SoCal Restaurant Show

“The Pacific Rim International Wine Competition was founded in 1985 by a group of winemakers, vintners and educators passionate about making great wines accessible to the public. The Pacific Rim Competition is held at the historic National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino, California for two days. This year the competition dates were June 3rd & 4th.”

“The goal at the Pacific Rim Wine Competition is to give thoughtful evaluation to every wine entered (400 plus), and to celebrate high quality wines of all styles, from all regions of the world. Their esteemed panel of judges (including Winemaker Wes Hagen, the Brand Ambassador for Santa Maria’s Native 9) represent all aspects of the wine industry, including Master Sommeliers, award-winning winemakers, impressive distributors, educators and restaurateurs, to name a few.”

“Over the course of two days, the judges engaged in a double-blind tasting of every wine entered into the Competition. The wines were discussed, evaluated and awarded medals accordingly. The 2025 Results List is available on their Website.”

Jon McPherson the acclaimed 2nd generation winemaker for South Coast Winery Resort, Carter Estate (Temecula, CA) and Carter Creek Winery (Texas Hill Country) was the Head Judge with his Texas-based brother, Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars. Jon joins us to discuss the 2025 competitions and the winners.

Congratulations to all the Best of Class winners including Jon McPherson for his South Coast Winery NV Ruby Cuvee.

Sugarcane oil is coming into commercial kitchens as a more sustainable alternative to seed oils. Chef Andrew explains the healthful implications. Talking about sustainable Chef Andrew talks up the Orange County marine biology students who are raising white seas bass, green abalone and Pismo clams to return them to the ocean.

“Food lovers are invited to savor the very best of the region as Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns from May 30 to June 8, 2025. Presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, this highly anticipated ten-day event celebrates the area’s culinary scene, welcoming both locals and visitors to explore outstanding dining experiences across the Coachella Valley. Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus and exclusive offerings from a wide range of participating establishments.  Diners can enjoy specially curated prix fixe lunch menus priced at $15, $25, or $35, and dinner menus at $29, $39, $49, or $59. Select restaurants will also offer distinctive Restaurant Week specials. For a complete list of participants, menu previews, and to make reservations, visit dinegps.com.”  Davis Meyer, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Visit Greater Palm Springs joins us with all the details. Also with us is Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger representing Alice B., one of the dozens of participating restaurants in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week.

“Founded by sibling duo Chef Philip Pretty and Lauren Pretty, Olive & Rose in Long Beach is a culinary destination born from their shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality. At Olive & Rose, located in a fully restored and renovated, low-rise classic 50’s motel, The Prettys reimagined the dining experience as a neo-bistro, where classic French techniques with a twist meet vibrant flavors that are unmistakably Californian. Each dish is a reflection of Chef Philip Pretty’s entire culinary journey.” Chef Philp Pretty is our guest to discuss Olive & Rose, Heritage, Heritage Farm and the new Thursday 4th Street Farmers Market all in Long Beach.

“Founded by sibling duo Chef Philip Pretty and Lauren Pretty, Olive & Rose in Long Beach is a culinary destination born from their shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality. At Olive & Rose, located in a fully restored and renovated, low-rise classic 50’s motel, The Prettys reimagined the dining experience as a neo-bistro, where classic French techniques with a twist meet vibrant flavors that are unmistakably Californian. Each dish is a reflection of Chef Philip Pretty’s entire culinary journey.” Chef Philp Pretty is our guest to discuss Olive & Rose, Heritage, Heritage Farm and the new Thursday 4th Street Farmers Market all in Long Beach.


It’s time for another seasonal update of “Best of the Season Fruits” with our resident produce expert, Robert Schueller (also known as The Prince of Produce) of Melissa’s. First we’re talking about Tree Ripen Mangoes. The varieties of mangos available include Hadens, Kents, Manzanillos, Tommy Atkins, or Keitts. Tree-ripened mangos are seasonal and far superior when it comes to other varieties of mangos. This fruit gets special treatment by staying on the tree longer than most which results in an unmatched richness with a perfectly sweet finish. We’re also discussing the grand finale of the season of Ojai Pixie Tangerines and Harry’s Bereries Strawberries. Then it’s on to a preview of Melissa’s new line of premium dessert sauces imported from Italy and an introduction to Melissa’s expansive line of Organic Snax™ trail mixes.

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. Our beloved In-N-Out burgers is highly secretive about their operations and rarely makes menu changes. Recently announced is their pending move to eliminate artificial colors/food dyes with natural colors. Highly unusual move for them but truly significant and, possibly, a trend center for fast food. Chef Andrew explains the healthful implications.

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

“Food lovers are invited to savor the very best of the region as Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns from May 30 to June 8, 2025. Presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, this highly anticipated ten-day event celebrates the area’s culinary scene, welcoming both locals and visitors to explore outstanding dining experiences across the Coachella Valley. Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus and exclusive offerings from a wide range of participating establishments.  Diners can enjoy specially curated prix fixe lunch menus priced at $15, $25, or $35, and dinner menus at $29, $39, $49, or $59. Select restaurants will also offer distinctive Restaurant Week specials. For a complete list of participants, menu previews, and to make reservations, visit www.dinegps.com.”  Davis Meyer, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Visit Greater Palm Springs joins us with all the details. Also with us is Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger representing Alice B., one of the dozens of participating restaurants in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week.

“Founded by sibling duo Chef Philip Pretty and Lauren Pretty, Olive & Rose in Long Beach is a culinary destination born from their shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality. At Olive & Rose, located in a fully restored and renovated, low-rise classic 50’s motel, The Prettys reimagined the dining experience as a neo-bistro, where classic French techniques with a twist meet vibrant flavors that are unmistakably Californian. Each dish is a reflection of Chef Philip Pretty’s entire culinary journey.” Chef Philp Pretty is our guest to discuss Olive & Rose, Heritage, Heritage Farm and the new Thursday 4th Street Farmers Market all in Long Beach.


It’s time for another seasonal update of “Best of the Season Fruits” with our resident produce expert, Robert Schueller (also known as The Prince of Produce) of Melissa’s. First we’re talking about Tree Ripen Mangoes. The varieties of mangos available include Hadens, Kents, Manzanillos, Tommy Atkins, or Keitts. Tree-ripened mangos are seasonal and far superior when it comes to other varieties of mangos. This fruit gets special treatment by staying on the tree longer than most which results in an unmatched richness with a perfectly sweet finish. We’re also discussing the grand finale of the season of Ojai Pixie Tangerines and Harry’s Bereries Strawberries. Then it’s on to a preview of Melissa’s new line of premium dessert sauces imported from Italy and an introduction to Melissa’s expansive line of Organic Snax™ trail mixes.

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. Our beloved In-N-Out burgers is highly secretive about their operations and rarely makes menu changes. Recently announced is their pending move to eliminate artificial colors/food dyes with natural colors. Highly unusual move for them but truly significant and, possibly, a trend center for fast food. Chef Andrew explains the healthful implications.

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

“Food lovers are invited to savor the very best of the region as Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns from May 30 to June 8, 2025. Presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, this highly anticipated ten-day event celebrates the area’s culinary scene, welcoming both locals and visitors to explore outstanding dining experiences across the Coachella Valley. Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus and exclusive offerings from a wide range of participating establishments.” 

“Restaurant Week is truly a showcase of our region’s remarkable hospitality and ever-evolving dining landscape,” said Colleen Pace, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Visit Greater Palm Springs. “Year after year, our community comes together to celebrate local flavors, connect over shared meals, and support our talented culinary and hospitality professionals. We invite everyone to discover new favorites, revisit cherished classics, and experience the incredible spirit of Greater Palm Springs through Restaurant Week.”

“Diners can enjoy specially curated prix fixe lunch menus priced at $15, $25, or $35, and dinner menus at $29, $39, $49, or $59. Select restaurants will also offer distinctive Restaurant Week specials. For a complete list of participants, menu previews, and to make reservations, visit dinegps.com. In addition to showcasing delicious food, Restaurant Week gives back to the community. For every reservation made through dineGPS.com, $1 will be donated to FIND Food Bank, helping to fight hunger throughout the Coachella Valley.”

“The 2025 event is made possible with the partnership of all nine cities in the Coachella Valley, Agua Caliente Casinos, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - whose ongoing support enriches the region’s culinary tradition.”

Davis Meyer, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Visit Greater Palm Springs joins us with all the details.

“Food lovers are invited to savor the very best of the region as Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns from May 30 to June 8, 2025. Presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, this highly anticipated ten-day event celebrates the area’s culinary scene, welcoming both locals and visitors to explore outstanding dining experiences across the Coachella Valley. Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus and exclusive offerings from a wide range of participating establishments.” 

“Diners can enjoy specially curated prix fixe lunch menus priced at $15, $25, or $35, and dinner menus at $29, $39, $49, or $59. Select restaurants will also offer distinctive Restaurant Week specials. For a complete list of participants, menu previews, and to make reservations, visit dinegps.com. In addition to showcasing delicious food, Restaurant Week gives back to the community. For every reservation made through dineGPS.com, $1 will be donated to FIND Food Bank, helping to fight hunger throughout the Coachella Valley.”

Alice B. in Palm Springs is one of the dozens of participating restaurants. It’s an inspired menu blending Southern California’s seasonal bounty with the lively flavors of the Mediterranean, brought to life by James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. They are particularly famous for their Instagrammable Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits with cardamom honey butter. Susan Feniger is our guest to preview Alice B.’s menu for Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week.

“Founded by sibling duo Chef Philip Pretty and Lauren Pretty, Olive & Rose in Long Beach is a culinary destination born from their shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality.”



“At Olive & Rose, located in a fully restored and renovated, classic low-rise 50’s motel, The Prettys reimagined the dining experience as a neo-bistro, where classic French techniques with a twist meet vibrant flavors that are unmistakably Californian. Each dish is a reflection of Chef Philip Pretty’s entire culinary journey.”



“From sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to minimizing food waste and reducing our environmental footprint, they are proud to continue the sustainable dining legacy of their sister restaurant, Heritage, by incorporating green certified and green Michelin star practices into their operations.”

Chef Philp Pretty is our guest to discuss Olive & Rose, Heritage, Heritage Farm and the new Thursday 4th Street Farmers Market all in Long Beach.

“Founded by sibling duo of Chef Philip Pretty and Lauren Pretty, Olive & Rose in Long Beach is a culinary destination born from their shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality.”



“At Olive & Rose, located in a low rise, restored 50s motel, The Prettys reimagined the dining experience as a neo-bistro, where classic French techniques with a twist meet vibrant flavors that are unmistakably Californian. Each dish is a reflection of Chef Philip Pretty’s entire culinary journey.” There is also patio seating available around the pool in the inner courtyard of the property.



“From sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to minimizing food waste and reducing our environmental footprint, they are proud to continue the sustainable dining legacy of their sister restaurant, Heritage, by incorporating green certified and green Michelin star practices into their operations.”

Chef Philp Pretty continues as our guest to discuss Olive & Rose, Heritage, Heritage Farm and the new Thursday 4th Street Farmers Market all in Long Beach.

It’s time for another seasonal update of “Best of the Season Fruits” with our resident produce expert, Robert Schueller (also known as The Prince of Produce) of Melissa’s.

First we’re talking about Tree Ripen Mangoes. “The varieties of mangos available include Hadens, Kents, Manzanillos, Tommy Atkins, or Keitts.

Tree-ripened mangos are seasonal and far superior when it comes to other varieties of mangos. This fruit gets special treatment by staying on the tree longer than most which results in an unmatched richness with a perfectly sweet finish.”

Also we move on to commentary on the tail end of the seasonal Harry’s Berry’s Strawberries, Cherries and Melissa’s Pickling Cucumber Kit.