SoCal Restaurant Show

“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.” 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 continues as our guest unwrapping 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 the L.A. kitchens to recharge with some consulting gigs along the way. 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, long-running Enterprise Fish Co. space in Santa Monica.

“The Waterfront is a California cuisine restaurant (with a Texas-accent) located on Venice Beach. Happy Hour daily (closed on Monday) and Weekend Brunch with bottomless beverages. Chef Wes’ food and beverage menus celebrate California with carefully selected seasonal produce from local farms. Their tortillas are handmade daily. The corn tortilla is made from organic Kernel of Truth masa. The flour tortilla is made from Tehachapi Grain Project Sonora wheat.”

“Mama’s Boy is a playful Italian dinner club with a Southern accent, brought to you by Michelin-starred Chef Wes Whitsell. Situated inside Venice’s Winston House – a popular community hub with live music and DJ sets – Mama’s Boy is, perhaps, the perfect start to a night out. With lively dishes that embody Chef’s Texan roots and mom’s home-cooked Italian food, the menu strikes a balance between comfort and creativity.” 

“At Mama’s Boy, he presents his most innovative menu yet: a fusion of nostalgic Italian cuisine with a Southern twist - a true ‘Spaghetti Western’. Each dish is a nod to his upbringing, a journey home where every bite tells a story of love, tradition, and the connection of family.”

Think Pimento Cheese Arancini with hot pepper-tomato jelly and dill, ultra-thin crispy “Dad’s Pies” pizzas with Tehachapi grain Sonora wheat, and Gulf Shrimp and Anson Mills Grits. Chef Wes is known for his biscuits so do contemplate his seasonal Strawberry Shortcake with Tehachapi Sonora Biscuit and fresh whipped cream.

Chef Wes takes a break from the Santa Monica Farmers Market to join us.

Chef Wes Whitsell earned a well-deserved Michelin Star for Hatchet Hall in Culver City and thereafter took a little breather from the L.A. kitchens to recharge along with some consulting gigs. Chef Wes is back with the new post as Culinary Director for the expanding 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, long-running Enterprise Fish Co. space in Santa Monica.

“The Waterfront is a California cuisine restaurant (with a Texas-accent) located on Venice Beach. Happy Hour daily (closed on Monday) and Weekend Brunch with bottomless beverages. Chef Wes’ food and beverage menus celebrate California with carefully selected seasonal produce from local farms. Their tortillas are handmade daily. The corn tortilla is made from organic Kernel of Truth masa. The flour tortilla is made from Tehachapi Grain Project Sonora wheat.”

“Mama’s Boy is a playful Italian dinner club with a Southern accent, brought to you by Michelin-starred Chef Wes Whitsell. Situated inside Venice’s Winston House – a popular community hub with live music and DJ sets – Mama’s Boy is, perhaps, the perfect start to a night out. With lively dishes that embody Chef’s Texan roots and mom’s home-cooked Italian food, the menu strikes a balance between comfort and creativity.” 

“At Mama’s Boy, he presents his most innovative menu yet: a fusion of nostalgic Italian cuisine with a Southern twist - a true ‘Spaghetti Western’. Each dish is a nod to his upbringing, a journey home where every bite tells a story of love, tradition, and the connection of family.”

Think Pimento Cheese Arancini with hot pepper-tomato jelly and dill, ultra- thin crispy “Dad’s Pies” pizzas with Tehachapi grain Sonora wheat, and Gulf Shrimp and Anson Mills Grits. Chef Wes is known for his biscuits so do take a look at his Strawberry Shortcake with Tehachapi Sonora Biscuit and fresh whipped cream.

Chef Wes takes another break from the Santa Monica Farmers Market to stay with us.

It’s summer grilling season so a juicy, properly-cooked steak is 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 compared to filet mignon. Chef Andrew answers the meaty steak questions.

“From the time Dr. Shica (Dr. Shica’s Bakery, Los Angeles) got her first Easy-Bake Oven, she knew that she loved to bake. Growing up in South Carolina, she baked with her grandma and learned that the best desserts come from using the best ingredients. When Dr. Shica founded her bakery, she committed to using only high-quality, premium ingredients to create her gourmet signature desserts.” Dr Shica’s cookies are currently available nationwide at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. “Known for her optimism and warm personality, Dr. Shica’s home-baked flavor will brighten any day. Dr. Shica’s new Plant-Based cookies are dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free and low calorie but still very delicious and highly craveable. Each bag is shelf stable and resealable so you can enjoy them now or later. The product comes in 4 flavors (Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon and Sugar Confetti).” Dr. Shica briefly puts down her rolling pin to join us.

“Located in Newport Beach, California on the site of the old City Hall, The Mayor’s Table is Lido House’s signature dining venue. Featuring a focus on seasonal, chef-driven cuisine, including an open action kitchen, Mayor’s Table is both a premiere dining destination and neighborhood hot spot. The ideal setting to enjoy a leisurely brunch or a memorable night out with friends, Mayor’s Table is the perfect place for celebrations large and small. In May the restaurant debuted an all-new dinner menu, complete with experiential and tableside offerings. This overhaul marks the most significant change to the Mayor’s Table menu since its inception in 2018. From the collaborative efforts of Chef-Partner Riley Huddleston, Executive Chef Jonathan de la Cruz, and Chef de Cuisine Nicholas Escobar, the Mayor’s Table culinary team proudly unveiled a bold seasonal menu showcasing their take on reimagined American cuisine.” Service is gracefully overseen by hospitality veteran and General Manager, Quentin Gravet. Executive Chef Jonathan de la Cruz and GM Quentin Gravet join us.

“A typical night out for sisters Leslie and LeAnn Jones includes great wine, great food and great friends at some of their favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. Leslie, a luxury wedding planner, and LeAnn, an attorney, were tired of going outside of their neighborhood to enjoy delicious wine and food. With Leslie’s background in hospitality and LeAnn’s knowledge and love of wine, the sisters decided to open 1010 Wine and Events in 2021. 1010 Wine is an upscale wine bar (with elevated cuisine) located in the heart of Inglewood, CA, the city that raised Leslie and LeAnn and where they still currently reside. 1010 Wine is the first and only wine bar in the City of Champions. The new, elevated dinner menu under the direction of Chef Mo Marvel features highlights such as Salmon Crudo, Piri Piri Chicken and Prime Beef Bavette.” Leslie Jones joins us to uncork all that is 1010 Wine & Events.

“Foodies already know that authentic New Mexico Hatch Peppers make everything better — burgers, pizzas, tacos, omelets, guacamole, salsa …” It’s the always anticipated fresh Hatch Cile season for the next month. Check the Melissa’s Website for the schedule of Weekend roasting near you. “Named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico, authentic Hatch Peppers are truly a Southwestern favorite. No other pepper is prized more than this variety, which grows in the Hatch Valley, just north of Las Cruces. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande's southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of these green leafy pepper plants for most of the summer. Thick, juicy, and totally delicious, Hatch Chiles come in a variety of heat levels to suit every taste.” Our well-informed, resident Prince of Produce (and an unabashed Hatch Chile Pepper-Head), Robert Schueller, joins us to turn up the heat on all things Hatch Peppers.

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

“From the time Dr. Shica (Dr. Shica’s Bakery, Los Angeles) got her first Easy-Bake Oven, she knew that she loved to bake. Growing up in South Carolina, she baked with her grandma and learned that the best desserts come from using the best ingredients. When Dr. Shica founded her bakery, she committed to using only high-quality, premium ingredients to create her gourmet signature desserts.”

“From a small town in the South to Southern California, Dr. Shica now delivers her Southern-style treats to Hollywood executives and actors. Garnering praise from renowned chefs, producers, and on-air personalities, her rich and fudgy "Almost Famous Brownies" have created quite a stir - several producers even have a standing weekly order.”

“Dr. Shica knew she needed to expand her baked goods to meet the growing demand for vegan treats. She developed a line of mouth-watering, plant-based desserts that satisfy those sweet cravings and allow her customers to maintain their vegan lifestyles.”

Dr Shica’s cookies are currently available nationwide at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. Select area Costco stores (Culver City) for Roadshows are on the immediate horizon. “Known for her optimism and warm personality, Dr. Shica’s home-baked flavor will brighten any day.”

“Dr. Shica’s new Plant-Based cookies are dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free and low calorie but still very delicious and highly craveable. Each bag is shelf stable and resealable so you can enjoy them now or later. The product comes in 4 flavors (Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon and Sugar Confetti).”

Dr. Shica briefly puts down her rolling pin to join u

“From the time Dr. Shica (Dr. Shica’s Bakery, Los Angeles) got her first Easy-Bake Oven, she knew that she loved to bake. Growing up in South Carolina, she baked with her grandma and learned that the best desserts come from using the best ingredients. When Dr. Shica founded her bakery, she committed to using only high-quality, premium ingredients to create her gourmet signature desserts.”

“From a small town in the South to Southern California, Dr. Shica now delivers her Southern-style treats to Hollywood executives and actors. Her rich and fudgy "Almost Famous Brownies" have created quite a stir - several Hollywood notables even have a standing weekly order.”

“Dr. Shica knew she needed to expand her baked goods to meet the growing demand for vegan treats. She developed a line of mouth-watering, plant-based desserts that satisfy those sweet cravings and allow her customers to maintain their vegan lifestyles.”

Dr Shica’s cookies are currently available nationwide at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. Select area Costco stores for Roadshows (Culver City) are on the future horizon. “Known for her optimism and warm personality, Dr. Shica’s home-baked flavor will brighten any day.”

“Dr. Shica’s new Plant-Based cookies are dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free and low calorie but still very delicious and highly craveable. Each bag is shelf stable and resealable so you can enjoy them now or later. The product comes in 4 flavors (Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon and Sugar Confetti).”

Dr. Shica gently puts down her whisk and continues with us.

“Located in Newport Beach, California on the site of the old City Hall, The Mayor’s Table is Lido House’s signature dining venue. Featuring a focus on seasonal, chef-driven cuisine, including an open action kitchen, Mayor’s Table is both a premiere dining destination and neighborhood hot spot. The ideal setting to enjoy a leisurely brunch or a memorable night out with friends, Mayor’s Table is the perfect place for celebrations large and small.”

“In May the restaurant debuted an all-new dinner menu, complete with experiential and tableside offerings. This overhaul marks the most significant change to the Mayor’s Table menu since its inception in 2018. From the collaborative efforts of Chef-Partner Riley Huddleston, Executive Chef Jonathan de la Cruz, and Chef de Cuisine Nicholas Escobar, the Mayor’s Table culinary team proudly unveiled a bold seasonal menu showcasing their take on reimagined American cuisine.” Service is gracefully overseen (with a French accent) by hospitality veteran and General Manager, Quentin Gravet

“As Executive Chef Partner of Lido House, Riley Huddleston brings a decade of culinary power to Lido House, driving the hotel’s food and beverage concepts including The Mayor’s Table restaurant, Topside rooftop bar and lounge and Crew Coffee + Cremerie.”

“Earning his chops as a chef, mixologist, pastry chef and restaurateur in elite New York and Chicago establishments, Huddleston is known for elevating fare with provenance as the starring ingredient. Huddleston’s innovative culinary style blends classic French training with modern cooking techniques. At Lido House, expect precision and playfulness from a menu that fittingly take cues from the hotel’s enviable waterfront in Newport Beach, offering a refined yet stylish celebration of Southern California’s coastal lifestyle and cuisine. The Mayor’s Table, positioned to be a Newport Beach hot spot, manifests a pacific pub-style vibe offering inventive cocktails and seafood- oriented fare including an open action kitchen.”

Executive Chef Jonathan de la Cruz and General Manager Quentin take a break from service to join us.

“Located in Newport Beach, California on the site of the old City Hall, The Mayor’s Table is Lido House’s signature dining venue. Featuring a focus on seasonal, chef-driven cuisine, including an open action kitchen, Mayor’s Table is both a premiere dining destination and neighborhood hot spot. The ideal setting to enjoy a leisurely brunch or a memorable night out with friends, Mayor’s Table is the perfect place for celebrations large and small”

“In May the restaurant debuted an all-new dinner menu, complete with experiential and tableside offerings. This overhaul marks the most significant change to the Mayor’s Table menu since its inception in 2018. From the collaborative efforts of Chef-Partner Riley Huddleston, Executive Chef Jonathan de la Cruz, and Chef de Cuisine Nicholas Escobar, the Mayor’s Table culinary team proudly unveiled a bold seasonal menu showcasing their take on reimagined American cuisine.” Service is gracefully overseen by hospitality veteran and General Manager, Quentin Gravet

“As Executive Chef Partner of Lido House, Riley Huddleston brings a decade of culinary power to Lido House, driving the hotel’s food and beverage concepts including The Mayor’s Table restaurant, Topside rooftop bar and lounge and Crew Coffee + Cremerie.”

“Earning his chops as a chef, mixologist, pastry chef and restaurateur in elite New York and Chicago establishments, Huddleston is known for elevating fare with provenance as the starring ingredient. Huddleston’s innovative culinary style blends classic French training with modern cooking techniques. At Lido House, expect precision and playfulness from a menu that fittingly take cues from the hotel’s enviable waterfront in Newport Beach, offering a refined yet stylish celebration of Southern California’s coastal lifestyle and cuisine. The Mayor’s Table, positioned to be a Newport Beach hot spot, manifests a pacific pub-style vibe offering inventive cocktails and seafood- oriented fare including an open action kitchen.”

Executive Chef Jonathan de la Cruz and General Manager Quentin take a 2nd break from service to continue with us.

“A typical night out for sisters Leslie and LeAnn Jones includes great wine, great food and great friends at some of their favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. Leslie, a luxury wedding planner, and LeAnn, an attorney, were tired of going outside of their neighborhood to enjoy delicious wine and food. With Leslie’s background in hospitality and LeAnn’s knowledge and love of wine, the sisters decided to open 1010 Wine and Events in 2021.”

“1010 Wine is an upscale wine bar (with elevated cuisine) located in the heart of Inglewood, CA, the city that raised Leslie and LeAnn and where they still currently reside. 1010 Wine is the first and only wine bar in the City of Champions. The new dinner menu under the direction of Chef Mo Marvel features highlights such as Black Eyed Pea Fritters, Salmon Crudo, Piri Piri Chicken and Prime Beef Bavette.”

“Leslie and Le Jones have found incredible success by perfectly blending an incredible selection of wines with an elevated and delicious dining menu. The 1010 Wine beverage menu currently features more than 90% Black-owned wines (all hand-selected) not often found in local grocery stores, making 1010 Wine representing the largest selection of Black and Brown owned wineries in California.” 

“Their mission is to fill a void in the industry and neighborhood and create a space for people to gather, regardless of their knowledge of wine, to eat, drink, and enjoy Black-owned wines. In addition to delicious wine and food, 1010 Wine also has great music and live performances, and an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and sophisticated at the same time.” All are welcome.

Leslie Jones joins us to uncork all that is 1010 Wine & Events.