SoCal Restaurant Show

“The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum in Milwaukee is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to bobbleheads, offering a fun and unique experience for visitors of all ages. With an impressive collection of over 10,000 bobbleheads, the museum showcases a wide range of figures, from sports stars to iconic characters from movies, TV shows, pop culture, politics, and beyond. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a pop-culture aficionado, there’s something to delight everyone.” Co-Founder and CEO Phil Sklar is our knowledgeable guide to the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame.

“Freese's Candy Shoppe is a nearly century-old Wisconsin business that brings their candy-making tradition to the Milwaukee Public Market!” We’ll meet chocolatier Wendy Matel.

“Usinger's Famous Sausage, a cherished culinary landmark in Milwaukee, stands as a testament to the art of traditional sausage making, offering an unparalleled selection of over 75 varieties that have earned them the esteemed recognition of producing America's finest sausages. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every product, crafted using time-honored recipes and premium ingredients.” Representing the 4th generation of proud Usinger family ownership is our guest, Fritz Usinger.

Joshua Albrecht is the Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Milwaukee. We’ll meet him.

“Sprecher Brewery is an independent craft brewing company founded in 1985 by Randal Sprecher as Milwaukee's first post-Prohibition brewery and a pioneer in modern craft brewing. Originally focused on European-style beers, Sprecher Brewery has grown into a nationally recognized producer of craft soda and premium beverages, all made using its signature fire brewing process for richer, more developed flavor.” Our guest is Victor Petrone, Chief Growth Officer for Sprecher Brewing Co.

We’re celebrating the 14th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA Radio. Thanks to our large and loyal audience of enthusiastic foodies over the years for tuning-in consistently every Saturday morning. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

Incredible thanks to Melissa’s World Variety Produce for being the show’s loyal “Presenting Sponsor” since the debut show 14 years ago! Their continuing support has kept us on the air and allowed us to support the hard-working hospitality industry (and California wineries) during very challenging times!

We’re live from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Producer Andy is here as the Co-Chair and Culinary Advisor of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association’s (IFWTWA) 2026 Milwaukee Member Conference. There is a lot to love in Milwaukee including craft beer, brats, cheese curds and frozen custard. We’re highlighting the Milwaukee food scene along with some of their proprietary gourmet specialty food products. Next year Milwaukee will be included in the prestigious, inaugural Michelin Guide to the Great Lakes.

Thanks to Good Karma Sports Milwaukee for the use of their facilities and accommodating support staff at the 3rd Street Market Hall.

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

Joshua Albrecht is the Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Milwaukee. He continues with us.

Josh previews the new Milwaukee Brew City Trail where “Good Times Are on Tap.” “Follow the Brew City Trail through the breweries, beer gardens, and neighborhoods that keep Milwaukee’s brewing story flowing. Every stop pours a little more flavor into the experience.” Milwaukee is affectionately known as “Brew City” after all.

What makes working at VISIT Milwaukee special?

“Getting to tell the great stories of our community to the world through fun and engaging media. I love to amplify the good news that so many of our community partners have to share.” Joshua Albrecht

What do you consider a "can't miss" Milwaukee experience?

“Everything about Milwaukee is "can't miss" but a perfect day might be grabbing a coffee from a local roaster like Anodyne Coffee, before heading over to the Milwaukee Public Museum. Once you work up an appetite, walk over to 3rd Street Market Hall and take your pick of some amazing food vendors. Then, zip over to the lakefront for beaches, boats and beer gardens. Happy hour at Central Standard Distillery, dinner at the Calderone Club and catch a show in the Theater District in the heart of downtown Milwaukee.” Joshua Albrecht

Joshua Albrecht is the Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Milwaukee. He continues with us.

Josh previews the new Milwaukee Brew City Trail where “Good Times Are on Tap.” “Follow the Brew City Trail through the breweries, beer gardens, and neighborhoods that keep Milwaukee’s brewing story flowing. Every stop pours a little more flavor into the experience.” Milwaukee is affectionately known as “Brew City” after all.

What makes working at VISIT Milwaukee special?

“Getting to tell the great stories of our community to the world through fun and engaging media. I love to amplify the good news that so many of our community partners have to share.” Joshua Albrecht

What do you consider a "can't miss" Milwaukee experience?

“Everything about Milwaukee is "can't miss" but a perfect day might be grabbing a coffee from a local roaster like Anodyne Coffee, before heading over to the Milwaukee Public Museum. Once you work up an appetite, walk over to 3rd Street Market Hall and take your pick of some amazing food vendors. Then, zip over to the lakefront for beaches, boats and beer gardens. Happy hour at Central Standard Distillery, dinner at the Calderone Club and catch a show in the Theater District in the heart of downtown Milwaukee.” Joshua Albrecht.

“Sprecher Brewery is an independent craft brewing company founded in 1985 by Randal Sprecher as Milwaukee's first post-Prohibition brewery and a pioneer in modern craft brewing. Originally focused on European-style beers, Sprecher Brewery has grown into a nationally recognized producer of craft soda and premium beverages, all made using its signature fire brewing process for richer, more developed flavor.”

“Made with Sprecher’s signature fire-brewing method, each small batch is slowly crafted over an open flame to develop deeper caramelization and bold, distinctive flavor. Rooted in Old World brewing tradition, decades of expertise, refined processes, and rigorous quality control ensure consistency and exceptional flavor in every batch.”

“Available nationwide, Sprecher products are stocked in a growing network of retailers across all 50 states, making it easier than ever to find your favorite flavors.”

“Sprecher beers and signature craft sodas are brewed, bottled, and prepared for nationwide distribution at their facility in Glendale, Wisconsin. Since moving to this location in 1994, the brewery has served as the central hub for production, bringing together the brewhouse, fermentation, bottling, and warehouse operations under one roof.”

Our guest is Victor Petrone, Chief Growth Officer for Sprecher Brewing Co.

“The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum in Milwaukee is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to bobbleheads, offering a fun and unique experience for visitors of all ages. With an impressive collection of over 10,000 bobbleheads, the museum showcases a wide range of figures, from sports stars to iconic characters from movies, TV shows, pop culture, politics, and beyond. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a pop-culture aficionado, there’s something to delight everyone.”

“The museum not only celebrates the playful and quirky nature of bobbleheads but also highlights their role in American history and culture. A must-visit for families, collectors, and anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted experience, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the world of these beloved figurines. It’s a place where nostalgia, entertainment, and culture collide, making it a perfect destination for a memorable outing.”

Co-Founder and CEO Phil Sklar is our knowledgeable guide to the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame.

“Freese's Candy Shoppe is a nearly century-old Wisconsin business that brings their candy-making tradition to the Milwaukee Public Market!”

“Freese's Candy Shoppe, owned and operated by Wendy and Mike Matel along with their three children, continues the family candy-making tradition started by Otto Freese in 1928. Known for their signature treats like Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Fairy Food, and Heavenly Roasted Nuts, Freese’s has become a beloved local favorite.”

“In addition to their delightful selection of handmade chocolates, candy, and roasted nuts, Freese's also offers Wisconsin-made Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream by the scoop and Milwaukee Sprecher root beer on tap.”

‍Freese's Candy Shoppe is located across from C. Adam's Bakery and next to Thief Wine inside the Milwaukee Public Market.

We’ll meet chocolatier Wendy Matel.

“Usinger's Famous Sausage, a cherished culinary landmark in Milwaukee, stands as a testament to the art of traditional sausage making, offering an unparalleled selection of over 75 varieties that have earned them the esteemed recognition of producing America's finest sausages. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every product, crafted using time-honored recipes and premium ingredients.”

“Customers can effortlessly access this exceptional range of sausages through their user-friendly online platform or by placing orders via phone, ensuring that their culinary delights are readily available to a broad audience. The company's charming, turn-of-the-century store, a local treasure, provides a unique and immersive shopping experience, transporting visitors to a bygone era while they explore the rich aromas and textures of their extensive offerings. Usinger's is particularly renowned for its delectable brats, a local favorite, crafted with a perfect balance of spices and textures, and its old-world ham, meticulously cured and smoked to achieve a depth of flavor that reflects generations of expertise.”

“Moreover, their thoughtfully curated gift boxes offer a delightful way to share the authentic flavors of Usinger's with friends, family, and colleagues, making them ideal for any celebration or occasion. Usinger's unwavering dedication to quality, tradition, and exceptional customer service has cemented their status as a beloved destination for sausage connoisseurs, both within Milwaukee and across the nation, representing a true taste of culinary heritage.”

Representing the 4th generation of proud Usinger family ownership is our guest, Fritz Usinger.

“Usinger's Famous Sausage, a cherished culinary landmark in Milwaukee, stands as a testament to the art of traditional sausage making, offering an unparalleled selection of over 75 varieties that have earned them the esteemed recognition of producing America's finest sausages. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every product, crafted using time-honored recipes and premium ingredients.”

“Customers can effortlessly access this exceptional range of sausages through their user-friendly online platform or by placing orders via phone, ensuring that their culinary delights are readily available to a broad audience. The company's charming, turn-of-the-century store, a local treasure, provides a unique and immersive shopping experience, transporting visitors to a bygone era while they explore the rich aromas and textures of their extensive offerings. Usinger's is particularly renowned for its delectable brats, a local favorite, crafted with a perfect balance of spices and textures, and its old-world ham, meticulously cured and smoked to achieve a depth of flavor that reflects generations of expertise.”

“Moreover, their thoughtfully curated gift boxes offer a delightful way to share the authentic flavors of Usinger's with friends, family, and colleagues, making them ideal for any celebration or occasion. Usinger's unwavering dedication to quality, tradition, and exceptional customer service has cemented their status as a beloved destination for sausage connoisseurs, both within Milwaukee and across the nation, representing a true taste of culinary heritage.”

With the Olympics returning to Los Angeles in 2028 an intriguing culinary footnote is that as a result of a wide-reaching taste test, Usinger’s Beef Hot Dogs (Certified Angus Beef) become the official frank served at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The initial order was gobbled up in the 1st couple of days!

Staying with us representing the 4th generation of proud Usinger family ownership is our guest, Fritz Usinger.