SoCal Restaurant Show

Cafe 2001 located at the rear of YESS Restaurant in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles is a bit of a hidden gem. No permanent sign on the entrance. 2001 E. 7th Street is the actual street address but it’s really located at the back end of the building entered off the Mateo St. side.

Chef Giles Clark (ex-Yess) has created a relaxed all- day café. Guests order at the counter and your food and beverages (natural wines are featured) are brought to you. Excellent baked goods and desserts are created by a skilled onsite pastry chef. On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (4 to 8:00 p.m.) it transforms into a casual bistro with very creative cooking. Happy Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. daily. Closed on Monday. Music, too.

The free-form, 2-level space is not really designed. The interior is exposed brick walls. The tables and chairs are all mismatched but comfortable. The 2nd level has more contemporary furniture. The spotlight is on the constantly evolving menu. Think Japanese Fried Chicken Basket, Snap Pea and Potato Salad and Lemon Tart.

Chef Giles Clark takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Mark your calendars and get ready for the 5th Annual Long Beach Burger Week, August 3-10! Organized by Dream Agency and supported by 501(c)3 non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage this event was designed to highlight local restaurants and an American sweetheart, the beloved BURGER!”

“Featured Burgers at the more than two dozen participants are value-priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25. There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured burgers delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food trucks to visit.”

ISM Brewing located on the Promenade in Downtown Long Beach is one of the participants for the 2nd year. Proprietor Ian McCall joins us with the details of what’s on his abundant Long Beach Burger Week menu.

“Foodies already know that authentic New Mexico Hatch Peppers make everything better — burgers, pizzas, tacos, omelets, guacamole, salsa …” It’s the always anticipated fresh Hatch Chile season for the next month. Check the Melissa’s Website for the schedule of Weekend roasting near you.

“Named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico, authentic Hatch Peppers are truly a Southwestern favorite. No other pepper is prized more than this variety, which grows in the Hatch Valley, just north of Las Cruces. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande's southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of these green leafy pepper plants for most of the summer. Thick, juicy, and totally delicious, Hatch Chiles come in a variety of heat levels to suit every taste.”

We’ll also present the details of the ongoing ultimate Hatch Chile Cooking Challenge with great prizes.

“Foodies already know that authentic New Mexico Hatch Peppers make everything better — burgers, pizzas, tacos, omelets, guacamole, salsa …” It’s the always anticipated fresh Hatch Chile season for the next month. Check the Melissa’s Website for the schedule of Weekend roasting near you.

“Named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico, authentic Hatch Peppers are truly a Southwestern favorite. No other pepper is prized more than this variety, which grows in the Hatch Valley, just north of Las Cruces. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande's southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of these green leafy pepper plants for most of the summer. Thick, juicy, and totally delicious, Hatch Chiles come in a variety of heat levels to suit every taste.”

We’ll also present the details of the ongoing ultimate Hatch Chile Cooking Challenge with great prizes.

As an added bonus Robert will tell us about the incredible Waterloupe® Melons, a sweet and fragrant melon with the texture of watermelon and the look and flavor of a cantaloupe! That’s right, this unique variety combines the best of both melons.

How about Blueberry™ Grapes? “These are an exciting new variety named for their visual resemblance to blueberries. (The grape is small with a nice bloom that makes it resemble a blueberry.) However, the taste is anything but. Imagine a Thomcord with a crunch and bright candy flavor rather than grape jelly flavor.”

Our well-informed, resident Prince of Produce (and an unabashed Hatch Chile Pepper-Head), Robert Schueller, stays with us turning up the heat on all things Hatch Peppers.

There is a lot of talk recently about cane sugar versus high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. What’s it all about? Is one actually healthier than the other? Chef Andrew has a sweet tooth and shares his informed thoughts.

“In March 2021, Chef Aaron Lee and Mal Gott began their story, which has since grown into the proudly presented Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner in Las Vegas. Inspired by classic American roadside eateries and grandmas’ kitchens, they developed an alluring twist to quintessential Americana that put a welcome place for their downtown Las Vegas neighbors. On December 15, 2021, Mal and Aaron got engaged and entered the Million Dollar Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, eventually winning the spirited contest with 90 submissions and 6 Finalists. They originally planned to get married at the diner for their soft opening. But Aaron and Mal couldn’t wait, they decided to tie the knot a few months before opening Winnie & Ethel’s.” Chef Aaron and Mallory take a break from the busy restaurant in the Huntridge Shopping Center (next door to the acclaimed Yukon Pizza) to join us.

“Adaeze Nwanonyiri and Lenny Rosenberg are the Los Angeles-based, Nigerian and Jewish husband and wife duo committed to buying, refreshing, selling and designing restaurants and bakeries with a multicultural twist.” They are the new owners of the long-running New York Bagel Deli & Bakery in Santa Monica and still retain an interest in Bea’s in Tarzana, a much beloved Jewish bakery that is famous for their corn rye bread. At New York Bagel Deli & Bakery all the bagels (17 selections) are baked in-house as well as the pastries and cookies. In Santa Monica they have added a proprietary multicultural dessert line with their Number 1 seller, French Toast Bagel served with real maple syrup. Also newly created are Chocolate Dipped Almond Horns and Italian Rainbow Cookies. “The aim is to maintain the New York deli vibe with a hint of L.A. sophistication.” Lenny and Adaeze put down their well-used whisk and rolling pin and join us.

“Adaeze Nwanonyiri and Lenny Rosenberg are the Los Angeles-based, Nigerian and Jewish husband and wife duo committed to buying, refreshing, selling and designing restaurants and bakeries with a multicultural twist.” They are the new owners of the long-running New York Bagel Deli & Bakery in Santa Monica and still retain an interest in Bea’s in Tarzana, a much beloved Jewish bakery that is famous for their corn rye bread. At New York Bagel Deli & Bakery all the bagels (17 selections) are baked in-house as well as the pastries and cookies. In Santa Monica they have added a proprietary multicultural dessert line with their Number 1 seller, French Toast Bagel served with real maple syrup. Also newly created are Chocolate Dipped Almond Horns and Italian Rainbow Cookies. “The aim is to maintain the New York deli vibe with a hint of L.A. sophistication.” Lenny and Adaeze put down their well-used whisk and rolling pin and join us

“Feast on Miami Vegan : Plant Based Recipes from the Tropics to Your Table, a plant-based celebration of the tropics, brimming with bold Latin and Caribbean flavors and beloved dishes reflecting Miami’s delicious diversity.  Award-winning author and Miami native Ellen Kanner brings Miami to your table with over 80 recipes delivering succulence, sizzle, and the big sun-drenched flavors you love—all with a plant-based spin. Featured recipes include flaky guava cream cheese pastry, citrus-sparked and fish-free ceviche, creamy, coconutty Caribbean curry, savory Latin favorite picadillo, meltingly tender sweet plantains, and classic gone vegan Key lime pie. Discover how the spangle of citrus, the gentle warmth of chiles and spices, and the bounty of fresh green herbs have the power to transform even simple staples like rice and beans into a party-worthy hot pot that feeds a crowd.” Ellen takes a break from her cutting board to join us.”

“When Spain’s Vega Sicilia became part of the Álvarez family's life in 1982, the foundations were laid for TEMPOS Vega Sicilia. It has constantly and steadily grown since then, involving the introduction of wines produced in different wine-making areas, reaching out to new consumers around the world and laying the foundations for a promising and highly successful future. TEMPOS Vega Sicilia was set up in 1982 by the Álvarez family, its current owner, when it purchased the legendary winery of the Ribera del Duero. The other companies would be added down through the years. The group currently consists of 5 companies (Bodegas Vega Sicilia S.A, Bodegas y Viñedos Alión S.A., Bodegas y Viñedos Pintia S.A., Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia S.A. and Tokaj-Oremus Kft.), the first four in Spain and the fifth in Hungary. Our Guest, Gonzalo Iturriaga, is the Technical Director of Tempos Vega Sicilia, leading winemaking across the group’s five estates in Spain and Hungary. Since 2015, he has helped evolve the legacy of Vega Sicilia under the direction of the dynamic Pablo Alvarez with a focus on balance, vineyard expression, and long-term sustainability.”

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. What’s been happening with the yo-yo pricing of eggs? Has the impact of Avian Flu on the price of eggs subsided? Chef Andrew also explains the California “cage -free hens” legislation (Proposition 12) and its impact in California. Why are eggs now pricier than right before the onset of Avian Flu ?

“In March 2021, Chef Aaron Lee and Mal Gott began their story, which has since grown into the proudly presented Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner in Las Vegas. Inspired by classic American roadside eateries and grandmas’ kitchens, they developed an alluring twist to quintessential Americana that put a welcome place for their downtown Las Vegas neighbors. On December 15, 2021, Mal and Aaron got engaged and entered the Million Dollar Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, eventually winning the spirited contest with 90 submissions and 6 Finalists. They originally planned to get married at the diner for their soft opening. But Aaron and Mal couldn’t wait, they decided to tie the knot a few months before opening Winnie & Ethel’s.” Chef Aaron and Mallory take a break from the busy restaurant in the Huntridge Shopping Center (next door to the acclaimed Yukon Pizza) to join us.

“Adaeze Nwanonyiri and Lenny Rosenberg are the Los Angeles-based, Nigerian and Jewish husband and wife duo committed to buying, refreshing, selling and designing restaurants and bakeries with a multicultural twist.” They are the new owners of the long-running New York Bagel Deli & Bakery in Santa Monica and still retain an interest in Bea’s in Tarzana, a much beloved Jewish bakery that is famous for their corn rye bread. At New York Bagel Deli & Bakery all the bagels (17 selections) are baked in-house as well as the pastries and cookies. In Santa Monica they have added a proprietary multicultural dessert line with their Number 1 seller, French Toast Bagel served with real maple syrup. Also newly created are Chocolate Dipped Almond Horns and Italian Rainbow Cookies. “The aim is to maintain the New York deli vibe with a hint of L.A. sophistication.” Lenny and Adaeze put down their well-used whisk and rolling pin and join us

“Feast on Miami Vegan : Plant Based Recipes from the Tropics to Your Table, a plant-based celebration of the tropics, brimming with bold Latin and Caribbean flavors and beloved dishes reflecting Miami’s delicious diversity.  Award-winning author and Miami native Ellen Kanner brings Miami to your table with over 80 recipes delivering succulence, sizzle, and the big sun-drenched flavors you love—all with a plant-based spin. Featured recipes include flaky guava cream cheese pastry, citrus-sparked and fish-free ceviche, creamy, coconutty Caribbean curry, savory Latin favorite picadillo, meltingly tender sweet plantains, and classic gone vegan Key lime pie. Discover how the spangle of citrus, the gentle warmth of chiles and spices, and the bounty of fresh green herbs have the power to transform even simple staples like rice and beans into a party-worthy hot pot that feeds a crowd.” Ellen takes a break from her cutting board to join us.”

“When Spain’s Vega Sicilia became part of the Álvarez family's life in 1982, the foundations were laid for TEMPOS Vega Sicilia. It has constantly and steadily grown since then, involving the introduction of wines produced in different wine-making areas, reaching out to new consumers around the world and laying the foundations for a promising and highly successful future. TEMPOS Vega Sicilia was set up in 1982 by the Álvarez family, its current owner, when it purchased the legendary winery of the Ribera del Duero. The other companies would be added down through the years. The group currently consists of 5 companies (Bodegas Vega Sicilia S.A, Bodegas y Viñedos Alión S.A., Bodegas y Viñedos Pintia S.A., Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia S.A. and Tokaj-Oremus Kft.), the first four in Spain and the fifth in Hungary. Our Guest, Gonzalo Iturriaga, is the Technical Director of Tempos Vega Sicilia, leading winemaking across the group’s five estates in Spain and Hungary. Since 2015, he has helped evolve the legacy of Vega Sicilia under the direction of the dynamic Pablo Alvarez with a focus on balance, vineyard expression, and long-term sustainability.”

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. What’s been happening with the yo-yo pricing of eggs? Has the impact of Avian Flu on the price of eggs subsided? Chef Andrew also explains the California “cage -free hens” legislation (Proposition 12) and its impact in California. Why are eggs now pricier than right before the onset of Avian Flu ?

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

“In March 2021, Chef Aaron Lee and Mal Gott began their story, which has since grown into the proudly presented Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner in Las Vegas. Inspired by classic American roadside eateries and grandmas’ kitchens, they developed an alluring twist to quintessential Americana that put a welcome place for their downtown Las Vegas neighbors.”

“The vision began with a car ride and conversation fueled by Clyde McPhatter’s Come What May and quickly evolved into menu ideas jotted down on junk mail envelopes, creating Pinterest boards full of aspirational interiors, building plans, and an eventual name change to Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner

“On December 15, 2021, Mal and Aaron got engaged and entered the Million Dollar Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, eventually winning the high-profile contest with 90 submissions and 6 Finalists. They originally planned to get married at the diner for their soft opening. But Aaron and Mal couldn’t wait, they decided to tie the knot a few months before opening Winnie & Ethel’s; a place where they could celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and everyday life together.”

“Chef Aaron Lee and CEO Mallory Gott named the restaurant after his grandma Winnie and her great-grandma Ethel whose warm, loving kitchens were always open.”

It's Breakfast 7-days with the newly added Dinner service available from Friday through Monday.

Mallory takes a break from the breakfast service (think Biscuits & Gravy, Corned Beef Benedict and Carrot Cake Pancakes…) at their busy restaurant in the Huntridge Shopping Center in Downtown Las Vegas to join us.

“In March 2021, Chef Aaron Lee and Mal Gott began their story, which has since grown into the proudly presented Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner in Las Vegas. Inspired by classic American roadside eateries and grandmas’ kitchens, they developed an alluring twist to quintessential Americana that put a welcome place for their downtown Las Vegas neighbors.”

“On December 15, 2021, Mal and Aaron got engaged and entered the Million Dollar Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, eventually winning the contest with 90 submissions and 6 Finalists. They originally planned to get married at the diner for their soft opening. But Aaron and Mal couldn’t wait, they decided to tie the knot a few months before opening Winnie & Ethel’s; a place where they could celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and everyday life together.”

“Chef Aaron Lee and CEO Mallory Gott named the restaurant after his grandma Winnie and her great-grandma Ethel whose warm, loving kitchens were always open.”

It's Breakfast 7-days with the newly added Dinner service Friday through Monday.

Chef Aaron now take a break from his busy kitchen in the Huntridge Shopping Center during breakfast service to join us.