It’s beginning to feel a lot like Black Friday. Father Sal and I are coming through with a very LA Food Pod Gift Guide.

But first, there’s a piece in Taste making the case in favor of gatekeeping your favorite restaurants, a podcast with the brand new editor of The Best American Food & Travel Writing that elicited some red hot takes on the future of food media, and a snarky Substack article on whether 2024 was a year of lows for LA restaurants. 

Helpful links:

Shaan Merchant for Taste on gatekeeping ⁠https://tastecooking.com/is-there-a-case-for-gatekeeping/⁠

This is Taste interview with Jaya Saxena ⁠https://tastecooking.com/this-is-taste-499-best-american-food-writing-with-jaya-saxena/⁠

Bangers and Jams article on LA’s highs and lows ⁠https://www.bangersandjams.com/p/the-highs-and-lows-of-las-quiet-restaurant⁠

Eater’s Mona Holmes on Somerville and Long Beach’s new jazz lounge ⁠https://la.eater.com/2024/11/25/24305531/breakers-long-beach-hotel-sky-room-restaurant-opening-jazz-lounge-long-beach-southern-california⁠

GIFT GUIDE

⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008H4SLV6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=8648475%7Cnfb598f95b40b4663a3a1de10248b91ba01%7CB008H4SLV6%7C1732671051584%7C%7C&th=1⁠

⁠https://foodistkitchen.com/⁠

⁠https://www.botanicarestaurant.com/products/magic-spice⁠Gift for the friend who only eats out:

⁠https://dininginthedarkexperience.com/los-angeles/⁠

Gift we’d get each other 

Gift I wish people would get me

--

Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠

–

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Welcome to episode 100. We hosted a live show to celebrate at Little Joy Cocktails in Echo Park, and what you’re about to hear is the recording of said live show. Father Sal and I were joined by Eater’s Mona Holmes to run through the headlines of the day and to play a round of Chef’s Kiss Big Miss. We debuted the first-ever LA Food Pod quiz - big thanks and sincere apologies to David Turkell of Turk’s Pizza Party for participating. And, finally, we had a conversation with Jackson Kalb of Ospi, Jemma, and Top Chef fame, on running a restaurant in today’s tricky economic environment, among other things. 

But first, Father Sal joins me for some slightly indulgent navel-gazing on what this podcast means to us, and we also quickly touch on some exciting events we attended this week, including a very insightful panel discussion on restaurant PR and marketing hosted by New School, and a comedy show presented by none other than former Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi. 

Helpful links:

Mona Holmes https://www.instagram.com/monaeats/?hl=en

Jackson Kalb https://www.instagram.com/jacksonkalb/?hl=en

Ospi https://ospi.com/venice

Jemma https://jemmarestaurants.com/

Little Joy https://littlejoy.la/

The LA Food Pod Live Show was produced by:

Robert Haleblian https://www.instagram.com/robert_haleblian/?hl=en

--

Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! https://thelonelyoyster.com/

–

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

What do the best competition cook of all time, an uber-accomplished LA restaurateur and the author of one of the year’s best cookbooks have in common? Well, they’re all the same person and her name is Brooke Williamson.

Brooke just released her first-ever cookbook, dear listener. It’s called SUN-KISSED COOKING, and it’s available now in stores. Brooke’s with us today to tell us what inspired the new book, why now felt like the right time in her storied career to release her first book, and what she liked and didn’t like about the arduous process of writing a cookbook. 

Of course, I wouldn’t be doing my job if we didn’t also talk about her career as a prodigy on the Los Angeles restaurant scene, the secrets to her extraterrestrial ability as a competition cook, and how she’s seen the role of a restaurant operator evolve since opening her first restaurant back in the early aughts. 

Helpful links:

Sun-Kissed Cooking https://www.harpercollins.com/products/sun-kissed-cooking-brooke-williamson?variant=41531003830306

Brooke on IG https://www.instagram.com/chefbrookew/?hl=en

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Abdo Hajj

--

Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! https://thelonelyoyster.com/

–

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Today on The LA Food Podcast… What game is Norm Langer playing by reposting Rick Caruso’s scathing video of Mayor Karen Bass’ efforts (or lacktherof) to clean up MacArthur Park? Why is Martha Stewart irate over the way she’s being portrayed in her brand new Netflix documentary “Martha?” And why is a trip Dan Tana’s pretty much obligatory in your near future, dear listener?

We’re joined today by SF Gate’s Karen Palmer to discuss all of the above. She’s filling in for Father Sal and, dare I say, Father Sal watch out. If he keeps abusing his PTO days, Karen just made a case for why there might need to be a change in administration. Too soon?

In Part 2 we’re joined by Richard Pink of Pink’s Hot Dogs. The Hollywood icon that is Pink’s is celebrating its 85th birthday and is giving out 85 cent hot dogs to celebrate. I caught up with Richard at Pink’s to hear about the promotion, but more importantly, to hear his reflections on the little hot dog stand that could. 

As always please consider leaving us a rating or a review wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m your host Luca Servodio and without further ado, let’s chow down. 

Helpful links:

Karen Palmer https://www.sfgate.com/author/karen-palmer/

Karen on IG https://www.instagram.com/karenlpalmer/?hl=en

Karen’s piece on Dan Tana’s https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/california-italian-restaurant-dan-tanas-19880183.php

Pink’s https://www.pinkshollywood.com/

Langer’s re-post of Rick Caruso https://www.instagram.com/p/DB7CglYvmzQ/?hl=en

New York Times interview with Martha Stewart https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/30/movies/martha-stewart-netflix-documentary.html

Eater’s stories on Martha https://www.eater.com/search?q=martha+stewart

Taste on nonalcoholic martinis https://tastecooking.com/a-good-na-martini-is-possible/

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Abdo Hajj

--

Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! https://thelonelyoyster.com/

–

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Part 1 of our brand new series, Opening Cafe Esca. We’re joined by accomplished hospitality pros Luke Reyes and Reilly Cox, the dream team behind the upcoming Coastal Italian gem slated to open in the Arts District in March of 2025. 

Luke and Reilly have agreed to visit us on the pod once a month to take us behind the scenes of all that’s gonna go into opening their ambitious LA restaurant. Why are they doing this? Well, typically when restaurants open you just see a blurb in Eater or stroll by it on your morning walk, but there’s tons of work that goes into opening a restaurant that often goes untold. Reilly and Luke are going to take us under the hood, sharing the good, the bad, the ugly, and of course the delicious. Think of this like a podcast version of The Bear Season 2, but with more City of Angels and far less family trauma. 

But first, Father Sal is with us to talk New York versus LA food, whether Kamala Harris’ status as a foodie can actually help her win the election, and of course, to play a round of Chef’s Kiss Big MIss with us. He also makes a BIG, MASSIVE announcement that you’re not gonna wanna miss. All I’ve gotta say is, look out LA, there’s a new daddy in town. 

Helpful links:

Luke Reyes https://www.instagram.com/_luke_reyes/?hl=en

Reilly Cox https://www.linkedin.com/in/reillyscox/

Rita’s Deluxe https://www.ritasdeluxe.com/

Psychic Wines https://www.psychicwinesla.com/

Jenn Harris on NY vs LA food https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2024-10-25/los-angeles-better-food-city-new-york-city-dodgers-yankees

Meghan McCarron on Kamala’s foodie-ness https://www.bonappetit.com/story/kamala-harris-food-politics?srsltid=AfmBOoqPiaZxqUNliiwHMvaogf_kYPjpWZ3TBRbczCazjhHB7AjQUouM

LAist Halloween foods https://laist.com/brief/news/food/seven-local-spots-serving-grim-goodies-this-halloween-season

Mona Holmes on Homemade LA https://la.eater.com/2024/10/28/24275082/homemade-la-home-restaurants-mehko-food-service-vendors-los-angeles-county

Cheese store robbed https://www.nbc.com/today/video/400000-worth-of-award-winning-cheese-stolen-in-london/NBCN854213543#:~:text=A%20con%20artist%20who%20posed,Neal's%20Yard%20Diary%20in%20London.

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Abdo Hajj

--

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Today on The LA Food Podcast presented by Rusty’s Chips… how are influencers transforming LA’s restaurant scene? What does a legendary San Bernardino restaurant have to do with political polarization? And why did one Little Tokyo mochi manufacturer inspire a long-form feature in the New York Times?

Father Sal is with us to discuss all of the above, beginning with a deep dive into Eater LA’s four-story package on the dreaded “i” word - influencers. Are they adding something valuable to the overall conversation? Or are they scammers that everybody from restaurants to consumers should be wary of? As always, we have the definitive, unquestionable, and unchallengeable answers, for you dear listener, so get excited, cuz this conversation is Lox Level 9.9.

In Part 2, I caught up with the iconic Dominick DiBartolomeo at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. While The Cheese Store has been in business since the 60s, the latest iteration on Santa Monica Blvd is making waves that have the LA’s culinary nerds abuzz with excitement. Dom and I talk about all things cheese and sandwiches, we learn what his favorite cheeses are right now, and which cheese he would eat if he could only pick one to consume for the rest of his life. He tells us the crazy lengths he goes to to source his incredible product, and how he goes about forging relationships with LA’s best chefs. Talking to Dominick felt like talking to a long-lost relative, and that’s not just cuz we’re both Italian. He’s a true gem of a human being, and I can’t wait for you to brie this conversation. I mean, hear this conversation. 

As always please consider leaving us a rating or a review wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m your host Luca Servodio and without further ado, let’s go Dodgers and let’s chow down. 

Helpful links:

Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/

The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills https://www.cheesestorebh.com/

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Adam Skaggs

Tiffany Perez

Tim Bertolini

Abdo Hajj

–

Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” ⁠https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN⁠

--

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

cc: Gustavo Arellano, Bill Esparza, Meghan McCarron, Pete Wells, Steve Martin, Mona Holmes, Cathy Chaplin, Rebecca Roland, Matthew Kang, Gab Chabran

Today on The LA Food Podcast presented by Rusty’s Chips… Evan Funke’s episode of Chef’s Table is out on Netflix, Father Sal and I watched it so you don’t have to. How did we feel about it? Well, let’s just say the episode gave one us an acute case of the ick that no amount of cacio e pepe can reverse. Listen to find out why. 

But first, former Eater New York critic Ryan Sutton has some interesting thoughts on the future of restaurant criticism, the LA County government actually did something positive for aspiring restaurateurs, and there’s a tension rising between the need for restaurants to become increasingly sustainable while navigating the tough economic conditions. As always there’s a lighting round of Chef’s Kiss / Big Miss, and Father Sal brought a Let Me Cook to the table that you’re not gonna wanna miss. One word for you - ARFID. 

As always please consider leaving us a rating or a review wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m your host Luca Servodio and without further ado, let’s chow down. 

Helpful links:

Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Adam Skaggs

Tiffany Perez

Tim Bertolini

Abdo Hajj

–

Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” ⁠https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN⁠

--

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Is Eater’s new list of the Essential 38 Restaurants perfect, or is it the most chaotic list of all time? What do we find groundbreaking about Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson’s upcoming fine dining concept? And where would we eat if we could only eat at 3 restaurants for the rest of our lives? 

Father Sal is with us to discuss all of the above, why you should check out a newly released Great British Baking Show companion pod, why you can maybe skip Tom Colicchio’s new memoir/cookbook, and why your next tasting menu experience might be a couple courses shorter.

Our interview today is with Chef Dominique Crisp, Culinary Director of The Lonely Oyster. Dom’s got a fascinating story and he also happens to be part of the Oyster Master Guild. That means Dom is to oysters what sommeliers are to wine. He teaches us to appreciate the wonderful world of merroir, and what distinguishes good oysters from oysters that are, to paraphrase Dom, better than s*x. Dom also tells us how the late, iconic Naomi Pomeroy played a pivotal role in his career, and what he learned from his previous venture Saso, which he opened in Pasadena smack dab in the middle of the pandemic and ultimately decided to walk away from despite its rip-roaring success. 

Helpful links:

Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/

The Lonely Oyster https://thelonelyoyster.com/

Chef Dom Crisp https://www.instagram.com/domcrisp/

Keith Corbin's memoir https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/677186/california-soul-by-keith-corbin/

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Adam Skaggs

Tiffany Perez

Tim Bertolini

Abdo Hajj

–

Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN

--

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

What the hell is happening at Otium? Where the hell is Chef Tim Hollingsworth? And what are its former employees trying to do about it? We’re joined by former Otium employees Rylee Ratcliff and Melissa Mendoza for a raw and honest conversation about the exhausting, frustrating, and maddening weeks they’ve had since the acclaimed Downtown restaurant closed its doors for good on September 8.

Father Sal also joins us to give Chef Tim some PR advice. We talk about LA Taco’s latest and greatest Taco 69 list, Ina Garten’s salacious new memoir, why the California legislature is banning farm-raised octopus, and what Paul Hollywood has been up to in his free time.

Helpful links:

Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/

Otium Unpaid Staff Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/otium_la_unpaid_staff_feed/?hl=en

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Adam Skaggs

Tiffany Perez

Tim Bertolini

Abdo Hajj

–

Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN

--

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Today on the LA Food Podcast, the most recognizable chef on the planet joins us for an interview - and I’m not talking about Chef Boyardee.

Wolfgang Puck is with us today, alongside his son Byron Lazaroff Puck for honestly one of my favorite conversations we’ve ever had on this platform. Wolfgang has been one of the most if not THE most trailblazing chef in America for more than 40 years, and we discuss the many changes he’s seen in the Los Angeles food scene since he opened Spago back in 1982. But don’t just talk about the past - I was truly impressed to find that the Wolfgang Puck group of restaurants is as innovative and vibrant as ever and much of that is down to the passion and savviness of Byron Lazaroff Puck, Wolfgang’s son and heir apparent to the legendary restaurant empire. Wolfgang, Byron and I discuss what it’s like to operate as a father/son duo, how Wolfgang navigates the temptation to micromanage and how Byron approaches the pressure that naturally comes with the territory. Most interestingly, I ask them both about their vision for the company’s future, and I think their answers might surprise you.

But first, Father Sal is with us to quickly recap the New York Times’ list of Best Restaurants in America, how the Los Angeles Times blatantly disrespected me by crowning somebody else LA’s sandwich king, and to dream brand new name for our beloved segment bad idea/horrible idea. RIP, all good things to come to an end, and all that jazz. 

Helpful links:

Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/

Wolfgang Puck https://wolfgangpuck.com/

The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of:

Adam Skaggs

Tiffany Perez

Tim Bertolini

Abdo Hajj

The Wolfgang Puck interview was produced by Matt Polizzi https://www.instagram.com/matt_polizzi/

–

Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN

--

Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods