Tasting Arcadia

You’ve heard people argue about what counts as “authentic” sushi but what happens when a chef learns traditional Japanese technique and then decides the final goal is simply to make it better? On Tasting Arcadia, Karen Mac Nair sits down with Lynn and Thee of Fillet Sushi in Old Town Monrovia to talk about building a new restaurant, earning regulars fast, and creating dishes that sound a little st...

Mezcal can taste like smoke, sweetness, and a place you have never been, and it can also taste like someone’s childhood. Karen Mac Nair sits with Jaime Vargas from Cosijo Mezcal, a brand rooted in more than 82 years of family tradition in Oaxaca, and we get into what happens when heritage meets the real grind of building a spirits business in California. If you love craft spirits, agave, tequila c...

We’re back for a new season of Tasting Arcadia, and we start with a delicious preview of Taste of Arcadia at Santa Anita Park on September 19, a 21 and over food and drink festival built to spotlight San Gabriel Valley restaurants and businesses. On our first season back, Karen Mac Nair joined by Jaimee Reimer, Managing Partner at Outback Steakhouse Arcadia, and we get specific about what Outback...

On today's episode of Tasting Arcadia, Karen Mac Nair steps into the rich traditions of southern Brazil as we explore the authentic churrascaria experience with Jimena Sirri, Senior Sales Manager from Fogo de Chão. This mouthwatering conversation takes you on a culinary journey from the restaurant's humble beginnings in Brazil in 1979 to its expansion across the globe with over 100 locat...

On this episode with Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair she steps into the storied world of Santa Anita Park through our conversation with Rick Bakker, Director of Hospitality at this iconic Arcadia landmark. For 91 years, Santa Anita has been more than just a premier horse racing venue—it's been the backdrop for countless family memories, culinary traditions, and community gatherings. Rick...

On this episode of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair you might think a bottle of hard espresso might not seem revolutionary until you hear the story behind Mario's Hard Espresso. Founder Joe shares how his father Mario, a Sicilian immigrant farmer with powerful hands and an even more powerful sense of community, crafted a special espresso liqueur once a year for six decades simply to bring...

The sweetest episode of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair has arrived! We're diving fork-first into the delicious world of Nothing Bundt Cakes with owner Ingrid, who shares the heartwarming story behind her successful bakery business in the San Gabriel Valley.  For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another...

Arcadia's dining scene wouldn't be complete without Outback Steakhouse, a community staple since 1995. On this episode of Tasting Arcadia, Karen Mac Nair talks with Jamie, the managing partner who boldly took the helm in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, shares the fascinating evolution of this beloved restaurant located at 166 East Huntington Drive. For more information and tickets to the...

On this episode of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair, she helps us discover Arcadia's hidden culinary treasure as she goes behind the scenes at Le Meridian Hotel with Executive Chef Gabriel Colunga and Director of Sales and Marketing Gaby Flores. As California's only Le Meridian property, this stunning 234-room hotel brings a unique blend of French-inspired cuisine with local flair to...

Ever wondered what happens when culinary excellence meets healing? The latest episode of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair takes us behind the scenes of 1913, with Christian Eggerling, Director of Hospitality and Culinary Operations. 1913 is a hidden gem nestled within City of Hope's Duarte campus serving delicious food. Christian also share what he bringing to Taste of Arcadia. For more in...

Ever wondered what drives someone to abandon a stable career and pour their life savings into creating premium tequila during a global pandemic? In this episode of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair, she sits down with Ernesto, the passionate founder of XOLO Tequila, who did exactly that. And shares what he is bringing to the Taste of Arcadia. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arca...

Step into the aromatic world of authentic Indian cuisine on Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair as she sits down with the Santokh Singh and Harsimran Singh Khinda, father and son, owners of All India Cafe in Downtown Arcadia. Their culinary journey spans continents and generations, starting from farmlands in Punjab, India to establishing three successful restaurant locations across California. The...

This Episode of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair, she talks with Manny Cabrera and Guillermo Torres founder and owner of Cabrera's Mexican Cuisine. Mexican food that is from authentic family recipes and passionate tradition. From their humble beginnings in Arcadia in 1985 to expanding across three vibrant locations in the San Gabriel Valley, the Cabrera family brings the heart and soul of...

On today’s episode of Tasting Arcadia, Karen Mac Nair dives into the refreshing world of cold-pressed juicing with Alejandro and Brandon from Mamma's Juicery, a family-owned, Latina-operated business bringing health and flavor to the San Gabriel Valley. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another episode o...

Step into a century of culinary history as Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair welcomes Tyler from The Derby, Arcadia's legendary World Famous Derby that has been serving the community for an astounding 103 years. Our conversation unveils the fascinating journey of this iconic establishment, from its humble beginnings as the Proctor Tavern in 1922 to becoming a treasured landmark. Also, shari...

On this Episode of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair, you'll discover the heartwarming story behind Kin Khao, a family-owned Thai eatery that brings generations of home recipes to Monrovia's dining scene. General Manager Pinky takes us on a delicious journey through their menu and what they are bringing to the Taste of Arcadia. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia v...

Family legacy meets culinary passion at Don Ricardo's Bar and Grill, In this mouth-watering episode of Taste of Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair, Gumaro shares the heartfelt story behind their restaurant - named to honor his grandfather Ricardo - and share what they are bringing to the Taste of Arcadia. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us...

Craving something sweet? You're in luck! On this episode of Tasting Arcadia, Karen Mac Nair is taking you on a sweet journey with Isabel, owner of Sweet Nothings Cake Shop in Duarte. Isabel’s delicious, sweet treats will also be featured at the Taste of Arcadia.  For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another...

Raise a glass to community and craft brewing! Our conversation on Tasting Arcadia is with Joey, manager of Mount Lowe Brewing Company, reveals the heart behind Arcadia's only brewery and what makes it such a beloved local business. Also, will be featuring some of their favorite beers at the Taste of Arcadia. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com . ...

On Episode 12 Karen Mac Nair talks with Andres, owner of Goki Cafe where Mexican culinary traditions meet contemporary creativity in the heart of Arcadia. Goki Cafe will be presenting some of their dishes at the Taste of Arcadia.  For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another episode of Tasting Arcadia. Taste of...

Culinary passion reignited! Join us on the Episode 11 of the second season of Tasting Arcadia, for a mouthwatering conversation with Josh, the executive chef at Double Tree Hotel Monrovia. Josh reveals the surprising story of how he nearly abandoned his 20-year cooking career—until his growing family sparked a renewed love for creating memorable food experiences. For more information and tickets t...

Episode 10 of Tasting Arcadia Karen Mac Nair talks with Jonathan Rodriquez of CA Flat Fee one of the Business Showcases featured at the Taste of Arcadia. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another episode of Tasting Arcadia. Taste of Arcadia Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

Episode 9 of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair features Max's Mexican Cuisine in Monrovia and Azusa. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another episode of Tasting Arcadia. Taste of Arcadia Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

On Episode 8 of Tasting Arcadia, Karen Mac Nair talks with Owner John Villa of Dance Syndicate Disc Jockey Entertainment. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another episode of Tasting Arcadia. Taste of Arcadia Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

Episode 7 of Tasting Arcadia with Karen Mac Nair features  General Manager, Julie Mason of Little Provence Café - French Restaurant in Arcadia. For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com .  Follow us on social media. Join us for another episode of Tasting Arcadia. Taste of Arcadia Website Facebook Instagram YouTube