SoCal Restaurant Show – Details, episodes & analysis

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 publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns.

When we last spoke with Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower in DTLA) last December he was the Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO.PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. Chef Michael is now surfing the culinary waves at the Palm Springs Surf Club, an unusual destination water oasis in the desert.

Chef Michael Hung oversees the soon to be Navigator, the ultimate dining experience at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Navigator features indoor and outdoor seating offering breathtaking views of the surf and mountains where guests indulge in a curated artisanal menu reflecting the cuisine of famous surf regions around the globe. The bar features TVs and a craft cocktail program, complemented by an extensive wine list. Chef Michael takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

SoCalGas is hosting the 11th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, October 22nd and Wednesday, October 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 11th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry's largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) is our guest providing all the details.

Restaurateur and Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the celebrated Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro. His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious, Trani’s Dockside Station located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. Trani’s Dockside celebrated their year anniversary earlier in the year. Chef Dustin Trani joins us with all the update details for Trani’s Dockside Station.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Lots of premium options available for tastier chicken. What do all the labels means and which are really worth the extra cost? Chef Andrew explains…

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

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 publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and discuss her current columns.

Along the way Anne Marie will highlight her recent European sailing aboard the Caribbean Princess, a Grand Class vessel in Princess’ fleet. She will also chat about the upcoming Tastemakers or Orange County benefit event at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) and her dining column in the new issue of Taste.

Living Roots Wine & Co. is a winery in both the Finger Lakes Region of New York (Hammondsport, Keuka Lake, Steuben County) and the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. “Sixth generation winemaker and Adelaide native Sebastian and Rochester native Colleen Hardy make wines with regional and varietal expression, minimal inputs, and maximum quality.”

A new Tasting Room debuted one year ago with an incredible view of Keuka Lake and is located on the family’s Shale Creek Vineyard with an urban Tasting Room in Rochester.

“Some wines are made year-to-year while others are one-offs. Each vintage is an opportunity to explore new vineyards and varieties, and to highlight the terroir and natural strengths of these diverse regions.”

“The new Winery and Tasting Room in Hammondsport is located on the family’s Shale Creek Vineyard and features a large tasting bar, retail area, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pits. The site is run on geothermal energy, solar panels and also offers functioning EV chargers.”

“The estate wines include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Cabernet Franc. Vinifera and hybrid varieties are sourced from other growers around the region. Their most popular wines from Australia are McLaren Valley Grenache, Adelaide Hills Shiraz and Red Blend.”

“Living Roots also offers a range of lower alcohol “Sessions” wines (7 to 10 % ABV), made with natural techniques and spanning from Session Sparkling White to Session Red.”

Proprietress Colleen Hardy continues with us uncorking all that is Living Roots Wine & Co.

The Michelin recognized, Family-owned Les Petites Canailles in Paso Robles “is a French farm-to-table Bistro specializing in local Central Coast California ingredients. The food is sophisticated and modern served within a lively, casual atmosphere.”

The proprietors (Husband and Wife Team of Julien and Courtney Asseo) like to refer to themselves as the Winemaker’s son & the Butcher’s daughter…

“Chef Julian Asseo was born in Libourne, a small town in the southwest of France. He grew up in the vineyard of his parents until he was 10 years old before moving to Paso Robles, with his family. His father became one of the greatest pioneers of winemaking in the area, with his winery L’Aventure. At 16 he decided to move back to France to follow his culinary school education at the Lycee Hotelier de Gascogne near Bordeaux. After finishing culinary school he moved to Paris to work at La Fontaine de Mars as a commis, then chef de partie.”

“Courtney Asseo was born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina. Her family owns Mays Meat Processing in Taylorsville, NC. It’s one of the last, family- owned slaughterhouses and butcher shops in the southeast. In her younger days, she wanted to be an actress. She studied film acting at the New York Film Academy in NYC, and later graduated from UNLV in Theatre Studies. Being in that industry wasn’t easy, and she worked many restaurant and bar jobs. She may not have chosen the hospitality industry in the beginning, but it ended up choosing her, and she wouldn’t have it any other way”

“After a couple years of working in Paris, Julien decided to move back to California where he was a pastry chef at a restaurant in L.A. This restaurant did not stay open long enough to name it in this biography, but it is where he met the love of his life, a charming Southern girl from North Carolina, named Courtney. She worked as a server at the restaurant with Julien for several months until it closed. He charmed her with his big blue eyes, accent, and many samples of gelato. After it closed, Julien got an offer to work for Rick Moonen in Las Vegas.”

“Julien and Courtney moved to Vegas in 2008 and the rest was history. They both excelled in the hospitality and culinary world. Julien worked for Joel Robuchon for 4 years as a sous chef, until he made his way to Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesar’s Palace. Courtney worked behind the bar at Todd English and later took over as bar manager of DB Brasserie, by Daniel Boulud. While Julien made his way up to Executive Chef of Guy Savoy, Courtney made 2 babies and a home for them in Las Vegas.”

“Courtney and Julien always loved hosting people at their prior house in Las Vegas for whole pig BBQs or paella. Entertaining and hospitality is part of their souls. While they often visited Paso Robles to spend time with Julien’s family, they always dreamed of someday leaving Vegas and opening their own restaurant in Paso Robles. For years people didn’t question whether or not they would ever do it, but it was a matter of when.”

“Paso Robles is now their home with Les Petites Canailles. Les Petites Canailles translates to English as “the little rascals,” which represents their 3 children, Margaux, Maddox, and Phoenix.”

Chef Julien Asseo takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Founder and Creator Al Mancini (former Food Staff Writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal) has officially launched Neon Feast, a first-of-its-kind restaurant guide and reservation app for greater Las Vegas. Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on their website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

“Traditional dining guides are outdated before they ever get to print, and crowdsourced apps don’t distinguish sincere reviews from vindictive ones,” said Mancini. “Neon Feast avoids all the headaches and basically puts the experts in the palm of your hands.”

“In contrast to other crowdsourced restaurant review apps, the list of venues on Neon Feast is limited to only those that the experts recommend, currently approaching 500 eateries. The diverse all-star panel includes prominent local and national food writers, local chefs and foodies who were invited to share the restaurants they would recommend to friends and family (without compensation). Restaurants cannot “buy-in” to be included on the app, although premium features allow them to add reservation buttons, one-touch Uber calls and other elements. Some of the searchable filters and lists include cuisine types, neighborhoods, date night spots, late-night dining, breathtaking views, etc.”

Al Mancini continues with us describing what’s on the extensive menu for the genuinely useful Neon Feast app.

The post Show 468, April 2, 2022: Journalist Al Mancini introducing the Neon Feast Restaurant Guide app, Las Vegas Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Mark Ketcham (1955-2020) had long dreamt of owning a Vineyard in the Northern California wine country. That dream came true in 2000 when he purchased a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard was quickly converted to 100% Estate Pinot Noir, while retaining the ‘Old Block Pinots’ that were its heritage. The goal was to develop a perfect matrix of Pinot Noir clones, married to the ‘terroir’ of sun, soil, wind and location, all bound by the small creek that borders the perimeter of the property.”

“In 2004, Mark founded Ketcham Estate to make wines from the heritage Pinot vines. Every taste of a Ketcham Estate Pinot tells the story of lovingly tended vines; each vintage yields a perfect balance of bright fruit combined with the acid and structure qualities that make outstanding Pinot Noirs. Ketcham Estate Pinot Noirs are drinkable on their own or paired with California’s bounty of wonderful foods.” Ketcham Estate is now owned and managed by Mark’s wife, Allison Ketcham.

“Ketcham Estate is a 17.5 acre property located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Thirteen acres are under cultivation. They grow Pinot Noir Dijon Clones: 115, 626, 777, 828, and Pommard 4.”

“Ketcham Estate‘s mission is to make seductive wines with rich fruits, that have structure and balance and are very food friendly. Originally specializing in top-notch Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Ketcham Estate is also now making award-winning Chardonnay, Viognier and Estate grown Pinot Noir Rosé wines.”

“Small annual releases and premium location allow Ketcham Estate to focus on creating exceptional wines and experiences for their friends and family.”

“Ketcham Estate is not about what the famed San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen used to call the “Prismatic Luminescence School of Wine Tasting”, or any type of wine snobbery. Just good wine with food, family and friends. Wine should not be some grand complication and neither is Ketcham’s philosophy.”

Ketcham Estates hosts intimate tastings by appointment on their vineyard estate.

Allie Ketcham is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Ketcham Estate.

The post Show 468, April 2, 2022: Allison Ketcham, Proprietor, Ketcham Estate, Healdsburg Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Mark Ketcham (1955-2020) had long dreamt of owning a Vineyard in the Northern California wine country. That dream came true in 2000 when he purchased a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard was quickly converted to 100% Estate Pinot Noir, while retaining the ‘Old Block Pinots’ that were its heritage. The goal was to develop a perfect matrix of Pinot Noir clones, married to the ‘terroir’ of sun, soil, wind and location, all bound by the small creek that borders the perimeter of the property.”

“In 2004, Mark founded Ketcham Estate to make wines from the heritage Pinot vines. Every taste of a Ketcham Estate Pinot tells the story of lovingly tended vines; each vintage yields a perfect balance of bright fruit combined with the acid and structure qualities that make outstanding Pinot Noirs. Ketcham Estate Pinot Noirs are drinkable on their own or paired with California’s bounty of wonderful foods.” Ketcham Estate is now owned and managed by Mark’s wife, Allison Ketcham.

“Ketcham Estate is a 17.5 acre property located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Thirteen acres are under cultivation. They grow Pinot Noir Dijon Clones: 115, 626, 777, 828, and Pommard 4.”

“Ketcham Estate‘s mission is to make seductive wines with rich fruits, that have structure and balance and are very food friendly. Originally specializing in top-notch Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Ketcham Estate is also now making award-winning Chardonnay, Viognier and Estate grown Pinot Noir Rosé wines.”

“Small annual releases and premium location allow Ketcham Estate to focus on creating exceptional wines and experiences for their friends and family.”

“Ketcham Estate is not about what the famed San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen used to call the “Prismatic Luminescence School of Wine Tasting”, or any type of wine snobbery. Just good wine with food, family and friends. Wine should not be some grand complication and neither is Ketcham’s philosophy.”

Allie Ketcham continues as our guest with a glass of Allie’s Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) in hand.

The post Show 468, April 2, 2022: Allison Ketcham, Proprietor, Ketcham Estate, Healdsburg Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Can raising cattle be done in a way that is humane, sustainable and also benefit the environment? Chef Andrew discusses the promise of Regenerative Agriculture.

The post Show 468, April 2, 2022: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef” appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Come celebrate and be part of the 5th Anniversary Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl! Masters of Taste 2022 will bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, along with select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more. Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as it’s first-ever female Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022, which also happens to mark the 5th Anniversary of this celebrated event.” Joining us to preview all the delights of Masters of Taste are Host Chef Vanda Asapahu and C-CAP L.A.’s Program Coordinator Gail Carney.

“Piedra Creek Winery was conceived atop a small knoll in the heart of the MacGregor Vineyard overlooking the beautiful Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, California.” It was founded in 1983 by the late Romeo Zuench and his wife, Margaret. They are pioneers with the Lagrein grape from Italy and also known for premium Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Margaret continues as Owner with her grandson, T.J. de Jony as Winemaker / Proprietor. Before establishing Piedra Creek Winery as a retirement project Romeo was (for 30 years) an accomplished Aerospace Engineer for Rocketdyne International in Canoga Park. “It has been said that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make great wine…but it certainly doesn’t hurt.” Piedra Creek Winery’s Margaret Zuench and T.J. de Jony are our guests to uncork all that is Piedra Creek Winery.

A discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center is Mongibello 100 percent Blood Orange Juice fresh squeezed and packed in Italy. The Blood Oranges used are from the Tarocco, Moro and...

“Come celebrate and be part of the 5th Anniversary Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl!”

“Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as it’s first-ever female Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022, which also happens to mark the 5th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Culinary Master and 2022 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai and she has participated in Masters of Taste since the event’s inception in April 2016. While her mother, Anna Asapahu, still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai, and under her leadership in May of 2019 Ayara Thai was named one of Michelin Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.”

“I have had the pleasure of participating in Masters of Taste since its inaugural year,” states Asapahu. “The most amazing thing about Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services and not many food festivals can say that. Union Station Homeless Services is committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.”

“Masters of Taste 2022 will bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, along with select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.”

“This year Masters of Taste 2022 will partner with Careers through Culinary Arts Program, Los Angeles (C-CAP LA), anational 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by culinary educator Richard Grausman in 1990 and Co-Chaired by Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Careers...