SoCal Restaurant Show

“The success of Pizza City Fest proves that Los Angeles is in fact a Pizza City. For its fourth consecutive year, the two-day pizza-focused celebration will be held atop the Event Deck at L.A. LIVE on April 25th to 26th and spotlight the best pizzerias in Los Angeles and beyond.”

“Founded in 2022 by three-time Emmy and 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter, Steve Dolinsky, Pizza City Fest continues to delight and unite pizza lovers with events in three major U.S. cities including Dolinsky’s native Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles.”

“We’re so excited to be returning to L.A. for our fourth annual event. The pizza scene in SoCal is as robust as ever,” said Dolinsky. “We’ve added nearly a dozen new options this year covering multiple styles. From Santa Barbara to the Inland Empire and down to San Diego, we’re saving pizza fans from spending hours in their cars to try the best pizzas. Since everything is baked fresh on-site, the taste and experience is just like eating in the pizzeria.”

Dolinsky is also the author of two acclaimed pizza books including Pizza City USA.

Mr. Pizza himself, Steve Dolinsky, joins us with a Chicago Tavern-style slice in hand.

“Melissa's World Variety Produce, Inc. has been delivering the global market since 1984 and is currently the largest distributor of specialty produce in the United States. They are proud to operate out of a 330,000 square foot facility located in Los Angeles, outfitted with conventional and organic fresh fruits and vegetables, value-added goods, and a state-of-the-art CCOF/SQF certified organic packing facility.” “Melissa’s is privileged to be consumers’ go-to provider for all things fresh fruits and veggies. From origin stories to health benefits, from simple storage tips and tasty recipes to everything in between, they have your health and taste buds top of mind.” “Melissa's food service division garners relationships with an exclusive community of talented chefs and supports their needs by providing unmatched quality and service. When you’re cheering in the stands or dining at sports venues across the country, Melissa’s is with you, elevating the culinary offerings and experience for fans.”

“Melissa's began strictly as a source of specialty produce, selling to retailers in the Southern California region. Sharon and Joe Hernandez founded the business in 1984 with a decade of produce industry experience in a small, rented produce warehouse lunchroom. The original office had just three telephones and four chairs — no one could have guessed that, within a few short years, the company would scale and grow to what it is today.”

Melissa’s Corporate Chef, Angel Flores, joins us to preview what Melissa’s tasty bite they are serving at their Pizza City Fest station. Think sweet & refreshing Ojai Pixie Tangerines.

“Riip Beer Company, emerging in 2014 from Sunset Beach, California, was the vision of two brothers-in-laws with a profound love for craft beer. Their journey began modestly with a 20-gallon home brewing setup but quickly escalated to iconic status within the craft beer realm. Faced with early financial challenges, they ingeniously utilized a 1931 Helms Bakery coach to distribute their unique brews, rapidly building a formidable reputation. Their success was magnified by an array of accolades from the Great American Beer Festival & various other prestigious competitions, catalyzing significant growth and collaborations.”

“Riip is more than just a brand; it encapsulates a lifestyle of excitement and passion, resonating through expressions like "stoke" and "rad." This ethos, deeply ingrained in every aspect of Riip, from their beers to their community, transcends mere branding, offering an immersive, life-affirming experience.”

“Riip Beer and Pizzeria South HB, known for award-winning beer and quality comfort food, is located on the corner of Magnolia and Garfield in the Home Depot parking lot, occupying the historic site of the iconic Fitzgerald's Irish Pub, a beloved dive bar that served Huntington Beach for 40 years. This storied venue, with its "if these walls could talk" charm, invites you to step back into the 90s when pizza parlors were the go-to family spot. This family-friendly pizzeria features award-winning handcrafted beers, delicious food, a variety of wines, and a small arcade.”

“The walls, lined with old oak wood, add a touch of nostalgia and a gritty warmth, creating a unique, casual, and relaxed atmosphere. Come experience the cozy, welcoming vibe that makes Riip Beer & Pizzeria South HB the perfect place to unwind and enjoy great food and drinks.”

Riip’s culinary veteran, Tyler Caran, Riip’s Executive Chef and General Manager, joins us.

Truly Pizza in Dana Point (and now just debuted in Laguna Beach) is one of the acclaimed pizzerias participating in Pizza City Fest L.A. “It’s a fellowship of sharing pizza – the world’s greatest communal food. Created by Las Vegas Hospitality Veteran Donna Baldwin, Steve Muller of The Muller Company and world renowned Pizzaiolo Champions Chris Decker, John Arena and Michael Vakneen, Truly Pizza is an artful union of like-minded friends combining diverse talents, like complimentary ingredients on a great pizza.”

“Truly Pizza’s menu showcases whole pies and pizzas by the slice including crispy-airy wood fired and 5-day rise steel pan Sicilian, salads, panini, charcuterie and cheese plates, premium soft-serve desserts, and regional craft beers and wines at approachable price points.”

Pizzaiolo & Kitchen Manager Sergio Balderas, a previous award-winner at the International Pizza Expo, takes a break from firing up the pizza oven to join us.

Bub & Grandma’s Pizza in Highland Park is the sister establishment to the ever-popular Bub & Grandma’s Restaurant and Bub & Grandma’s bakery known for truly outstanding artisan bread.

It’s pizza by the slice and whole pie, salads and sandwiches crafted with their artisan bread. Think Artichoke Pie with spinach, artichoke vegan cream, mozzarella, kale, artichoke hearts, breadcrumbs and lemon. Also the Mortadella Sandwich with house-made focaccia, mortadella, whipped ricotta, basil pesto and pistachio.

Taking a break from the pizza oven to join us is Executive Chef Jeff Whittaker.

The Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) is the original charitable beneficiary of Pizza City Fest L.A.

“Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.”

“C-CAP serves communities across Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.”

“C-CAP’s methodology works, and to date has uplifted close to 400,000 students and awarded $73 million in college scholarships. Many of their alumni are enjoying successful careers at award-winning restaurants and 5-star hotels around the globe.”

Representing C-CAP today is Ruby Propst, the Los Angeles Program Director.

The Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) is the original charitable beneficiary of Pizza City Fest L.A.

“Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.”

“C-CAP serves communities across Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.”

Representing C-CAP today is Ruby Propst, the Los Angeles Program Director who continues with us.

“Las Vegas’ celebrated chef-driven food festival, “Vegas Unstripped,” will return to the Palms Casino Resort pool deck on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Produced by The Feast of Friends, the annual event brings together many of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed and inventive chefs and bartenders for a one-night-only culinary showcase. Each participant debuts an original dish or cocktail created exclusively for the evening, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the city’s diverse culinary talent in a single, immersive setting.” Participating chef, Johnny Church of Johnny C’s Catering and a Food Network “Chopped” Champion, joins us to unwrap all the specifics.

“Masters of Taste, Los Angeles’ premier outdoor luxury food and beverage festival, returns for its eagerly anticipated eighth annual event, taking place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 3 to 7:00 p.m. once again on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization providing over 50 years of homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors.” John Sungkamee the Founder and Owner of Emporium Thai (Westwood) and the newly opened Emporium Thai Market (Sawtelle) is our guest to preview his participation in Masters of Taste.

“This past week Ment’or (Manhattan-based) orchestrated the 2026 Young Chef and Commis Competitions on April 16, 2026, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, presented by The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Designed to cultivate the next generation of great American chefs, these competitions offer meaningful professional opportunities for young cooks and provide unparalleled exposure to some of the country’s most respected culinary figures. Influencing and inspiring the next generation is core to the mission of Ment’or, which was founded by renowned chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jérôme Bocuse.” Ment’or’s long-time Executive Director, Young Yun, joins us with the recap.

“This past week Ment’or (Manhattan-based) orchestrated the 2026 Young Chef and Commis Competitions on April 16, 2026, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, presented by The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Designed to cultivate the next generation of great American chefs, these competitions offer meaningful professional opportunities for young cooks and provide unparalleled exposure to some of the country’s most respected culinary figures. Influencing and inspiring the next generation is core to the mission of Ment’or, which was founded by renowned chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jérôme Bocuse.” Ment’or’s long-time Executive Director, Young Yun, joins us with the recap.

“The success of Pizza City Fest proves that Los Angeles is in fact a Pizza City. For its fourth consecutive year, the two-day pizza-focused celebration will be held atop the Event Deck at L.A. LIVE on April 25th to 26th and spotlight the best pizzerias in Los Angeles and beyond. Pizza City Fest highlights the area’s vast pizza landscape and the diverse talents of the region’s top pizza makers. Aficionados and casual pizza fans alike will have the exclusive opportunity to taste unlimited offerings from 20 premier artisans, plus a pair of dessert options, each day. The pizzerias will be serving up a variety of toppings, sauces and pizza styles including: Neapolitan, Chicago Tavern-style, New York-style, Artisan, Grandma Pie, Detroit-style, New Haven Apizza, L.A.-style and more.” Old Gold Tomato Pies which started as a modest roving pop-up and now has a busy storefront in Los Feliz is one of the Saturday participants. We’ll meet pizzaiolo Chef Jeffrey Vance.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. There is a new Food Pyramid out from the US Department of Agriculture & The Department of Health and Human Services. Chef Andrew further unwraps the complexity for us (with what we really need to know) and also provides the historical perspective. What does it all mean for how we should be eating? (Continued from last week.)

“Las Vegas’ celebrated chef-driven food festival, “Vegas Unstripped,” will return to the Palms Casino Resort pool deck on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Produced by The Feast of Friends, the annual event brings together many of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed and inventive chefs and bartenders for a one-night-only culinary showcase. Each participant debuts an original dish or cocktail created exclusively for the evening, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the city’s diverse culinary talent in a single, immersive setting.” Participating chef, Johnny Church of Johnny C’s Catering and a Food Network “Chopped” Champion, joins us to unwrap all the specifics.

“Masters of Taste, Los Angeles’ premier outdoor luxury food and beverage festival, returns for its eagerly anticipated eighth annual event, taking place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 3 to 7:00 p.m. once again on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization providing over 50 years of homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors.” John Sungkamee the Founder and Owner of Emporium Thai (Westwood) and the newly opened Emporium Thai Market (Sawtelle) is our guest to preview his participation in Masters of Taste.

“This past week Ment’or (Manhattan-based) orchestrated the 2026 Young Chef and Commis Competitions on April 16, 2026, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, presented by The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Designed to cultivate the next generation of great American chefs, these competitions offer meaningful professional opportunities for young cooks and provide unparalleled exposure to some of the country’s most respected culinary figures. Influencing and inspiring the next generation is core to the mission of Ment’or, which was founded by renowned chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jérôme Bocuse.” Ment’or’s long-time Executive Director, Young Yun, joins us with the recap.

“The success of Pizza City Fest proves that Los Angeles is in fact a Pizza City. For its fourth consecutive year, the two-day pizza-focused celebration will be held atop the Event Deck at L.A. LIVE on April 25th to 26th and spotlight the best pizzerias in Los Angeles and beyond. Pizza City Fest highlights the area’s vast pizza landscape and the diverse talents of the region’s top pizza makers. Aficionados and casual pizza fans alike will have the exclusive opportunity to taste unlimited offerings from 20 premier artisans, plus a pair of dessert options, each day. The pizzerias will be serving up a variety of toppings, sauces and pizza styles including: Neapolitan, Chicago Tavern-style, New York-style, Artisan, Grandma Pie, Detroit-style, New Haven Apizza, L.A.-style and more.” Old Gold Tomato Pies which started as a modest roving pop-up and now has a busy storefront in Los Feliz is one of the Saturday participants. We’ll meet pizzaiolo Chef Jeffrey Vance.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. There is a new Food Pyramid out from the US Department of Agriculture & The Department of Health and Human Services. Chef Andrew further unwraps the complexity for us (with what we really need to know) and also provides the historical perspective. What does it all mean for how we should be eating? (Continued from last week.)

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