SoCal Restaurant Show

Our bargain-loving, Social Media and Website authority, Adam Bell , was fortunate enough to spend a few glorious days in Maui in late April and early May. Maui is an ever-popular destination for Californians. Adam was based in Kihei which is near Wailea. Adam shares some informative trip highlights including the roundtrip experience on Hawaiian Airlines , the condo option to a hotel and a standout...

When we were in Concord, CA last month as guests of Visit Concord we discovered the standout The Hop Grenade Taproom and Bottle Shop located right across the street from Todas Santos Park , a local landmark and historic town square. If you’re serious about appreciating all styles of craft beer this is a premier destination when in the area. It’s also the world headquarters for The Brewery Network...

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel t he Founder of Big Parm , Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “ Ask the Chef ” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. There is an important new program happening in the Gulf Coast of Florida (and elsewhere) restoring high-density clam sites and sea gr...

Happy (and safe) 4th of July Weekend! “ Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards is hosting its second annual fundraiser to support mental health:  Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction  on Saturday, July 23, 2022.  To support community services as well as mental health research, the  2022 Peace of Mind  event will be a walk of approximately 10,000 steps or 4.5 miles across the Alma Rosa esta...

“ Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards is hosting its second annual fundraiser to support mental health: Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction on Saturday, July 23, 2022. To support community services as well as mental health research, the 2022 Peace of Mind event will be a walk of approximately 10,000 steps or 4.5 miles across the Alma Rosa estate in Buellton benefiting two organizations...

“Since 2008 it has been a key mission for the Ment’or BKB Foundation based in New York to enable the best young talent in America to effectively train for the privilege and honor of representing the United States at the Bocuse d’Or in Lyon. The result of that patience and determination was realized for the first time in 2015 when Team USA stood on the podium with the Silver Bocuse, garnering the r...

Under the direction of Guittard Chocolate Company ’s acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef Donald Wressell , the “ Guittard Chocolate Studio in Culver City offers hands-on workshops with prominent chefs, chocolatiers and bakers for a unique opportunity for cooking professionals and serious home cooks to learn new skills, finesse techniques and expand on their chocolate knowledge.” Next on this year’s cl...

Under the direction of Guittard Chocolate Company ’s acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef Donald Wressell , the “ Guittard Chocolate Studio in Culver City offers hands-on workshops with prominent chefs, chocolatiers and bakers for a unique opportunity for cooking professionals and serious home cooks to learn new skills, finesse techniques and expand on their chocolate knowledge.” Next on this year’s cl...

“Exciting culinary events are now underway at the Palms Casino Resort in the wake of the Las Vegas property’s recent grand reopening. Palms and Vegas Test Kitchen have unleashed an unparalleled pop-up, Greene Street Test Kitchen to the Las Vegas valley.” “Guests are now enjoying a taste test of a wide variety of cuisine from three local chefs every Friday and Saturday night, continuing through Jul...

“Exciting culinary events are now underway at the Palms Casino Resort in the wake of the Las Vegas property’s recent grand reopening. Palms and Vegas Test Kitchen have unleashed an unparalleled pop-up, Greene Street Test Kitchen to the Las Vegas valley.” “Guests are now enjoying a taste test of a wide variety of cuisine from three local chefs every Friday and Saturday night, continuing through Jul...

Chef Andrew Gruel has some exciting personal business news in his “Ask the Chef” segment. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have amicably sold their interest in Slapfish (founded ten years ago) to their former Houston-based partners. Next up is the creation of a new restaurant management enterprise. First is a launch of a fresh seafood restaurant and full bar with table service in the former Fish...

“For 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right. Pi...

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked...

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked...

“ Iris Vineyards perches in the iris-dotted hills at the southern edge of the Willamette Valley, an 870-acre, high-elevation preserve dedicated to the ancient Greek concept of areté – the tireless striving to achieve one’s fullest potential. Areté guides the proprietors Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye, and winemaker Aaron Lieberman to create fresh, fruit-forward wines that truly honor their source....

“Areté (AIR-it-tay) is a concept with deep roots in ancient Greek mythology, literature and philosophy. In simple terms, it is the moral imperative to achieve your full potential – the obligation to strive every day to do better, and be the best you can be. At Iris Vineyards, areté means constant attention to their vineyard practices, the wine quality, and Iris’ hospitality.” “ Winemaker Aaron Lie...

“The story of the East Bay favorite, ButtercuP Diner + Bar begins in 1988, when founders David and Debbie Shahvar were just starting their family. At the time, David worked for an upscale dinner house. They had a hard time finding a restaurant that offered fresh food, yet was casual enough to bring their children. They dreamed of owning a family style restaurant where they could get fresh homemade...

“The story of the East Bay favorite, ButtercuP Diner + Bar begins in 1988, when founders David and Debbie Shahvar were just starting their family. At the time, David worked for an upscale dinner house. They had a hard time finding a restaurant that offered fresh food, yet was casual enough to bring their children. They dreamed of owning a family style restaurant where they could get fresh homemade...

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC ’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to talk about her recent experience in Chicago attending the James Beard Foundation ’s Media Awards honoring excellence in Books, Broadcast Media and Journalism. She also shares some of her best Chicago di...

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC ’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to talk about her recent experience in Chicago attending the James Beard Foundation ’s Media Awards (June 11th) honoring excellence in Books, Broadcast Media and Journalism. Anne Marie served as a judge fo...

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC ’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie continues with us. As part of being in Chicago for the James Beard Foundation ’s Media Awards on June 11th Anne Marie explored a bit of Chicago’s vibrant dining scene. She shares her memorable meals at the bar and lounge at...

“ Chef Rudi Sodamin is the newly installed Head of Culinary Arts for Princess Cruises . Sodamin also serves as the Master Chef for sister line, Holland America Line .” “Throughout his career, Sodamin has been the driving force behind revolutionizing culinary practices and elevating the perception of fine dining in the cruise industry. An internationally-respected food authority, Sodamin is likely...

“ Chef Rudi Sodamin is the newly installed Head of Culinary Arts for Princess Cruises . Sodamin also serves as the Master Chef for sister line, Holland America Line .” “Throughout his career, Sodamin has been the driving force behind revolutionizing culinary practices and elevating the perception of fine dining in the cruise industry. An internationally-respected food authority, Sodamin is likely...

“ Weiser Family Farms began in 1977 when Sid Weiser , a chemistry teacher and counselor at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles decided to pack up the family and follow his dream of working off the land. Sidney and his wife Raquel laid down roots in Tehachapi, California. There, they learned to tend to the fruit trees… apples, peaches, and pears. In the ensuing years, they acquired farmland in...

“ Weiser Family Farms began in 1977 when Sid Weiser , a chemistry teacher and counselor at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles decided to pack up the family and follow his dream of working off the land. Sidney and his wife Raquel laid down roots in Tehachapi, California. There, they learned to tend to the fruit trees… apples, peaches, and pears. In the ensuing years, they acquired farmland in...