SoCal Restaurant Show

We’re resuming last week’s truncated but provocative conversation about the benefits of butter versus margarine. Chefs clearly prefer to cook with butter and a little can go a long way in terms of adding extra flavor. Margerine is neutral in flavor and hydrogenated to create spreadability.

“Due to the devastating impact of the Los Angeles wildfires, Masters of Taste has made the difficult decision to postpone the highly anticipated 8th Annual Masters of Taste event. However, in the spirit of resilience, generosity, and community, Masters of Taste is proud to introduce Generous Plates – A Benefit for Union Station Homeless Services, a one-night-only premier dining experience set to t...

“Sadaf Foods based locally in Vernon, CA has been a family business since 1982 when two brothers immigrated to Los Angeles from Iran. Once settled, they began to long for the comforting and familiar aromas and tastes of home. They found it challenging to locate traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in American supermarkets. To address this, the brothers founded Sadaf, aiming to help the community...

“WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned, estate-driven winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. Since breaking ground more than 25 years ago, they have been passionate about crafting Pinot Noirs that convey a sense of place. They coined the moniker “Place Matters” - the Oregonian answer to the French concept of terroir. True to the vision of their Burgundian founder, terro...

“Sadaf Foods based in Vernon, CA has been a family business since 1982 when two brothers immigrated to Los Angeles from Iran. Once settled, they began to long for the comforting and familiar aromas and tastes of home. They found it challenging to locate traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in American supermarkets. To address this, the brothers founded Sadaf, aiming to help the community experie...

“Sadaf Foods based locally in Vernon, CA has been a family business since 1982 when two brothers immigrated to Los Angeles from Iran. Once settled, they began to long for the comforting and familiar aromas and tastes of home. They found it challenging to locate traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in American supermarkets. To address this, the brothers founded Sadaf, aiming to help the community...

“Sadaf Foods based in Vernon, CA has been a family business since 1982 when two brothers immigrated to Los Angeles from Iran. Once settled, they began to long for the comforting and familiar aromas and tastes of home. They found it challenging to locate traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in American supermarkets. To address this, the brothers founded Sadaf, aiming to help the community experie...

“WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned, estate-driven winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. Since breaking ground more than 25 years ago, they have been passionate about crafting Pinot Noirs that convey a sense of place. They coined the moniker “Place Matters” - the Oregonian answer to the French concept of terroir. True to the vision of their Burgundian founder, terro...

“WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned, estate-driven winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. Since breaking ground more than 25 years ago, they have been passionate about crafting Pinot Noirs that convey a sense of place. They coined the moniker “Place Matters” - the Oregonian answer to the French concept of terroir. True to the vision of their Burgundian founder, terro...

“Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry.” “Ayara Thai in the Westchester area of Los Angeles is hosting a one-day brunch event (NumHERology,...

“Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry.” “Ayara Thai in the Westchester area of Los Angeles is hosting a one-day brunch event (NumHERology,...

Julia Child aways said, “it’s better with butter.” Julia was 91 at the time of her passing. We’re discussing the benefits of butter versus margarine. Is one healthier than the other? Chefs clearly prefer to cook with butter and a little can go a long way in terms of adding flavor. Andrew’s thoughts on this will be continued on March 22nd.

“The Upland Irish Festival returns March 14th thru 15th. It’s a weekend of family-friendly fun where Irish celebrations are brought to Upland! This community-driven event is back for its second year under the management of Soundskilz and will provide SoCal residents with a diverse array of food, music and fun. The festival is an immersive experience for the whole family. Guests will experience liv...

“Ojai Mountain Winery represents a new era of High-Altitude Wines. The estate is farmed regeneratively at 2,800 feet above sea-level in Ojai, California. The winemaking team is led by distinguished Winemaker Erich Bradley and Viticulturist Phil Coturri. Ojai Mountain’s singular purpose is to produce exceptional wines that pay tribute to the distinct flavors of high-altitude grapes, while minimizin...

“The Upland Irish Festival returns March 14th thru 15th. It’s a weekend of family-friendly fun where Irish celebrations are brought to Upland! This community-driven event is back for its second year under the management of Soundskilz and will provide SoCal residents with a diverse array of food, music and fun. The festival is an immersive experience for the whole family. Guests will experience liv...

“The Lido Theater, Newport Beach’s recently restored Art Deco movie landmark, has released its March 2025 film lineup, presenting a specially curated selection of classic comedies, Hollywood icons, sports favorites and more. Each week introduces a new theme, inviting audiences to rediscover beloved films in the grandeur of one of Southern California’s most historic movie theaters.” The upscal...

“The Upland Irish Festival returns March 14th thru 15th. It’s a weekend of family-friendly fun where Irish celebrations are brought to Upland! This community-driven event is back for its second year under the direction of Soundskilz and will provide SoCal residents with a diverse array of food, music and fun.” “This FREE two-day event is a celebration of culture, community, and camaraderie with a...

“Ojai Mountain Winery represents a new era of High-Altitude Wines. The estate is farmed regeneratively at 2,800 feet above sea-level in Ojai, California. The winemaking team is led by Winemaker Erich Bradley and Viticulturist Phil Coturri.” "Ojai Mountain’s singular purpose is to produce exceptional wines that pay tribute to the distinct flavors of high-altitude grapes, while minimizing interventi...

“Ojai Mountain Winery represents a new era of High-Altitude Wines. The estate is farmed regeneratively at 2,800 feet above sea-level in Ojai, California. The winemaking team is led by Winemaker Erich Bradley and Viticulturist Phil Coturri.” “Ojai Mountain’s singular purpose is to produce exceptional wines that pay tribute to the distinct flavors of high-altitude grapes, while minimizing interventi...

“Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry.” “Held every March, this month-long festival spotlights the talent, innovation, and stories of wome...

“Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry.” “Held every March, this month-long festival spotlights the talent, innovation, and stories of wome...

Prices for regular eggs remain in the stratosphere with spot shortages and relief is not on the immediate horizon. Incredibly eggs from Canada and Turkey will soon be imported. What will happen to egg pricing once the shortage is stabilized? What can restaurants do to adjust and be fair to their loyal guests? Chef Andrew attempts to unscramble this mess.

Congratulations to Brad Metzger and his Team at Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions for organizing (seemingly overnight) last Thursday’s Chefs Love LA Benefit with celebrity guest chefs preparing the 8-course seated dinner at Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. Over $850,000 was raised for Restaurants Care and World Central Kitchen. “In 2019, chef Rashida Holmes, a past James Beard Award Nominee...

“Culinary Team USA competed on January 26th at the (biannual) 2025 Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France, the world's most prestigious and rigorous culinary competition, finishing 7th place out of 24 teams. France took home the Gold. This international event is often referred to as the “Culinary Olympics.” Team USA’s participation is a testament to their culinary prowess, following Team USA’s groundbreaking...

“In 2019, chef Rashida Holmes, a past James Beard Award Nominee, inspired by her diverse culinary background and personal cravings, envisioned Bridgetown Roti, filling a gap in LA's food scene with Caribbean patties and rotis. Initially starting as a pop-up, the business gained traction during the pandemic, receiving a surge of support for Black-owned businesses and earning accolades. Holmes, alon...