SoCal Restaurant Show

“Since the birth of Laderach Swiss (fresh Swiss gourmet chocolates) in 1962, they have been refining fresh chocolate into extraordinary creations – and taking great pleasure in sharing them. While Laderach initially did so as a supplier to selected Swiss chocolate shops, today they share their delights globally.”

“Three generations, one World Chocolate Master and countless innovations. Once a small chocolate factory in Glarus, today Laderach is represented in more than 25 countries around the world – and they are still thoughtfully expanding.”

“Laderach is currently attracting a lot of deserved attention for their limited-edition Dubai Collection. It started off as just a trend – and it’s evolved into an entire collection. You can now enjoy their creamy yet crunchy pistachio filling with baked kataifi in a variety of forms: as FrischSchoggi Dubai Milk or Dark, and as Dubai Style Pralines. Inspired by the Middle East. Made in Switzerland.”

The first West Coast retail store was at South Coast Plaza and it’s their busiest store.

Laderach’s Scott Perry, West Coast Regional Manager, is our guest to unwrap all the deliciousness that is Laderach Swiss.

Since the birth of Laderach Swiss (fresh Swiss gourmet chocolates) in 1962, they have been refining fresh chocolate into extraordinary creations – and taking great pleasure in sharing them. While Laderach initially did so as a supplier to selected Swiss chocolate shops, today they share their delights globally.”

“Three generations, one World Chocolate Master and countless innovations. Once a small chocolate factory in Glarus, today Laderach is represented in more than 25 countries around the world – and they are still thoughtfully expanding.”

“Laderach is currently attracting a lot of deserved attention for their limited- edition Dubai Collection. It started off as just a trend – and it’s evolved into an entire collection. You can now enjoy their creamy yet crunchy pistachio filling with baked kataifi in a variety of forms: as FrischSchoggi Dubai Milk or Dark, and as Dubai Style Pralines. Inspired by the Middle East. Made in Switzerland.”

The first West Coast retail store was at South Coast Plaza and it’s still their busiest store.

Laderach’s Scott Perry, West Coast Regional Manager, continues as our guest unwrapping all the decadent deliciousness that is Laderach Swiss.

“Rationale Brewing’s founder, Jamie Fay and his sons were sitting around the campfire having a few beers and talking about beer, naturally. His oldest was about to leave for college, so Jamie encouraged him to think for himself when it came to drinking alcohol, regardless of the peanut gallery's opinions. Making a rational choice feels pretty damn radical...so why not screw the rules, make that radical choice and own the moment? They got pretty fired up about the idea of crafting a flavorful non-alcoholic beer that doesn't play by the rules. They started brewing RationAle and haven’t looked back since.” Currently they are available in 8 Western States with the number soon increasing to 14!

“Rationale Brewing crafts unmistakably great non-alcoholic brews that satisfy all your beer needs so that if you're not boozing at the moment, for whatever reason, you don't miss a thing. Since they launched, thousands of folks have been sipping, clinking, and crushing cans of RationAle. So rip into right now, your own way.”

Their best selling beer is a Mexican Style Brew that’s crisp and refreshing. Rounding out the portfolio is a West Coast IPA, a Hazy IPA, a Kolsch Style and a new Japanese Dry with Cherry blossom.

Founder Jamie Fay is our guest to tap the keg on all that is Rationale Brewing.

“Rationale Brewing’s founder, Jamie Fay and his sons were sitting around the campfire having a few beers and talking about beer, naturally. His oldest was about to leave for college, so Jamie encouraged him to think for himself when it came to drinking alcohol, regardless of the peanut gallery's opinions. Making a rational choice feels pretty damn radical...so why not screw the rules, make that radical choice and own the moment? They got pretty fired up about the idea of crafting a flavorful non-alcoholic beer that doesn't play by the rules. They started brewing RationAle and haven’t looked back since.” Currently they are available in 8 Western States with the number soon increasing to 14!

“Rationale Brewing crafts unmistakably great non-alcoholic brews that satisfy all your beer needs so that if you're not boozing at the moment, for whatever reason, you don't miss a thing. Since they launched, thousands of folks have been sipping, clinking, and crushing cans of RationAle. So rip into right now, your own way.”

Their best selling beer is a Mexican Style Brew that’s crisp and refreshing. Rounding out the portfolio is a West Coast IPA, a Hazy IPA, a Kolsch Style and a newly introduced Japanese Dry with Cherry Blossom.

Founder Jamie Fay stays with us tapping the keg on all that is Rationale Brewing.

For a fast casual establishment, or any successful restaurant, what’s the ideal pathway to branching? Should it be a franchise network like McDonalds or company owned stores in the In-N-Out model? Chef Andrew has been there and will provide his informed insight.

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan learned the art of crafting homemade meals from his father and grandmother, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the power of food to unite and nourish. Chef Sully takes a break from the ongoing cooking demonstrations at Festivals Acadiens et Creoles to join us.

Kelsey Leger, the Executive Chef and Co-founder of Lafayette’s Five Mile Eatery, is a Louisiana-born chef with a passion for local sourcing and sustainability. Her culinary career began in New York City at One Lucky Duck/Pure Food & Wine, and she later returned to Acadiana to train a bit in permaculture at Gotreaux Family Farm. Over the years, she honed her skills in respected kitchens such as Boucherie (New Orleans), French Press, and Saint Street Inn, where she rose from dishwasher to head chef. In 2015, she co-founded Scratch Farm Kitchen, helping establish it as a beloved part of Lafayette’s dining scene before moving on to launch a new vision. Today, she serves as executive chef and co-founder of Five Mile Eatery, a woman-owned sober space that has quickly become a cornerstone of Lafayette’s food culture with a menu of nourishing food and organic coffee. Chef Kelsey takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

Marie Ducote’s Cajun! Food Tours brings the guest history tours and immersive Cajun food tours rolled into one great adventure. Experience the Acadiana region of South Louisiana (2 hours west of New Orleans) in a whole new way. Considered one of the best things to do in Lafayette, LA, their tours take you into the heart of Cajun Country, off the eaten path, so you can peel back the layers and discover the cuisine and culture of Lafayette yourself. Stroll along on a walking tour or hop on their cozy custom ride for the only bus tour in Lafayette. Marie takes a break from her motor coach to join us with a slice of freshly-baked King Cake in hand.

Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA. He produces a smaller farm-raised boutique oyster that restaurants serve raw. Buzzy has about 400 square float cages on the farm, all individually labeled for each restaurant he delivers to, including Vestal. 

"You want a taste that will stay with you, not like drinking a martini where you just get a salty sip. You want that creamy, earthy flavor to return to your palate a minute or two later. That's a good oyster," Buzzy explains. Oysterman Albert “Buzzy” Besson joins us.

Madonna Broussard, also known as “The Plate Lunch Lady,” is a third-generation restaurateur and the owner of Laura's II Café in Lafayette, Louisiana. The restaurant, known for its Creole soul food, was started by her grandmother, Laura Williams Broussard, and carries on the family's legacy of cooking with "love, time, and consistency". Madonna's mother, Dorothy Mae Broussard, also played a significant role in the restaurant's history. Madonna’s daughter, Lacey, represents the 4th generation of Broussard Family stewardship. Madonna was named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award for “Best Chef : South”. Madonna Broussard takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

Jesse Guidry is Vice President of Communications for Lafayette Travel / Lafayette Louisiana Convention and Visitors Commission. He joins us to conclude our virtual visit to Lafayette. “Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America where people visit for a genuine Cajun & Creole experience. Lafayette has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine that’s earned them the title Best Food City in the USA. Lafayette’s culinary scene is steeped in tradition and continues to evolve with a new generation of chefs making it an incredible place to eat.”

Join us as we celebrate the 13th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA radio. We’re in Lafayette, LA, the heart of Cajun County, participating in the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association’s (IFWTWA) Annual Member Conference.

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan learned the art of crafting homemade meals from his father and grandmother, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the power of food to unite and nourish. Chef Sully takes a break from the ongoing cooking demonstrations at Festivals Acadiens et Creoles to join us.

Kelsey Leger, the Executive Chef and Co-founder of Lafayette’s Five Mile Eatery, is a Louisiana-born chef with a passion for local sourcing and sustainability. Her culinary career began in New York City at One Lucky Duck/Pure Food & Wine, and she later returned to Acadiana to train a bit in permaculture at Gotreaux Family Farm. Over the years, she honed her skills in respected kitchens such as Boucherie (New Orleans), French Press, and Saint Street Inn, where she rose from dishwasher to head chef. In 2015, she co-founded Scratch Farm Kitchen, helping establish it as a beloved part of Lafayette’s dining scene before moving on to launch a new vision. Today, she serves as executive chef and co-founder of Five Mile Eatery, a woman-owned sober space that has quickly become a cornerstone of Lafayette’s food culture with a menu of nourishing food and organic coffee. Chef Kelsey takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

Marie Ducote’s Cajun! Food Tours brings the guest history tours and immersive Cajun food tours rolled into one great adventure. Experience the Acadiana region of South Louisiana (2 hours west of New Orleans) in a whole new way. Considered one of the best things to do in Lafayette, LA, their tours take you into the heart of Cajun Country, off the eaten path, so you can peel back the layers and discover the cuisine and culture of Lafayette yourself. Stroll along on a walking tour or hop on their cozy custom ride for the only bus tour in Lafayette. Marie takes a break from her motor coach to join us with a slice of freshly-baked King Cake in hand.

Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA. He produces a smaller farm-raised boutique oyster that restaurants serve raw. Buzzy has about 400 square float cages on the farm, all individually labeled for each restaurant he delivers to, including Vestal. 

"You want a taste that will stay with you, not like drinking a martini where you just get a salty sip. You want that creamy, earthy flavor to return to your palate a minute or two later. That's a good oyster," Buzzy explains. Oysterman Albert “Buzzy” Besson joins us.

Madonna Broussard, also known as “The Plate Lunch Lady,” is a third-generation restaurateur and the owner of Laura's II Café in Lafayette, Louisiana. The restaurant, known for its Creole soul food, was started by her grandmother, Laura Williams Broussard, and carries on the family's legacy of cooking with "love, time, and consistency". Madonna's mother, Dorothy Mae Broussard, also played a significant role in the restaurant's history. Madonna’s daughter, Lacey, represents the 4th generation of Broussard Family stewardship. Madonna was named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award for “Best Chef : South”. Madonna Broussard takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

Jesse Guidry is Vice President of Communications for Lafayette Travel / Lafayette Louisiana Convention and Visitors Commission. He joins us to conclude our virtual visit to Lafayette. “Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America where people visit for a genuine Cajun & Creole experience. Lafayette has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine that’s earned them the title Best Food City in the USA. Lafayette’s culinary scene is steeped in tradition and continues to evolve with a new generation of chefs making it an incredible place to eat.”

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

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan learned the art of crafting homemade meals from his father and grandmother, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the power of food to unite and nourish.

With over a decade of professional culinary experience under his belt, Chef Sullivan currently serves as the culinary visionary behind Vestal, a distinguished restaurant in Lafayette that redefines Southern cuisine with a contemporary approach. At Vestal, Chef Sullivan showcases seasonal vegetables and proteins, expertly prepared using live fire cooking techniques on a wood-burning grill and oven. Complementing the culinary offerings is a meticulously curated cocktail and wine program, reflecting Chef Sullivan’s dedication to providing a holistic dining experience in the heart of the Acadiana region.

Chef Sully takes a break from the cooking demonstrations Festivals Acadiens et Creoles to join us.

Kelsey Leger, the Executive Chef and Co-founder of Lafayette’s Five Mile Eatery, is a Louisiana-born chef with a passion for local sourcing and sustainability. Her culinary career began in New York City at One Lucky Duck/Pure Food & Wine, and she later returned to Acadiana to train a bit in permaculture at Gotreaux Family Farm. Over the years, she honed her skills in respected kitchens such as Boucherie (New Orleans), French Press, and Saint Street Inn, where she rose from dishwasher to head chef. In 2015, she co-founded Scratch Farm Kitchen, helping establish it as a beloved part of Lafayette’s dining scene before moving on to launch a new vision.

Today, she serves as executive chef and co-founder of Five Mile Eatery, a woman-owned sober space that has quickly become a cornerstone of Lafayette’s food culture with a menu of nourishing food and organic coffee.

“Welcome to Five Mile Eatery — proudly female-owned, flavor-forward, and rooted in South Louisiana soul. Co-founded by Chef Kelsey Leger and Sarah Trotter, Five Mile serves up organic, seasonal eats made with care — and absolutely zero seed oils.”

Chef Kelsey takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.