SoCal Restaurant Show

“After a three-year hiatus, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz (ex-The Hungry Cat,) returns on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. on UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer.”

“Featuring fabulous food, wine and cocktails prepared by the nation’s best chefs, winemakers and mixologists, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare, cocktails for a cause, children’s activities, extravagant silent and exhilarating live auctions, and much more.”

“The 2023 event (the 11th in L.A.) is guaranteed to surpass the aspirations of previous years with returning chefs Michael Cimarusti, Chris Bianco, Adam Perry Lang, Donald Link, Nancy Oakes, Nancy Silverton, Suzanne Tracht, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Rocco Whalen and Marc Vetri coming together to cook for childhood cancer cures.”

“I’m unbelievably happy that we are finally bringing L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade back. Suzanne, David and I have missed being able to support this amazing Foundation and bring all of our food and wine friends together again,” said co-founder Caroline Styne. “I always say this, but this is literally my favorite day of the year.”

The early advance ticket pricing is currently $225 per guest but will increase to $255 on August 1st. Please make your plans now because Alex’s reaches their limited guest capacity way before the day of the event.

Co-Founder of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout Caroline Styne, joins us with all the craveable details.

The post Show 536, July 29, 2023: Restaurateur Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group. L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“At Red Car Brewery and Restaurant in Old Town Torrance, the first craft brewery in Torrance, Brewmaster and owner Bob Brandt oversees the brewing of every barrel of Red Car ale enjoyed by their loyal patrons since 2000. From classics to their seasonal offerings, their fun variety of beers are imbued with personality and crafted with care.”

“Red Car beers are quintessentially English. They use English barley, wheat, yeast strains, and hops. In some of their beer styles, they incorporate domestic hops as well. Red Car Brewery’s small brewing system produces 14 kegs per batch — about 220 gallons.”

“Motorman Reserve is one of Red Car Brewery’s classic ales. It shows complex flavor in a beer that is deceptively light. Pale Ale, Maris Otter, crystal and chocolate malts all contribute to an ale of modest strength. This ale is a satisfying tribute to the men who drove the thundering Big Red Cars.” Another popular style is there South Bay I.P.A. “It’s a potent combination of alcohol and fresh hop flavors. Remaining true to the style the Red Car Brewery selection is served unfiltered.”

A future segment will highlight the menu at Red Car Brewery & Restaurant. Think Signature Sandwiches, Brewpub Burgers, Fresh Pastas, Chicken Piccata, Woodfired Pizzas and Salads.

Brewmaster Bob Brandt is our guest to tap the keg on all that is Red Car Brewery.

The post Show 536, July 29, 2023: Brewmaster Bob Brandt – Red Car Brewery and Restaurant, Old Town Torrance appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Melissa’s, the renowned provider of specialty fruits and vegetables, is participating in a captivating collaboration dinner with THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon’s Event Center in Anaheim featuring the beloved Hatch peppers. This exclusive event promises to be a culinary experience like no other, as two industry leaders join forces to showcase the exceptional flavors of these highly coveted seasonal peppers.”

“The Hatch pepper, famously grown in the fertile fields of Hatch Valley, New Mexico, holds a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts nationwide. Known for its distinctive roasting qualities, the Hatch pepper adds a unique touch to any dish it graces. In celebration of this extraordinary ingredient, Melissa’s and THE RANCH Culinary Team have crafted an exquisite menu that will tantalize guests’ taste buds.”

“The Hatch Pepper Collaboration Dinner, set to take place on Saturday, August 12, will be an evening filled with culinary enchantment. The renowned chefs from THE RANCH Culinary Team will artfully prepare a multi-course feast, highlighting the versatility and complexity of the Hatch peppers. From the featured welcome cocktail to dessert, each dish will showcase these exceptional peppers’ remarkable flavors and culinary potential. It’s a true celebration of fresh produce and the art of culinary excellence.”

“Guests can anticipate a sensory journey as they indulge in meticulously crafted dishes like the Hatch Pepper & Yellowtail Aguachile Ceviche, a refreshing blend of cool summer flavors with a hint of smoky heat. The main course will feature the Hatch Pepper & Blue Cheese Crusted Cape Grim Grass-Fed Filet, skillfully prepared to perfection, accentuating the natural richness of the beef with a delightful peppery touch. To conclude this remarkable evening, guests will be treated to a delectable Hatch Pepper-infused dessert that will leave a lasting impression.” There is a premium wine pairing included to accompany each savory course. Melissa’s Robert Schueller (a.k.a. The Prince of Produce) and Jake Williams, Marketing Manager for THE RANCH join us to share all the tantalizing Dinner details.

The post Show 536, July 29, 2023: THE RANCH’s Hatch Pepper Dinner with Melissa’s Robert Schueller and THE RANCH’s Jake Williams appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Handpicked Wines is a family-owned Australian Winery that specializes in crafting wines that offer a true sense of place, but fundamentally not from a single place. The Mornington Peninsula in Victoria is home to their Winery and flagship vineyard Capella, but winemaking spreads to five more fully owned, top-site vineyards across in Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Barossa Valley. They are advocates of sustainable viticulture with a commitment to grape-growing techniques that improve the health of their vines and that of the local environment. Handpicked Wines is a proponent of minimal intervention, a vineyard-driven approach to winemaking that accentuates the character, complexity and geology of each site.” Just back from Australia is Handpicked Wines’ USA Market Manager, Adam Dromi, to pull the cork for us on all that is Handpicked Wines.

“Chef Luladey “Lula” Moges is the author of the newly released, Enebla – Recipes from an Ethiopian Kitchen. It’s a collection of 65 plus recipes, vivid photography and family anecdotes in an accessible, authentic introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. Learn to make injera, wot stews, hearty tibs, and more. In Enebla (which means let’s eat!) you’ll learn how to prepare aromatic wot stews, a hearty tibs, breakfast scrambles, colorful salads of pulses and fresh vegetables, authentic injera sourdough flatbread, and even how to enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The recipes are accompanied by lush food styling alongside family photos and ephemera. An extensive glossary invites curious cooks to learn more about the Amharic language and Ethiopian ingredients.” Chef Lula Moges is our guest with fresh-baked injera at the ready

In previewing Long Beach Black Restaurant Week earlier in the year we chatted with the founders of Miller Butler, a grassroots mobile wood-fired pizza and catering company based in San Pedro and owned and operated by husband-wife team Ahmad Butler and Chef Jillana Miller. There is exciting news from Miller Butler. Co-founder and pizzaiolo, Ahmad Butler, has been selected as one of the twelve finalists (3 categories) in the highly anticipated Real California Pizza Contest. This nationwide competition, sponsored by Real California Dairy, aims to find the best pizza that showcases the excellence of Real California Dairy products. $10,000 cash prize for the winner of Ahmad’s category – Cal-Mex. Pizzaiolo Ahmad Butler is our guest with a “The Angeleno” pizza fresh from the oven at the ready.

Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as dozens of local restaurants and pop-ups will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 3rd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns July 23-30, 2023. Organized by local non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, the organization felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy. It’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger? One of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Burger Week is Long Beach Tap House in Belmont Shore opened in 2019 with a dog-friendly patio. Known by the locals for elevated comfort food (with a real chef in the kitchen) along with 30 plus craft beers on tap, wine on tap and wine by the bottle. Partner and Chef Brandon Forsberg joins us with a Belmont Animal “Smash” Burger 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. Antibiotics have long been used in the raising (before processing) of proteins including chicken and beef. One of the largest poultry processors eliminated antibiotics in most of its company -branded items a few years ago and started promoting “no antibiotics ever” in their marketing. That will soon end and some antibiotics will again be added to the chickens’ diets. Understand no residual antibiotics are in the protein when processed. What’s going on? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

The post Show 535, July 22, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Handpicked Wines is a family-owned Australian Winery that specializes in crafting wines that offer a true sense of place, but fundamentally not from a single place. The Mornington Peninsula in Victoria is home to their Winery and flagship vineyard Capella, but winemaking spreads to five more fully owned, top-site vineyards across in Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Barossa Valley.”

“With several trophies and hundreds of accolades to their name, Handpicked Wines has earned a reputation as a top site-specific producer vintage after vintage. They have proudly held their Halliday 5-Red-Star-Winery rating since 2014 along with being recognized as a Top Winery of Australia by The Real Review since 2018.”

“They are advocates of sustainable viticulture with a commitment to grape-growing techniques that improve the health of their vines and that of the local environment. Handpicked Wines is a proponent of minimal intervention, a vineyard-driven approach to winemaking that accentuates the character, complexity and geology of each site.”

Just back from Australia is Handpicked Wines’ USA Market Manager, Adam Dromi, to pull the cork for us on all that is Handpicked Wines.

The post Show 535, July 22, 2023: Handpicked Wines, Sydney, Australia with Adam Dromi USA Market Manager Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Handpicked Wines is a family-owned Australian Winery that specializes in crafting wines that offer a true sense of place, but fundamentally not from a single place. The Mornington Peninsula in Victoria is home to their Winery and flagship vineyard Capella, but winemaking spreads to five more fully owned, top-site vineyards across in Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Barossa Valley.”

“Their ethos has always been to share their love of wine with others. Handpicked wants to demystify the world of wine and bring others on the journey, having lots of fun on the way.”

“They are advocates of sustainable viticulture with a commitment to grape-growing techniques that improve the health of their vines and that of the local environment. Handpicked Wines is a proponent of minimal intervention, a vineyard-driven approach to winemaking that accentuates the character, complexity and geology of each site.”

“The uniqueness of their fully-owned, top-site vineyards across Australia is captured under their Single Vineyards labels. The Collection series are a set of premium wines from hand-picked regions – each crafted to reflect a supreme sense of place and exceptional character. Regional Selections are a collection of classic varieties grown in the terroir that suits them best.”

Just back from Australia is Handpicked Wines’ USA Market Manager, Adam Dromi. He continues with us pulling the cork on all that is Handpicked Wines.

The post Show 535, July 22, 2023: Handpicked Wines, Sydney, Australia with Adam Dromi USA Market Manager Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Chef Luladey “Lula” Moges is the author of the newly released, Enebla – Recipes from an Ethiopian Kitchen. It’s a collection of 65 plus recipes, vivid photography and family anecdotes in an accessible, authentic introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. Learn to make injera, wot stews, hearty tibs, and more.”

“Growing up, first in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa and then in the United States, Luladey Moges learned the art of traditional Ethiopian cuisine from her grandmother, mother, and aunts. She has long been an enthusiastic home cook, introducing the tastes of Ethiopian cuisine to her friends in North America. At the same time, her career in hospitality and fine dining management has taught her what it takes to build a balanced menu and impress discerning gourmands.”

“People love Ethiopian cuisine for its unique combination of spices, aromas, and sociability. Dishes are served to be shared with family and friends, and unlike many cuisines, Ethiopian food has traditions of vegetarianism that make it particularly popular among meat-free cooks and diners. However, it can seem baffling to the outsider.”

“In Enebla (which means let’s eat!) you’ll learn how to prepare aromatic wot stews, a hearty tibs, breakfast scrambles, colorful salads of pulses and fresh vegetables, authentic injera sourdough flatbread, and even how to enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The recipes are accompanied by lush food styling alongside family photos and ephemera. An extensive glossary invites curious cooks to learn more about the Amharic language and Ethiopian ingredients.”

Chef Lula generously shares with us two recipes from Enebla that are personal favorites. These are Tibs (Beef Stir Fry) and Tikil Gomen (Ethiopian Cabbage Stew.)

Chef Lula Moges is our guest with fresh-baked injera at the ready.

The post Show 535, July 22, 2023: Chef Luladey “Lula” Moges with Enebla – Recipes from an Ethiopian Kitchen Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Chef Luladey “Lula” Moges is the author of the newly released, Enebla – Recipes from an Ethiopian Kitchen. It’s a collection of 65 plus recipes, vivid photography and family anecdotes in an accessible, authentic introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. Learn to make injera, wot stews, hearty tibs, and more.”

“Growing up, first in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa and then in the United States, Luladey Moges learned the art of traditional Ethiopian cuisine from her grandmother, mother, and aunts. She has long been an enthusiastic home cook, introducing the tastes of Ethiopian cuisine to her friends in North America. At the same time, her career in hospitality and fine dining management has taught her what it takes to build a balanced menu and impress discerning gourmands.”

“In Enebla (which means let’s eat!) you’ll learn how to prepare aromatic wot stews, a hearty tibs, breakfast scrambles, colorful salads of pulses and fresh vegetables, authentic injera sourdough flatbread, and even how to enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The recipes are accompanied by lush food styling alongside family photos and ephemera. An extensive glossary invites curious cooks to learn more about the Amharic language and Ethiopian ingredients.”

“As Lula’s parents used to say, “We might live in America but once you come home, this is Ethiopia.” With her accessible recipes and inviting anecdotes, Lula invites you to make your kitchen Ethiopia no matter where you live.”

Chef Lula generously shares with us two recipes from Enebla that are personal favorites. These are Tibs (Beef Stir Fry) and Tikil Gomen (Ethiopian Cabbage Stew.)

Chef Lula continues with us previewing Enebla – Recipes from an Ethiopian Kitchen.

The post Show 535, July 22, 2023: Chef Luladey “Lula” Moges with Enebla – Recipes from an Ethiopian Kitchen Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

In previewing Long Beach Black Restaurant Week earlier in the year in January we chatted with the founders of Miller Butler, a grassroots mobile wood-fired pizza and catering company based in San Pedro and owned and operated by husband-wife team Ahmad Butler and Chef Jillana Miller.

There is exciting news from Miller Butler. Co-founder and pizzaiolo, Ahmad Butler, has been selected as one of the twelve finalists in the highly anticipated Real California Pizza Contest. This nationwide competition, sponsored by Real California Dairy, aims to find the best pizza that showcases the excellence of Real California Dairy products.

“Out of a pool of hundreds of pizza makers from around the country, Ahmad Butler has emerged as a top contender in the Cal-Mex category. Representing Miller Butler, Ahmad will present his signature creation, “The Angeleno,” in the hopes of securing the grand prize of $10,000.”

Ahmad Butler will next compete as a Finalist in the Cal-Mex category at a bake-off event at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, California on August 2nd.

We’re rooting for him! Miller Butler is currently fundraising for a vitally needed van to pull their custom wood-burning pizza oven designed and built by Jillana’s Father. It’s a real Family affair.

Pizzaiolo Ahmad Butler is our guest with pizza peel at the ready.

The post Show 535, July 22, 2023: Miller Butler, San Pedro – Pizzaiola Ahmad is a Finalist in the Real California Pizza Contest appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as dozens of local restaurants and pop-ups will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 3rd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns July 23-30, 2023. Organized by local non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, the organization felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy. It’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?

One of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Burger Week is Long Beach Tap House in Belmont Shore opened in 2019 with a dog-friendly patio. Known by the locals for elevated comfort food (with a real chef in the kitchen) along with 30 plus craft beers on tap, wine on tap and wine by the bottle.

They are serious about their range of mighty Burgers for Burger Week. Outrageous fries, too. The Belmont Animal “Smash” Burger is a classic “smash” burger double patty with grilled onion, American Cheese, red onion, pickles and house-made secret sauce. Also on the Burger Week menu are the Bacon & Bleu Burger and the Truffle Mac-n-Cheese Burger. (Dog menu available for your canine friends on the patio during Burger Week.)

Partner and Chef Brandon Forsberg joins us with a Belmont Animal “Smash” Burger in hand.

The post Show 535, July 22, 2023: Preview of Long Beach Burger Week with Chef Brandon Forsberg, Long Beach Tap House appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.