SoCal Restaurant Show

Chef Andrew remains tirelessly on the front line of providing disaster relief in his own small way for all the unfortunate victims of the Pacific Palisades and Pasadena / Altadena fires as part of a larger effort by restaurant & hospitality folks. He updates us on what is being done and what listeners can do to help. It’s an ongoing effort for the very long term. Andrew has also teamed up with Brave Books, his publisher for Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook. Through February 1st (at the minimum) they will generously donate a meal to a wildfire victim for each book sold.

“Two stories unspool in (the book) Sideways Uncorked: the story behind Alexander Payne’s modern movie classic adapted from a most unlikely source—an unpublished novel by a burnt-out ex-filmmaker and wine connoisseur Rex Pickett—and the world of Pinot Noir (and Merlot) winemaking before and after Sideways was released. For as authors Kirk Honeycutt and Mira Advani Honeycutt show, the movie was a pop-culture phenomenon that dramatically impacted the wine industry. Sideways Uncorked offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the lush Santa Barbara wine country that forms the iconic backdrop to Sideways, tracing the effect the story eventually had there and elsewhere. With ample narrative and special features (such as a wine lineup of recommendations from various wine regions), this is a one-of-a-kind illustrated book that will dazzle the palate of oenophiles and cinephiles alike.” Kirk and Mira join us to uncork all that is Sideways Uncorked – The Perfect Pairing of Film & Wine.

“Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria founded in Costa Mesa, California in 2018, celebrates the grand opening of its eagerly anticipated Los Angeles flagship location on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Located on the Miracle Mile at 5773 Wilshire Blvd in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza, the new venture marks a significant milestone as Descanso expands beyond its Orange County roots into the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Located in the heart of Mid-Wilshire adjacent to Museum Row, the new 9,000-square-foot Descanso accommodates 240 guests and features a central bar, a main dining room, two open-air patios, and the celebrated Plancha room, where Descanso's signature Plancha dining experience comes to life. In this one-of-a-kind space, Planchero Chefs prepare multi-course meals right before guests at a communal table, offering an interactive and unforgettable experience that brings the vibrant energy of street-side vendors to the dining table.” Founder Rob Arellano is our guide to all things Descanso Restaurant.

“Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria founded in Costa Mesa, California in 2018, celebrates the grand opening of its eagerly anticipated Los Angeles flagship location on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Located on the Miracle Mile at 5773 Wilshire Blvd in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza, the new venture marks a significant milestone as Descanso expands beyond its Orange County roots into the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Located in the heart of Mid-Wilshire adjacent to Museum Row, the new 9,000-square-foot Descanso accommodates 240 guests and features a central bar, a main dining room, two open-air patios, and the celebrated Plancha room, where Descanso's signature Plancha dining experience comes to life. In this one-of-a-kind space, Planchero Chefs prepare multi-course meals right before guests at a communal table, offering an interactive and unforgettable experience that brings the vibrant energy of street-side vendors to the dining table.” Founder Rob Arellano is our guide to all things Descanso Restaurant.

“In the midst of a pandemic, chef and restaurateur Winnie Yee was looking for a distraction away from her business closures. She stumbled upon a brisket and started a lovely affair with live fire cooking. The result was Smoke Queen Barbecue “Where East meats West.” It started modestly as a popular pop-up at the Sunday Smorgasburg in Downtown L.A. and now has expanded to a free-standing location with patio seating in Garden Grove. From backyard pits to multiple 1,000 gallon smokers Chef Winnie now offers California Prime Beef Brisket & Heritage Pork slow smoked with white oak and infused with the flavors of her childhood. Mixing the spices and flavors of her Chinese & Malaysian heritage with the traditional American style of smoking, she creates a unique style of barbecue in a class of its own.” Pitmaster Winnie Yee is our guest with BBQ tongs in hand.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is tirelessly on the front line of providing disaster relief in his own small way for all the unfortunate victims of the Pacific Palisades and Pasadena / Altadena fires as part of a larger effort by restaurant & hospitality folks. He updates us on what is being done and what listeners can do to help. It’s an ongoing effort for the long term.

Our ongoing heartfelt concerns to all the area residents impacted by the tragic fires in Pacific Palisades and Pasadena/Altadena. In the hospitality community chefs and restaurateurs have lost both homes and their businesses. Recovery is, unfortunately, not a speedy process.

“Two stories unspool in (the book) Sideways Uncorked: the story behind Alexander Payne’s modern movie classic adapted from a most unlikely source—an unpublished novel by a burnt-out ex-filmmaker and wine connoisseur Rex Pickett—and the world of Pinot Noir (and Merlot) winemaking before and after Sideways was released. For as authors Kirk Honeycutt and Mira Advani Honeycutt show, the movie was a pop-culture phenomenon that dramatically impacted the wine industry. Sideways Uncorked offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the lush Santa Barbara wine country that forms the iconic backdrop to Sideways, tracing the effect the story eventually had there and elsewhere. With ample narrative and special features (such as a wine lineup of recommendations from various wine regions), this is a one-of-a-kind illustrated book that will dazzle the palate of oenophiles and cinephiles alike.” Kirk and Mira join us to uncork all that is Sideways Uncorked – The Perfect Pairing of Film & Wine.

“Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria founded in Costa Mesa, California in 2018, celebrates the grand opening of its eagerly anticipated Los Angeles flagship location on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Located on the Miracle Mile at 5773 Wilshire Blvd in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza, the new venture marks a significant milestone as Descanso expands beyond its Orange County roots into the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Located in the heart of Mid-Wilshire adjacent to Museum Row, the new 9,000-square-foot Descanso accommodates 240 guests and features a central bar, a main dining room, two open-air patios, and the celebrated Plancha room, where Descanso's signature Plancha dining experience comes to life. In this one-of-a-kind space, Planchero Chefs prepare multi-course meals right before guests at a communal table, offering an interactive and unforgettable experience that brings the vibrant energy of street-side vendors to the dining table.” Founder Rob Arellano is our guide to all things Descanso Restaurant.

“In the midst of a pandemic, chef and restaurateur Winnie Yee was looking for a distraction away from her business closures. She stumbled upon a brisket and started a lovely affair with live fire cooking. The result was Smoke Queen Barbecue “Where East meats West.” It started modestly as a popular pop-up at the Sunday Smorgasburg in Downtown L.A. and now has expanded to a free-standing location with patio seating in Garden Grove. From backyard pits to multiple 1,000 gallon smokers Chef Winnie now offers California Prime Beef Brisket & Heritage Pork slow smoked with white oak and infused with the flavors of her childhood. Mixing the spices and flavors of her Chinese & Malaysian heritage with the traditional American style of smoking, she creates a unique style of barbecue in a class of its own.” Pitmaster Winnie Yee is our guest with BBQ tongs in hand.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is tirelessly on the front line of providing disaster relief in his own small way for all the unfortunate victims of the Pacific Palisades and Pasadena / Altadena fires as part of a larger effort by restaurant & hospitality folks. He updates us on what is being done and what listeners can do to help. It’s an ongoing effort for the long term.

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

“Two stories unspool in (the book) Sideways Uncorked: the story behind Alexander Payne’s modern movie classic adapted from a most unlikely source—an unpublished novel by a burnt-out ex-filmmaker and wine connoisseur Rex Pickett—and the world of Pinot Noir (and Merlot) winemaking before and after Sideways was released. For as authors Kirk Honeycutt and Mira Advani Honeycutt show, the movie was a pop-culture phenomenon that dramatically impacted the wine industry.”

“Sideways Uncorked offers an insiders, behind-the-scenes tour of the lush Santa Barbara wine country that forms the iconic backdrop to Sideways, tracing the effect the story eventually had there and elsewhere. With ample narrative and special features (such as a wine lineup of recommendations from various wine regions), this is a one-of-a-kind illustrated book that will dazzle the palate of oenophiles and cinephiles alike.”

Kirk Honeycutt is a longtime film critic, journalist, teacher, and author who wrote the biography John Hughes: A Life in Film.

Mira Advani Honeycutt has more than twenty-five years of experience as a wine journalist.

Kirk and Mira (Paso Robles-based) join us to uncork all that is Sideways Uncorked – The Perfect Pairing of Film & Wine.

“Two stories unspool in (the book) Sideways Uncorked: the story behind Alexander Payne’s modern movie classic adapted from a most unlikely source—an unpublished novel by a burnt-out ex-filmmaker and wine connoisseur Rex Pickett—and the world of Pinot Noir (and Merlot) winemaking before and after Sideways was released. For as authors Kirk Honeycutt and Mira Advani Honeycutt show, the movie was a pop-culture phenomenon that dramatically impacted the wine industry.”

“Sideways Uncorked offers a revealing behind-the-scenes tour of the lush Santa Barbara wine country that forms the iconic backdrop to Sideways, tracing the effect the story eventually had there and elsewhere. With ample narrative and special features (such as a wine lineup of recommendations from various wine regions), this is a one-of-a-kind illustrated book that will dazzle the palate of oenophiles and cinephiles alike.”

Kirk Honeycutt is a longtime film critic, journalist, teacher, and author who wrote the biography John Hughes: A Life in Film.

Mira Advani Honeycutt has more than twenty-five years of experience as a wine journalist.

Kirk and Mira (Paso Robles-based) stay with us uncorking all that is Sideways Uncorked – The Perfect Pairing of Film & Wine.

“Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria founded in Costa Mesa, California in 2018, celebrates the grand opening of its highly anticipated Los Angeles flagship location on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Located on the Miracle Mile adjacent to Museum Row at 5773 Wilshire Blvd in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza, the new venture marks a significant milestone as Descanso expands beyond its Orange County roots into the vibrant city of Los Angeles.”

"Descanso's grand opening in Los Angeles is about celebrating the artistry of Mexican cuisine, where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a tribute to Mexican heritage and contemporary creativity,” shared Rob Arellano, Founder and Owner of Descanso. “Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures and serves as the perfect stage for culinary exploration. We're thrilled to contribute our unique interpretation of Mexican fare to this dynamic food landscape."

“Located in the heart of Mid-Wilshire, the new 9,000-square-foot Descanso accommodates 240 guests and features a central bar, a main dining room, two open-air patios, and the celebrated Plancha room, where Descanso's signature Plancha dining experience comes to life. In this one-of-a-kind space, Planchero Chefs prepare multi-course meals right before guests at a communal table, offering an interactive and unforgettable experience that brings the vibrant energy of street-side vendors to the dining table. For those seeking a more intimate setting, the Private Plancha Room, designed for up to 10 guests, offers a bespoke Chef's Table experience with a tailored menu of exquisite dishes, perfect for special occasions.”

“Under the leadership of Corporate Executive Chef Jose Angulo, who joined Descanso in Costa Mesa in 2021, the menu fuses Mexico’s culinary traditions with modern techniques. Highlights include the Seafood Tower with oysters, poached lobster tail, Peruvian scallops, snow crab claws, shrimp cocktail, ceviche campechano, caperberries, morita cocktail sauce, cucumber-serrano mignonette, and lemon. The Enchiladas de Langosta feature butter-poached lobster in tortillas, and the Taquitos de Camarón are made with marinated shrimp, blue corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, morita aioli, and mango-habanero salsa. For a customizable experience, the guest favorite, Alambre, allows guests to choose from steak, al pastor, chicken, shrimp or seasonal vegetables, complemented by bacon, onions, bell peppers, tres quesos frito, avocado toreado, serranos, micro cilantro and flour tortillas.

“Descanso serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., dinner Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Brunch is available on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and happy hour specials, featuring exclusive menu items and discounts on select food and beverages, are offered Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.”

Founder Rob Arellano is our guide to all things Descanso Restaurant.

“Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria founded in Costa Mesa, California in 2018, celebrates the grand opening of its highly anticipated Los Angeles flagship location on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Located on the Miracle Mile at 5773 Wilshire Blvd in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza, the new venture marks a significant milestone as Descanso expands beyond its Orange County roots into the vibrant city of Los Angeles.”

“Located in the heart of Mid-Wilshire adjacent to Museum Row, the new 9,000-square-foot Descanso accommodates 240 guests and features a central bar, a main dining room, two open-air patios, and the celebrated Plancha room, where Descanso's signature Plancha dining experience comes to life. In this one-of-a-kind space, Planchero Chefs prepare multi-course meals right before guests at a communal table, offering an interactive and unforgettable experience that brings the vibrant energy of street-side vendors to the dining table. For those seeking a more intimate setting, the Private Plancha Room, designed for up to 10 guests, offers a bespoke Chef's Table experience with a tailored menu of exquisite dishes, perfect for special occasions.”

“Descanso serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., dinner Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Brunch will be available on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and happy hour specials, featuring exclusive menu items and discounts on select food and beverages, are offered Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.”

Founder Rob Arellano continues as our guide to all things Descanso Restaurant.

“In the midst of a pandemic, chef and restaurateur Winnie Yee was looking for a distraction away from her business closures. She stumbled upon a brisket and started a lovely affair with live fire cooking. The result was Smoke Queen Barbecue “Where East meats West.”” It started modestly as a popular pop-up at the Sunday Smorgasburg in Downtown L.A. and now has expanded to a free-standing location with patio seating in Garden Grove.

“From backyard pits to multiple 1,000 gallon smokers Chef Winnie now offers California Prime Beef Brisket & Heritage Pork slow smoked with white oak and infused with the flavors of her childhood. Mixing the spices and flavors of her Chinese & Malaysian heritage with the traditional American style of smoking, she creates a unique style of barbecue in a class of its own.”

“From the ever so popular Cantonese style Pork Belly Siu Yuk (Crispy Skin Pork Belly), to the Texas style Smoke Brisket, to the not-so-traditional, yet perfect fusion of Chinese-American style Pork Belly Char Siu, each cut of meat is lovingly made with scratch-made family rubs and sauces, defining a new culinary category of Asian American Barbecue.”

Operating Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pitmaster Winnie Yee is our guest with BBQ tongs in hand.

“In the midst of a pandemic, chef and restaurateur Winnie Yee was looking for a distraction away from her business closures. She stumbled upon a brisket and started a lovely affair with live fire cooking. The result was Smoke Queen Barbecue “Where East meats West.”” It started modestly as a popular pop-up at the Sunday Smorgasburg in Downtown L.A. and now has expanded to a free-standing location with patio seating in Garden Grove.

“From backyard pits to multiple 1,000 gallon smokers Chef Winnie now offers California Prime Beef Brisket & Heritage Pork slow smoked with white oak and infused with the flavors of her childhood. Mixing the spices and flavors of her Chinese & Malaysian heritage with the traditional American style of smoking, she creates a unique style of barbecue in a class of its own.”

“From the ever so popular Cantonese style Pork Belly Siu Yuk (Crispy Skin Pork Belly), to the Texas style Smoke Brisket, to the not-so-traditional, yet perfect fusion of Chinese-American style Pork Belly Char Siu, each cut of meat is lovingly made with scratch-made family rubs and sauces, defining a new culinary category of Asian American Barbecue.’

Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pitmaster Winnie Yee continues as our guest with BBQ tongs in hand.