Congratulations on the selection of Chef Stefani De Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle to be Team USA 2025 representing the United States. They will now go on to represent the United States at the 2024 Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection. This selection event will determine the finalists for the 2025 Bocuse d’Or, the prestigious biennial international culinary competition in Lyon, France. Chef Stefani De Palma of Team USA 2025 joins us.

Michelle Grow, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce’s Director of Marketing is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She just had the very special experience of being a part of the annual Hatch Chile Festival over Labor Day Weekend in Hatch, NM. Then she was off to Australia to learn about R2E2 and Calypso Mangoes. Michelle is our guest to recap her recent global produce adventures.

“On Monday, October 30, 2023, LA Chef Conference returns in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC)’s Culinary Arts Pathway in Downtown Los Angeles and Presenting Sponsor OpenTable, benefitting Regarding Her, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. The all-day event will include panel conversations led by industry experts, live cooking demos throughout the day, an after party and the LA Chef Con Food Festival Lunch spread out among the school’s five new state of the art teaching kitchens. This year’s program and panel line-up features LA-based industry professionals including Caroline Styne of AOC, James Beard Award Winner Justin Pichetrungsi, LA Times’ Bill Addison, Ruth Reichl, Keith Corbin of Alta Adams, and out-of-town industry notables such as 3-star Michelin Chef William Bradley (Addison Del Mar), Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable) and Ti Martin of Commander’s Palace (New Orleans.)” Joining us with all the details of LA Chef Conference 2023 are Producer Brad Metzger of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and Chef Jerry Vachon, Chef Instructor / Department Chair – Culinary Arts and Professional Baking, Los Angeles Trade-Tech College. Also joining us is Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gosset, who is one of the Chef Mentors for the newly launched LA Chef Conference / LATTC Mentorship Program.

“Located in beautiful Suisun Valley adjacent to Fairfield, BackRoad Vines Winery and Venue is dedicated to bringing back the traditional “Old School” art form of wine making. Their approach to handcrafting unique and distinctive wines has developed through experience and taking time to smell the wines. Plan a visit to the ‘backroads’ and enjoy a glass of wine in the tasting room or lunch on the patio. BackRoad Vines specializes in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends. The winery also features two bocce ball courts and a small creek just a short walk from the tasting room. Summer and fall events are very popular and may include bocce ball league and tournaments, wood-fire pizza nights at The Landing, or live music.” Proprietress Jody Anselmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is BackRoad Vines Winery.

Charcoal SUNSET (newly launched) is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals. Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal SUNSET is an everyday dining spot. (This is the sister restaurant to the original Charcoal VENICE in Los Angeles.) Chef Josiah takes a break from tending the embers to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew has previously discussed the Fast Act in California that regulates fast-food chains. It has been repealed but returned, rewritten and modified. Of particular concern (among other aspects) is the creation of a Fast Food Wage Council. Chef Andrew explains.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

The post Show 545, September 30, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.