SoCal Restaurant Show

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...

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 continues with us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC. She highlights the just announced Orange County...

“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...

“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...

“Vegas Unstripped producers Eric Gladstone & Chef & Restaurateur James Trees have finalized the list of chefs and bartenders participating in this year’s Vegas Unstripped food festival. As always, the festival will gather many of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed and creative culinary leaders, who will each create a new dish or drink for one night only, taking place from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, April...

We’re revisiting the costly and somewhat controversial subject of 3rd Party Delivery for restaurants. Chef Andrew will give his insight on the new option to “Buy Now, Pay Later” for home-delivered restaurant fare. Also the expensive and unfair hidden system of the 3rd party delivery companies assessing chargebacks to restaurants that might not be justified and are hard, and time-consuming, for the...

“Vegas Unstripped producers Eric Gladstone & Chef & Restaurateur James Trees have finalized the list of chefs and bartenders participating in this year’s Vegas Unstripped food festival. As always, the festival will gather many of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed and creative culinary leaders, who will each create a new dish or drink for one night only, taking place from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, April...

Craft Breweries from around the state and country (25 states) have joined together to create some 180 versions of “We Love L.A.” craft beer with proceeds going to benefit victims of the Eaton and Pacific Palisades wildfires. A portion of the Proceeds are donated to United Way’s L.A. Wildfire Response Fund. ISM Brewery in Long Beach has crafted “We Love L.A.” Hazy DIPA. “With a pillowy body, this h...

“A bit secluded in the vibrant neighborhood of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is more than just an intimate dining destination: it is a love letter to food, wine, and warm hospitality, brought to life by Owners and Restaurateurs Christy and Chris Lucchese. Their journey from the world of film to the realm of culinary excellence is a testament to their shared passion for bringing people...

“Levain Bakery the iconic, award-winning bakery known for its decadent, 6-ounce beloved cookies, is excited to announce its second Los Angeles bakery in Venice, California, anticipated to open early next month. The Westside location will be located at 1661 Abbot Kinney Boulevard.” All cookies and breads are baked fresh daily throughout the day with all doughs prepared from scratch in-house. “Found...

Craft Breweries from around the state and country (25 states) have joined together to create some 180 versions of “We Love L.A.” craft beer with proceeds going to benefit victims of the Eaton and Pacific Palisades wildfires. A portion of the Proceeds are donated to United Way’s L.A. Wildfire Response Fund. ISM Brewery in Long Beach has crafted “We Love L.A.” Hazy DIPA. “With a pillowy body, this h...

“Levain Bakery the iconic, award-winning bakery known for its decadent, 6-ounce beloved cookies, is excited to announce its second Los Angeles bakery in Venice, California, anticipated to open early next Month. The Westside location will be located at 1661 Abbot Kinney Boulevard.” All cookies and breads are baked fresh daily throughout the day with all doughs prepared from scratch in-house. “Found...

“A bit secluded in the vibrant neighborhood of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is more than just an intimate dining destination: it is a love letter to food, wine, and warm hospitality, brought to life by Owners and Restaurateurs Christy and Chris Lucchese. Their journey from the world of film to the realm of culinary excellence is a testament to their shared passion for bringing people...

“A bit secluded in the vibrant neighborhood of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is more than just an intimate dining destination: it is a love letter to food, wine, and warm hospitality, brought to life by Owners and Restaurateurs Christy and Chris Lucchese. Their journey from the world of film to the realm of culinary excellence is a testament to their shared passion for bringing people...

“French Bloom organic sparkling (non-alcoholic) wine reinvents the codes of conviviality for moments of pleasure shared between everyone - family and friends from all walks of life. Made from organic Chardonnay wines and Organic Pinot Noir wines that have been dealcoholized, French Bloom alcohol-free French Sparkling cuvées embody the incomparable intersection of French tradition and innovation.”...