SoCal Restaurant Show

Set for Friday evening, May 15th is the always anticipated Culinary Careers Program’s (C-CAP) 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser saluting an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence. The evening is celebrating the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys. “Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co-chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.” Representing C-CAP with us is Lisa Fontanesi, the National Program Director.It’s that time of the year where we eagerly break bread with Legends Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe to chat about what’s new in salivating food and beverage options at Angel Stadium. A returning dessert item that was a smash hit in previous years is the crave-worthy Walk Off Waffles featuring the newly added (and decadent) Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Waffle. (Walk-Off Waffles Section 232, 412, 1st Base Food Court.) Another standout dessert is the Brookie. In the savory area a must-have is the Fried Mortadella Panini along with the Pork Chile Verde Mac & Cheese. Executive Chef for Angel Stadium, Dennis Radcliff, takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us. He’s accompanied by Chuck Abair, his Executive Sous Chef.“Created by Chef Rose Previte, Maydan Market is an 10,000-square-foot space inspired by markets from around the world. Designed as a gathering place anchored by a central live-fire hearth, Maydan Market brings diverse gems together under one roof, including Rose’s Middle Eastern restaurant and bar from DC, Maydan, her beloved Compass Rose, as well as various market outposts including Golden Mountain Chicken, Lugya’h by James Beard Award-nominated Poncho’s Tlayudas, and Maléna. Maydan Market also includes Club 104, a rotating residency space, and a Middle Eastern convenience store, Sook, that offers grab and go foods, hard-to-find middle eastern pantry staples and freshly prepared dishes served from the counter. Rooted in the sensory experiences of global marketplaces, Maydan Market encourages guests to wander, taste, and connect. Designed to reflect the cultural and culinary richness of Los Angeles, it offers independent food businesses the opportunity to grow alongside one another in a spirit of discovery, community, and shared tradition.” Chef and Restaurateur Rose Previte joins us to unwrap all that is Maydan Market.For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. For the first time in years commercial salmon fishing off the coast of California is again permissible. It’s a short window. Chef Andrew explains the potential impact. Also some tips/strategies for successful Mother’s Day Dining.All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Set for Friday evening, May 15th is the Culinary Careers Program’s 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser celebrating an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence. The evening is saluting the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys. “The night begins with rooftop cocktail hour at Sunset followed by a elegant multi-course, premium wine-paired seated dinner and program, in the historic Jonathan Club’s Grand ballroom. The Jonathan Club is an exclusive, members-only private club where the 1932 L.A. Olympics were born.” “Designing the sumptuous repast are an all-star lineup of C-CAP alumni chefs including “Top Chef” alum Amar Santana of Vaca, Anthony Greco of Porto’s and Lasheeda Perry, Food Network Star and known as the Queen of Flavor. Celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feninger of Border Grill fame are the evening’s hosts.”“Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co- chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.”“C-CAP serves communities across Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.”Representing C-CAP now is Chef Anthony Greco of Porto’s, a C-CAP Alum and Member of C-CAP’s L.A. Council.

It’s that time of the year where we eagerly break bread with Legends Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe to chat about what’s new in salivating food and beverage options at Angel Stadium. A returning dessert item that was a smash hit in previous years is the crave-worthy Walk Off Waffles featuring decadent the newly added Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Waffle. (Walk-Off Waffles Section 232, 412, 1st Base Food Court.) Another standout dessert is the Brookie.In the savory area a must-have is the Fried Mortadella Panini along with the Pork Chile Verde Mac & Cheese. There is also the salivating featured Hoffy Hot Dog of the Homestand.Melissa’s is represented in the Corner Markets with their exclusive Pink Pineapple Fruit Cups and a Mediterranean Salad. Also in the Corner Markets are special single serving cups of assorted, rotating flavors of the iconic Thrifty Ice Cream (with a handy spoon under the lid.)Something really fun for the kids is the new PAC-MAN Chomp Stop (Section 238.) Featured is PAC-MAN themed food and beverage. Look for the freshly-baked PAC-MAN specialty cookies and the exclusive Dole Pineapple soft serve presented in a fluorescent yellow PAC-MAN baseball helmet.Executive Chef for Angel Stadium, Dennis Radcliffe, takes another break from his busy kitchens (the Halos are Home tonight) to continue with us. He’s accompanied by Chuck Abair, his Executive Sous Chef.

“Created by Chef Rose Previte, Maydan Market is an 10,000-square-foot space inspired by markets from around the world. Designed as a gathering place anchored by a central live-fire hearth, Maydan Market brings diverse gems together under one roof, including Rose’s Middle Eastern restaurant and bar from DC, Maydan, her beloved Compass Rose, as well as various market outposts including Golden Mountain Chicken, Lugya’h by James Beard Award-nominated Poncho’s Tlayudas, and Maléna. Maydan Market also includes Club 104, a rotating residency space, and a Middle Eastern convenience store, Sook, that offers grab and go foods, hard-to-find middle eastern pantry staples and freshly prepared dishes served from the counter.“ “Maydan, pronounced “MY-dahn,” “MAY-dahn,” or “MI-dan,” is a word used throughout the Middle East, Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. It means the same thing everywhere: a central public meeting place, often in the middle of a city, a space for people to come together as a community to celebrate. Rooted in the sensory experiences of global marketplaces, Maydan Market encourages guests to wander, taste, and connect. Designed to reflect the cultural and culinary richness of Los Angeles, it offers independent food businesses the opportunity to grow alongside one another in a spirit of discovery, community, and shared tradition.”Chef and Restaurateur Rose Previte continues with us unwrapping all that is Maydan Market.

We’re live this morning from the 4th Annual Pizza City Fest L.A. on the Special Events Deck at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles. The event also takes place tomorrow with a different set of some 22 acclaimed Pizzaiolos. VIP Admission is at 12 Noon with General Admission following at 1:00 p.m.“The success of Pizza City Fest proves that Los Angeles is in fact a Pizza City. For its fourth consecutive year, the two-day pizza-focused celebration will be held atop the Event Deck at L.A. LIVE on April 25th to 26th and spotlight the best pizzerias in Los Angeles and beyond. Pizza City Fest highlights the area’s vast pizza landscape and the diverse talents of the region’s top pizza makers. Aficionados and casual pizza fans alike will have the exclusive opportunity to taste unlimited offerings from 20 premier artisans, plus a pair of dessert options, each day. The pizzerias will be serving up a variety of toppings, sauces and pizza styles including: Neapolitan, Chicago Tavern-style, New York-style, Artisan, Grandma Pie, Detroit-style, New Haven Apizza, L.A.-style and more. Founded in 2022 by three-time Emmy and 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter, Steve Dolinsky, Pizza City Fest continues to delight and unite pizza lovers with events in three major U.S. cities including Dolinsky’s native Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles.” Our Guests include:Steve Dolinsky, Founder of Pizza City Fest L.A. and recipient of 13 James Beard Awards for journalistic excellent. Also the acclaimed author of a pair of well-researched pizza books. Corporate Chef Angel Flores of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. (Participating in Pizza City Fest L.A.) Tyler Caran, Executive Chef and General Manager for Riip Beer & Pizza, Huntington Beach

“The success of Pizza City Fest proves that Los Angeles is in fact a Pizza City. For its fourth consecutive year, the two-day pizza-focused celebration will be held atop the Event Deck at L.A. LIVE on April 25th to 26th and spotlight the best pizzerias in Los Angeles and beyond.”“Founded in 2022 by three-time Emmy and 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter, Steve Dolinsky, Pizza City Fest continues to delight and unite pizza lovers with events in three major U.S. cities including Dolinsky’s native Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles.” “We’re so excited to be returning to L.A. for our fourth annual event. The pizza scene in SoCal is as robust as ever,” said Dolinsky. “We’ve added nearly a dozen new options this year covering multiple styles. From Santa Barbara to the Inland Empire and down to San Diego, we’re saving pizza fans from spending hours in their cars to try the best pizzas. Since everything is baked fresh on-site, the taste and experience is just like eating in the pizzeria.” Dolinsky is also the author of two acclaimed pizza books including Pizza City USA.Mr. Pizza himself, Steve Dolinsky, joins us with a Chicago Tavern-style slice in hand.

“Riip Beer Company, emerging in 2014 from Sunset Beach, California, was the vision of two brothers-in-laws with a profound love for craft beer. Their journey began modestly with a 20-gallon home brewing setup but quickly escalated to iconic status within the craft beer realm. Faced with early financial challenges, they ingeniously utilized a 1931 Helms Bakery coach to distribute their unique brews, rapidly building a formidable reputation. Their success was magnified by an array of accolades from the Great American Beer Festival & various other prestigious competitions, catalyzing significant growth and collaborations.” “Riip is more than just a brand; it encapsulates a lifestyle of excitement and passion, resonating through expressions like "stoke" and "rad." This ethos, deeply ingrained in every aspect of Riip, from their beers to their community, transcends mere branding, offering an immersive, life-affirming experience.”“Riip Beer and Pizzeria South HB, known for award-winning beer and quality comfort food, is located on the corner of Magnolia and Garfield in the Home Depot parking lot, occupying the historic site of the iconic Fitzgerald's Irish Pub, a beloved dive bar that served Huntington Beach for 40 years. This storied venue, with its "if these walls could talk" charm, invites you to step back into the 90s when pizza parlors were the go-to family spot. This family-friendly pizzeria features award-winning handcrafted beers, delicious food, a variety of wines, and a small arcade.” “The walls, lined with old oak wood, add a touch of nostalgia and a gritty warmth, creating a unique, casual, and relaxed atmosphere. Come experience the cozy, welcoming vibe that makes Riip Beer & Pizzeria South HB the perfect place to unwind and enjoy great food and drinks.”Riip’s culinary veteran, Tyler Caran, Riip’s Executive Chef and General Manager, joins us.

Bub & Grandma’s Pizza in Highland Park is the sister establishment to the ever-popular Bub & Grandma’s Restaurant and Bub & Grandma’s bakery known for truly outstanding artisan bread. It’s pizza by the slice and whole pie, salads and sandwiches crafted with their artisan bread. Think Artichoke Pie with spinach, artichoke vegan cream, mozzarella, kale, artichoke hearts, breadcrumbs and lemon. Also the Mortadella Sandwich with house-made focaccia, mortadella, whipped ricotta, basil pesto and pistachio.Taking a break from the pizza oven to join us is Executive Chef Jeff Whittaker.

The Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) is the original charitable beneficiary of Pizza City Fest L.A.“Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.”“C-CAP serves communities across Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.”Representing C-CAP today is Ruby Propst, the Los Angeles Program Director who continues with us.

“This past week Ment’or (Manhattan-based) orchestrated the 2026 Young Chef and Commis Competitions on April 16, 2026, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, presented by The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Designed to cultivate the next generation of great American chefs, these competitions offer meaningful professional opportunities for young cooks and provide unparalleled exposure to some of the country’s most respected culinary figures. Influencing and inspiring the next generation is core to the mission of Ment’or, which was founded by renowned chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jérôme Bocuse.” Ment’or’s long-time Executive Director, Young Yun, joins us with the recap.“The success of Pizza City Fest proves that Los Angeles is in fact a Pizza City. For its fourth consecutive year, the two-day pizza-focused celebration will be held atop the Event Deck at L.A. LIVE on April 25th to 26th and spotlight the best pizzerias in Los Angeles and beyond. Pizza City Fest highlights the area’s vast pizza landscape and the diverse talents of the region’s top pizza makers. Aficionados and casual pizza fans alike will have the exclusive opportunity to taste unlimited offerings from 20 premier artisans, plus a pair of dessert options, each day. The pizzerias will be serving up a variety of toppings, sauces and pizza styles including: Neapolitan, Chicago Tavern-style, New York-style, Artisan, Grandma Pie, Detroit-style, New Haven Apizza, L.A.-style and more.” Old Gold Tomato Pies which started as a modest roving pop-up and now has a busy storefront in Los Feliz is one of the Saturday participants. We’ll meet pizzaiolo Chef Jeffrey Vance.For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. There is a new Food Pyramid out from the US Department of Agriculture & The Department of Health and Human Services. Chef Andrew further unwraps the complexity for us (with what we really need to know) and also provides the historical perspective. What does it all mean for how we should be eating? (Continued from last week.)

“Masters of Taste, Los Angeles’ premier outdoor luxury food and beverage festival, returns for its eagerly anticipated eighth annual event, taking place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 3 to 7:00 p.m. once again on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization providing over 50 years of homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors.”John Sungkamee the Founder and Owner of Emporium Thai (Westwood) and the newly opened Emporium Thai Market is our guest to further preview his participation in Masters of Taste.“Emporium Thai Market is a lively modern Thai house on Los Angeles’ iconic Sawtelle Boulevard, where Southern Thai heritage meets contemporary culinary vision, striking design, and an elevated full-bar experience. Founded by John and Jane Sungkamee, the husband-and-wife team behind the ever popular Emporium Thai in Westwood, the new concept builds upon more than 25 years of cultural stewardship and culinary excellence.” “First opened in 2000, Emporium Thai has become one of Los Angeles’ most respected Thai institutions. Emporium Thai Market has now reimagined that legacy for today’s dynamic dining culture, rooted in authenticity, driven by technique, and designed for discovery.”