“Get ready for an unforgettable night as St. Vincent Meals on Wheels presents the fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala fundraiser at the iconic Paramount Studios lot on Saturday, June 21, at 6:30 PM.”

“Nearly a dozen of Los Angeles' finest chefs and pâtissiers will showcase their exquisite dishes. Guests will kick off the evening with an exclusive VIP Hour in the legendary Paramount Theater, followed by a specially curated tasting menu featuring the talents of 2025 Culinary Angels, including Alexander’s Steakhouse, Arth Bar + Kitchen, BOX Chicken, City Club Los Angeles, Georgia’s Restaurant, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Wife and the Somm. To satisfy your sweet tooth, this year’s 2025 Sweet Angels, including Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., Lark Cake Shop, and more, will provide delectable desserts that will keep the festivities going. (All of the participating restaurants are generously donating the food for the Benefit to support the cause.) Sip on signature cocktails and dance the night away under the stars to the lively tunes of a 10-piece live band, courtesy of the de Bois All Stars!”

“Veronica Dover, Executive Director of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, emphasizes the importance of community support: “At St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, we are dedicated to serving the most vulnerable individuals in our community every day. The generosity of our donors, sponsors, and event attendees is what keeps our program strong and allows us to continue delivering not just meals, but also love and compassion to those in need. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of our neighbors who rely on us.””

Veronica Dover joins us with a preview of “Hollywood Under the Stars.”

“Get ready for an unforgettable night as St. Vincent Meals on Wheels presents the fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala fundraiser at the iconic Paramount Studios lot on Saturday, June 21, at 6:30 PM.” 

“Nearly a dozen of Los Angeles' finest chefs and pâtissiers will showcase their exquisite dishes. Guests will kick off the evening with an exclusive VIP Hour in the legendary Paramount Theater, followed by a specially curated tasting menu featuring the talents of 2025 Culinary Angels, including Alexander’s Steakhouse, Arth Bar + Kitchen, BOX Chicken, City Club Los Angeles, Georgia’s Restaurant, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Wife and the Somm. To satisfy your sweet tooth, this year’s 2025 Sweet Angels, including Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., Lark Cake Shop, and more, will provide delectable desserts that will keep the festivities going. (All of the participating restaurants are generously donating the food to support the Benefit.) Sip on signature cocktails and dance the night away under the stars to the lively tunes of a 10-piece live band, courtesy of the de Bois All Stars!”

“With Los Angeles County experiencing the fastest-growing population of seniors facing food and housing insecurities, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels’work—and the support of their donors—becomes more important than ever.” 

Nika Shoemaker-Machado of Georgia’s (Anaheim, Long Beach, Irvine and Eastvale) and Chris Lucchese of Glassell Park’s Wife and the Somm (both participating restaurants) join us to preview their “Hollywood Under the Stars” menus.

“The 10th annual Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure will feature more than 40 wineries from across California, including ten L.A.-based wineries showcasing the depth and breadth of the rising micro-production wine movement in Los Angeles. Among the L.A.-based winemakers showcased at the festival are Adorato Wines, Bivium Wine, Cavaletti Vineyards, Flowers & Cheese Winery, Fuil Wines, Hoi Polloi, Montage Vineyards, Pagter Winery, Pulchella Winery, and Sunland Vintage Winery. The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure takes place on June 21st at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.”

“It’s not widely known, but Los Angeles was once called the ‘City of Vines,’ in fact 200 years ago, this was where American wine began, until prohibition and urban sprawl (and Pierce’s disease) got in the way,” shared Garagiste Festival Co-founder, Doug Minnick. Now, we’re seeing a wine comeback right here in Los Angeles, and though some of the winemakers source grapes from a wide range of California AVAs, including Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, and Sonoma as well as LA County, there’s a growing number of L.A. based micro-wineries now with tasting rooms in the area that Southern Californians can experience without having to make the drive to wine country.””

“Renowned for its handcrafted wines from professional artisan winemakers who make less than 1,500 cases, its renegade spirit, and rules-breaking ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos, The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure is the only festival to provide Angelenos with the opportunity to be first to discover not only the next wave of winemakers in their own backyard, but also many under-the-radar wines, wineries, wine styles, and grape varieties from almost every AVA in the state, from Napa to San Diego, and all regions in between.”

Garagiste Festival Co-founder, Doug Minnick (also a winemaker) is our guest.

“The 10th annual Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure will feature more than 40 wineries from across California, including ten L.A.-based wineries showcasing the depth and breadth of the rising micro-production wine movement in Los Angeles. Among the L.A.-based winemakers showcased at the festival are Adorato Wines, Bivium Wine, Cavaletti Vineyards, Flowers & Cheese Winery, Fuil Wines, Hoi Polloi, Montage Vineyards, Pagter Winery, Pulchella Winery, and Sunland Vintage Winery. The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure takes place on June 21st at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.”

“Renowned for its handcrafted wines from professional artisan winemakers who make less than 1,500 cases, its renegade spirit, and rules-breaking ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos, The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure is the only festival to provide Angelenos with the opportunity to be first to discover not only the next wave of winemakers in their own backyard, but also many under-the-radar wines, wineries, wine styles, and grape varieties from almost every AVA in the state, from Napa to San Diego, and all regions in between.”

Garagiste Co-founder, Doug Minnick, is also the winemaker for his own label, Hoi Polloi. “Sourcing fruit from some of the most renowned vineyards in the Central Coast (including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and more), Hoi Polloi is one of, if not the only winery to make Syrah’s from several different AVAs in the state, exploring the range of the wonderfully versatile grape, from the cool climate Sta. Rita Hills, to a deep and powerful, dry-farmed version from the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, and more.”

Winemaker Doug continues with us pulling the cork on all that is Hoi Polloi.

“Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Wander With Wonder, an online food, wine, and travel magazine. It was named one of the top four travel journalism websites of 2022 by SATW. Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print luxury lifestyle publication in Phoenix. Susan has been writing for the past 30 years. She is the author of more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles.”

“Along with Wander, Susan’s articles appear in various print and online publications, including AAA publications, WHERE publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Marriott.com, Fairmont’s blogs, Modern Luxury, and more. She is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist. Susan lives and works full-time from her fifth-wheel, finding wow moments wherever she visits. You can view Susan’s portfolio online at SusanLanierGraham.com.”

“Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Wander With Wonder, an online food, wine, and travel magazine. It was named one of the top four travel journalism websites of 2022 by SATW. Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print luxury lifestyle publication in Phoenix. Susan has been writing for the past 30 years. She is the author of more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles.”

Susan chronicles hidden gem restaurants in Custer, SD (Skogen Kitchen) and Astoria, OR. (Daphne.)

“Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Wander With Wonder, an online food, wine, and travel magazine. It was named one of the top four travel journalism websites of 2022 by SATW. Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print luxury lifestyle publication in Phoenix. Susan has been writing for the past 30 years. She is the author of more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles.”

Susan continues her commentary on hidden gem restaurants including FYR in Columbus, OH and Katana Cocina by Nikkei in Weston, FL.

“Pasta Armando is a high-quality imported Italian Pasta made from 100% Durum Wheat. The conventional pasta is 100% Italian durum wheat semolina and water, teflon died and slow-dried. The zero residue of pesticides and glyphosate premium line (including Chitarra) is bronze die cut. Armando’s pasta is made using only two ingredients processed according to a traditional method. The special taste stands out from the crowd. Armando fosters strong relations with its farmers as they are an indispensable part of the team.” We’ll meet the highly informative Jeffrey Root, Head of Brand Development for Pasta Armando USA/Canada, who is also an experienced restaurateur and knows how to successfully merchandise pasta on restaurant menus.

“Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Premiering in Los Angeles June 7th through 14th, the 2nd Annual Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and complexity of Portuguese wines right here in the heart of Hollywood and environs. Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences.” Diniz Cellars’ Sandra Gomes Rocha joins us to uncork all this is Portuguese Wine Week.

“Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, the new farm-to-table dining destination nestled within the botanical garden and living museum located in La Cañada Flintridge, launched on Friday, May 30, 2025. Developed in collaboration with Southern California’s renowned Chef Rich Mead, Farmhouse is open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, offering an immersive, seasonal culinary experience in Descanso Gardens’ breathtaking 150-acre urban oasis.

The Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens culinary program is a harmonious collaboration between two acclaimed Southern California chefs: Chef Rich Mead, the restaurant’s visionary, celebrated for his pioneering work in sustainable cuisine and passion for supporting local farmers; and Chef Adam Cherney, who leads the kitchen as Executive Chef. Sharing Chef Mead’s deep commitment to farm-to-table principles, Chef Cherney is known for his creativity and precision, honed over more than 15 years in top Los Angeles restaurants, including A.O.C., Pace and Saltie Girl.”

“The Pacific Rim International Wine Competition was founded in 1985 by a group of winemakers, vintners and educators passionate about making great wines accessible to the public. The Pacific Rim Competition is held at the historic National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino, California for two days. This year the competition dates were June 3rd & 4th. Over the course of two days, the judges engaged in a double-blind tasting of every wine (over 400) entered into the Competition. The wines were discussed, evaluated and awarded medals accordingly. The 2025 Results List is available on their Website.” Jon McPherson the acclaimed winemaker for South Coast Winery Resort, Carter Estate (Temecula, CA) and Carter Creek Winery (Texas Hill Country) was the Head Judge with his Texas-based brother, Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars. Jon joins us to discuss the 2025 competition and the winners.”


Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Sugarcane oil is coming into commercial kitchens as a more sustainable alternative to seed oils. Chef Andrew explains the healthful implications. Talking about sustainable Chef Andrew mentions the Orange County marine biology students who are raising white seas bass, green abalone and Pismo clams to return them to the ocean.

“Pasta Armando is a high-quality imported Italian Pasta made from 100% Durum Wheat. The conventional pasta is 100% Italian durum wheat semolina and water, teflon died and slow-dried. The zero residue of pesticides and glyphosate premium line (including Chitarra) is bronze die cut. Armando’s pasta is made using only two ingredients processed according to a traditional method. The special taste stands out from the crowd. Armando fosters strong relations with its farmers as they are an indispensable part of the team.” We’ll meet the highly informative Jeffrey Root, Head of Brand Development for Pasta Armando USA/Canada, who is also an experienced restaurateur and knows how to successfully merchandise pasta on restaurant menus.

“Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Premiering in Los Angeles June 7th through 14th, the 2nd Annual Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and complexity of Portuguese wines right here in the heart of Hollywood and environs. Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences.” Diniz Cellars’ Sandra Gomes Rocha joins us to uncork all this is Portuguese Wine Week.

“Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, the new farm-to-table dining destination nestled within the botanical garden and living museum located in La Cañada Flintridge, launched on Friday, May 30, 2025. Developed in collaboration with Southern California’s renowned Chef Rich Mead, Farmhouse is open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, offering an immersive, seasonal culinary experience in Descanso Gardens’ breathtaking 150-acre urban oasis.

The Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens culinary program is a harmonious collaboration between two acclaimed Southern California chefs: Chef Rich Mead, the restaurant’s visionary, celebrated for his pioneering work in sustainable cuisine and passion for supporting local farmers; and Chef Adam Cherney, who leads the kitchen as Executive Chef. Sharing Chef Mead’s deep commitment to farm-to-table principles, Chef Cherney is known for his creativity and precision, honed over more than 15 years in top Los Angeles restaurants, including A.O.C., Pace and Saltie Girl.”

“The Pacific Rim International Wine Competition was founded in 1985 by a group of winemakers, vintners and educators passionate about making great wines accessible to the public. The Pacific Rim Competition is held at the historic National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino, California for two days. This year the competition dates were June 3rd & 4th. Over the course of two days, the judges engaged in a double-blind tasting of every wine (over 400) entered into the Competition. The wines were discussed, evaluated and awarded medals accordingly. The 2025 Results List is available on their Website.” Jon McPherson the acclaimed winemaker for South Coast Winery Resort, Carter Estate (Temecula, CA) and Carter Creek Winery (Texas Hill Country) was the Head Judge with his Texas-based brother, Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars. Jon joins us to discuss the 2025 competition and the winners.”


Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Sugarcane oil is coming into commercial kitchens as a more sustainable alternative to seed oils. Chef Andrew explains the healthful implications. Talking about sustainable Chef Andrew mentions the Orange County marine biology students who are raising white seas bass, green abalone and Pismo clams to return them to the ocean.

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