SoCal Restaurant Show

For a fast casual establishment, or any successful restaurant, what’s the ideal pathway to branching? Should it be a franchise network like McDonalds or company owned stores in the In-N-Out model? Chef Andrew has been there and will provide his informed insight.

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan...

Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA. He produces a smaller farm-raised boutique oyster that restaurants serve raw. Buzzy has about 400 square float cages on the farm, all individually labeled for each restaurant he delivers to, includin...

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan...

Join us as we celebrate the 13th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA radio. We’re in Lafayette, LA, the heart of Cajun County, participating in the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association’s (IFWTWA) Annual Member Conference. Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, whe...

Kelsey Leger, the Executive Chef and Co-founder of Lafayette’s Five Mile Eatery, is a Louisiana-born chef with a passion for local sourcing and sustainability. Her culinary career began in New York City at One Lucky Duck/Pure Food & Wine, and she later returned to Acadiana to train a bit in permaculture at Gotreaux Family Farm. Over the years, she honed her skills in respected kitchens such as...

Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA. "I have so much respect for the original oystermen like my grandfather back in the day," says Albert "Buzzy" Besson. "My grandfather would go out in his boats and dredge for oysters. It was a very la...

Marie Ducote’s Cajun! Food Tours brings the guest history tours and immersive Cajun food tours rolled into one adventure. Experience the Acadiana region of South Louisiana (2 hours west of New Orleans) in a whole new way. Considered one of the best things to do in Lafayette, LA, their tours take you into the heart of Cajun Country, off the eaten path, so you can peel back the layers and discover t...

Madonna Broussard, also known as “The Plate Lunch Lady,” is a third-generation restaurateur and the owner of Laura's II Café in Lafayette, Louisiana. The restaurant, known for its Creole soul food, was started by her grandmother, Laura Williams Broussard, and carries on the family's legacy of cooking with "love, time, and consistency". Madonna's mother, Dorothy Mae Broussard, also played a signifi...

Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA. "I have so much respect for the original oystermen like my grandfather back in the day," says Albert "Buzzy" Besson. "My grandfather would go out in his boats and dredge for oysters. It was a very la...

Jesse Guidry is Vice President of Communications for Lafayette Travel / Lafayette Louisiana Convention and Visitors Commission. He joins us to conclude our virtual visit to Lafayette. “Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America where people visit for a genuine Cajun & Creole experience.” “Lafayette has a distinct culinary...

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon....

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After...

Don’t miss our 13th Anniversary Show on Saturday, Oct. 11th, 2025. We’re live from Lafayette, LA, the Heart of Cajun Country. Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down th...

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. “He is a firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After servin...

“He is a firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captai...

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon....

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon....

“Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of its most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the...

“Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of its most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the...

Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need.

“Tomat is an elevated neighborhood restaurant co-owned by Natalie Dial and Chef Harry Posner, who share a passion for community and delicious food. These spaces were designed to celebrate and serve Westchester and the greater Los Angeles area. From Tomat’s dining room to the rooftop terrace, 2nd floor private event space, and restaurant garden - their team is incredibly proud to welcome Guests int...

“October is Melissa’s Freaky Fruit® month, highlighting the most exotic and intriguing of Mother Nature’s sweet bounty. A bit creepy to look at, but surprisingly delectable to eat, Freaky Fruit® is a must for the entire month leading up to a frightening finale on Halloween.
Eaten out-of-hand, or added to desserts, baked goods, and other recipes, pomegranates, passion fruit, cherimoya, blood orange...

“Tomat is an elevated neighborhood restaurant co-owned by Natalie Dial and Chef Harry Posner, who share a passion for community and delicious food. These spaces were designed to celebrate and serve Westchester and the greater Los Angeles area.” “From Tomat’s dining room to the rooftop terrace, 2nd Floor private event space, and restaurant garden - their team is incredibly proud to welcome Guests i...

“Tomat is an elevated neighborhood restaurant co-owned by Natalie Dial and Chef Harry Posner, who share a passion for community and delicious food. These spaces were designed to celebrate and serve Westchester and the greater Los Angeles area. From Tomat’s dining room to the rooftop terrace, 2nd floor private event space, and restaurant garden - their team is incredibly proud to welcome Guests int...