SoCal Restaurant Show

“Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto (Press Restaurant, Napa Valley) alongside Commis Tyler Higson, have been selected to represent the United States as the official Team USA candidate for the 2027 Bocuse d’Or. The unveiling of Team USA 2027 took place at a commemorative ceremony on January 25th at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia.”

“This special event highlighted two decades of Team USA Head Chefs from 2007 to 2025 to showcase the mark they have each made in America’s culinary history. Reflecting on the impact these chefs have made, Ment’or President Chef Thomas Keller shared “Ment’or was built on a promise to honor Chef Paul Bocuse’s vision and to develop a way for American chefs to succeed at the highest level. With each new team, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before, and we look forward to continuing this work together.””

“Chef Loseto and Commis Higson will begin an intensive period of preparation this Spring for the 2026 Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection in New Orleans, the qualifying round that determines the finalists for the 2027 Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, France.”

“This opportunity represents both an honor and a responsibility,” said Chef Loseto. “To be entrusted with representing the United States and carrying forward the legacy of Team USA is deeply meaningful. I am grateful to Ment’or for their belief and support, and I look forward to the work ahead.

Chef Vincenzo Loseto is our guest.

“Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto (Press Restaurant, Napa Valley) alongside Commis Tyler Higson, have been selected to represent the United States as the official Team USA candidate for the 2027 Bocuse d’Or. The unveiling of Team USA 2027 took place at a commemorative ceremony on January 25th at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia.”

“Vincenzo grew up in Massapequa, New York, spending much of his time on the water and in the kitchen, inspired by his Italian family and his nonna’s cooking. When his older brother began working at a local butcher shop, Vincenzo followed, sparking an early passion for butchery and cooking.”

“Upon graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Vincenzo joined The NoMad in New York City as a sous chef, where he spent almost four years and helped open the restaurant’s first European outpost in London. During this time, he became involved with Ment’or and went on to win the 2016 Ment’or Young Chef Competition. He later served as an assistant for Team USA at the 2017 Bocuse d’Or under Chef Mathew Peters, contributing to the country’s first-ever gold medal victory. “

“Vincenzo continued his career at Three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park under Chef Daniel Humm, where he was part of the restaurant’s transition to a fully plant-based menu. Drawn to Napa Valley’s seasons, produce, and the opportunity to work alongside Chef Philip Tessier, he stepped into the Chef de Cuisine role at Press Restaurant. Now as the Head Chef for Team USA, Vincenzo is looking forward to and focused on training as he progresses on the Road to Lyon for the Bocuse d’Or in January 2027.”

Chef Vincenzo Loseto continues as our guest.

“Intentionally located along the Slauson Corridor in Historic View Park-Windsor Hills, Somerville (an upscale contemporary restaurant and supper club) is an ode to the past, a toast to the present, and celebration of the progress in between. Sommerville is progressive American dining experience that highlights contemporary cuisine while honoring the rich roots of South Central Los Angeles. Each dish captures the bold and savory essence of California, blending traditional influences with modern techniques to elevate every bite.”

“Designed as an inviting space for locals, travelers, and culinary enthusiasts alike, Somerville cultivates community in a timeless setting, featuring a thoughtfully curated wine selection, skillfully crafted cocktails, and live entertainment -- creating the perfect backdrop for conversation and connection.”

Think piping-hot, house-baked Parker House Rolls with truffle butter and Collard Green Lasagna with braised collard greens, bechamel, ricotta, sun dried tomatoes, parmesan and Gruyere.

Chef Geter Atienza, the menu maker, takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Intentionally located along the Slauson Corridor in Historic View Park-Windsor Hills, Somerville (an upscale contemporary restaurant and supper club) is an ode to the past, a toast to the present, and celebration of the progress in between. Sommerville is progressive American dining experience that highlights contemporary cuisine while honoring the rich roots of South Central Los Angeles. Each dish captures the bold and savory essence of California, blending traditional influences with modern techniques to elevate every bite.”

“Designed as an inviting space for locals, travelers, and culinary enthusiasts alike, Somerville cultivates community in a timeless setting, featuring a thoughtfully curated wine selection, skillfully crafted cocktails, and live entertainment -- creating the perfect backdrop for conversation and connection.” Think Fried Chicken & Caviar Sliders and Sunday Brunch.

“Chef Geter Atienza at Somerville is known for his bold flavors, charismatic energy and deep knowledge of international epicurean cuisine. He fell in love with cooking at a very young age. His mother and grandmother have always been his source of inspiration. Chef Atienza was born in Pasay, Philippines and moved with his family to the United States in 1992 at the age of seven. Growing up in Northern California, he was exposed to many different cultures by going to school in Napa Valley, taking trips to San Francisco with his mother, and eating his grandmother’s cooking at home. His love of food, spices, and California produce set up his culinary foundation.”

Chef Geter Atienza takes another break from his busy kitchen to stay with us.

“With sunny skies, fresh ocean breezes, and a vibrant local scene, Oceanside, CA is a year-round destination. No matter the season, there’s always something special to experience.”

“Winter is the perfect opportunity for an Oceanside getaway. The Swell Plates Series showcasing Oceanside’s culinary bounty just concluded. Winter swells attract surfers. Gray whales make their annual migration along the coastline, offering a spectacular sight.”

“Oceanside has been keeping it real since 1888, and that genuine, always original spirit has long made it a haven for artists, makers, and performers. Through its vibrant murals, world-class museums, street markets, historic landmarks, and eclectic live events, Oceanside weaves together stories of our past, present, and future. Art for everybody, that’s Oceanside.”

Travel Oceanside’s Director of Communications, Shae Geary, joins us to talk about the range of distinctive accommodations, the just-concluded Swell Plates series, the historic Oceanside Pier, Thursday Market Day and the California Surf Museum.

“With sunny skies, fresh ocean breezes, and a vibrant local scene, Oceanside, CA is a year-round destination. No matter the season, there’s always something special to experience.”

“Winter is the perfect opportunity for an Oceanside getaway. The Swell Plates Series showcasing Oceanside’s culinary bounty just concluded. Winter swells attract surfers. Gray whales make their annual migration along the coastline, offering a spectacular sight.”

“Travel Oceanside’s Director of Communications, Shae Geary, stays with us continuing the conversation about the range of distinctive accommodations, the just-concluded Swell Plates series, the historic Oceanside Pier, Thursday Market Day and the California Surf Museum.”

This week Chef Andrew revisits handling the rigors of Valentine’s Day Saturday at Calico Fish House. He’ll dutifully explain the origin story of the hilarious “Procrastination Table.” It thoughtfully handles a need without too much embarrassment.

Welcome to the Valentine’s & Presidents’ Day Weekend edition of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

“When proprietor and winemaker Ettore Biraghi of Ettore Organic Winery first laid eyes on Mendocino, he knew it immediately to be an ideal terroir for the production of pure, organic, and low-intervention fine wines. Establishing his vineyard and winery in Hopland (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier,) he took his place in the centuries-long history of one of California’s most dramatic winegrowing regions—one whose future is as promising as its past is historic. Expressing the best of Mendocino’s complex terroir, Ettore wines channel the soul of their abundant natural surroundings—and are only produced from organic, hand-harvested, and estate-grown grapes. From aromatic and elegant Chardonnay to deeply rich Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Ettore Biraghi (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier) brings his Old World Italian style. Winemaker Sofia Rivier is an international agronomist whose career spans from Argentina to Switzerland and currently Mendocino County, USA. Just as she relishes the fine complexities of a wine’s palate, she also reveres the vibrant cultures and art of the world. As such, she continually desires to expand her understanding of the wine industry.” Sofia Rivier joins us to pull the cork on all that is Hopland’s Ettore Winery including a full service restaurant and Tasting Room in the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles.

Celebrity Chef Katie Chin is an award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She joins us to talk about the tradition of Lunar New Year and her one-woman show, “Holy Shitake.” “Katie’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born,” returns to the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks on February 21st.”

Celebrity Chef Katie Chin is an award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She joins us to talk about the tradition of Lunar New Year and her one-woman show, “Holy Shitake.” “Katie’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born,” returns to the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks on February 21st.”

“Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill, California, founded in 1925 produces around 40,000 plus cases annually under their flagship brands, Guglielmo Private Reserve, Tre and the oldest label, Emile’s. Although the winery has grown, they still abide by the family philosophy to produce natural, quality wines to share with family and friends.” The current generation of the Guglielmo Family overseeing the family legacy is George Guglielmo as Winemaker and President and his Brother, Gene, as Partner and Vice President. “Guglielmo Winery is situated within one of the larger American Viticultural Areas (AVA) of the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay with the specific designation of Santa Clara Valley. Their vineyards are comprised of around 50 acres planted to Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Carignane, Grignolino, Sagrantino, and Cabernet Sauvignon.” Winemaker George Guglielmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is Guglielmo Winery.

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. This week Chef concludes his multi-part discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living. Picking up the concluding conversation with the proper way of seasoning before cooking.

Welcome to the Valentine’s & Presidents’ Day Weekend edition of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

“When proprietor and winemaker Ettore Biraghi of Ettore Organic Winery first laid eyes on Mendocino, he knew it immediately to be an ideal terroir for the production of pure, organic, and low-intervention fine wines. Establishing his vineyard and winery in Hopland (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier,) he took his place in the centuries-long history of one of California’s most dramatic winegrowing regions—one whose future is as promising as its past is historic. Expressing the best of Mendocino’s complex terroir, Ettore wines channel the soul of their abundant natural surroundings—and are only produced from organic, hand-harvested, and estate-grown grapes. From aromatic and elegant Chardonnay to deeply rich Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Ettore Biraghi (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier) brings his Old World Italian style. Winemaker Sofia Rivier is an international agronomist whose career spans from Argentina to Switzerland and currently Mendocino County, USA. Just as she relishes the fine complexities of a wine’s palate, she also reveres the vibrant cultures and art of the world. As such, she continually desires to expand her understanding of the wine industry.” Sofia Rivier joins us to pull the cork on all that is Hopland’s Ettore Winery including a full service restaurant and Tasting Room in the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles.

Celebrity Chef Katie Chin is an award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She joins us to talk about the tradition of Lunar New Year and her one-woman show, “Holy Shitake.” “Katie’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born,” returns to the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks on February 21st.”

“Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill, California, founded in 1925 produces around 40,000 plus cases annually under their flagship brands, Guglielmo Private Reserve, Tre and the oldest label, Emile’s. Although the winery has grown, they still abide by the family philosophy to produce natural, quality wines to share with family and friends.” The current generation of the Guglielmo Family overseeing the family legacy is George Guglielmo as Winemaker and President and his Brother, Gene, as Partner and Vice President. “Guglielmo Winery is situated within one of the larger American Viticultural Areas (AVA) of the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay with the specific designation of Santa Clara Valley. Their vineyards are comprised of around 50 acres planted to Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Carignane, Grignolino, Sagrantino, and Cabernet Sauvignon.” Winemaker George Guglielmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is Guglielmo Winery.

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. This week Chef concludes his multi-part discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living. Picking up the concluding conversation with the proper way of seasoning before cooking.

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