SoCal Restaurant Show

Chef Andrew looks back on the multiple concerns of restaurants this year and then looks ahead to 2026. What has been resolved? Is there reason for some optimism in certain cost areas for 2026?

“Former aspiring professional surfer-turned-chef Craig Hopson is behind this California-kissed French-Australian neighborhood bistro, Electric Bleu, in Mar Vista for special nights and every night. The menu changes frequently. After working at storied kitchens around the world including Guy Savoy and Le Cirque, Hopson flexes his French training in dishes like steak au poivre with green peppercorn...

We’re broadcasting this morning from High Steaks located 50 floors above the Las Vegas Strip at the top of the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The space affords spectacular 180-degree views of The Strip. Special thanks and a tip of the toque to Rio Las Vegas, Restaurateur & Chef James Trees and the High Steaks team for so graciously hosting us. “High Steaks Vegas, the new...

“High Steaks Vegas, the new steakhouse from (Las Vegas native) Chef/Partner James Trees, officially debuted in October. Located atop the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, High Steaks Vegas will is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly. Along with incomparable 180-degree indoor and outdoor views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, High Steaks Vegas emphasizes a fresh approach to th...

We’re broadcasting this morning from High Steaks located 50 floors above the Las Vegas Strip at the top of the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The space affords spectacular 180-degree views of The Strip. Special thanks and a tip of the toque to Rio Las Vegas, Restaurateur & Chef James Trees and the High Steaks team for so graciously hosting us. “High Steaks Vegas, the new...

“High Steaks Vegas, the new steakhouse from Chef/Partner James Trees, officially launched in October. Located atop the Masquerade Tower at Rio Las Vegas, High Steaks Vegas is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly.” “Along with incomparable 180-degree indoor and outdoor views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, High Steaks Vegas emphasizes a fresh approach to the classic Vegas steakhouse, offering uni...

Timeless Hospitality Corporate Executive Chef Sean O’Hara was part of the menu development team for High Steaks. He currently oversees Bar Boheme, an elevated French dining experience with great attention to premium ingredients, in the Arts District for Restaurateur James Trees. Chef O’Hara is an alum of Thomas Keller’s renown The French Laundry in Yountville. Chef Sean O’Hara now joins us.

“Located in Chinatown, Las Vegas, The Golden Tiki (celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year) takes you on a trip to exotic Skull Island. The Golden Tiki has spared no expense in recreating the classic mid-century tiki bar, reminiscent of the legendary Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s while mixing in Las Vegas legend and lore. The hand-crafted cocktail menu features nostalgic classics and n...

Chef James Trees rejoins us to talk about the outrageous sky-high PieCaken on the dessert menu and High Streaks and some of his other flagship restaurant properties in Las Vegas’ active Arts District. “With five acclaimed restaurants (and one bar) across the Las Vegas Valley, Chef James Trees is widely regarded as the city’s most celebrated native chef. A James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef S...

“In 1905 Gennaro Lombardi established the first Pizzeria in America. It was located on Spring Street in the heart of New York's Little Italy. By good fortune, when Las Vegas’ Metro Pizza’s founders’ (cousins John Arena and Sam Facchini) grandparents came to America they settled just 50 yards away. Ever since those early days, pizza has been at the center of their family life. John’s and Sam’s pare...

Notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al joins us sharing some dining tidbits including the reimagining of Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand, The relocation of Ada’s Wine and Food (now simply Aida’s) from Tivoli Village to the Arts District, an update on Carson Kitchen...

Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al continues with us to conclude our Vegas show special sharing some dining tidbits including the reimagining of Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand, The relocation of Aida’s Wine and Food from Trivoli Village to the Arts District, an update on Carson Kitchen and what significant restaurant...

“Ian McCall’s ISM Brewing & Kitchen in Downtown Long Beach marks its second anniversary with a three-day celebration (December 12th - 14th) highlighting fresh beer, community partnerships, culinary creativity, and local artistry. The anniversary weekend invites guests to celebrate alongside the ISM team with three days of fresh craft beer, friends, and family. ISM’s kitchen will offer a specia...

“Coravin, Inc. is the leading global innovator of wine-by-the-glass systems, transforming how the world experiences wine. Since the company launched in the USA in 2013, Coravin’s pioneering technology has empowered trade professionals and wine lovers alike to explore, enjoy and serve wine without compromise. Trusted by leading sommeliers, retailers and wine lovers around the world, the Coravin por...

“Ian McCall’s ISM Brewing & Kitchen in Downtown Long Beach marks its second anniversary with a three-day celebration (December 12th - 14th) highlighting fresh beer, community partnerships, culinary creativity, and local artistry.” “In 2025, ISM earned significant recognition on the global and national stage, bringing home two silver medals at the World Beer Cup for Hamburghini, its Italian Pil...

We’re broadcasting from Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on December 20th at High Steaks, located 50 floors above the fabled Las Vegas Strip! Please join us. “Ian McCall’s ISM Brewing & Kitchen in Downtown Long Beach marks its second anniversary with a three-day celebration (December 12th - 14th) highlighting fresh beer, community partnerships, culinary creativity, and local artistry. The anni...

Every Christmas Eve Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking in Orange puts on a mouthwatering Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up featuring the very best in local food products from area small businesses. It’s everything from artisan pastries, holiday breads, pies, cakes, handmade treasures and even gourmet soup. The doors open at 8:00 a.m. and it runs until 1:00 p.m. For best selection plan to arrive early! Most part...

“Coravin, Inc. is the leading global innovator of wine-by-the-glass systems, transforming how the world experiences wine. Since the company launched in the USA in 2013, Coravin’s pioneering technology has empowered trade professionals and wine lovers alike to explore, enjoy and serve wine without compromise.” “Trusted by leading sommeliers, retailers and wine lovers around the world, the Coravin p...

“Coravin, Inc. is the leading global innovator of wine-by-the-glass systems, transforming how the world experiences wine. Since the company launched in the USA in 2013, Coravin’s pioneering technology has empowered trade professionals and wine lovers alike to explore, enjoy and serve wine without compromise.” “Trusted by leading sommeliers, retailers and wine lovers around the world, the Coravin p...

Food walking tours led by knowledgeable locals are a great way to experience the local flavors of any destination. Oceanside’s Carla & Linda’s Local Tours “offers area specific beer, wine and food tours. As true insider’s guests experience an intriguing variety of the local flavors in Oceanside and nearby Vista.” “Local Tours operates a tour company that shows guests the unique things Oceansid...

“The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, starts at sundown on Sunday, December 14th. A tradition at The Milky Way (a long-established Kosher-Dairy restaurant) in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles is the availability of special Hanukkah Boxes available from December 14th through December 22nd.” “The Latke Kits contain a dozen crispy Latkes with sour cream and Chef Phil Kastel’s house-made app...

How important are Michelin Stars or any Michelin recognition to a thriving restaurant? What is the Bib Gourmet designation? How does Michelin (a for-profit enterprise) monetize their ratings? How are the annual Michelin judgements determined? Chef Andrew explains…

In today’s unsettled restaurant universe the guests’ experience with the valet parker at the entrance can set the scene for the entire evening’s dining experience. It can be positive or, unfortunately, decidedly negative. Brad Saltzman of Dragonfly Parking is a hospitality veteran who operates one of the premiere, hospitality-oriented valet parking services in greater Los Angeles. He has overseen...

Our guest, Tony Dang, is the Corporate Executive Chef for the 27 Gelson’s stores in Southern California. Every location has a Gelson’s Kitchen where shoppers can get everything from fresh coleslaw to full meals mostly prepared in the onsite kitchen. On offer are full Hanukkah and Christmas meals or all the components available separately. There are also a variety of chef-created meals to-go. Most...

In today’s hectic restaurant universe the guests’ experience with the valet parker at the entrance can set the scene for the entire evening’s dining experience. It can be positive or, unfortunately, decidedly negative. Brad Saltzman of Dragonfly Parking is a hospitality veteran who operates one of the premiere, hospitality- oriented valet parking services in greater Los Angeles. He has overseen th...