SoCal Restaurant Show

Going to Las Vegas to celebrate Thanksgiving?

“Once again The Golden Tiki is inviting everyone to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with the return of their annual “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” celebration on Wednesday, November 27th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.! This night has become a pre-game ritual for Las Vegans and visitors in town for the holiday and is truly one of the best events at this notable tiki bar.” 

“As always the festive pre-turkey day event will feature all of the treats from the iconic holiday TV special including jelly beans, popcorn, pretzels, and buttered toast, served on the ceremonial ping pong table (complimentary with any beverage purchase). This year, Beverage Director and Snoopy Surrogate Adam Rains has also created a special boozy “Peanuts Punch” available one night only! Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Charlie Brown character.”

“Ghost Hill Cellars is a fifth-generation farm, vineyard estate, and unforgettable event destination, sustainably tended by the Bayliss-Bower family (and, perhaps, the ghost of a murdered gold miner) since 1906. Neighboring the vineyards of Ken Wright, Tony Soter, and other Willamette Valley luminaries in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the family’s highly prized soils produce Pinot Noir of exceptional finesse and longevity, crafted by legendary Oregon winemaker Eric Hamacher. With a spectacular new hospitality center to match the award-winning wines, Ghost Hill Cellars is a family treasure far more enduring than a prospector’s lucky break.”

“In April 2024, the Bayliss-Bower family unveiled a striking new tasting room and hospitality center perched at the very top of the ridge, with incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. Retractable glass doors, outdoor firepits, and multiple seating areas create a variety of inviting and comfortable spaces for wine tastings, weddings, and special events of all kinds. In this modern farmhouse setting, guests are welcomed like family for tastings Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and until 9 p.m. on Fridays.”

“Ghost Hill produces four 100% estate-grown Pinot Noirs: Pinot Noir Blanc (made with no skin contact), Pinot Noir Rosé, Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir, and Prospector’s Reserve Pinot Noir (made from the oldest vines of the estate). Critics regularly score this lineup 90-94 points.” With the planting of Chardonnay in the new vineyard a sparkling wine program is definitely in their future.

Representing the Bayliss-Bower family is Cameron Bower, “Business Guy and Wine Lover.”

“Ghost Hill Cellars is a fifth-generation farm, vineyard estate, and unforgettable event destination, sustainably tended by the Bayliss-Bower family (and, perhaps, the ghost of a murdered gold miner) since 1906. Neighboring the vineyards of Ken Wright, Tony Soter, and other Willamette Valley luminaries in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the family’s highly prized soils produce Pinot Noir of exceptional finesse and longevity, crafted by legendary Oregon winemaker Eric Hamacher. With a spectacular new hospitality center to match the award-winning wines, Ghost Hill Cellars is a family treasure far more enduring than a prospector’s lucky break.”

“Ghost Hill produces four 100% estate-grown Pinot Noirs: Pinot Noir Blanc (made with no skin contact), Pinot Noir Rosé, Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir, and Prospector’s Reserve Pinot Noir (made from the oldest vines of the estate). Critics regularly score this lineup 90-94 points.” With the planting of Chardonnay in the new vineyard a sparkling wine program is definitely in their future.

Representing the Bayliss-Bower family is Cameron Bower, “Business Guy and Wine Love” who continues with us.

California Wine Country for the Holidays? “Experience the warmth of the holiday season at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort’s annual 12 Days of Holiday celebration. Taking place from December 20 to December 31, 2024, this vibrant event transforms the Paso Robles luxury resort into a holiday wonderland, offering seasonal delights and joyful experiences sure to make the season bright.” 

“The 12 Days of Holiday begin with the spectacular annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, held Friday, December 20. Featuring performances from local carolers and the Artistry in Motion dance troupe, this beloved tradition marks the beginning of the holiday season at the Allegretto. Prior to the ceremony, guests will enjoy opportunities to capture cherished moments at a photo station with Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, and indulge in sweet treats including hot cocoa, mulled wine, and an interactive s’mores station.”

“Each day through December 31 brings new events to enjoy. From ornament decorating stations to stocking-making workshops and a Christmas-themed photo booth, creative activities abound. The family-friendly festivities continue on Saturday, December 21, when guests can gather during the Warm Holiday Drink & Cookie Social followed by a magical performance of the Mini Nutcracker in the outdoor Piazza. Guests can build their own reindeer, craft personalized wrapping paper, and join in on tree decorating on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day will feature a special holiday menu at Cello Ristorante & Bar followed by a movie night in the ballroom.” 

“As 2024 comes to an end, holiday festivities give way to New Year's excitement on Tuesday, December 31. Guests can enjoy New Year's cookie decorating, add their goals to the New Year's Resolution Wall, play New Year's Bingo, and create custom disco balls at a craft station. The celebration peaks with an "East Coast New Year's Eve Celebration," designed to ring in 2025 on East Coast time.” 

Our guides to Allegretto’s upcoming “12 Days of Holiday” festivities are Thomas Humphrey, Director of Food & Beverage, and his Assistant, Ronnie Johnston

“Zov's Restaurant Group (Tustin) has transformed the former Roxy’z restaurant into a premier private event space, now reimagined as 1801 Private Events by Zov’s. Located in the heart of Anaheim at the corner of E. Katella Ave. and S. State College Blvd., the newly branded 1801 Private Events offers a versatile venue perfect for a variety of special occasions, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.”

“With 3,900 square feet of indoor space, 1801 Private Events by Zov’s can comfortably accommodate events up to 120 guests, making it an ideal setting for bridal showers, birthdays, wedding receptions, and corporate events. The spacious reception-style patio, which can host up to 40 guests, adds a charming al-fresco option to the venue.”

“Guests at 1801 Private Events by Zov’s will enjoy the same exceptional quality and culinary expertise that Zov’s is known for, with a menu drawn from Zov’s renowned catering offerings, including Mediterranean-inspired dishes and classic comfort foods.”

"Zov's began as a catering business, so opening 1801 Private Events feels like a natural progression for us," says Armen Karamardian, CEO of Zov's Restaurants. "This new space allows us to serve larger groups and gatherings that we simply couldn’t accommodate within our existing restaurants. Anaheim is the perfect location for this expansion, as it's a hub for event tourism, and we're excited to bring Zov’s legendary cuisine and hospitality to even more guests in this vibrant community."

1801 Private Events by Zov’s is located in Anaheim (1801 E Katella Ave.) and is now accepting bookings for events of all sizes.

Second generation restaurateur, Armen Karamardian, joins us with all the details of 1801 Private Events by Zov’s.

Thanksgiving is now upon us. Chef Andrew is a fountain of genuinely useful, stress-free Thanksgiving cooking tips which he generously shares. This week’s final tips offer creative ideas for winning stuffing and musings on cooking the bird so all parts are evenly cooked. All good wishes to our listeners for a stress-free and memorable Thanksgiving celebration.

For the curious traveler consider a very special fully escorted VIP journey to Morocco from October 29th to November 11th, 2025 with a local expert. “Step into the magical world of Morocco with Broadway By Amar Santana with Village Travel Laguna Beach’s local host Ahmed Labbate (CEO & Partner of The Vaca Group) who is a native from this enchanting land, where every moment is a shimmering gem waiting to be discovered. The Host’s passion is crafting a bespoke Morocco private adventure, meticulously tailored by their local expert and personally approved by Ahmed Labbate who has recently personally previewed every stop on the tour!” Restaurateur Ahmed Labbate is our guest with a preview of this incredible Morocco adventure.

“Sidereus Vineyard & Winery in Cornelius, Tualatin Valley, Oregon, which opened in 2021, is a boutique winery in the Laurelwood District AVA. The established estate-grown vineyards produce Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling. Winemaker Jason Bull, who has earned acclaim as a winemaker from several wineries in the Willamette Valley, makes complex wines that truly reflect the region’s terroir.

Winemaker, Jason Bull, is fond of saying, "Great wine comes from great fruit," promising red wines with depth and balance and whites that show their true varietal character.” Winemaker Jason Bull joins us to pull the cork on all that is Sidereus Vineyard & Winery.

El Segundo Brewing Co’s The Slice and Pint (Rob Croxall and Tom Kelley) has been a neighborhood favorite since it launched around the corner from the El Segundo Brewing Co. in 2019. It’s the home of serious pizza by the slice or pie from current Executive Chef Andrew Fujii and a wide assortment of ESBC’s award-winning craft beers on tap. It was only a matter of time before they expanded with a 2nd area location. Newly opened in Redondo Beach on Pacific Coast Highway is the Slice & Pint in the former Pizza Coast Hiway location previously operated by Hopsaint Brewing. The new location has an expanded take-out area (it even has it’s own entrance) and plenty of on-site parking. Also an outside patio facing PCH that is pet friendly. Co-Proprietor Tom Kelley joins us to tap the keg on the new location for The Slice & Pint.

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. Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Chef Andrew is a fountain of genuinely useful, stress-free Thanksgiving cooking tips which he generously shares. This week’s tip is preparing a luscious and rich turkey gravy that’s surely a guaranteed hit.

Georgia’s Restaurant (“Soul Delicious”) welcomed the launch of its fourth Southern California location on Friday, October 18 at its new home at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine. “As we celebrate the opening of our Irvine Spectrum Center location, we simultaneously applaud 10 successful years since the opening of our first location, which is at the Packing House,” says Nika Shoemaker-Machado, who owns the restaurant with her mother, Gretchen Shoemaker, and husband, Marlon Machado. “It’s quite an incredible feeling to see our family’s recipes become loved by so many throughout Southern California. We definitely filled a void in the Orange County market as we began to define local perception of Southern Soul Food.” Nika Shoemaker-Machado takes a break from baking the signature cornbread to join us.

For the curious traveler consider a very special fully escorted VIP journey to Morocco from October 29th to November 11th, 2025 with a local expert. “Step into the magical world of Morocco with Broadway By Amar Santana with Village Travel Laguna Beach’s local host Ahmed Labbate (CEO & Partner of The Vaca Group) who is a native from this enchanting land, where every moment is a shimmering gem waiting to be discovered. The Host’s passion is crafting a bespoke Morocco private adventure, meticulously tailored by their local expert and personally approved by Ahmed Labbate who has recently personally previewed every stop on the tour!” Restaurateur Ahmed Labbate is our guest with a preview of this incredible Morocco adventure.

Georgia’s Restaurant (“Soul Delicious”) welcomed the launch of its fourth Southern California location on Friday, October 18 at its new home at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine. “As we celebrate the opening of our Irvine Spectrum Center location, we simultaneously applaud 10 successful years since the opening of our first location, which is at the Packing House,” says Nika Shoemaker-Machado, who owns the restaurant with her mother, Gretchen Shoemaker, and husband, Marlon Machado. “It’s quite an incredible feeling to see our family’s recipes become loved by so many throughout Southern California. We definitely filled a void in the Orange County market as we began to define local perception of Southern Soul Food.” Nika Shoemaker-Machado takes a break from baking the signature cornbread to join us.

For the curious traveler consider a very special fully escorted VIP journey to Morocco from October 29th to November 11th, 2025 with a local expert. “Step into the magical world of Morocco with Broadway By Amar Santana with Village Travel Laguna Beach’s local host Ahmed Labbate (CEO & Partner of The Vaca Group) who is a native from this enchanting land, where every moment is a shimmering gem waiting to be discovered. The Host’s passion is crafting a bespoke Morocco private adventure, meticulously tailored by their local expert and personally approved by Ahmed Labbate who has recently personally previewed every stop on the tour!” Restaurateur Ahmed Labbate is our guest with a preview of this incredible Morocco adventure.

“Sidereus Vineyard & Winery in Cornelius, Tualatin Valley, Oregon, which opened in 2021, is a boutique winery in the Laurelwood District AVA. The established estate-grown vineyards produce Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling. Winemaker Jason Bull, who has earned acclaim as a winemaker from several wineries in the Willamette Valley, makes complex wines that truly reflect the region’s terroir.

Winemaker, Jason Bull, is fond of saying, "Great wine comes from great fruit," promising red wines with depth and balance and whites that show their true varietal character.” Winemaker Jason Bull joins us to pull the cork on all that is Sidereus Vineyard & Winery.

El Segundo Brewing Co’s The Slice and Pint (Rob Croxall and Tom Kelley) has been a neighborhood favorite since it launched around the corner from the El Segundo Brewing Co. in 2019. It’s the home of serious pizza by the slice or pie from current Executive Chef Andrew Fujii and a wide assortment of ESBC’s award-winning craft beers on tap. It was only a matter of time before they expanded with a 2nd area location. Newly opened in Redondo Beach on Pacific Coast Highway is the Slice & Pint in the former Pizza Coast Hiway location previously operated by Hopsaint Brewing. The new location has an expanded take-out area (it even has it’s own entrance) and plenty of on-site parking. Also an outside patio facing PCH that is pet friendly. Co-Proprietor Tom Kelley joins us to tap the keg on the new location for The Slice & Pint.

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. Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Chef Andrew is a fountain of genuinely useful, stress-free Thanksgiving cooking tips which he generously shares. This week’s tip is preparing a luscious and rich turkey gravy that’s surely a guaranteed hit.

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

Georgia’s Restaurant (“Soul Delicious”) celebrated the launch of its fourth Southern California location on Friday, October 18 at its new home at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine.

“As we celebrate the opening of our Irvine Spectrum Center location, we simultaneously applaud 10 successful years since the opening of our first location, which is at the Anaheim Packing House,” says Nika Shoemaker-Machado, who owns the restaurant with her mother, Gretchen Shoemaker, and husband, Marlon Machado. “It’s quite an incredible feeling to see our family’s recipes become loved by so many throughout  Southern California. We definitely filled a void in the Orange County market as we began to define local perception of Southern Soul Food.”

“Georgia's diverse menu delivers the experience of a home-cooked meal with recipes originating from generations past, adapted and updated for today’s diner. A great place to begin is with Nana Gretchen’s Fried Green Tomatoes, crispy coated fresh green tomatoes with a lemon aioli, and finger-licking Pulled Pork Sliders, slow-roasted pork and house-made BBQ sauce served on a brioche bun. For something a little more substantial, Southern Soul Food lovers must experience Georgia’s signature herb-seasoned, cornmeal-crusted, buttermilk Fried Chicken.” 


Thanksgiving hint…All Georgia’s locations (except Anaheim Packing House) will be open on Thanksgiving Day for dine-in or takeout. Lip-smacking Southern side dishes and desserts to perhaps add to your own Family Thanksgiving feast! (Mama Gretchen (the recipe creator) will let you take all the credit.)

Nika Shoemaker-Machado takes a break from baking the signature cornbread to join us.