Stephanie Breijo on Making James Beard History, Kato Gets Two Stars, and Five LA Restaurants Earn Their First Michelin Stars

Stephanie Breijo on Making James Beard History, Kato Gets Two Stars, and Five LA Restaurants Earn Their First Michelin Stars

June 26, 2026 · 1h 4m · Episode 184

About this episode

Stephanie Breijo discusses her historic James Beard Award win and the latest Michelin Guide results for LA restaurants.

James Beard Award-winning Los Angeles Times journalist Stephanie Breijo joins The LA Food Podcast to unpack her historic Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award win, becoming the first Los Angeles-based reporter to receive the honor. Stephanie reveals how she selected the three stories in her submission, what happened when her name was called and why the award represents a victory for local food journalism and the resilience of Los Angeles. Plus, we break down the 2026 Michelin Guide California results, including Kato’s second star, first-time stars for Seline, Lielle, Corridor 109, Kojima and Miura, and the surprising restaurants that lost recognition. We also discuss the best places in LA to watch soccer with great food, Olvera Street’s uncertain future, the Obama Presidential Center burger, the return of fancy Jell-O shots and recent meals at Lielle, Alta Adams, Jacaranda, Max & Helen’s and Chill Since 1993. -- Donate to Luca's Soccer Without Borders fund

People in this episode

Guest: Stephanie Breijo

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Los Angeles Times, Michelin Guide

Products: Obama Presidential Center burger, Jell-O shots

Places: Los Angeles, Olvera Street, California, LA, Seline, Lielle, Corridor 109, Kojima, Miura, Alta Adams

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