SoCal Restaurant Show

“The short but abundantly flavorful Hatch Pepper season is here. Join The Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera for flavorful experiences like no other! Coming up is the annual Hatch Pepper Roast and Buffet Brunch with Chef Marco Zapien (a Hatch Pepper authority) so everyone can enjoy the annual availability of the unique bright green, glossy and flavorful pepper.

“Pick up your cases of freshly roasted Hatch Peppers at The Salsa Grill on Saturday, September 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the restaurant’s annual Hatch Pepper Roast. Roasters will be set up outside of Zapien’s where you can hear the crackly coating form on each batch of peppers, as well as smell the unique fragrance. Patrons must pre order their 25-pound cases of Melissa’s Hatch Peppers online at TheSalsaGrill.com and can select their preferred level of spice from mild to very hot for pick up this day. The cost is $45 per case.”

Every year, The Salsa Grill features a decadent Hatch Pepper Buffet Brunch during the roast. The menu includes specialty items like Hatch Brown Sugar Bone-in Ham, Hatch Belgian Waffles, Hatch Chile Verde and more. Brunch hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. also on Saturday, Sept. 6th.

Chef Marco Zapien takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025.”

“Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”

Newly added is the Beachlife DJ Music Stage courtesy of Redondo Beach’s BeachLife Festival.

The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Shelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.

“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli (French for “not pretty”) helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a more casual, neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers' market, pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”

Look for French Onion Souplette, Cordon Bleu Chicken Wings, Cheddar Burger with Marrow Aioli and Duck Poutine.

“Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability (5 orders) of spectacular tableside presented pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit.”

Chef Beran’s other Santa Monica fine dining is the very high-end Seline, a special occasion restaurant with a multi course prix fixe menu. “The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave Beran’s deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience and join on a memorable culinary journey showcasing the many inspirations of Southern California.”

Chef David Beran takes a break from his busy kitchens to be with us.

“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a more relaxed, neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers' market, Pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”

“Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability (5 orders) of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit.” Limited to five orders per service.

Chef Beran’s other Santa Monica fine dining is the very high- end Seline, a special occasion restaurant with a multi -course prix fixe menu. “The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave Beran’s deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience and join on a memorable culinary journey showcasing the many inspirations of Southern California.”

Chef David Beran takes another break from his busy kitchens to stay with us.

It’s the last big “official” outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips. Consider fresh, whole oyster cooked on the grill?

“If you find yourself hungry in Long Beach, California, contemplate a visit to Crack, a haven for comfort food lovers craving premium sandwiches and stellar burgers.” It’s hidden in plain sight at the Bixby Village Golf Course with no exterior sign. Located at 6180 Bixby Village Dr, this charming spot with golf course view patio dining personifies casual dining with its cozy, laid-back ambiance. Crack was one of the crowd favorites of the recent Long Beach Burger Week. The burgers are cooked on an outdoor grill on the patio deck. Talk about an enticing aroma! They are particularly acclaimed for their portfolio of Smash Burgers including The Dirty (with Cheddar, Bacon Jam & Chipotle Mayo), Bacon Jam, and Hatch Pepper. The personable Burger-Meister with the well-used spatula, Dave Trepanier, takes a break from the action grill to join us.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird and Vibiana) joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. This reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged, elevated bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water shares the distinction of having been twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs. Strong Water has an accomplished executive chef, Steve Kling, with serious culinary credentials including overseeing the kitchens at the historic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. He has created the seasonal changing menus for both Dinner and Weekend Brunch at Strong Water. Dinner highlights include Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, Spinach Rangoons, Sweet Chili Salmon and Rice Noodle Salad with Ribeye. Worth mentioning is the Loco Moco Burger with an 8 oz. American Wagyu patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens and Bone Marrow Gravy & Polynesian Spread and served on a Hawaiian Bun. Items to contemplate for Weekend Brunch are Bananas Foster Buttermilk Pancakes, Sisig Breakfast Burrito and Loco Moco Bowl. Chef Steve Kling takes a break from his busy Brunch service to be our guest.

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. This reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged, elevated bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water shares the distinction of having been twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs. Strong Water has an accomplished executive chef, Steve Kling, with serious culinary credentials including overseeing the kitchens at the historic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. He has created the seasonal changing menus for both Dinner and Weekend Brunch at Strong Water. Dinner highlights include Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, Spinach Rangoons, Sweet Chili Salmon and Rice Noodle Salad with Ribeye. Worth mentioning is the Loco Moco Burger with an 8 oz. American Wagyu patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens and Bone Marrow Gravy & Polynesian Spread and served on a Hawaiian Bun. Items to contemplate for Weekend Brunch are Bananas Foster Buttermilk Pancakes, Sisig Breakfast Burrito and Loco Moco Bowl. Chef Steve Kling takes a break from his busy Brunch service to be our guest.

“Since 1972 Big Island Bees, a family operation, has been producing 100% pure, monofloral honey on the Island of Hawaii. Their bees forage on the island's unique and abundant blossoms producing bold and distinct flavor profiles that have earned accolades across all the islands, the U.S. mainland and Japan. To preserve those natural flavors, Big Island Bees never heats or filters honey — what you taste is exactly what the bees made. The beekeepers extract and pack the honey directly from the bees' hives at the honey farm above scenic Kealakekua Bay. Visitors are welcome for guided weekday tours and to the on-site beekeeping museum and retail store offering a wide assortment of honey and honey-inspired products. Book a tour and shop an assortment of honeys, skin care products, specialty foods and art.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” South Bay restaurateur and celebrity chef David LeFevre (Fishing with Dynamite, MB Post, The Arthur J and AttaGirl) now joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

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.

Oysters as a standard on restaurant menus continue to grow in popularity. A bonus is that they are sustainable and high in protein. Oysters can be successfully grown domestically further encouraging domestic seafood production. Chef Andrew will revisit the merits of this tasty bivalve.

“If you find yourself hungry in Long Beach, California, contemplate a visit to Crack, a haven for comfort food lovers craving premium sandwiches and stellar burgers.” It’s hidden in plain sight at the Bixby Village Golf Course with no exterior sign. Located at 6180 Bixby Village Dr, this charming spot with golf course view patio dining personifies casual dining with its cozy, laid-back ambiance. Crack was one of the crowd favorites of the recent Long Beach Burger Week. The burgers are cooked on an outdoor grill on the patio deck. Talk about an enticing aroma! They are particularly acclaimed for their portfolio of Smash Burgers including The Dirty (with Cheddar, Bacon Jam & Chipotle Mayo), Bacon Jam, and Hatch Pepper. The personable Burger-Meister with the well-used spatula, Dave Trepanier, takes a break from the action grill to join us.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird and Vibiana) joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. This reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged, elevated bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water shares the distinction of having been twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs. Strong Water has an accomplished executive chef, Steve Kling, with serious culinary credentials including overseeing the kitchens at the historic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. He has created the seasonal changing menus for both Dinner and Weekend Brunch at Strong Water. Dinner highlights include Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, Spinach Rangoons, Sweet Chili Salmon and Rice Noodle Salad with Ribeye. Worth mentioning is the Loco Moco Burger with an 8 oz. American Wagyu patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens and Bone Marrow Gravy & Polynesian Spread and served on a Hawaiian Bun. Items to contemplate for Weekend Brunch are Bananas Foster Buttermilk Pancakes, Sisig Breakfast Burrito and Loco Moco Bowl. Chef Steve Kling takes a break from his busy Brunch service to be our guest.

“Since 1972 Big Island Bees, a family operation, has been producing 100% pure, monofloral honey on the Island of Hawaii. Their bees forage on the island's unique and abundant blossoms producing bold and distinct flavor profiles that have earned accolades across all the islands, the U.S. mainland and Japan. To preserve those natural flavors, Big Island Bees never heats or filters honey — what you taste is exactly what the bees made. The beekeepers extract and pack the honey directly from the bees' hives at the honey farm above scenic Kealakekua Bay. Visitors are welcome for guided weekday tours and to the on-site beekeeping museum and retail store offering a wide assortment of honey and honey-inspired products. Book a tour and shop an assortment of honeys, skin care products, specialty foods and art.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” South Bay restaurateur and celebrity chef David LeFevre (Fishing with Dynamite, MB Post, The Arthur J and AttaGirl) now joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

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.

Oysters as a standard on restaurant menus continue to grow in popularity. A bonus is that they are sustainable and high in protein. Oysters can be successfully grown domestically further encouraging domestic seafood production. Chef Andrew will revisit the merits of this tasty bivalve.

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

“If you find yourself hungry in Long Beach, California, contemplate a visit to Crack, a haven for comfort food lovers craving premium sandwiches and stellar burgers.” It’s hidden in plain sight at the Bixby Village Golf Course with no exterior sign. “Located at 6180 Bixby Village Dr, this charming spot with golf course view patio dining personifies casual dining with its cozy, laid-back ambiance.” Closed on Mondays.

Crack was one of the crowd favorites of the recent Long Beach Burger Week. The burgers are cooked on an outdoor grill on the patio deck. Talk about an enticing aroma! They are particularly acclaimed for their portfolio of Smash Burgers including The Dirty (with Cheddar, Bacon Jam & Chipotle Mayo), Bacon Jam, and Hatch Pepper.

Creative sides to make note of are White Bean Chicken Chili, Crispy Potato Salad and Pineapple Coleslaw. Root Beer is unusually served on draft in a frosty mug.

“Crack stands out for more than just its satisfying food. It seamlessly combines convenience with a warm atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch, enjoying a happy hour with friends, or hosting a catered event, this restaurant strives to have you covered.”

The Burger-Meister with the well-used spatula, Dave Trepanier, takes a break from the action grill to join us.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.”

Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird and Vibiana) joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.