SoCal Restaurant Show

“Budonoki, located on the corner of Virgil and Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles is a friendly neighborhood izakaya offering drinking snacks and sushi alongside ice-cold beer, sake and serious cocktails.” “The creative pan-Asian izakaya comes from college friends and hospitality veterans Eric Bedroussian and Josh Hartley. It started out as a roving pop-up in 2021 after the duo met chef Dan Rabilwongse (an alum of Tsubaki and Hayato) via a mutual friend. Rabilwongse, who grew up in nearby Historic Filipinotown, put together the cuisine-melding menu, filled with signature dishes like pressed sushi, naem (a funky Thai fermented pork sausage), “budo-gnocchi” (Korean rice...

Landry Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located in the rolling hills of West Monroe, Louisiana. Landry Vineyards produces 20 different wines including cultural fruit forward semi-sweet wines, clean crisp dry white wines, dry barrel aged wines and port style wines. Visitors can sample these wines, while enjoying the picturesque views from the beautiful tasting room. Founder and Winemaker Jeff Landry is our guest to uncork all that is Louisiana’s Landry Vineyards.

The 2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine festival in Manhattan Village took place on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Both nights we...

“Budonoki, located on the corner of Virgil and Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles is a friendly neighborhood izakaya offering drinking snacks and sushi alongside ice-cold beer, sake and serious cocktails.” “The creative pan-Asian izakaya comes from college friends and hospitality veterans Eric Bedroussian and Josh Hartley. It started out as a roving pop-up in 2021 after the duo met chef Dan Rabilwongse (an alum of Tsubaki and Hayato) via a mutual friend. Rabilwongse, who grew up in nearby Historic Filipinotown, put together the cuisine-melding menu, filled with signature dishes like pressed sushi, naem (a funky Thai fermented pork sausage), “budo-gnocchi” (Korean rice...

“Budonoki, located on the corner of Virgil and Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles is a friendly neighborhood izakaya offering drinking snacks and sushi alongside ice-cold beer, sake and serious cocktails.”

“The creative pan-Asian izakaya comes from college friends and hospitality veterans Eric Bedroussian and Josh Hartley. It started out as a roving pop-up in 2021 after the duo met chef Dan Rabilwongse (an alum of Tsubaki and Hayato) via a mutual friend. Rabilwongse, who grew up in nearby Historic Filipinotown, put together the cuisine-melding menu, filled with signature dishes like pressed sushi, naem (a funky Thai fermented pork sausage...

“Budonoki, located on the corner of Virgil and Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles is a friendly neighborhood izakaya offering drinking snacks and sushi alongside ice-cold beer, sake and serious cocktails.”

“The creative pan-Asian izakaya comes from college friends and hospitality veterans Eric Bedroussian and Josh Hartley. It started out as a roving pop-up in 2021 after the duo met chef Dan Rabilwongse (an alum of Tsubaki and Hayato) via a mutual friend. Rabilwongse, who grew up in nearby Historic Filipinotown, put together the cuisine-melding menu, filled with signature dishes like pressed sushi, naem (a funky Thai fermented pork sausage...

Landry Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located in the rolling hills of West Monroe. Landry Vineyards produces 20 different wines including cultural fruit forward semi-sweet wines, clean crisp dry white wines, dry barrel aged wines and port style wines. Visitors can sample these wines, while enjoying the picturesque views from the beautiful tasting room.

“Their Outdoor Concert Series is not to be missed, with music ranging from country to jazz. Patrons bring picnic blankets and chairs and enjoy live music from the hillside along with food and dancing. Two harvest festivals are hosted each summer th...

“Landry Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located in the rolling hills of West Monroe. Landry Vineyards produces 20 different wines including cultural fruit forward semi-sweet wines, clean crisp dry white wines, dry barrel aged wines and port style wines. Visitors can sample these wines, while enjoying the picturesque views from the beautiful tasting room.”

“Their Outdoor Concert Series is not to be missed, with music ranging from country to jazz. Patrons bring picnic blankets and chairs and enjoy live music from the hillside along with food and dancing. Two harvest festivals are hosted each summer that o...

Sommelier Kelsey Kramer, the Director of Education for the Hill Country Wine Academy near Fredericksburg, Texas, is a theater major turned wine professional and educator, currently navigating the WSET Diploma program with 13+ years of hospitality, restaurant, and wine experience under her belt. After earning a B.F.A. in Acting at Ball State University, she started studying wine full-time with Takashi's Japanese-Fusion restaurant in Chicago. Kelsey earned her CMS Sommelier certification in 2017, and at the same time began teaching about wine at High Street Wine Co. in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. She began class programming and beverage...

The 2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine in Manhattan Village took place on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Based on the success of last year both nights were sold out.

“Over the two-nights 46 All-Star Chefs prepared world-class cuisine along with premier wines, top spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beer pairing seamlessly with pulse-raising beats. Guests discovered a dynamic flow of music and flavor, spotlighting the unmistakable spirit of the South Bay.”

Lawrence Moore of Lawrence Moore and Associates joins us to provide a postscript on Manhattan Beach Food & Wine 2025 with a look into the...

Social Media can have an enormous impact on restaurants both on the upside as well as the unfortunate negative. Chef Andrew is skilled at managing and utilizing Social Media (for the good) to build his brand. He shares his well-informed insights.

“Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa  has recently debuted its first-ever Halloween pop-up bar. Step inside Pete’s Spookeasy if you dare, where Pete’s Sunset Grille, the resort’s coastal restaurant, has been transformed into a spooky, over-the-top Halloween playground, featuring immersive décor, themed lounges, playful surprises at every turn, and touches from Tipsy Elves, the pop-up’s seasonal partner.” Joining us to provide all the hauntingly exciting specifics is longtime Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn.

“Since the birth of Laderach Swiss (fresh Swiss gourmet chocolates) in 1962, they have been refining fresh chocolate into extraordinary creations – and taking great plea...

“Since the birth of Laderach Swiss (fresh Swiss gourmet chocolates) in 1962, they have been refining fresh chocolate into extraordinary creations – and taking great pleasure in sharing them. While Laderach initially did so as a supplier to selected Swiss chocolate shops, today they share their delights globally. Three generations, one World Chocolate Master and countless innovations. Once a small chocolate factory in Glarus, today Laderach is represented in more than 25 countries around the world – and they are still thoughtfully expanding.” Laderach’s Scott Perry, West Coast Regional Manager, is our guest to unwrap all the decadent deliciousness that is Laderach Swiss.

“Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa  has recently debuted its first-ever Halloween pop-up bar. Step inside Pete’s Spookeasy if you dare, where Pete’s Sunset Grille, the resort’s coastal restaurant, has been transformed into a spooky, over-the-top Halloween playground, featuring immersive décor, themed lounges, playful surprises at every turn, and touches from Tipsy Elves, the pop-up’s seasonal partner.” Joining us to provide all the hauntingly exciting specifics is longtime Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn.

“Since the birth of Laderach Swiss (fresh Swiss gourmet chocolates) in 1962, they have been refining fresh chocolate into extraordinary creations – and taking great plea...

“Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa  has recently debuted its first-ever Halloween pop-up bar. Step inside Pete’s Spookeasy if you dare, where Pete’s Sunset Grille, the resort’s coastal restaurant, has been transformed into a spooky, over-the-top Halloween playground, featuring immersive décor, themed lounges, playful surprises at every turn, and touches from Tipsy Elves, the pop-up’s seasonal partner.”

“The pop-up features a curated Halloween menu, with inventive bites such as “BUGS” in Stinky Cheese, with whipped goat cheese, dates, marzipan “grubs,” figs, hot honey, micro thyme and Raincoast crackers; Cauldron Queso, with pepper jack queso dip, ground beef...

“Since the birth of Laderach Swiss (fresh Swiss gourmet chocolates) in 1962, they have been refining fresh chocolate into extraordinary creations – and taking great pleasure in sharing them. While Laderach initially did so as a supplier to selected Swiss chocolate shops, today they share their delights globally.”

“Three generations, one World Chocolate Master and countless innovations. Once a small chocolate factory in Glarus, today Laderach is represented in more than 25 countries around the world – and they are still thoughtfully expanding.”

“Laderach is currently attracting a lot of deserved attention for their limited-edition Dubai Collection. It started off as just a...

“Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa  has recently debuted its first-ever Halloween pop-up bar. Step inside Pete’s Spookeasy if you dare, where Pete’s Sunset Grille, the resort’s coastal restaurant, has been transformed into a spooky, over-the-top Halloween playground, featuring immersive décor, themed lounges, playful surprises at every turn, and touches from Tipsy Elves, the pop-up’s seasonal partner.”

“The pop-up features a curated Halloween menu, with inventive bites such as “BUGS” in Stinky Cheese, with whipped goat cheese, dates, marzipan “grubs,” figs, hot honey, micro thyme and Raincoast crackers; Cauldron Queso, with pepper jack queso dip, ground beef...

Since the birth of Laderach Swiss (fresh Swiss gourmet chocolates) in 1962, they have been refining fresh chocolate into extraordinary creations – and taking great pleasure in sharing them. While Laderach initially did so as a supplier to selected Swiss chocolate shops, today they share their delights globally.”

“Three generations, one World Chocolate Master and countless innovations. Once a small chocolate factory in Glarus, today Laderach is represented in more than 25 countries around the world – and they are still thoughtfully expanding.”

“Laderach is currently attracting a lot of deserved attention for their limited- edition Dubai Collection. It started off...

“Rationale Brewing’s founder, Jamie Fay and his sons were sitting around the campfire having a few beers and talking about beer, naturally. His oldest was about to leave for college, so Jamie encouraged him to think for himself when it came to drinking alcohol, regardless of the peanut gallery's opinions. Making a rational choice feels pretty damn radical...so why not screw the rules, make that radical choice and own the moment? They got pretty fired up about the idea of crafting a flavorful non-alcoholic beer that doesn't play by the rules. They started brewing RationAle and haven’t look...

“Rationale Brewing’s founder, Jamie Fay and his sons were sitting around the campfire having a few beers and talking about beer, naturally. His oldest was about to leave for college, so Jamie encouraged him to think for himself when it came to drinking alcohol, regardless of the peanut gallery's opinions. Making a rational choice feels pretty damn radical...so why not screw the rules, make that radical choice and own the moment? They got pretty fired up about the idea of crafting a flavorful non-alcoholic beer that doesn't play by the rules. They started brewing RationAle and haven’t look...

For a fast casual establishment, or any successful restaurant, what’s the ideal pathway to branching? Should it be a franchise network like McDonalds or company owned stores in the In-N-Out model? Chef Andrew has been there and will provide his informed insight.

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan learned the art of crafting homemade meals from his father and grandmother, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the power of food to unite and nourish. Chef Sully takes a break from the on...

Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA. He produces a smaller farm-raised boutique oyster that restaurants serve raw. Buzzy has about 400 square float cages on the farm, all individually labeled for each restaurant he delivers to, including Vestal. 

"You want a taste that will stay with you, not like drinking a martini where you just get a salty sip. You want that creamy, earthy flavor to return to your palate a minute or t...

Join us as we celebrate the 13th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA radio. We’re in Lafayette, LA, the heart of Cajun County, participating in the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association’s (IFWTWA) Annual Member Conference.

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growi...

Sullivan Zant is the Executive Chef and one of the Founders of the fine-dining, Vestal in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Sullivan’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was immersed in the rich culture of Southern hospitality from an early age. Growing up in a household where cooking was a cherished tradition, Sullivan learned the art of crafting homemade meals from his father and grandmother, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the power of food to unite and nourish.

With over a decade of pr...

Kelsey Leger, the Executive Chef and Co-founder of Lafayette’s Five Mile Eatery, is a Louisiana-born chef with a passion for local sourcing and sustainability. Her culinary career began in New York City at One Lucky Duck/Pure Food & Wine, and she later returned to Acadiana to train a bit in permaculture at Gotreaux Family Farm. Over the years, she honed her skills in respected kitchens such as Boucherie (New Orleans), French Press, and Saint Street Inn, where she rose from dishwasher to head chef. In 2015, she co-founded Scratch Farm Kitchen, helping establish it as a beloved part of La...

Marie Ducote’s Cajun! Food Tours brings the guest history tours and immersive Cajun food tours rolled into one adventure. Experience the Acadiana region of South Louisiana (2 hours west of New Orleans) in a whole new way. Considered one of the best things to do in Lafayette, LA, their tours take you into the heart of Cajun Country, off the eaten path, so you can peel back the layers and discover the cuisine and culture of Lafayette yourself. Stroll along on a walking tour or hop on their cozy custom ride for the only bus tour in Lafayette.

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Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA.

"I have so much respect for the original oystermen like my grandfather back in the day," says Albert "Buzzy" Besson. "My grandfather would go out in his boats and dredge for oysters. It was a very labor-intensive process. We still produce a wonderful product, but now we farm oysters."

Buzzy says he took up oyster farming as a hobby, but it's in his genes...

Madonna Broussard, also known as “The Plate Lunch Lady,” is a third-generation restaurateur and the owner of Laura's II Café in Lafayette, Louisiana. The restaurant, known for its Creole soul food, was started by her grandmother, Laura Williams Broussard, and carries on the family's legacy of cooking with "love, time, and consistency".

Madonna's mother, Dorothy Mae Broussard, also played a significant role in the restaurant's history. Madonna’s daughter, Lacey, represents the 4th generation of Broussard Family stewardship. Madonna was named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award for “Best Chef : South”.

Madonna Broussard takes a bre...

Albert "Buzzy" Besson owns and operates Barataria Beauties Oyster Farm in Grand Isle, Louisiana. His farm produces prized Gulf oysters sold at Spoonbill, Vestal, and Wild Child Wines in Lafayette, LA.

"I have so much respect for the original oystermen like my grandfather back in the day," says Albert "Buzzy" Besson. "My grandfather would go out in his boats and dredge for oysters. It was a very labor-intensive process. We still produce a wonderful product, but now we farm oysters."

Buzzy says he took up oyster farming as a hobby, but it's in his genes...

Jesse Guidry is Vice President of Communications for Lafayette Travel / Lafayette Louisiana Convention and Visitors Commission. He joins us to conclude our virtual visit to Lafayette.

“Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America where people visit for a genuine Cajun & Creole experience.”

“Lafayette has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine that’s earned them the title Best Food City in the USA. Lafayette’s culinary scene is steeped in tradition and continues to evolve with a new generation o...

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.” When it comes to the very best in fireh...

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.” Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jer...

Don’t miss our 13th Anniversary Show on Saturday, Oct. 11th, 2025. We’re live from Lafayette, LA, the Heart of Cajun Country.

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafaye...

“He is a firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.”

“Cajun cuisine, deeply rooted in African, European, and Native American influences — most notably French — reflects a rich history of bold flavors, rustic techniques, and communal dining. For Coby, cooking is more than nouri...

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4.

“He is a firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.”

“Cajun cuisine, deeply rooted in African...

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their modest goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.”

“Five Point Five B...

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.”

“Five Point Five Brewing...

“Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of its most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla.”

“Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary...

“Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of its most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla.”

“Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary...

Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need.