SoCal Restaurant Show

Cooking with flavorful beef tallow is again back in the public consciousness. It’s a great fat to cook French fries in. Chef Andrew has the scoop.

Pizza City Fest Fest L.A. (April 26 to 27th) offers a stellar lineup of Southern California’s best pizza makers in one location, giving fans the unique opportunity to taste, see live demos, and attend panel discussions with culinary experts over two days at L.A. LIVE. We were going to be broadcasting the show live from the Fest on Saturday, April 26th but, oops, we’re preempted instead for an earl...

Melissa’s World Variety Produce is a continuing sponsor of Pizza City Fest L.A. Their Culinary Director, Chef Angel Flores, will be sampling at the Melissa’s booth a mouthwatering creation with goat cheese and Harry’s Berries served on a crostini also showcasing Melissa’s line of fresh produce. This year Melissa’s is celebrating their 41st year of success. They are still proudly Family-owned with...

Pizza City Fest Fest L.A. (April 26 to 27th) offers a stellar lineup of Southern California’s best pizza makers in one location, giving fans the unique opportunity to taste, see live demos, and attend panel discussions with culinary experts over two days at L.A. LIVE. We were going to be broadcasting the show live from the Fest on Saturday, April 26th but, oops, we’re preempted instead for an earl...

Jason Winters (Chef/Proprietor) of Long Beach’s Speak Cheezy and Chef/ Partners Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen of Truly Pizza in Dana Point are all participants in Pizza City Fest L.A. Staying with us to talk more about Pizza City Fest L.A. are accomplished Pizzaiolos Jason Winters, Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen. “At Long Beach’s Speak Cheezy, their 5-day naturally fermented sourdough is one...

Jason Winters (Chef/Proprietor) of Long Beach’s Speak Cheezy and Chef/ Partners Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen of Truly Pizza in Dana Point are all participants in Pizza City Fest L.A. Staying with us to talk more about Pizza City Fest L.A. are accomplished Pizzaiolos Jason Winters, Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen. “At Long Beach’s Speak Cheezy, their 5-day naturally fermented sourdough is one...

Melissa’s World Variety Produce is a continuing sponsor of Pizza City Fest L.A. Their Culinary Director, Chef Angel Flores, will be sampling at the Melissa’s booth a mouthwatering creation on a crostini with goat cheese and Harry’s Berries showcasing Melissa’s line of fresh produce. On Thursday, April 24th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon Chef Angel will be conducting an exclusive cooking demonstration...

“Pizza City Fest  returns to downtown Los Angeles for a third consecutive year as part of its nationwide tour. The two-day celebration promises an unparalleled experience for pizza aficionados and will take place on April 26-27 on the Event Deck at L.A. LIVE. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to savor unlimited offerings from the region's premier pizza artisans, all conveniently l...

Chef, Pizzaiolo and Restaurateur Chris Laramie of Fat Lip Pizza & Beer in Corona is participating at Pizza City Fest L.A. on Saturday, April 26th. We’ll meet him. Chef Chris likes to think of his pizza as having the best of both worlds; the light, crunchy, thin base borrowed from New York street slices and the round puffy crusts typically seen on Neapolitan pies. The dough is the main focus. &...

“The inaugural “Long Beach Taco Week” launches on Sunday, April 20th and continues thru April 27th. Over a dozen taco-centric restaurants are participating. The local restaurants will offer unique over-the-top tacos in combination with value-priced taco offers. Featured Tacos and Taco Plates are value-priced at $5, $10, and $15.” The objective is that in addition to encouraging loca...

“Since 2021, the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund has awarded $7.3 million in grants to 1,603 independent restaurants across California—supporting burger joints, taquerias, bakeries, and more that are the heart of our communities. In 2025, Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is offering two grant opportunities to help restaurants thrive: $10,000 grants for LA County restaurants and food trucks impact...

It’s a very special show for April 12th as after a 2-year absence we’re returning to the 12th Big Island Chocolate Festival. The Festival is a chocolate lovers paradise celebrating that Hawaii is the only place in the United States where cacao, the base of all premium chocolate, can successfully be grown commercially (and typically by small Family farmers.) Our accommodating and gracious hosts are...

“With a precise palate and a commitment to the chocolate craft, Guittard Chocolate Company (Burlingame, CA – based) has crafted the world’s best chocolate for five generations. Guittard sources single origins for their exclusive flavors and attributes and customize blends and formulas to deliver a premium chocolate experience. The extensive Guittard Chocolate line includes delicious baking, eating...

Chef Stéphane Tréand, M.O.F. Patisserie is a native of France and international pastry shop consultant. Chef Stéphane holds the prestigious title of M.O.F. Patisserie (Meilleur Ouvier de France), meaning “Best Craftsman in France” and was named World Pastry Champion in 2008. He has served as pastry chef at numerous bakeries and resorts and also is a seasoned instructor in France and the U.S. A pop...

It’s a very special show for April 12th as after a 2-year absence we’re returning to the 12th Big Island Chocolate Festival. The Festival is a chocolate lovers paradise celebrating that Hawaii is the only place in the United States where cacao, the base of all premium chocolate, can successfully be grown commercially (and typically by small Family farmers.) Our accommodating and gracious hosts are...

Malama Mushrooms is a family-owned, superfood mushroom company based in Kona, Hawaii. Their modest mission is to share the health & wellness benefits of superfood mushrooms with the world.  'Malama' is the Hawaiian word for protect, preserve, and nurture. That’s the ambitious motto for what Malama Mushrooms does. Founder, CEO and “Funguy” Ben Lillibridge joins us. “Malama first fruited in...

Frederic Hoffmann has been the Executive Chef at Hilton Waikoloa Village resort located on 62 acres on the Kohala Coast on The Big Island of Hawaii since January of 2022. Chef Hoffmann guides the Resort’s 12 dining outlets, including the flagship Kamuela Provision Company (KPC), Nui Italian, Kona Tap Room, Lagoon Grill and the Legends of Hawai‘i Luau. He also oversees all on-site catering function...

“With a precise palate and a commitment to the chocolate craft, Guittard Chocolate Company (Burlingame, CA – based) has crafted the world’s best chocolate for five generations. Guittard sources single origins for their exclusive flavors and attributes and customize blends and formulas to deliver a premium chocolate experience.” “The extensive Guittard Chocolate line includes delicious baking, eati...

Sean Newman is the Director of Food and Beverage at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. He oversees their 12 busy restaurants and lounges including Legends of Hawai’i Lu’au. “Sean is a senior food and beverage operations professional with extensive background in Hotel Management, resort/hotel renovation, guest services and all facets of the Revenue Management process. He is skilled in managing large team...

Dr. Nat Bletter is the Founder and Chocolate ‘flavormeister’ of Madre Chocolate, based on Oahu. “Madres purchases raw, fermented beans directly from farmers and cooperatives to roast and process in small batches to craft its chocolate bars.  Nat was inspired to start his traditional ingredient and artisanal chocolate company after researching plants such as cacao while working on his doctorat...

Matthew Lane is the Rooms Director for Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii, the host hotel for our broadcast celebrating The Big Island Chocolate Festival. Matthew is our guest providing an overview of this expansive destination resort property. “Hilton Waikoloa Village is an oceanfront resort overlooking Waiulua Bay on the Island of Hawai’i. Surrounded by breathtaking tropical gar...

“Chef Eileen Elizabeth is a published, award-winning vegan chef based in Los Angeles California. Her newest cookbook, The Vegan Blueprints, is the culmination of her decade-long career. Whether she is feeding celebrities, helping people manage disease, cooking for wellness retreats or developing menus for restaurants, Chef Eileen really is taking the culinary world by storm. Proving that plant-bas...

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show. Program Note for Saturday, April 12th. For the 4th time we’re honored to be broadcasting live from The Big Island Chocolate Festival celebrating that Hawaii is the only place in the United States where cacao (the base of fine chocolate) can successfully grow commercially. Please join us… Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-infor...

Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC. On today’s menu is an important update on the Napa Rose R...

Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food & Beverage Columnist for Culture OC. The long-running fine-dining restaurant, N...