SoCal Restaurant Show

“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 previous “Chopped” Champion from Food Network, joins us to unwrap all the specifics.

“As a celebrated private chef and luxury caterer, Chef Johnny specializes in VIP private dining, high-profile events, and custom culinary experiences. From intimate fine-dining affairs paired with Louis XIII cognac to large-scale festival catering, his bold creativity, commitment to quality, and use of locally sourced ingredients set him apart.”

“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 is our guest to further preview his participation in Masters of Taste.

“Emporium Thai Market is a lively modern Thai house on Los Angeles’ iconic Sawtelle Boulevard, where Southern Thai heritage meets contemporary culinary vision, striking design, and an elevated full-bar experience. Founded by John and Jane Sungkamee, the husband-and-wife team behind the ever popular Emporium Thai in Westwood, the new concept builds upon more than 25 years of cultural stewardship and culinary excellence.”

“First opened in 2000, Emporium Thai has become one of Los Angeles’ most respected Thai institutions. Emporium Thai Market has now reimagined that legacy for today’s dynamic dining culture, rooted in authenticity, driven by technique, and designed for discovery.”

This past week the non-profit 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.”

“The day culminated with “Celebrating 18 Years of Ment’or,” an exclusive anniversary event hosted by The Venetian Resort Las Vegas at Chef Thomas Keller’s acclaimed restaurant, Bouchon. The ticketed evening celebration transformed the beloved restaurant and its terrace into a lively gathering for chefs, competitors and guests, featuring chef-curated walk-around stations, music, and exclusive access to the Bouchon kitchen. Attendees celebrated alongside some of the culinary world’s most respected figures, including Thomas Keller, Jérôme Bocuse, Gavin Kaysen, Paul Bartolotta and Timothy Hollingsworth.”

Ment’or’s Executive Director, Young Yun joins us with the recap.

This past week the non-profit 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.”

“This year’s competition featured seven Young Chef candidates and five Commis candidates. In the Young Chef Competitions, candidates 28 years of age and younger select an assistant to train and compete alongside them. Young Chefs had 2 hours and 30 minutes to cook and plate a unique dish.”

“The Commis Competition showcased cooks 21 years of age and younger. Each Commis had 90 minutes to showcase his or her technical skill and execution.”

“Each competitor created an original recipe featuring a signature protein from Snake River Farms. Judges evaluated each team's/candidate's preparation of the selected protein, along with excellence in overall taste, presentation and kitchen organization.”

Ment’or’s Executive Director, Young Yun, stays with us continuing the captivating recap of this prestigious culinary event.

“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. 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.”

Old Gold Tomato Pies (Sicilian square pies) which started as a roving, cult-favorite pop-up and now has a busy storefront in Los Feliz is one of the Saturday participants. We’ll meet pizzaiolo Chef Jeffrey Vance.

“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 (Sicilian square pies) which started as a roving, cult-favorite pop-up and now has a busy storefront in Los Feliz is one of the Saturday participants. Pizzaiolo Chef Jeffrey Vance continues as our guest.

“Old Gold Tomato Pies is Los Feliz’s Sicilian-style slice shop, your spot for a hot slice, a big pie, or catering when you need to feed a small army. Chef Jeff cooks with the same top-shelf ingredients the “serious” LA restaurants brag about. Fortunately they just don’t take themselves that seriously. Old Gold loves this city, they love good food, and are here to make people happy with bread, tomatoes, and cheese.”

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? This segment talks about fruits, veggies and whole grains as part of the suggested diet. (Continued from last week.)

“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.” Masters of Taste’s 2026 Host Chefs are the acclaimed husband-and-wife team of Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, widely recognized for their refined, ingredient-driven approach and their impact on Pasadena’s modern dining scene. Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa join us unwrapping all that is the 8th Annual Masters of Taste.

“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. 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.” Mr. Pizza City Fest himself, Steve Dolinsky, joins us with a Tavern-style slice in hand.

“The eagerly anticipated Taste of Irvine returns on Thursday, April 16, 2026, bringing together the city’s vibrant culinary scene for a night of food, drinks, music, and community. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Park at LAKESHORE, offering guests an immersive evening of unlimited tastings from some of Irvine’s most beloved restaurants and beverage brands. Presented by Daily Dose Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar, and Baba G Mediterranean, Taste of Irvine continues its mission of celebrating the diverse culinary talent that defines the city. This open-air event will feature unlimited food tastings, curated cocktail samples, craft beer, wine, live music, giveaways, cash bar and more.” Organizer Leslie Nguyen joins us with all the salivating details.

“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.” Co-creator and organizer, Eric Gladstone, joins us to unwrap all the specifics.

Thereafter we chat with Chef and Restaurateur (and Vegas native) James Trees of the Timeless Hospitality Portfolio, the Co-founder of Vegas Unstripped and a past James Beard Award nominee. His newest properties include High Steaks atop The Rio Hotel and Bar Boheme in the Downtown Arts District.

“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.” Truly Pizza in Dana Point (and soon 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.” Chefs Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen take a break from kneading the dough in preparation for their Laguna Breach opening to join us.

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 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?

“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.” Masters of Taste’s 2026 Host Chefs are the acclaimed husband-and-wife team of Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, widely recognized for their refined, ingredient-driven approach and their impact on Pasadena’s modern dining scene. Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa join us unwrapping all that is the 8th Annual Masters of Taste.

“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. 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.” Mr. Pizza City Fest himself, Steve Dolinsky, joins us with a Tavern-style slice in hand.

“The eagerly anticipated Taste of Irvine returns on Thursday, April 16, 2026, bringing together the city’s vibrant culinary scene for a night of food, drinks, music, and community. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Park at LAKESHORE, offering guests an immersive evening of unlimited tastings from some of Irvine’s most beloved restaurants and beverage brands. Presented by Daily Dose Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar, and Baba G Mediterranean, Taste of Irvine continues its mission of celebrating the diverse culinary talent that defines the city. This open-air event will feature unlimited food tastings, curated cocktail samples, craft beer, wine, live music, giveaways, cash bar and more.” Organizer Leslie Nguyen joins us with all the salivating details.

“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.” Co-creator and organizer, Eric Gladstone, joins us to unwrap all the specifics.

Thereafter we chat with Chef and Restaurateur (and Vegas native) James Trees of the Timeless Hospitality Portfolio, the Co-founder of Vegas Unstripped and a past James Beard Award nominee. His newest properties include High Steaks atop The Rio Hotel and Bar Boheme in the Downtown Arts District.

“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.” Truly Pizza in Dana Point (and soon 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.” Chefs Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen take a break from kneading the dough in preparation for their Laguna Breach opening to join us.

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 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? (Rescheduled from last week.)

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