SoCal Restaurant Show

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a refere...

“There’s just something about new school supplies that helps kids get excited about learning, and Huntington Meats is again doing their part to make sure all children experience that excitement as the new school year kicks off in August. Huntington Meats' sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive. For the second year in a row, the two shops offering quality meat and poultry products are coming together to participate in their Back-to-School School Supply Drive to take place the entire month of July. The goal is to collect enough supplies for 350 kids for distribution...

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a refere...

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a refere...

“Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa (owned by Carter Hospitality Group) is a luxury retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country in Johnson City, Texas. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, it features 78 luxury villas, two tasting rooms, an outdoor pavilion hosting live music, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a heated seasonal outdoor pool and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is an award-winning winery under the direction of pioneering 2nd generation Texas Winemaker Jon McPherson offering some of the region’s top varietals, and it’s the only winery in the region...

“Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa (owned by Carter Hospitality Group) is a luxury retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country in Johnson City, Texas. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, it features 78 luxury villas, two tasting rooms, an outdoor pavilion hosting live music, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a heated seasonal outdoor pool and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is an award-winning winery under the direction of acclaimed Winemaker Jon McPherson (a native Texan) offering some of the region’s top varietals, and it’s the only winery in the region...

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. It’s a creatively reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a 2nd nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage Program. Strong Water is only one of two Orange County nominees in any category for a James Beard Award in 2025.

The food menu is an impo...

“There’s just something about new school supplies that helps kids get excited about learning, and Huntington Meats is again doing their part to make sure all children experience that excitement as the new school year kicks off in August. Huntington Meats' sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive.”

“For the second year in a row, the two shops offering quality meat and poultry products are coming together to participate in their Back-to-School School Supply Drive to take place the entire month of July. The goal is to collect enough supplies for 350 kids for distri...

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. It’s a creatively reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a 2nd nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage Program. Strong Water is only one of two Orange County nominees in any category for a James Beard Award in 2025.

The food menu is an impo...

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 and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns. Of course, more tasty Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation including a discussion of Darkroom restaurant in Santa Ana. First Anne Marie provides an overview of her trip to Chicago to attend the James Beard Awards, the Oscars of...

“The Sobon family first staked their claim to this historic site (Amador County, CA) in 1989 when Shenandoah Vineyards founders, Leon and Shirley Sobon, acquired the D’Agostini Vineyards for each other as a 30th anniversary present. After having reestablished Shenandoah Vineyards in 1977, the Sobon Family set their sights on reestablishing and renovating this once proud property. After nearly five arduous years of replanting and rehabilitating the over 200 acres of prime hillside vineyards, the family’s dream of producing small batch, estate grown Zinfandel was set to become a reality. Sobon Wine Company is now one of only a handful of ind...

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 and noteworthy publications.

Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns. Of course, more tasty Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation including a discussion of Darkroom restaurant in Santa Ana.

First Anne Marie provides an overview of her trip to Chicago to attend the James Be...

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 and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns. Of course, more tasty Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation including a discussion of Darkroom restaurant in Santa Ana. First Anne Marie provides an overview of her trip to Chicago to attend the James Beard Awards, the Oscars of...

“With a heritage dating back to the California Gold Rush, Sobon Estate (Amador County) has now been recognized as the oldest continuously operating winery in the state. This historic estate dates back to 1856 when the Uhlinger family planted the first vines in Amador County to maintain ownership of the land and prevent gold prospectors from staking a claim.”

“The Sobon family first staked their claim to this historic site in 1989 when Shenandoah Vineyards founders, Leon and Shirley Sobon, acquired the D’Agostini Vineyards for each other as a 30th anniversary present. After having reestablished Shenandoah Vineyards in 1977, the Sobo...

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 and noteworthy publications.

Anne Marie continues with us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns. Of course more Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation including a further discussion of Darkroom restaurant in Santa Ana. Also Anne Marie provides an overview of her recent Culture OC’s suggestions for Summer dining and...

“With a heritage dating back to the California Gold Rush, Sobon Estate (Amador County) has now been recognized as the oldest continuously operating winery in the state. This historic estate dates back to 1856 when the Uhlinger family planted the first vines in Amador County to maintain ownership of the land and prevent gold prospectors from staking a claim.”

“Sobon Estate wines (since the 2008 vintage) are all produced by 2nd generation winemaker Paul Sobon. He has been making wines, as well as tending to the families estate vineyards alongside his father and family patriarch, Leon Sobon, for over three...

“Located in a historic train depot in San Juan Capistrano, Trevor’s at the Tracks (Trevor Baird) lives by the motto “Locally Acquired | Globally inspired.” They offer a rotating seasonal menu, plus Chef’s specials that rotate every couple of weeks. They’re open 7 days a week with live music nightly (and all day on the weekends). Never repeating a musician throughout the month, Trevor’s at the Tracks hires over 50 local musicians monthly to play on the patio.”

“With their commitment to sustainability and community, Trevor’s at the Tracks is redefining what it means to eat responsibly—with...

“Located in a historic train depot in San Juan Capistrano, Trevor’s at the Tracks (Trevor Baird) lives by the motto “Locally Acquired | Globally inspired.” They offer a rotating seasonal menu, plus Chef’s specials that rotate every couple of weeks. They’re open 7 days a week with live music nightly (and all day on the weekends). Never repeating a musician throughout the month, Trevor’s at the Tracks hires over 50 local musicians monthly to play on the patio.”

“With their commitment to sustainability and community, Trevor’s at the Tracks is redefining what it means to eat responsibly—with...

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) was waylaid with some airline travel glitches. His “Ask the Chef Segment” returns on July 12th after his well-deserved Family vacation.

Meantime Executive Producer Andy Harris fills in on the tipping challenge dilemma. Prods to tip in unexpected places seem to be getting a bit out of hand. Tip lines appear on credit card payment screens and tip jars are everywhere. Should you really tip the counterperson at a gas station convenience store who hands you...

“Get ready for an unforgettable night as St. Vincent Meals on Wheels presents the fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala fundraiser at the iconic Paramount Studios lot on Saturday, June 21, at 6:30 PM.  Nearly a dozen of Los Angeles' finest chefs and pâtissiers will showcase their exquisite dishes. Guests will kick off the evening with an exclusive VIP Hour in the legendary Paramount Theater, followed by a specially curated tasting menu featuring the talents of the 2025 Culinary Angels. Sip on signature cocktails and dance the night away under the stars to the lively tunes of a 10-piece live band. With...

“The 10th annual Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure will feature more than 40 wineries from across California, including ten L.A.-based wineries showcasing the depth and breadth of the rising micro-production wine movement in Los Angeles. Among the L.A.-based winemakers showcased at the festival are Adorato Wines, Bivium Wine, Cavaletti Vineyards, Flowers & Cheese Winery, Fuil Wines, Hoi Polloi, Montage Vineyards, Pagter Winery, Pulchella Winery, and Sunland Vintage Winery, The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure takes place on June 21st at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.” Garagiste Co-founder, Doug Minnick, is also the winemaker for his own label, Hoi Polloi. We’ll meet...

“Get ready for an unforgettable night as St. Vincent Meals on Wheels presents the fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala fundraiser at the iconic Paramount Studios lot on Saturday, June 21, at 6:30 PM.  Nearly a dozen of Los Angeles' finest chefs and pâtissiers will showcase their exquisite dishes. Guests will kick off the evening with an exclusive VIP Hour in the legendary Paramount Theater, followed by a specially curated tasting menu featuring the talents of the 2025 Culinary Angels. Sip on signature cocktails and dance the night away under the stars to the lively tunes of a 10-piece live band. With...

“Get ready for an unforgettable night as St. Vincent Meals on Wheels presents the fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala fundraiser at the iconic Paramount Studios lot on Saturday, June 21, at 6:30 PM.”

“Nearly a dozen of Los Angeles' finest chefs and pâtissiers will showcase their exquisite dishes. Guests will kick off the evening with an exclusive VIP Hour in the legendary Paramount Theater, followed by a specially curated tasting menu featuring the talents of 2025 Culinary Angels, including Alexander’s Steakhouse, Arth Bar + Kitchen, BOX Chicken, City Club Los Angeles, Georgia’s Restaurant, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Wi...

“The 10th annual Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure will feature more than 40 wineries from across California, including ten L.A.-based wineries showcasing the depth and breadth of the rising micro-production wine movement in Los Angeles. Among the L.A.-based winemakers showcased at the festival are Adorato Wines, Bivium Wine, Cavaletti Vineyards, Flowers & Cheese Winery, Fuil Wines, Hoi Polloi, Montage Vineyards, Pagter Winery, Pulchella Winery, and Sunland Vintage Winery. The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure takes place on June 21st at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.”

“It’s not widely known, but Los Angeles was once called the ‘City of Vines,’ i...

“Get ready for an unforgettable night as St. Vincent Meals on Wheels presents the fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala fundraiser at the iconic Paramount Studios lot on Saturday, June 21, at 6:30 PM.” 

“Nearly a dozen of Los Angeles' finest chefs and pâtissiers will showcase their exquisite dishes. Guests will kick off the evening with an exclusive VIP Hour in the legendary Paramount Theater, followed by a specially curated tasting menu featuring the talents of 2025 Culinary Angels, including Alexander’s Steakhouse, Arth Bar + Kitchen, BOX Chicken, City Club Los Angeles, Georgia’s Restaurant, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Wif...

“The 10th annual Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure will feature more than 40 wineries from across California, including ten L.A.-based wineries showcasing the depth and breadth of the rising micro-production wine movement in Los Angeles. Among the L.A.-based winemakers showcased at the festival are Adorato Wines, Bivium Wine, Cavaletti Vineyards, Flowers & Cheese Winery, Fuil Wines, Hoi Polloi, Montage Vineyards, Pagter Winery, Pulchella Winery, and Sunland Vintage Winery. The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure takes place on June 21st at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.”

“Renowned for its handcrafted wines from professional artisan winemakers who make less than 1,500 cases, i...

“Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Wander With Wonder, an online food, wine, and travel magazine. It was named one of the top four travel journalism websites of 2022 by SATW. Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print luxury lifestyle publication in Phoenix. Susan has been writing for the past 30 years. She is the author of more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles.”

“Along with Wander, Susan’s articles appear in various print and online publications, including AAA publications, WHERE publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Marriott.com, Fairmont’s blogs, Modern Luxury, and more. Sh...

“Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Wander With Wonder, an online food, wine, and travel magazine. It was named one of the top four travel journalism websites of 2022 by SATW. Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print luxury lifestyle publication in Phoenix. Susan has been writing for the past 30 years. She is the author of more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles.”

Susan chronicles hidden gem restaurants in Custer, SD (Skogen Kitchen) and Astoria, OR. (Daphne.)

“Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Wander With Wonder, an online food, wine, and travel magazine. It was named one of the top four travel journalism websites of 2022 by SATW. Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print luxury lifestyle publication in Phoenix. Susan has been writing for the past 30 years. She is the author of more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles.”

Susan continues her commentary on hidden gem restaurants including FYR in Columbus, OH and Katana Cocina by Nikkei in Weston, FL.

“Pasta Armando is a high-quality imported Italian Pasta made from 100% Durum Wheat. The conventional pasta is 100% Italian durum wheat semolina and water, teflon died and slow-dried. The zero residue of pesticides and glyphosate premium line (including Chitarra) is bronze die cut. Armando’s pasta is made using only two ingredients processed according to a traditional method. The special taste stands out from the crowd. Armando fosters strong relations with its farmers as they are an indispensable part of the team.” We’ll meet the highly informative Jeffrey Root, Head of Brand Development for Pasta Armando USA/Canada, who is also an...

“Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, the new farm-to-table dining destination nestled within the botanical garden and living museum located in La Cañada Flintridge, launched on Friday, May 30, 2025. Developed in collaboration with Southern California’s renowned Chef Rich Mead, Farmhouse is open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, offering an immersive, seasonal culinary experience in Descanso Gardens’ breathtaking 150-acre urban oasis.

The Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens culinary program is a harmonious collaboration between two acclaimed Southern California chefs: Chef Rich Mead, the restaurant’s visionary, celebrated for his pioneering work in sustainable cuisine and passion for supporting local far...

“Pasta Armando is a high-quality imported Italian Pasta made from 100% Durum Wheat. The conventional pasta is 100% Italian durum wheat semolina and water, teflon died and slow-dried. The zero residue of pesticides and glyphosate premium line (including Chitarra) is bronze die cut. Armando’s pasta is made using only two ingredients processed according to a traditional method. The special taste stands out from the crowd. Armando fosters strong relations with its farmers as they are an indispensable part of the team.” We’ll meet the highly informative Jeffrey Root, Head of Brand Development for Pasta Armando USA/Canada, who is also an...

“Pasta Armando is a high-quality Italian Pasta made from 100% Durum Wheat. The conventional pasta is 100% Italian durum wheat semolina and water, teflon died and slow-dried. Armando’s pasta is made using only two ingredients processed according to a traditional method. The special taste stands out from the crowd.”

“Armando fosters strong relations with its farmers as they are an indispensable part of the team. Pasta Armando helps support the environment, the local communities, and the farmers. Farmers are 
empowered with proper training, scholarships, and 
fair crop value set by a guaranteed price floor, despite market trends.”

We’ll meet t...

“Pasta Armando is a high -quality Italian Pasta made from 100% Durum Wheat. The conventional pasta is 100% Italian durum wheat semolina and water, teflon died and slow-dried. The zero residue of pesticides and glyphosate premium line (including Chitarra) is bronze due cut Armando’s pasta is made using only two ingredients processed according to a traditional method. The special taste stands out from the crowd.”

“Armando fosters strong relations with its farmers as they are an indispensable part of the team. Pasta Armando helps support the environment, the local communities, and the farmers. Farmers are 
empowered with proper training...

“Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Premiering in Los Angeles June 7th through 14th, the 2nd Annual Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and complexity of Portuguese wines right here in the heart of Hollywood and environs.”

“Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences.”

Diniz Cellars’ Sandra Gomes Rocha join...

“Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, the new farm-to-table dining destination nestled within the botanical garden and living museum located in La Cañada Flintridge, launched on Friday, May 30, 2025. Developed in collaboration with Southern California’s renowned Chef Rich Mead, Farmhouse is open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, offering an immersive, seasonal culinary experience in Descanso Gardens’ breathtaking 150-acre urban oasis.”

"Farmhouse will enhance the guest experience here at Descanso Gardens," said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens. "Through this partnership with Chef Mead, we hope visitors will join us in cultivating a space where nature, great food, and...

“Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is an innovative farm-to-table dining destination celebrating California’s boutique farms and locally sourced ingredients. Inspired by the vision of renowned chef Rich Mead, known for his deep ties to sustainably focused farmers and purveyors, this new restaurant offers a unique culinary experience set amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Descanso Gardens. Adam Cherney is the Executive Chef.”

“Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully designed space that combines indoor and outdoor seating and a modern, airy aesthetic. With a dynamic menu of seasonal dishes and a garden-to-glass cocktail program, Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is the perf...

“The Pacific Rim International Wine Competition was founded in 1985 by a group of winemakers, vintners and educators passionate about making great wines accessible to the public. The Pacific Rim Competition is held at the historic National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino, California for two days. This year the competition dates were June 3rd & 4th.”

“The goal at the Pacific Rim Wine Competition is to give thoughtful evaluation to every wine entered (400 plus), and to celebrate high quality wines of all styles, from all regions of the world. Their esteemed panel of judges (including Winemaker Wes Hagen, the Br...

Sugarcane oil is coming into commercial kitchens as a more sustainable alternative to seed oils. Chef Andrew explains the healthful implications. Talking about sustainable Chef Andrew talks up the Orange County marine biology students who are raising white seas bass, green abalone and Pismo clams to return them to the ocean.

“Food lovers are invited to savor the very best of the region as Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns from May 30 to June 8, 2025. Presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, this highly anticipated ten-day event celebrates the area’s culinary scene, welcoming both locals and visitors to explore outstanding dining experiences across the Coachella Valley. Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus and exclusive offerings from a wide range of participating establishments.  Diners can enjoy specially curated prix fixe lunch menus priced at $15, $25, or $35, and dinner menus at $29, $39, $49, or $59. Select restaurants will also offer distinctive Restaurant Week specials. For a compl...