SoCal Restaurant Show

“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.”

“As the founders of the celebrated Old Pasadena restaurant and cheese shop, the Tilaka Kalbs have earned critical praise and a devoted following for their elevated Californian comfort food rooted in classic American regional cooking, guided by a seasonal, farm-to-table philosophy and a deep commitment to sourcing from the region’s best farmers, makers, and producers. Celebrated for their mastery of cheese, polished technique, and exceptional hospitality, Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb bring a level of culinary excellence and leadership that makes them a natural and exciting choice to host the eighth 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.”

“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.”

Mr. Pizza 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. – 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.” Free parking included with admission.

“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.”

“This year’s confirmed beverage partners include industry leaders such as Patrón Tequila, Grey Goose, Ilegal Mezcal, Jack Daniel’s, Ford’s Gin, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Lalo Tequila.”

“This year’s Taste of Irvine will welcome a standout lineup of restaurants including: Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar, Puesto, Fogo De Chao, Il Fornaio, Warehouse 72, The Goldfinch, Lazy Dog, Postino, Puesto and many more—creating an unforgettable evening that showcased the culinary creativity of Irvine’s thriving dining scene.”

“Taste of Irvine truly is a community celebration. This event will bring together restaurants, beverage brands, and foodies from across Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles for an evening that will highlight the city’s culinary diversity and hospitality spirit. Attendees can expect unlimited bites and sips, engaging brand activations, live music, and exciting giveaways throughout the night.”

Organizer Leslie Nguyen joins us with all the mouthwatering details.

“Las Vegas’ celebrated chef-driven food festival, “Vegas Unstripped” returns 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 Producer Eric Gladstone joins us to unwrap all the specifics.

“This is the most exciting line up of chefs and bar stars yet,” says Gladstone. “We are truly excited to show Las Vegas the cutting edge of our culinary scene all in one place!”

“Created by Eric Gladstone and Chef James Trees in 2018 as a reaction to the Strip-focused Vegas Uncork’d event (now defunct), Vegas Unstripped initially only invited chefs working off-Strip but now welcomes Vegas chefs regardless of where they cook, offering open submissions. All necessary expenses of the independent chef/restaurateur are covered by event revenue to the extent possible, with net proceeds going to underserved local charities. To date, VU has donated nearly $70,000.”

“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.”

We now chat with Chef and Restaurateur 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.

Chef James takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

“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.”

Truly Pizza in Dana Point (and very 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 and trading the opening staff in Laguna Beach to join us.

There is a new Food Pyramid out from the US Department of Agriculture & The Department of Health and Human Services. Chef Andrew continues unwrapping 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?

Manchester Farms Quail of Columbia, South Carolina is a discovery from the Natural Products Expo West last month in Anaheim. “Committed to humane, sustainable farming, Manchester Farms provides premium quail meat and quail eggs to chefs, retailers, and home cooks nationwide. Quail meat has more protein per gram than chicken & turkey. Quail eggs have 3 to 4 times the nutritional value of a chicken egg and up to 5 times more iron and potassium. Founded in 1974 by Bill Odom and now owned by his daughter, Brittney Miller, Manchester Farms is America’s oldest and largest quail farm. What began as a small backyard operation has grown into a multi-generation, woman-owned family business producing over 80,000 Pharaoh quail per week.” Brittney Miller joins us with a Quail egg shooter at the ready.

“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.” One of the Beverage Masters supporting the Benefit is Boomtown Brewery. Representing them with us is Ben Turkel. “Since its inception, Boomtown Brewery has proudly represented Los Angeles, creating unfiltered, full-flavored craft beers with integrity. As a fixture in the DTLA Arts District for over a decade, Boomtown is more than just a brewery—it’s a community hub for artists, makers, and beer lovers to connect and celebrate the creative spirit of the city.”

“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.” One of the Beverage Masters supporting the Benefit is Boomtown Brewery. Representing them with us is Ben Turkel. “Since its inception, Boomtown Brewery has proudly represented Los Angeles, creating unfiltered, full-flavored craft beers with integrity. As a fixture in the DTLA Arts District for over a decade, Boomtown is more than just a brewery—it’s a community hub for artists, makers, and beer lovers to connect and celebrate the creative spirit of the city.”

One of the other Beverage Masters supporting the Masters of Taste Benefit at The Rose Bowl on Sunday, April 19th is Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Company. Paul joins us to pull the cork on all that is Warson Wine.

Chef Andrew has the day off as he’s participating in a holiday Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day with a Celebrity Dump Tank affair for charity this morning. He’s back with us next week on April 11th. Executive Producer Andy Harris is just back from a week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He’ll share some brief highlights including The Milwaukee Art Museum and the surprising Harley-Davidson Museum.

Manchester Farms Quail of Columbia, South Carolina is a discovery from the Natural Products Expo West last month in Anaheim. “Committed to humane, sustainable farming, Manchester Farms provides premium quail meat and quail eggs to chefs, retailers, and home cooks nationwide. Quail meat has more protein per gram than chicken & turkey. Quail eggs have 3 to 4 times the nutritional value of a chicken egg and up to 5 times more iron and potassium. Founded in 1974 by Bill Odom and now owned by his daughter, Brittney Miller, Manchester Farms is America’s oldest and largest quail farm. What began as a small backyard operation has grown into a multi-generation, woman-owned family business producing over 80,000 Pharaoh quail per week.” Brittney Miller joins us with a Quail egg shooter at the ready.

“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.” One of the Beverage Masters supporting the Benefit is Boomtown Brewery. Representing them with us is Ben Turkel. “Since its inception, Boomtown Brewery has proudly represented Los Angeles, creating unfiltered, full-flavored craft beers with integrity. As a fixture in the DTLA Arts District for over a decade, Boomtown is more than just a brewery—it’s a community hub for artists, makers, and beer lovers to connect and celebrate the creative spirit of the city.”

One of the other Beverage Masters supporting the Masters of Taste Benefit at The Rose Bowl on Sunday, April 19th is Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Company. Paul joins us to pull the cork on all that is Warson Wine.

Chef Andrew has the day off as he’s participating in a holiday Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day with a Celebrity Dump Tank affair for charity this morning. He’s back with us next week on April 11th. Executive Producer Andy Harris is just back from a week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He’ll share some brief highlights including The Milwaukee Art Museum and the surprising Harley-Davidson Museum.

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