SoCal Restaurant Show

“The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities. It’s a beer lovers paradise.”

CRAFT BEER: Unlimited craft beers to sample from local and non-local breweries.

LIVE BANDS: They have some amazing performances lined up for you! Enjoy the incredible sounds of Queen Nation, a Queen tribute band, and Metalachi, a heavy metal Mariachi band. Their MC, DJ Carlos, will keep the energy high with great tunes and even give out prizes in between sets.

LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING: Throughout the day, there will be thrilling Lucha Libre matches.

FOOD TRUCKS: They know that good food is essential, so they have many outstanding food trucks on-site to keep guests’ bellies full and satisfied throughout the day.

SANTA CLAUS: Get into the holiday spirit and take your picture with jolly old St. Nick himself! Don’t forget to wear your UGLY SWEATERS to impress Santa and everyone around you.

TOY DRIVE: Help Desert Brewfest spread joy this holiday season by bringing an unwrapped toy valued over $10. By doing so, you’ll have a chance to win prizes. The goal is to collect over 250 gifts for children in need, so let’s make a difference together.

The partners in Luchador Brewing Company, Jaime Benson and Brent Miller join us to tap the keg on Desert Brewfest.

The post Show 552, November 18, 2023: Desert Brewfest, Cathedral City with Luchador Brewing Company Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities. It’s a beer lovers paradise.”

CRAFT BEER: Unlimited craft beers to sample from local and non-local breweries.

LIVE BANDS: They have some amazing performances lined up for you! Enjoy the incredible sounds of Queen Nation, a Queen tribute band, and Metalachi, a heavy metal Mariachi band. Their MC, DJ Carlos, will keep the energy high with great tunes and even give out prizes in between sets.

LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING: Throughout the day, there will be thrilling Lucha Libre matches.

FOOD TRUCKS: They know that good food is essential, so they have many outstanding food trucks on-site to keep guests’ bellies full and satisfied throughout the day.

SANTA CLAUS: Get into the holiday spirit and take your picture with jolly old St. Nick himself! Don’t forget to wear your UGLY SWEATERS to impress Santa and everyone around you.

TOY DRIVE: Help Desert Brewfest spread joy this holiday season by bringing an unwrapped toy valued over $10. By doing so, you’ll have a chance to win prizes. The goal is to collect over 250 gifts for children in need, so let’s make a difference together.

The partners in Luchador Brewing Company, Jaime Benson and Brent Miller continue with us tapping the keg on all things Desert Brewfest.

The post Show 552, November 18, 2023: Desert Brewfest, Cathedral City with Luchador Brewing Company Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery in Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this ever popular bread variety. “Sourdough” is actually not a flavor.

“Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food. They take pride in every step of the baking process, from selecting the finest ingredients to handcrafting each loaf, pizza, and pastry. The result? Unparalleled flavors that ignite your senses.” Matt has recently closed an unusual, oversubscribed, $124,000 bond offering and expanded to a new location in Downtown San Francisco at 4 Embarcadero Center as part of the “Vacant to Vibrant Program.”

The post Show 552, November 18, 2023: Baker Matt Kosoy, Rosalind Bakery, Pacifica, CA appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Discover and Learn at Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation in Carlsbad. “An extraordinaire collection of hands-on nature activities that allow visitors to taste nature experiencing both the lagoon and the ecological reserve that resides in Carlsbad.”

“The mission of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Their vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as they inspire future generations so all of us have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature…for all.”

“The Discovery Center is open to the public, and they primarily serve families with school-aged children who visit for active ways to involve their kids in fun, hands-on, educational experiences that give them a sense of accomplishment. The Foundation’s three initiatives include Environmental Education, Conservation and Access through Trails.”

Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations for Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is our well-informed guide.

The post Show 552, November 18, 2023: Discovery Center and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, Carlsbad, CA 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.

The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares a simple recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version in the can. Also hints on preparing crave-worthy gravy that add excitement to the Holiday Table.

Check out his handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is a free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

The post Show 552, November 18, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef” appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Steven Lee and Lynn Le are the proprietors of Chopsticks on Pho – Vietnamese Noodle House located in Surrey, British Columbia and celebrating their 11th anniversary this year. We were recently there as guests of Discover Surrey. “Born and raised from two different parts of Vietnam, North and South, Steven and Lynn fled the country by boats with their parents and siblings at a young age. Deeply grateful for the love and care of their new homeland, Canada, they settled in. Running a restaurant and taking care of guests with good food was a dream of Lynn’s. Eleven years ago that dream was finally realized with the founding of Chopsticks on Pho in Surrey.” They are widely known for their Curry Pho, and Lemongrass Chicken and BBQ Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches that come with a rich dipping broth. They have just introduced a line of jarred Curry Pho Sauces (Vegan, Chicken and Beef) along with signature O-Peanut Sauce. Steven and Lynn join us to share their realized dream.

“This Summer Dahlia, an intimate cocktail lounge serving Iberian-inspired bites, was added to Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s roster of dynamic dining outlets helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group. The latest outlet joins signature Portuguese-inspired restaurant Caldo Verde on the ground floor and rooftop lounge Cara Cara to complete a trifecta of distinct and immersive dining destinations. Dahlia (named after Mexico’s native flower) offers a space for hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy elevated invocations of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails, focusing on the history and backbone of mixology but using high-end, rare and small-batch liquors. Drinks are created or finished table-side from Dahlia’s Cocktail Cart through which guests can have a bespoke experience, engaging with the “cart tender” and having access to the lounge’s range of iconic and hard to find spirits.” Chef Suzanne Goin takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

“Madeira Wine from Portugal can be appreciated at any time. According to each type, Dry Madeiras are great with aperitifs, as well as the Medium Dry ones, which are also a wonderful complement of soups. Cheeses are perfect to pair with Medium Sweet Madeiras, while Sweet Madeiras are ideal for sweets, chocolate and with an excellent premium coffee. Food matching with Madeira Wine suggestions are endless and they can be truly surprising, offering flavors, aromas, textures, and unique sensations, You just have to dare yourself!”

Sommelier and Wines of Portugal US Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim is our guest to help us discover the beauty and versatility of Madeira Wine.

The 2nd year anniversary of Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on Neon Feast’s website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” Al Mancini is our guest with current highlights of the Las Vegas dining scene including the high-end culinary aspects of the inaugural Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix – Saturday November 18, 2023. Also, the incredible story of the new Winnie & Ethel’s coffee shop in Downtown which was a turn-key, million-dollar prize awarded to the lucky co-owners from the Developer of the revitalizing Center (Dapper Companies) they are in.

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. The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips. Have a properly sharpened chef’s knife at the ready.

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

The post Show 551, November 11, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Steven Lee and Lynn Le are the proprietors of Chopsticks on Pho – Vietnamese Noodle House located in Surrey, British Columbia and celebrating their 11th anniversary this year. We were recently there as guests of Discover Surrey. 

“Born and raised from two different parts of Vietnam, North and South, Steven and Lynn fled the country by boats with their parents and siblings at a young age. Deeply grateful for the love and care of their new homeland, Canada, they settled in. As fate had, perhaps, already written, they met each other one day in the beautiful yet cold city of Edmonton, Alberta.”

“When they first met, Steven was a college student and Lynn was a high school teenager. He asked “What is your passion?” She replied, “People and food.” Steven nodded, “me too! and what is your dream?” Lynn answered, “Well, growing up in my mother’s kitchen and truly inspired by her cooking, I would love to run my own restaurant someday”.

“Almost two decades later together as a couple going through life, schooling, jobs, and now as parents with two little ones at the ages of four and two years old, Steven looked at Lynn and said, “ It’s time that you go after your dream! ”

“And so Chopsticks on Pho – A Vietnamese Noodle House was born.” They are widely known for their Curry Pho, and Lemongrass Chicken and BBQ Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches that come with a rich dipping broth. Chopsticks on Pho has just introduced a line of premium jarred Curry Pho Sauces (Vegan, Chicken and Beef) along with their signature O-Peanut Sauce. “All you need is love and yummy sauces.”

Steven and Lynn join us to share their realized dream.

The post Show 551, November 11, 2023: Chopsticks on Pho, Surrey, BC with Proprietors Steven Lee and Lynn Le appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“This last Summer Dahlia,an intimate cocktail lounge serving Iberian-inspired bites, was added to Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s roster of dynamic dining outlets helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group. The latest outlet joins signature Portuguese-inspired restaurant Caldo Verde on the ground floor and rooftop lounge Cara Cara to complete a trifecta of distinct and immersive dining destinations.”

“Dahlia (named after Mexico’s native flower) offers a space for hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy elevated invocations of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails, focusing on the history and backbone of mixology but using high-end, rare and small-batch liquors. Drinks are created or finished table-side from Dahlia’s Cocktail Cart through which guests can have a bespoke experience, engaging with the “cart tender” and having access to the lounge’s range of iconic and hard to find spirits. Cocktails are served alongside Iberian-inspired bites such as Jamon Iberico Tartine with Braised Leeks and Rodolfe’s Butter; Tinned Ria de Arosa Mussels en Escabeche with Radish, Guindillas and Grilled AOC Boule; and a festive Fondue de Azores with Croutons, Sopressata, Apple and Fennel. The just desserts include Baked Alaska with Blood Orange and Pineapple for dessert.”

Chef Suzanne Goin takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

The post Show 551, November 11, 2023: Executive Chef / Partner Suzanne Goin, Dahlia Lounge & Bar, Caldo Verde, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“This last Summer Dahlia,an intimate cocktail lounge serving Iberian-inspired bites, was added to Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s roster of dynamic dining outlets helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group. The latest outlet joins signature Portuguese-inspired restaurant Caldo Verde on the ground floor and rooftop lounge Cara Cara to complete a trifecta of distinct and immersive dining destinations.”

“Dahlia (named after Mexico’s native flower) offers a space for hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy elevated invocations of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails, focusing on the history and backbone of mixology but using high-end, rare and small-batch liquors. Drinks are created or finished table-side from Dahlia’s Cocktail Cart through which guests can have a bespoke experience, engaging with the “cart tender” and having access to the lounge’s range of iconic and hard to find spirits. Cocktails are served alongside Iberian-inspired bites such as Jamon Iberico Tartine with Braised Leeks and Rodolfe’s Butter; Tinned Ria de Arosa Mussels en Escabeche with Radish, Guindillas and Grilled AOC Boule; and a festive Fondue de Azores with Croutons, Sopressata, Apple and Fennel. The just desserts include Baked Alaska with Blood Orange and Pineapple for dessert.”

Chef Suzanne also previews Caldo Verde’s continuing monthly guest chef dinner series with celebrated cookbook authors and their books, and Thanksgiving Dinner at Caldo Verde with Herb-Roasted Organic Turkey or Vegan Thanksgiving Extravaganza. Both Thanksgiving dining options include a festive assortment of Thanksgiving Desserts from Pastry Chef Irene Widjaya.

Chef Suzanne Goin takes a further break from her busy kitchen to continue with us.

The post Show 551, November 11, 2023: Executive Chef / Partner Suzanne Goin, Dahlia Lounge & Bar, Caldo Verde, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Madeira Wine from Portugal can be appreciated at any time. According to each type, Dry Madeiras are great with aperitifs, as well as the Medium Dry ones, which are also a wonderful complement of soups. Cheeses are perfect to pair with Medium Sweet Madeiras, while Sweet Madeiras are ideal for sweets, chocolate and with an excellent premium coffee.”

“Food matching with Madeira Wine suggestions are endless and they can be truly surprising, offering flavors, aromas, textures, and unique sensations, You just have to dare yourself!”

At the Maderia Wine Experience’s recent Food and Wine Pairing seminar at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Eugenio boldly paired Sablefish with white miso and compressed pineapple with Barbeito Baltimore Rainwater Special Reserve Madeira. It matched well.

Sommelier and Wines of Portugal US Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim is our guest to help us discover the beauty and versatility of Madeira wine.

The post Show 551, November 11, 2023: Madeira Wine with Sommelier and Wines of Portugal Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.