Tom Schwartz on Vanderpump, The Valley, and How Restaurants Almost Broke Him. Plus, Recent Eats at Bar Di Bello, Sqirl & Bianca Sicilian.

Tom Schwartz on Vanderpump, The Valley, and How Restaurants Almost Broke Him. Plus, Recent Eats at Bar Di Bello, Sqirl & Bianca Sicilian.

From The LA Food Podcast by Acquired Taste Media

April 10, 2026 · 1h 36m · Episode 173

About this episode

Tom Schwartz discusses his journey in the hospitality industry and the impact of reality TV on his career.

Today on The LA Food Podcast , we’re joined by Vanderpump Rules star and restaurateur Tom Schwartz for a candid, surprisingly thoughtful conversation about life in the hospitality industry. Recorded at Mae Malai in Los Angeles, Tom opens up about his journey from aspiring actor to bar owner, what it really takes to open and operate restaurants like TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy’s, and why the industry is far more brutal than it looks. He reflects on the impact of reality TV fame, navigating one of the most explosive scandals in Bravo history, and how it all intersects with his love of food and dining across LA. In Part 1, Karen Palmer joins to break down the latest in the LA food scene, including standout meals at Bar Di Bello, Osteria Mozza, Buena Bodega, Bianca Sicilian Trattoria, and Sqirl. We also dig into a major James Beard Awards storyline , the evolution of Ventura’s dining scene, and whether LA is finally getting the national recognition it deserves. And The Quiet Woman , of course. On Chef’s Kiss / Big Miss , we debate Noma’s latest move in LA, influencer culture’s impact on restaurants , and a controversial take that LA isn’t a “real food city.” It’s Bravo, it’s…

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Guest: Tom Schwartz

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vanderpump Rules, Bravo, James Beard Awards, Noma

Places: Los Angeles, LA, Ventura

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