SoCal Restaurant Show

“Casaléna (Woodland Hills) is the premier new restaurant and events space in the West Valley. The menu boasts coastal Mediterranean flavors and emphasizes the use of seasonal, top-quality ingredients. At Casaléna, guests can be transported to their favorite European destinations, whether they choose to enjoy an intimate dinner in the outdoor sunken patio, or unwind with a late-night cocktail.” Casalena is attentively overseen by siblings Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani.

“Coastal Mediterranean is the menu direction and suggests coastal cuisines ranging from Spain, Italy, France and Greece and those dishes immediately represented the brand and overall vision that the Makhani’s wanted to bring to life in the space. The ambiance exudes resort and carefree lifestyle and their intent is to transport guests to an atmosphere that provides an escape from ordinary life or the mundane day to day.”

For starters think Squash Blossoms and Sweet Corn Agnolotti.

“The Makhani’s were very specific in what they wanted to see on the menu and working with Chef Lobo Leon was fantastic because he was able to elevate and also eliminate what Casalena didn’t need. Chef Lobo also has an intuitive sense of what sells well. There are so many things that go into menu creation because of the high-volume Casalena turns out but at the same time they need to be able to have enough variety for each type of guest.”

Lunch is served Monday through Friday. Dinner is available nightly with Breakfast and Brunch on Weekends. Late Night Menu at the Bar until Midnight is seven days.

Staying with us to continue telling the ambitious story of Casalena are Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani.

The post Show 561, January 20, 2024: Casalena Restaurant, Woodland Hills with The Makhani Siblings Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy – The Ultimate Resource for Feeding Your Friends and Family by Kristyn Merkley invites the reader to cook with joy and feed the ones you love with 200 plus recipes for all occasions from the creator of the wildly popular Lil’ Luna cooking blog.”

“Need a hand in the kitchen? Lil’ Luna has you covered. From hearty breakfasts to festive apps to mouthwatering main courses, Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy helps you navigate everything from meal prep and party planning to last-minute dinner solutions for your family. With more than 200 go-to, no-fail recipes—many ready in thirty minutes or less!—this innovative and approachable cookbook will revolutionize your mealtime routine.”

“With Lil’ Luna, you can whip up showstopping breakfast treats, bring the best game-day snacks with out of this world dips and bites, get cozy with warming soups and stews, fix tempting veggie sides and bright, flavorful salads, celebrate summer with barbecue and picnic classics and feel festive with irresistible holiday treats.”

“Featuring tips, tricks, bonus recipes, and even links to online video instructions, most of the recipes within are designed with a big family or a bunch of friends in mind. Cooking for a smaller crew? Hello leftovers! You’ll also find inspiration and support throughout with handy charts, checklists, and meal-planning guides. Whether you’re feeding your family or a whole crowd, this crave-worthy cookbook is the ultimate resource for nourishing, tried-and-true recipes that are, above all, so easy and so yummy.”

Kristyn graciously shares the two recipes that she demonstrated virtually for the Melissa’s / World Variety Produce Food Media Group in late December. They are the recipes for Apple Brickle Dip and Fruit Dip.

Good suggestions for yummy “Big Game” snacks on Super Sunday, February 11th.

Author Kristyn Merkley is our guest with a whisk at the ready.

The post Show 561, January 20, 2024: Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy – The Ultimate Resource for Feeding Your Friends and Family with Author Kristyn Merkley Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy – The Ultimate Resource for Feeding Your Friends and Family by Kristyn Merkley invites the reader to cook with joy and feed the ones you love with 200 plus recipes for all occasions from the creator of the wildly popular Lil’ Luna cooking blog.”

“Need a hand in the kitchen? Lil’ Luna has you covered. From hearty breakfasts to festive apps to mouthwatering main courses, Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy helps you navigate everything from meal prep and party planning to last-minute dinner solutions for your family. With more than 200 go-to, no-fail recipes—many ready in thirty minutes or less!—this innovative and approachable cookbook will revolutionize your mealtime routine.”

“Creating this cookbook has been a labor of love,” said Merkley. “I wanted to share my passion for cooking and my belief in the power of food to bring people together. With ‘Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy,’ I hope to inspire others to cook with joy and connect with their loved ones over delicious meals.”

“Featuring tips, tricks, bonus recipes, and even links to online video instructions, most of the recipes within are designed with a big family or a bunch of friends in mind. Cooking for a smaller crew? Hello leftovers! You’ll also find inspiration and support throughout with handy charts, checklists, and meal-planning guides. Whether you’re feeding your family or a whole crowd, this crave-worthy cookbook is the ultimate resource for nourishing, tried-and-true recipes that are, above all, so easy and so yummy.”

“Kristyn Merkley is married to her best friend Lo. They have six kids ages 6-16 who keep them busy, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. Coming from a long line of cooks and bakers, it was inevitable that Kristyn would fall in love with the same hobbies. The Lil’ Luna website was born right after her second child in early 2010. She started sharing all of her favorite Mexican recipes she got from her mom, aunts, and grandma as well as some of the traditional American recipes that came from her dad’s family.”

“It began to grow and grow until it became what it is today. Now Lil’ Luna has thousands of recipes on the website, and through Google, email and various social media platforms, millions of people visit and make recipes every month from the Lil’ Luna website. With a team of almost a dozen people working behind the scenes, they continue to create the easiest and yummiest recipes for all to try. Her readers and followers have given her the greatest gift ever—She gets to do what she loves, and make a living doing it! She could not have done it without them!”

Kristyn graciously shares the two recipes that she demonstrated virtually for the Melissa’s / World Variety Produce Food Media Group in late December. They are the recipes for Apple Brickle Dip and Fruit Dip.

Good suggestions for yummy “Big Game” snacks on Super Sunday, February 11th.

Author Kristyn Merkley continues as our guest with a spatula at the ready.

The post Show 561, January 20, 2024: Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy – The Ultimate Resource for Feeding Your Friends and Family with Author Kristyn Merkley Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

California meets Maine with a hybrid Lobster Roll garnished with Avocado slices. Chef Andrew weighs in on the creation. What will tradition-bound Mainers say? Chef Andrew also explores what’s of primary concern to area restaurateurs in 2024 including recurring supply chain issues and a bevy of new California regulations.

The post Show 561, January 20, 2024: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef” appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Acclaimed Brewer and Restaurateur Ian McCall (ex-Riip Beer Co.in Huntington Beach) has ventured out on his own with the newly launched ISM Brewing in Downtown Long Beach. In addition to a rotating selection of 15 of his acclaimed craft beers (and prominent guest beers and wine & cider) he has Chef Fonzy De Zuniga (ex-Descanso) in the kitchen crafting elevated pub food including a Salmon Melt with Confit Atlantic Salmon, chipotle mayo, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, cucumber and smoked cheddar cheese served on a grilled country loaf from the OC’s Crema Artisan Bakery. Weekend Brunch has just started. Ian McCall joins us to tap the keg on all that is ISM Brewing and Tap Room.

“Preen is an award-winning, international architecture and Interiors firm with twenty years of experience specializing in hospitality design. Preen offers everything needed to build a project down to the matchbook.” They are based in a historic building in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Projects in their expansive portfolio include Pine & Crane in the South Park neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles, the Howlin’ Ray’s in Pasadena (in the fondly-remembered Adohr Milk Farm building) and Piccalilli in Culver City. Preen has also designed a few of the distinctive establishments in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza. A current effort in development is acclaimed Chef Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s Otium Las Vegas in the Waldorf Astoria in the Aria Campus (the former Mandarin Oriental hotel.) Preen’s inspirational founder, Alexis Readinger, is our guest to explore the mysterious world of restaurant design.

Our favorite globe-trotting travel journalist and TV personality, Darley Newman, is back with a new season of travel adventures. “Join multi-Emmy nominated Darley Newman for Season 11 of TRAVELS WITH DARLEY and experience an enticing blend of culture, history, and gastronomy across a captivating array of destinations in the USA (including Lafayette, Louisiana and Route 66 in Illinois) and to South Korea. Thirteen half-hour episodes debut on PBS stations starting January 11, 2024, including the launch of TRAVELS WITH DARLEY: “Revolutionary Road Trips” in the lead up to the 2026 commemorations of America’s 250th. TRAVELS WITH DARLEY invites viewers on a journey of discovery as Darley Newman explores the heart and soul of each place she visits.” Darley takes a brief detour from the road 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) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. We’re continuing the spirited conversation about mandatory Service Charges of 18 to 20 per cent now being added onto restaurant checks (this is not a Tip) along with a possible 3 to 5 per cent contribution to employee health care. Adding a “Tip” above and beyond this is typically not discouraged. To make matters worse the “Service Charge” is taxable. Chef Andrew will weigh in on this highly controversial and befuddling development.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

The post Show 560, January 13, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Acclaimed Brewer and Restaurateur Ian McCall (ex-Riip Beer Co., Huntington Beach) has ventured out on his own with the newly launched ISM Brewing in Downtown Long Beach. In addition to a rotating selection of 15 of his acclaimed craft beers (and prominent guest beers and wine & cider) he has Chef Fonzy De Zuniga (ex-Descanso) in the kitchen crafting elevated pub food including a Salmon Melt with Confit Atlantic Salmon, chipotle mayo, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, cucumber and smoked cheddar cheese served on a grilled country loaf from the OC’s Crema Artisan Bakery. Weekend Brunch has just started.

Trivia Night at ISM Brewing Co. is under the banner of The Epic Pub Quiz on Monday at 7:00 p.m.

“Ian McCall has been deeply passionate about beer for nearly two decades. His journey began in 2004 at Brewbakers in Huntington Beach, where he first discovered the joys of beer making. Initially working behind the bar, Ian quickly learned the brewing process and began creating new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. This period was not just significant for his career; he also met his future wife, Lisa, during a brewing class.”

Ian McCall joins us to tap the keg on all that is ISM Brewing and Tap Room.

The post Show 560, January 13, 2024: ISM Brewing with Brewer and Restaurateur Ian McCall Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Acclaimed Brewer and Restaurateur Ian McCall (ex-Riip Beer Co., Huntington Beach) has ventured out on his own with the newly launched ISM Brewing in Downtown Long Beach. In addition to a rotating selection of 15 of his acclaimed craft beers (and prominent guest beers and wine & cider) he has Chef Fonzy De Zuniga (ex-Descanso) in the kitchen crafting elevated pub food including a Salmon Melt with Confit Atlantic Salmon, chipotle mayo, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, cucumber and smoked cheddar cheese served on a grilled country loaf from the OC’s Crema Artisan Bakery. Weekend Brunch has just started.

“Ian McCall has been deeply passionate about beer for nearly two decades. His journey began in 2004 at Brewbakers in Huntington Beach, where he first discovered the joys of beer making. Initially working behind the bar, Ian quickly learned the brewing process and began creating new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. This period was not just significant for his career; he also met his future wife, Lisa, during a brewing class.”

“After leaving Brewbakers in 2009 an opportunity arose when Beachwood BBQ announced plans to open a brewery in Long Beach. Ian joined the team, working initially as a bartender. He furthered his brewing education at the Siebel Institute of Technology and started apprenticing under Julian Shrago. By 2013, Ian became Julian’s assistant brewer. During his tenure at Beachwood, the team won numerous awards, including the GABF Mid-size Brewpub and Mid-size Brewpub Brewer of the Year in 2013 and 2014, and at the World Beer Cup in 2016.”

“In 2018, Ian moved to Riip Beer Company in Huntington Beach as Head Brewer. Over five years, he enhanced the brand, assembled a skilled team, and led them to win various prestigious brewing awards, including at GABF, San Diego International, US Beer Open, LA IPA Fest, and the Bistro IPA/DIPA Fest.”

Ian McCall joins continues with us in-studio tapping the keg on all that is now Long Beach’s ISM Brewing and Tap Room on The Promenade. We’re tasting ISM’s Gulp of Mexico (Mexican Lager,) Calf Fiend (Brown Ale with Peruvian Coffee) and Western Standard Time (West Coast IPA.)

The post Show 560, January 13, 2024: ISM Brewing with Brewer and Restaurateur Ian McCall Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Preen is an award-winning, international architecture and Interiors firm founded by Alexis Readinger with twenty years of experience specializing in hospitality design. Preen offers everything needed to build a project down to the matchbook.” They are based in a historic building in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Projects in their expansive portfolio include Pine & Crane in the South Park neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles, the Howlin’ Ray’s in Pasadena (in the fondly-remembered Adohr Milk Farm building) and Piccalilli in Culver City. Preen has also designed a few of the distinctive establishments in Chinatown’s Far West Plaza. A current, high-profile effort in development is acclaimed Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s Otium Las Vegas in the Waldorf Astoria in the Aria Campus (the former Mandarin Oriental hotel.)

Alexis Readinger, Founder – “I believe in the idea of whole wellness and in creating a life that is deep in abundance for self, for community and for the planet. I’ve spent over two decades in the world of hospitality, this place of great generosity. Coming from this perspective, my commitment is to create conscious spaces that inspire humanity within the human animal experience. My calling is to create space that invites connection to the infinite.”

“A Texas native, Alexis holds a Masters in Architecture from UCLA and a Bachelors from Vanderbilt University. She is a LEED certified Green Building Advisor and a member of the AIA. Alexis serves on the board of the Chinatown Business Improvement District (BID), the Chung King Road Association, and the Travel Experience and Trends Council at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). She stands for just and joyful business.”

Preen’s founder, Alexis Readinger, is our guest to explore the mysterious world of restaurant design.

The post Show 560, January 13, 2024: Alexis Readinger, Founder, Preen – Architecture and Interiors Firm Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Preen is an award-winning, international architecture and Interiors firm founded by Alexis Readinger with twenty years of experience specializing in hospitality design. Preen offers everything needed to build a project down to the matchbook.” They are based in a historic building in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Projects in their expansive portfolio include Tesse and the adjacent Boulellier Wines on the fabled Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the Howlin’ Ray’s in Pasadena (in the fondly-remembered Adohr Milk Farm building) and Piccalilli in Culver City. Preen has also designed a few of the distinctive establishments in Chinatown’s Far West Plaza. A current, high-profile effort in development is acclaimed Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s Otium Las Vegas in the Waldorf Astoria in the Aria Campus (the former Mandarin Oriental hotel.)

Alexis Readinger, Founder – “I believe in the idea of whole wellness and in creating a life that is deep in abundance for self, for community and for the planet. I’ve spent over two decades in the world of hospitality, this place of great generosity. Coming from this perspective, my commitment is to create conscious spaces that inspire humanity within the human animal experience. My calling is to create space that invites connection to the infinite.”

“A Texas native, Alexis holds a Masters in Architecture from UCLA and a Bachelors from Vanderbilt University. She is a LEED certified Green Building Advisor and a member of the AIA. Alexis serves on the board of the Chinatown Business Improvement District (BID), the Chung King Road Association, and the Travel Experience and Trends Council at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). She stands for just and joyful business.”

Preen’s founder, Alexis Readinger, continues as our guest further exploring the mysterious world of restaurant design.

The post Show 560, January 13, 2024: Alexis Readinger, Founder, Preen – Architecture and Interiors Firm Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Our favorite globe-trotting international travel journalist and TV personality, Darley Newman, is back with a new season of traveling. “Join multi-Emmy nominated Darley Newman for Season 11 of TRAVELS WITH DARLEY and experience an enticing blend of culture, history, and gastronomy across a captivating array of destinations in the USA (including Lafayette, Louisiana and Route 66 in Illinois) and to South Korea. Thirteen half-hour episodes debut on PBS stations starting January 11, 2024, including the launch of TRAVELS WITH DARLEY: “Revolutionary Road Trips” in the lead up to the 2026 commemorations of America’s 250th.”

“TRAVELS WITH DARLEY invites viewers on a journey of discovery as Darley Newman explores the heart and soul of each place she visits.”

“This season focuses on the passion of individuals, families, and communities who seek to preserve historical assets, traditions, and authentic cuisine to enable lovers of travel to take nostalgic journeys, learn from their discoveries and pass it on to the next generation,” said Darley.

“In “South Korea’s Culinary Traditions” explore with Darley Newman across the rich world of Korean cuisine, from traditional temple food to modern K-desserts, all while delving into the culture and philosophy behind these delectable dishes in Seoul and Busan. Darley films with a three-star Michelin chef and dives into cooking as a spiritual endeavor with Buddhist nun Jeong Kwan of “Chef’s Table” on Netflix fame.”

Darley takes a brief respite from the road to join us.

The post Show 560, January 13, 2024: “Travels with Darley” on PBS for Season 11 with Darley Newman Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.