SoCal Restaurant Show

Every Christmas Eve Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking in Orange puts on a mouthwatering Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up featuring the very best in local food products from area small businesses. It’s everything from artisan pastries, holiday breads, pies, cakes, handmade treasures and even gourmet soup. The doors open at 8:00 a.m. and it runs until 1:00 p.m. For best selection plan to arrive early! Most participants operate on a cash basis.

Joining us is OC Baking’s Master Baker Dean Kim and Lisa Gilmore of Soup’d Up.

“Coravin, Inc. is the leading global innovator of wine-by-the-glass systems, transforming how the world experiences wine. Since the company launched in the USA in 2013, Coravin’s pioneering technology has empowered trade professionals and wine lovers alike to explore, enjoy and serve wine without compromise.”

“Trusted by leading sommeliers, retailers and wine lovers around the world, the Coravin portfolio includes Coravin Timeless, Coravin Pivot and Coravin Sparkling wine-by-the-glass systems. These systems allow wine (including sparkling wine) to be poured in any amount, at any time, with the remaining wine completely unaffected — even years later.”

“Coravin was born from my personal desire to enjoy any wine, in any amount, without the pressure to finish the bottle. As I savored that remarkable glass of Hermitage, the true power of that freedom became clear. I realized at that moment that every bottle, no matter how rare or special, was now accessible, one perfect glass at a time.” Greg Lambrecht, Founder and Inventor

Founder and Inventor Greg Lambrecht joins us to uncork all that is Coravin.

“Coravin, Inc. is the leading global innovator of wine-by-the-glass systems, transforming how the world experiences wine. Since the company launched in the USA in 2013, Coravin’s pioneering technology has empowered trade professionals and wine lovers alike to explore, enjoy and serve wine without compromise.”

“Trusted by leading sommeliers, retailers and wine lovers around the world, the Coravin portfolio includes Coravin Timeless, Coravin Pivot and Coravin Sparkling wine-by-the-glass systems. These systems allow wine (including sparkling wine) to be poured in any amount, at any time, with the remaining wine completely unaffected — even years later.”

Founder and Inventor Greg Lambrecht stays with us uncorking all that is Coravin.

Food walking tours led by knowledgeable locals are a great way to experience the local flavors of any destination. Oceanside’s Carla & Linda’s Local Tours “offers area specific beer, wine and food tours. As true insider’s guests experience an intriguing variety of the local flavors in Oceanside and nearby Vista.”

“Local Tours operates a tour company that shows guests the unique things Oceanside has to offer. The tours specialize in the community's food, beer and wine scenes while celebrating the independently owned businesses that make Oceanside so special. Tour guests meet innovative Chefs, world renowned brewers and winemakers. Guests interact with locals to eat, drink, explore and support Oceanside while making new friends along the way. Food is a great common denominator.”

“Carla & Linda’s Local Tours takes about 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Carla and Linda walk the guests to their favorite restaurants, breweries and wineries. The hosts provide guests with tastings of specially chosen items. During the tour Carla and Linda provide some appetizing history of the restaurant, the chef and the surrounding area.”

Carla & Linda’s Local Tours will be hosting special Weekend Food Tours keyed to the participating restaurants of “Swell Plates” Oceanside from January 14th to February 11th, 2026

The Co-founder of Carla & Linda’s Local Tours, Linda Pina, is our guest.

“The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, starts at sundown on Sunday, December 14th. A tradition at The Milky Way (a long-established Kosher-Dairy restaurant) in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles is the availability of special Hanukkah Boxes available from December 14th through December 22nd.”

“The Latke Kits contain a dozen crispy Latkes with sour cream and Chef Phil Kastel’s house-made apple compote along with reheating instructions.”

“The salivating Sufganiyot Box features six decadent Jelly Doughnuts made by The Milky Way’s friends at Mensch Bakery.”

“Each order comes beautifully packaged in Milky Way’s blue tulip boxes and make perfect additions to any holiday gathering. Add a handwritten gift note at no extra cost. Their Hanukkah Boxes will be available for curbside pickup and delivery via their website (minimum 48 hours' notice required). Last-minute orders can be placed via DoorDash, or by calling the restaurant directly at 310-859-0004.”

The Milky Way’s executive chef, Phil Kastel, joins us with a decorative Latke Box at the ready.

The Milky Way is the Spielberg Family’s loving, and ongoing, tribute to it’s founder Leah Adler.

How important are Michelin Stars or any Michelin recognition to a thriving restaurant? What is the Bib Gourmet designation? How does Michelin (a for-profit enterprise) monetize their ratings? How are the annual Michelin judgements determined? Chef Andrew explains…

In today’s unsettled restaurant universe the guests’ experience with the valet parker at the entrance can set the scene for the entire evening’s dining experience. It can be positive or, unfortunately, decidedly negative. Brad Saltzman of Dragonfly Parking is a hospitality veteran who operates one of the premiere, hospitality-oriented valet parking services in greater Los Angeles. He has overseen the valet parking service, for example, at Nancy Silverton’s acclaimed Osteria Mozza in Hollywood at the busy corner of Melrose Ave. and Highland Ave.since the beginning. (What more of an endorsement could you possibly ask for?) Brad joins us to discuss the valet parking experience at it’s absolute best.

Our guest, Katie Chin, is a celebrity chef, award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. We’re talking about National Cookie Day and Katie shares a recipe (Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies) which is one of Challenge Butter’s Signature Holiday Cookies. It’s cookies for a cause benefiting National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Our guest, Tony Dang, is the Corporate Executive Chef for the 27 Gelson’s stores in Southern California. Every location has a Gelson’s Kitchen where shoppers can get everything from fresh coleslaw to full meals mostly prepared in the onsite kitchen. On offer are full Hanukkah and Christmas meals or all the components available separately. There are also a variety of chef-created meals to-go. Most stores even have an onsite sushi chef. Chef Tony personally conducts interactive cooking classes and demonstrations as well as cooks for in-store wine-paired dinners.

Our guest, Tony Dang, is the Corporate Executive Chef for the 27 Gelson’s stores in Southern California. Every location has a Gelson’s Kitchen where shoppers can get everything from fresh coleslaw to full meals mostly prepared in the onsite kitchen. On offer are full Hanukkah and Christmas meals or all the components available separately. There are also a variety of chef-created meals to-go. Most stores even have an onsite sushi chef. Chef Tony personally conducts interactive cooking classes and demonstrations as well as cooks for in-store wine-paired dinners.

“Carter Creek Winery, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and owned by the Carter family, earned six prestigious awards at the 2025 Vine2Wine International Wine Competition sponsored by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR), held October 18-20, 2025.”

Their founding winemaker, Jon McPherson, is a distinguished second -generation winemaker (the son of pioneering Texas winemaker Clinton “Doc” McPherson and the brother of McPherson Cellars’ Kim McPherson) and the McPherson Family still plays a leading role in contemporary Texas winemaking. Jon McPherson is our guest to pull the cork on all this is Johnson City’s Carter Creek Winery.

In today’s unsettled restaurant universe the guests’ experience with the valet parker at the entrance can set the scene for the entire evening’s dining experience. It can be positive or, unfortunately, decidedly negative. Brad Saltzman of Dragonfly Parking is a hospitality veteran who operates one of the premiere, hospitality-oriented valet parking services in greater Los Angeles. He has overseen the valet parking service, for example, at Nancy Silverton’s acclaimed Osteria Mozza in Hollywood at the busy corner of Melrose Ave. and Highland Ave.since the beginning. (What more of an endorsement could you possibly ask for?) Brad joins us to discuss the valet parking experience at it’s absolute best.

Our guest, Katie Chin, is a celebrity chef, award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. We’re talking about National Cookie Day and Katie shares a recipe (Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies) which is one of Challenge Butter’s Signature Holiday Cookies. It’s cookies for a cause benefiting National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Our guest, Tony Dang, is the Corporate Executive Chef for the 27 Gelson’s stores in Southern California. Every location has a Gelson’s Kitchen where shoppers can get everything from fresh coleslaw to full meals mostly prepared in the onsite kitchen. On offer are full Hanukkah and Christmas meals or all the components available separately. There are also a variety of chef-created meals to-go. Most stores even have an onsite sushi chef. Chef Tony personally conducts interactive cooking classes and demonstrations as well as cooks for in-store wine-paired dinners.

“Carter Creek Winery, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and owned by the Carter family, earned six prestigious awards at the 2025 Vine2Wine International Wine Competition sponsored by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR), held October 18-20, 2025.”

Their founding winemaker, Jon McPherson, is a distinguished second -generation winemaker (the son of pioneering Texas winemaker Clinton “Doc” McPherson and the brother of McPherson Cellars’ Kim McPherson) and the McPherson Family still plays a leading role in contemporary Texas winemaking. Jon McPherson is our guest to pull the cork on all this is Johnson City’s Carter Creek 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. Chef Andrew was in the air on a delayed plane flight this morning. He’ll be back with us next Saturday.

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

In today’s hectic restaurant universe the guests’ experience with the valet parker at the entrance can set the scene for the entire evening’s dining experience. It can be positive or, unfortunately, decidedly negative. Brad Saltzman of Dragonfly Parking is a hospitality veteran who operates one of the premiere, hospitality- oriented valet parking services in greater Los Angeles. He has overseen the valet parking service, for example, at Nancy Silverton’s acclaimed Osteria Mozza in Hollywood at the busy corner of Melrose and Highland Avenues almost since the beginning. (What more of an endorsement could you possibly ask for?) Brad joins us to discuss the valet parking experience at it’s absolute best.

“Brad likes to characterize himself as “Chief Guestologist.” Guestology (according to Brad) is the art of anticipating and exceeding guest expectations, and it has been in his blood since his first job as a teenage host in Beverly Hills. As a third-generation Angeleno, hospitality is truly part of his family legacy, and Brad has carried that tradition of service throughout his 30 plus year career. Brad’s family owned Simon Drive Ins in the 1940’s and Mile Lyman’s, a fine dining restaurant in Los Angeles.”