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!”

Sommelier and Wines of Portugal US Brand Ambassador Eugenio Jardim continues with us 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 Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

The 2nd year anniversary of notable 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.”

“The weekly “Food and Loathing” podcast created by Al Mancini is a savage journey into the stomach of the Las Vegas restaurant and bar scene – with occasional detours to explore some of the valley’s other decadent offerings (edible and otherwise).” Each week, veteran food writer Al Mancini offers the lowdown on what’s new, what’s hot and what’s delicious in America’s most glamorous culinary city. Al invites you into his insider conversations with the chefs, bartenders, journalists, and other experts who know where to go – and what to order when you get there.”

Al Mancini is our guest with 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 co-owners from the Developer of the Center (Dapper Companies) they are in. The chef/owners are veterans of the greatly respected Esther’s Kitchen (James Trees.)

The post Show 551, November 11, 2023: Al Mancini, Las Vegas Food & Entertainment Journalist. Creator of Neon Feast dining App for Las Vegas 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 is continuing his helpful series of genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips. Have a properly sharpened chef’s knife at the ready.

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 is continuing his helpful series of genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips. For Thanksgiving he suggests spatchcocking (splitting the bird down the backbone) the turkey before roasting and using a dry rub with an overnight stay in the refrigerator. Have a properly sharpened chef’s knife at the ready.

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 551, November 11, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef” appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather. The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse. While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday.” Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a bowl Matzoh Ball Mandu stuffed with Grandma Sindy’s matzoh ball with chicken broth and shmaltz.

“There’s just something about a new pair of jammies that says ‘cozy and safe’ to kids, and Huntington Meats is doing their part to make sure nightly bedtime rituals like fresh pajamas will provide a reassuring and peaceful good night to in-need children this holiday season. Huntington Meats’ sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive. The two shops offering quality product located at The Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax in Los Angeles are again coming together to participate in the 3rd Holiday Kids Pajama Drive to take place the entire month of November. The goal is to collect 300 pairs of pajamas for distribution to local agencies servicing homeless and low- income families.” Master Butcher and Proprietor Jim Cascone joins us to unwrap all the details.

Robert Schueller of Melissa’s / World Variety Produce (also known as The Prince of Produce) is our resident expert on all things fruits and vegetables. For the last 14 years Robert has presented his engaging Annual Melissa’s Produce Trends and New Products report at the massive Global Produce and Floral Show which this year took over the Anaheim Convention Center before moving on to Atlanta next year. Robert shares with us informed highlights of his presentation including the Top 20 Specialty Produce Items 2023, Produce Trends 2023 and Newest Products 2023.

“Emmy-award nominated TV host and producer Darley Newman’s new “Travels with Darley” podcast launched on iHeart November 1st. New podcasts drop every Wednesday for 12 weeks during Season One, immersing listeners on location with local experts as the guides for inspirational and informational journeys. Much like her long-running PBS Series (currently in production for its 11th Season,) the “Travels with Darley” podcasts share hidden gems and bucket list trips. Season One features James Beard award-winning chefs, inspiring entrepreneurs and authors, and passionate experts in Alabama, West Virginia, Santa Fe, Québec and beyond. Darley’s podcasts stimulate her listeners’ imagination through descriptions that can only be crafted from first-hand experience and enriched by interviews and sounds captured on location.” The well-traveled Darley Newman (just back from Korea) joins us with microphone in hand.

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 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 now shares his first, in a continuing series, of genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips.

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

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather.  The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.”

“While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday. Serving dinner each evening, the restaurant recalls a Night Market with a curated playlist rotating through early-aughts hip-hip and the option to order a la carte or participate in a Yangban-style prix fixe menu”

“One year in, the genre-defying Korean-American culinary ‘conversation’ re-emerged after a transformative one-month overhaul of the space, revealing an ‘intentional evolution’ of the highly acclaimed restaurant. Featuring a full-service (more comfortable) dining room, and updated food and beverage programs, the concept remains at its core a modern Korean-American dining concept, rich in self-exploration, as told through the lens of seasonal California ingredients and set in a warm, communal environment.”

“The new phase of Yangban aims to offer guests the deeply personal dishes that convey the Chefs’ distinct perspective and upbringings as Korean Americans which they’ve become known for, but further embellished to highlight their nuanced culinary approach and usher in the next chapter for both the Hongs and Los Angeles’ rich Korean dining scene.”

Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a bowl Matzoh Ball Mandu stuffed with Grandma Sindy’s matzoh ball with chicken broth and shmaltz.

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Katianna Hong, Yangban, Arts District, DTLA Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather. The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.”

“While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday. Serving dinner each evening, the restaurant recalls a Night Market with a curated playlist rotating through early-aughts hip-hip and the option to order a la carte or participate in a Yangban-style prix fixe menu”

“One year in, the genre-defying Korean-American culinary ‘conversation’ re-emerged after a transformative one-month overhaul of the space, revealing an ‘intentional evolution’ of the highly acclaimed restaurant. Featuring a full-service (more comfortable) dining room, and updated food and beverage programs, the concept remains at its core a modern Korean-American dining concept, rich in self-exploration, as told through the lens of seasonal California ingredients and set in a warm, communal environment.”

“The new phase of Yangban aims to offer guests the deeply personal dishes that convey the Chefs’ distinct perspective and upbringings as Korean Americans which they’ve become known for, but further embellished to highlight their nuanced culinary approach and usher in the next chapter for both the Hongs and Los Angeles’ rich Korean dining scene.”

Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a plate of Yangban Cheesecake (with a coconut biscuit and brown butter crust, coconut cream and local strawberry jam) at the ready.

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Katianna Hong, Yangban, Arts District, DTLA Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“There’s just something about a new pair of jammies that says ‘cozy and safe’ to kids, and Huntington Meats is doing their part to make sure nightly bedtime rituals like fresh pajamas will provide a reassuring and peaceful good night to in-need children this holiday season. Huntington Meats’ sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive.”

“The two shops offering quality product are coming together to participate in the 3rd Holiday Kids Pajama Drive to take place the entire month of November. The goal is to collect 300 pairs of pajamas for distribution to local agencies servicing homeless and low- income families.”

“Customers who visit either of the shops and donate a pair of new, unwrapped pajamas valued at $10 or more will receive a complimentary pound of ground beef or homemade sausages from Huntington Meats, or a dozen fresh eggs from Farmers Market Poultry. In addition to PJs for children aged infant to age 18, the shops will be collecting children’s slippers, robes, security blankets, story books and toothbrush / toothpaste sets through November 30th. At the conclusion of the Pajama Drive, collected items will be distributed to Los Angeles area agencies for gift giving to their youngest clientele over the holiday season.”

“Going on year three, we felt this was a unique idea for the holidays,” said Jim Cascone, proprietor of both Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry. “Toy drives are great, but we forget that some kids may never have received a brand-new pair of PJs, which was something many of us took for granted growing up.”

The shops are located at The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles 90036. Huntington Meats is located at Stall 350 and Farmers Market Poultry is located at Stall 216.

Master Butcher and Proprietor Jim Cascone joins us to unwrap all the details.

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: Huntington Meats – Holiday Kids Pajama Drive appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Robert Schueller of Melissa’s / World Variety Produce (also known as The Prince of Produce) is our resident expert on all things fruits and vegetables. Melissa’s isn’t big on fancy titles but Robert serves as their long-time Director of Public Relations.

For the last 14 years Robert has presented his Annual Melissa’s Produce Trends and New Products report at the massive Global Produce and Floral Show which this year took over the Anaheim Convention Center before moving on to Atlanta next year. Robert shares with us informed highlights of his presentation including the Top 20 Specialty Produce Items 2023, Produce Trends 2023 and Newest Products 2023.

Think there is nothing new under the sun with deliciously ripe pineapples? Consider the Elephante Green Gold Pineapple. “Feast your eyes on the exotic Elefante Green Gold pineapple! This extremely rare, dazzling emerald green-skinned pineapple stands taller, skinnier, and larger than your average pineapple. It boasts an edible core and soft, white flesh ripe with honey-sweetness and almost no acidity. The Elefante Green Gold is a variety native to West Africa. It’s grown in Ekumfi Abor, just a few hours west of Ghana’s capital, at a farm specializing in ethical pineapple cultivation and creating sustainable farming communities.”

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: Robert Schueller of Melissa’s / World Variety Produce-Produce Trends for 2023 Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Robert Schueller of Melissa’s / World Variety Produce (also known as The Prince of Produce) is our resident expert on all things fruits and vegetables. Melissa’s isn’t big on fancy titles but Robert serves as their long-time Director of Public Relations.

For the last 14 years Robert has presented his Annual Melissa’s Produce Trends and New Products report at the massive Global Produce and Floral Show which this year took over the Anaheim Convention Center before moving on to Atlanta next year. Robert continues with us sharing informed highlights of his presentation including the Top 20 Specialty Produce Items 2023, Produce Trends 2023 and Newest Products 2023.

Think there is nothing new under the sun with pasta? Consider Hearts of Palm Pasta. “When you crave pasta, but would prefer not to eat traditional pasta, Melissa’s new Hearts of Palm Pasta is there for you—your taste buds will agree!”

“Made from the tender inner core of the palm tree, and cut into a noodle shape, Melissa’s Hearts of Palm Pasta is a tasty pasta alternative with just 20 calories per serving and 4 grams of carbs. It has a slightly nutty flavor, reminiscent of artichokes, but is overall quite mild and absorbs the flavor of whatever you choose to make.”

“From simple spaghetti with marinara to spicy Pad Thai, Hearts of Palm Pasta proves itself to be a satisfying and versatile ingredient. Furthermore, this product is ethically sourced from Ecuador and does not contain any preservatives or citric acid. In fact, there’s only one ingredient: hearts of palm!”

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: Robert Schueller of Melissa’s / World Variety Produce-Produce Trends for 2023 Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Emmy-award nominated TV host and producer Darley Newman’s new “Travels with Darley” podcast launched on iHeart November 1st. New podcasts drop every Wednesday for 12 weeks during Season One, immersing listeners on location with local experts as the guides for inspirational and informational journeys.”

“Much like her long-running PBS series (currently in production for its 11th Season,) the “Travels with Darley” podcasts share hidden gems and bucket list trips. Season One features James Beard award-winning chefs, inspiring entrepreneurs and authors, and passionate experts in Alabama, West Virginia, Santa Fe, Québec and beyond. Darley’s podcasts stimulate her listeners’ imagination through descriptions that can only be crafted from first-hand experience and enriched by interviews and sounds captured on location.”

“Inspired by her long-running PBS Series, Darley Newman’s Podcast aims to inspire listeners to hit the road themselves to dive into food, history, art, culture, nature and outdoor adventures.”

The well-traveled Darley Newman (just back from Korea) joins us with microphone in hand.

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: “Travels with Darley” Podcast Launch with Darley Newman appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.