lunch (Thursday through Sunday) to try the famous Cubano sandwich. They cater for special events, too.”

“Chef Daniel endeavored to be a future industry titan since 2009 when he started to sell tacos late-night to patrons in East LA while going to college. Chef Daniel was most recently the executive chef of Ace Hotel for nearly 6 years and was the youngest, and only, chef within the Ace Hotel brand to be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for his work with Best Girl restaurant along with Michelin starred Chef Michael Cimarusti (Providence.)”

“Holy Saints! works with only local farmers to source the majority of the vegetables, fruit, and dairy that go into their dishes.
The wines and beers there showcase the craft and highlight small family vineyards and micro-breweries.”

Chef Daniel takes a further break from his busy kitchen to continue with us.

“Zuzu's Petals located in the East Village area of Long Beach is a one-of-a-kind brunch (breakfast and lunch, too) restaurant that combines the best of Contemporary American cuisine. Their dishes are crafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients, and they incorporate unique flavors and spices from around the world.” Open seven days with a sidewalk patio.

“Their cooks under the direction of partners Evan Papakakis and Chef Jessie Franco take pride in preparing each dish with care, infusing them with flavors and textures that are sure to delight your senses. Zuzu’s Petals commitment to quality extends to all aspects of the establishment, from their friendly and attentive staff to their artfully-designed space that makes guests feel right at home.”

The establishment is also a thoughtful tribute to the Frank Capra Hollywood classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Proprietor Evan Papadakis is our guest to unwrap all that is Zuzu’s Petals.