SoCal Restaurant Show

“Owner & Executive Chef Noah Clark and his family have brought their highly anticipated, award-winning BOX Chicken home to Los Angeles! This family legacy, rooted in culinary innovation, is introducing their revolutionary new fast-casual experience featuring BOX Chicken’s signature Japanese American Chicken Tendie, a mouth-wateringly delicious fusion of Japanese and American flavors that completely redefines the original Chicken Tender.”

“Founded by Los Angeles native Maggie Antoine over four decades ago, BOX Chicken began as a modest Bento Box operation serving Japanese tour groups and the film industry. Her signature Japanese American chicken tender, crafted from her Japanese heritage, became a city favorite, winning hearts across Los Angeles and beyond. In the late 1990s, Maggie and her sister, Reiko Clark, took their success to Atlanta, GA launching a successful franchise and receiving multiple awards. Now, led by Maggie’s nephew and Reiko’s son, Executive Chef Noah Clark, BOX Chicken has returned to its hometown to launch an entirely reinvented concept, bringing Angelenos their legendary Chicken Tendie that started it all.”

 “Operating out of Westside Eats cloud kitchen, BOX Chicken is making its mark in Greater Los Angeles, with plans to expand through ghost kitchens across the city, leading to a flagship store.” 

“Chef Noah Clark, who calls this fusion “Japanese Soul Food,” draws from his rich cultural heritage as a child of an African American father and Japanese American mother. “Growing up in Atlanta, we called ourselves ‘Blackanese.’ Raised on both California rolls and collard greens, we blend both flavors into something extraordinary,” says Chef Noah. “Los Angeles, my new home, feels like the perfect place to reintroduce BOX Chicken.”

Chef Noah was one of the very generous participating chefs serving at the recent CONCERN Foundation 50th Block Party at Paramount Studios in Hollywood on Saturday, July 19th.

Chef Noah takes a break from his busy Cloud Kitchen in West Los Angeles to join us. (Sepulveda Boulevard at Pico Blvd.)

“Owner & Executive Chef Noah Clark and his family have brought their highly anticipated, award-winning BOX Chicken home to Los Angeles! This family legacy, rooted in culinary innovation, is introducing their revolutionary new fast-casual experience featuring BOX Chicken’s signature Japanese American Chicken Tendie, a mouth-wateringly delicious fusion of Japanese and American flavors that completely redefines the original Chicken Tender.”

“Founded by Los Angeles native Maggie Antoine over four decades ago, BOX Chicken began as a modest Bento Box operation serving Japanese tour groups and the film industry. Her signature Japanese American chicken tender, crafted from her Japanese heritage, became a city favorite, winning hearts across Los Angeles and beyond. In the late 1990s, Maggie and her sister, Reiko Clark, took their success to Atlanta, GA launching a successful franchise and receiving multiple awards. Now, led by Maggie’s nephew and Reiko’s son, Executive Chef Noah Clark, BOX Chicken has returned to its hometown to launch an entirely reinvented concept, bringing Angelenos their legendary Chicken Tendie that started it all.”

“ Operating out of Westside Eats cloud kitchen in West Los Angeles, BOX Chicken is making its mark in Greater Los Angeles, with plans to expand through ghost kitchens across the city, leading to a flagship store. “

“Chef Noah Clark, who calls this fusion “Japanese Soul Food,” draws from his rich cultural heritage as a child of an African American father and Japanese American mother. “Growing up in Atlanta, we called ourselves ‘Blackanese.’ Raised on both California rolls and collard greens, we blend both flavors into something extraordinary,” says Chef Noah. “Los Angeles, my new home, feels like the perfect place to reintroduce BOX Chicken.””

Chef Noah takes a 2nd break from his busy Cloud Kitchen (Sepulveda Boulevard at Pico Blvd. in West Los Angeles) to continue with us

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. “Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.” 

“Vince spent his early childhood in Pleiku, a city known for its coffee, tea, and honey farms. He remembers drinking Vietnamese coffee from quite a young age. And when he was twelve, Vince got first-hand experience working at his mom's coffee stand in Saigon, where the family moved. She was a single mother who worked long hours to provide for the family. Now, years later, Vince is proud to build off what he learned from that coffee stand and continue his family tradition of entrepreneurship.”

“When Vince moved to Orange County, California to pursue a career in fashion, he was frustrated by the lack of Vietnamese coffee that had the familiar flavors he grew up with. So he went out looking for a source, and luckily met NAM’s fantastic partner who is a third-generation farmer. NAM’s Arabica and Robusta beans come from a family farm on Langbiang mountain in Da Lat, a highland region famous for its scenic vistas and fertile soil.”

“When first developing the NAM roasts, Vince paid careful attention to all of the tiny details that go into achieving perfection. For example, NAM roasts premium, light Robusta beans at lower temperatures for longer periods of time to ensure that every bean gets a nice coat of oil and a lasting, vibrant aroma. NAM guarantees that their products are organic with no additives like corn starch or chicory. NAM offers both Arabica and Robusta blends, spotlighting the diversity and sophistication of Vietnam’s agricultural prowess.”

The latest addition to the growing NAM Coffee empire is a retail Coffee Shop located on Fountain Ave. in East Hollywood. One of his signature beverages there, Salted Cream Matcha Ube, was just featured in the Los Angeles Times as one of the “15 Over-the-Top Coffee & Matcha Drinks to Try in L.A.”

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand. (That’s a proprietary medium roast with 70 per cent Arabica Beans and 30 per cent Robusta Beans.)

“Rosé from Provence, France ? Are they all the same? Provence is the only wine region in the world devoted to Rosé. The wine reflects the terroir of the hills, coastal regions and flora of this area.” Noelle Hale, Program Director for the Napa Valley Wine Academy is our guest to explain.

“Rosé wine was born in Provence. Provence is actually not an ocean of grapevines. It is, instead, a series of small blocks and terraces, scattered here and there, and harmoniously intermingling with cabins, almond and olive trees, downy oaks, fields of lavender, umbrella pines and more…There are three appellations of the Vins de Provence.”

“The craze for rosé wine extends beyond France's borders. As a result, Vins de Provence exports more than 55 million bottles of rosé each year. The United States adores Provence rosés, purchasing approximately 37 per cent of the volume sold abroad.”

Rosé pairs well with most foods.

Who doesn’t salivate over the anticipation of outrageous and decadent Fair Food. Forget the calories! With the OC Fair underway we’ll see what Chef Andrew’s favorite guilty treats at The Fair might be. Think Hot Honey on savory items and the decadent Dubai Chocolate (pistachio cream, Kadayif and chocolate) for the luxe sweet finish.

“GAME ON and It’s time to roll the dice, stack the Jenga blocks, and climb the Chutes & Ladders of hope at the Concern Foundation 50th Annual Block Party! Hollywood’s premier outdoor food, beverage, and entertainment extravaganza, transforms the backlot of Paramount Studios Hollywood into the ultimate life-sized game board on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This year marks the golden milestone of 50 incredible years of giving cancer the checkmate, as over 4,000 guests will be treated to a Trivial Pursuit of flavor featuring tastings from over 90 top-tier restaurants, spirits, craft cocktails, wineries, and breweries all while raising critical funds for cancer research! Concern Foundation’s mission is clear, to ensure that every dollar raised is used to identify the cause of and eventual cure for this devastating disease.” Derek Alpert, the President of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research joins us with a preview of the 50th Annual Block Party.

Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food Restaurant and Lawry’s the Prime Rib are participating restaurants in Concern Foundation’s 50th Annual Block Party at Paramount Studios Hollywood on Saturday, July 19th. Each establishment is generously donating their respective tastes (and service) to provide 1,500 portions. Greg Dulan of Dulan’s and Ryan Wilson of Lawry’s The Prime Rib join us previewing their standout tastes for the 50th Block Party.

“Chef Betty Fraser and Denise DeCarlo, co-owners of Hollywood’s Hidden House (formerly the Los Angeles-based, award-winning restaurant Grub) and Grub Gals Catering, have created a niche for themselves in a highly competitive field. Their unique sense of style, inventive menus, attention to detail and a never-ending commitment to their guests and community has set them apart in a crowded culinary field. Betty gained national prominence as a standout Cheftestant on Season Two of Bravo’s hit show, “Top Chef,” has been a judge on “Master Chef Junior” and “Man vs. Child,” is frequently seen on the Hallmark Channel show “Home and Family” and is an in-demand guest chef at cooking events throughout the nation. Denise has competed on ABC’s “The Taste” and The Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Together the duo has appeared numerous times on local television stations sharing their recipes and techniques for home audiences.” Chef Betty Fraser is our guest providing an overview of Grub Gals Catering.

“Chef Betty Fraser and Denise DeCarlo, co-owners of Hollywood’s Hidden House (formerly the Los Angeles-based, award-winning restaurant Grub) and Grub Gals Catering, have created a niche for themselves in a highly competitive field. Their unique sense of style, inventive menus, attention to detail and a never-ending commitment to their guests and community has set them apart in a crowded culinary field. Betty gained national prominence as a standout Cheftestant on Season Two of Bravo’s hit show, “Top Chef,” has been a judge on “Master Chef Junior” and “Man vs. Child,” is frequently seen on the Hallmark Channel show “Home and Family” and is an in-demand guest chef at cooking events throughout the nation. Denise has competed on ABC’s “The Taste” and The Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Together the duo has appeared numerous times on local television stations sharing their recipes and techniques for home audiences.” Chef Betty Fraser is our guest providing an overview of Grub Gals Catering.

aPizza Doho in Dana Point serves artisan New Haven-style pizza.

It’s operated by hospitality industry veterans with years of experience in smoothly running the front-of-the-house as well as inspiring culinary creativity in the kitchen. The theme of aPizza Doho is “Where Great Pizza, Great People, and a Great Place come together!” “They start with an aged biga and allow the dough to ferment for 24 hours. Top that with California organic tomatoes and imported Italian cheeses help create aPizza Doho.” The partners in aPizza Doho are veteran restaurateur Marcos Costas (born and raised on the East Coast), Executive Chef Christopher Christian (a distinguished alum of Fox Restaurant Concepts in Arizona) and his nephew, Pizzaiolo Anthony Christian.”

Chef and Restaurateur Christopher Christian pauses stretching the dough rounds to join us.

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. The massive spending and budget cut bill passed by Congress and signed on July 4th includes a provision for “NoTax on Tips.” Chef Andrew unbuckles the fine print therein. There is a lot to explain.

“GAME ON and It’s time to roll the dice, stack the Jenga blocks, and climb the Chutes & Ladders of hope at the Concern Foundation 50th Annual Block Party! Hollywood’s premier outdoor food, beverage, and entertainment extravaganza, transforms the backlot of Paramount Studios Hollywood into the ultimate life-sized game board on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This year marks the golden milestone of 50 incredible years of giving cancer the checkmate, as over 4,000 guests will be treated to a Trivial Pursuit of flavor featuring tastings from over 90 top-tier restaurants, spirits, craft cocktails, wineries, and breweries all while raising critical funds for cancer research! Concern Foundation’s mission is clear, to ensure that every dollar raised is used to identify the cause of and eventual cure for this devastating disease.” Derek Alpert, the President of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research joins us with a preview of the 50th Annual Block Party.

Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food Restaurant and Lawry’s the Prime Rib are participating restaurants in Concern Foundation’s 50th Annual Block Party at Paramount Studios Hollywood on Saturday, July 19th. Each establishment is generously donating their respective tastes (and service) to provide 1,500 portions. Greg Dulan of Dulan’s and Ryan Wilson of Lawry’s The Prime Rib join us previewing their standout tastes for the 50th Block Party.

“Chef Betty Fraser and Denise DeCarlo, co-owners of Hollywood’s Hidden House (formerly the Los Angeles-based, award-winning restaurant Grub) and Grub Gals Catering, have created a niche for themselves in a highly competitive field. Their unique sense of style, inventive menus, attention to detail and a never-ending commitment to their guests and community has set them apart in a crowded culinary field. Betty gained national prominence as a standout Cheftestant on Season Two of Bravo’s hit show, “Top Chef,” has been a judge on “Master Chef Junior” and “Man vs. Child,” is frequently seen on the Hallmark Channel show “Home and Family” and is an in-demand guest chef at cooking events throughout the nation. Denise has competed on ABC’s “The Taste” and The Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Together the duo has appeared numerous times on local television stations sharing their recipes and techniques for home audiences.” Chef Betty Fraser is our guest providing an overview of Grub Gals Catering.

aPizza Doho in Dana Point serves artisan New Haven-style pizza.

It’s operated by hospitality industry veterans with years of experience in smoothly running the front-of-the-house as well as inspiring culinary creativity in the kitchen. The theme of aPizza Doho is “Where Great Pizza, Great People, and a Great Place come together!” “They start with an aged biga and allow the dough to ferment for 24 hours. Top that with California organic tomatoes and imported Italian cheeses help create aPizza Doho.” The partners in aPizza Doho are veteran restaurateur Marcos Costas (born and raised on the East Coast), Executive Chef Christopher Christian (a distinguished alum of Fox Restaurant Concepts in Arizona) and his nephew, Pizzaiolo Anthony Christian.”

Chef and Restaurateur Christopher Christian pauses stretching the dough rounds to join us.

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. The massive spending and budget cut bill passed by Congress and signed on July 4th includes a provision for “NoTax on Tips.” Chef Andrew unbuckles the fine print therein. There is a lot to explain.

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

“GAME ON and It’s time to roll the dice, stack the Jenga blocks, and climb the Chutes & Ladders of hope at the Concern Foundation 50th Annual Block Party! Hollywood’s premier outdoor food, beverage, and entertainment extravaganza, transforms the backlot of Paramount Studios Hollywood into the ultimate life-sized game board on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This year marks the golden milestone of 50 incredible years of giving cancer the checkmate, as over 4,000 guests will be treated to a Trivial Pursuit of flavor featuring tastings from over 90 top-tier restaurants, spirits, craft cocktails, wineries, and breweries all while raising critical funds for cancer research!”

“The event promises a game night of epic proportions as the streets of the Paramount Backlot transform into a Candy Land of culinary creativity, retro bowling, and musical-fueled celebration. Musical performances by the Tom Nolan Band and on the Main Stage, D' City Sound & Events, and The Vibrato Grill Jazz Stage featuring the Jason Goldstein Sextet with Lilli Passero, and other special artists will set the tone for a high-energy atmosphere.”

“In 1968, fifteen Los Angeles based couples came together with one simple goal: CONquer CanCER Now! They wanted to ensure their dollars counted in the fight against cancer when their dear friend, Beverly Wolman, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. They could no longer sit back and continue losing friends to this horrific disease.  Thus, CONCERN Foundation's war on cancer had begun. Concern Foundation’s mission is clear, to ensure that every dollar raised is used to identify the cause of and eventual cure for this devastating disease.”

Derek Alpert, the President of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research joins us with a preview of the 50th Annual Block Party.

“GAME ON and It’s time to roll the dice, stack the Jenga blocks, and climb the Chutes & Ladders of hope at the Concern Foundation 50th Annual Block Party! Hollywood’s premier outdoor food, beverage, and entertainment extravaganza, transforms the backlot of Paramount Studios Hollywood into the ultimate life-sized game board on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This year marks the golden milestone of 50 incredible years of giving cancer the checkmate, as over 4,000 guests will be treated to a Trivial Pursuit of flavor featuring tastings from over 90 top-tier restaurants, spirits, craft cocktails, wineries, and breweries all while raising critical funds for cancer research!”

Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food Restaurant and Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills are participating restaurants in Concern Foundation’s 50th Annual Block Party at Paramount Studios Hollywood on Saturday evening, July 19th. Each establishment is generously donating their respective tastes (and service) to provide 1,500 portions. Greg Dulan of Dulan’s and Ryan Wilson of Lawry’s The Prime Rib join us previewing their standout tastes for the 50th Block Party.