The LA Food Podcast

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100th Episode Live Show with Mona Holmes and Jackson Kalb

2024-11-2201:17:12

Welcome to episode 100. We hosted a live show to celebrate at Little Joy Cocktails in Echo Park, and what you’re about to hear is the recording of said live show. Father Sal and I were joined by Eater’s Mona Holmes to run through the headlines of the day and to play a round of Chef’s Kiss Big Miss. We debuted the first-ever LA Food Pod quiz - big thanks and sincere apologies to David Turkell of Turk’s Pizza Party for participating. And, finally, we had a conversation with Jackson Kalb of Ospi, Jemma, and Top Chef fame, on running a restaurant in today’s tricky economic environment, among other things. But first, Father Sal joins me for some slightly indulgent navel-gazing on what this podcast means to us, and we also quickly touch on some exciting events we attended this week, including a very insightful panel discussion on restaurant PR and marketing hosted by New School, and a comedy show presented by none other than former Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi. Helpful links: Mona Holmes https://www.instagram.com/monaeats/?hl=en Jackson Kalb https://www.instagram.com/jacksonkalb/?hl=en Ospi https://ospi.com/venice Jemma https://jemmarestaurants.com/ Little Joy https://littlejoy.la/ The LA Food Pod Live Show was produced by: Robert Haleblian https://www.instagram.com/robert_haleblian/?hl=en -- Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! https://thelonelyoyster.com/ – Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Brooke Williamson talks Top Chef, longevity in the LA restaurant scene, and her debut cookbook, Sun-Kissed Cooking.

2024-11-1547:53

What do the best competition cook of all time, an uber-accomplished LA restaurateur and the author of one of the year’s best cookbooks have in common? Well, they’re all the same person and her name is Brooke Williamson. Brooke just released her first-ever cookbook, dear listener. It’s called SUN-KISSED COOKING, and it’s available now in stores. Brooke’s with us today to tell us what inspired the new book, why now felt like the right time in her storied career to release her first book, and what she liked and didn’t like about the arduous process of writing a cookbook. Of course, I wouldn’t be doing my job if we didn’t also talk about her career as a prodigy on the Los Angeles restaurant scene, the secrets to her extraterrestrial ability as a competition cook, and how she’s seen the role of a restaurant operator evolve since opening her first restaurant back in the early aughts. Helpful links: Sun-Kissed Cooking https://www.harpercollins.com/products/sun-kissed-cooking-brooke-williamson?variant=41531003830306 Brooke on IG https://www.instagram.com/chefbrookew/?hl=en The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Abdo Hajj -- Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! https://thelonelyoyster.com/ – Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Langer’s future on the rocks, why Martha Stewart hates her doc, and Karen Palmer thrives in the Father Sal chair - hardly a shock. Plus, a chat with Richard Pink on the eve of Pink’s 85th Birthday.

2024-11-0801:11:30

Today on The LA Food Podcast… What game is Norm Langer playing by reposting Rick Caruso’s scathing video of Mayor Karen Bass’ efforts (or lacktherof) to clean up MacArthur Park? Why is Martha Stewart irate over the way she’s being portrayed in her brand new Netflix documentary “Martha?” And why is a trip Dan Tana’s pretty much obligatory in your near future, dear listener? We’re joined today by SF Gate’s Karen Palmer to discuss all of the above. She’s filling in for Father Sal and, dare I say, Father Sal watch out. If he keeps abusing his PTO days, Karen just made a case for why there might need to be a change in administration. Too soon? In Part 2 we’re joined by Richard Pink of Pink’s Hot Dogs. The Hollywood icon that is Pink’s is celebrating its 85th birthday and is giving out 85 cent hot dogs to celebrate. I caught up with Richard at Pink’s to hear about the promotion, but more importantly, to hear his reflections on the little hot dog stand that could. As always please consider leaving us a rating or a review wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m your host Luca Servodio and without further ado, let’s chow down. Helpful links: Karen Palmer https://www.sfgate.com/author/karen-palmer/ Karen on IG https://www.instagram.com/karenlpalmer/?hl=en Karen’s piece on Dan Tana’s https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/california-italian-restaurant-dan-tanas-19880183.php Pink’s https://www.pinkshollywood.com/ Langer’s re-post of Rick Caruso https://www.instagram.com/p/DB7CglYvmzQ/?hl=en New York Times interview with Martha Stewart https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/30/movies/martha-stewart-netflix-documentary.html Eater’s stories on Martha https://www.eater.com/search?q=martha+stewart Taste on nonalcoholic martinis https://tastecooking.com/a-good-na-martini-is-possible/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Abdo Hajj -- Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! https://thelonelyoyster.com/ – Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Opening Cafe Esca Part 1, with Reilly Cox and Luke Reyes. Plus, Jenn Harris puts the NY vs. (World Series Champ) LA food debate to rest, can food help Kamala win, and Father Sal is moving to LA.

2024-11-0101:39:28

Part 1 of our brand new series, Opening Cafe Esca. We’re joined by accomplished hospitality pros Luke Reyes and Reilly Cox, the dream team behind the upcoming Coastal Italian gem slated to open in the Arts District in March of 2025. Luke and Reilly have agreed to visit us on the pod once a month to take us behind the scenes of all that’s gonna go into opening their ambitious LA restaurant. Why are they doing this? Well, typically when restaurants open you just see a blurb in Eater or stroll by it on your morning walk, but there’s tons of work that goes into opening a restaurant that often goes untold. Reilly and Luke are going to take us under the hood, sharing the good, the bad, the ugly, and of course the delicious. Think of this like a podcast version of The Bear Season 2, but with more City of Angels and far less family trauma. But first, Father Sal is with us to talk New York versus LA food, whether Kamala Harris’ status as a foodie can actually help her win the election, and of course, to play a round of Chef’s Kiss Big MIss with us. He also makes a BIG, MASSIVE announcement that you’re not gonna wanna miss. All I’ve gotta say is, look out LA, there’s a new daddy in town. Helpful links: Luke Reyes https://www.instagram.com/_luke_reyes/?hl=en Reilly Cox https://www.linkedin.com/in/reillyscox/ Rita’s Deluxe https://www.ritasdeluxe.com/ Psychic Wines https://www.psychicwinesla.com/ Jenn Harris on NY vs LA food https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2024-10-25/los-angeles-better-food-city-new-york-city-dodgers-yankees Meghan McCarron on Kamala’s foodie-ness https://www.bonappetit.com/story/kamala-harris-food-politics?srsltid=AfmBOoqPiaZxqUNliiwHMvaogf_kYPjpWZ3TBRbczCazjhHB7AjQUouM LAist Halloween foods https://laist.com/brief/news/food/seven-local-spots-serving-grim-goodies-this-halloween-season Mona Holmes on Homemade LA https://la.eater.com/2024/10/28/24275082/homemade-la-home-restaurants-mehko-food-service-vendors-los-angeles-county Cheese store robbed https://www.nbc.com/today/video/400000-worth-of-award-winning-cheese-stolen-in-london/NBCN854213543#:~:text=A%20con%20artist%20who%20posed,Neal's%20Yard%20Diary%20in%20London. The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Abdo Hajj -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

The influencer debate heats up. Plus, political burritos, immortal mochi, and a cheesy conversation with The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills' Dominick DiBartolomeo.

2024-10-2501:42:54

Today on The LA Food Podcast presented by Rusty’s Chips… how are influencers transforming LA’s restaurant scene? What does a legendary San Bernardino restaurant have to do with political polarization? And why did one Little Tokyo mochi manufacturer inspire a long-form feature in the New York Times? Father Sal is with us to discuss all of the above, beginning with a deep dive into Eater LA’s four-story package on the dreaded “i” word - influencers. Are they adding something valuable to the overall conversation? Or are they scammers that everybody from restaurants to consumers should be wary of? As always, we have the definitive, unquestionable, and unchallengeable answers, for you dear listener, so get excited, cuz this conversation is Lox Level 9.9. In Part 2, I caught up with the iconic Dominick DiBartolomeo at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. While The Cheese Store has been in business since the 60s, the latest iteration on Santa Monica Blvd is making waves that have the LA’s culinary nerds abuzz with excitement. Dom and I talk about all things cheese and sandwiches, we learn what his favorite cheeses are right now, and which cheese he would eat if he could only pick one to consume for the rest of his life. He tells us the crazy lengths he goes to to source his incredible product, and how he goes about forging relationships with LA’s best chefs. Talking to Dominick felt like talking to a long-lost relative, and that’s not just cuz we’re both Italian. He’s a true gem of a human being, and I can’t wait for you to brie this conversation. I mean, hear this conversation. As always please consider leaving us a rating or a review wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m your host Luca Servodio and without further ado, let’s go Dodgers and let’s chow down. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills https://www.cheesestorebh.com/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini Abdo Hajj – Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” ⁠https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN⁠ -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods cc: Gustavo Arellano, Bill Esparza, Meghan McCarron, Pete Wells, Steve Martin, Mona Holmes, Cathy Chaplin, Rebecca Roland, Matthew Kang, Gab Chabran --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Did Evan Funke’s Chef’s Table just give us the ick? Plus, food criticism chat, LA County does something good, El Moro displaces Patra, Erewhon kids’ meals, and more.

2024-10-1801:25:30

Today on The LA Food Podcast presented by Rusty’s Chips… Evan Funke’s episode of Chef’s Table is out on Netflix, Father Sal and I watched it so you don’t have to. How did we feel about it? Well, let’s just say the episode gave one us an acute case of the ick that no amount of cacio e pepe can reverse. Listen to find out why. But first, former Eater New York critic Ryan Sutton has some interesting thoughts on the future of restaurant criticism, the LA County government actually did something positive for aspiring restaurateurs, and there’s a tension rising between the need for restaurants to become increasingly sustainable while navigating the tough economic conditions. As always there’s a lighting round of Chef’s Kiss / Big Miss, and Father Sal brought a Let Me Cook to the table that you’re not gonna wanna miss. One word for you - ARFID. As always please consider leaving us a rating or a review wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m your host Luca Servodio and without further ado, let’s chow down. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini Abdo Hajj – Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” ⁠https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN⁠ -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Is Eater's Essential 38 the GOAT or the most chaotic list of all time? Plus, Jaca's talent pipeline, Tom Colicchio's memoir, and an interview with The Lonely Oyster's Dominique Crisp.

2024-10-1101:44:33

Is Eater’s new list of the Essential 38 Restaurants perfect, or is it the most chaotic list of all time? What do we find groundbreaking about Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson’s upcoming fine dining concept? And where would we eat if we could only eat at 3 restaurants for the rest of our lives? Father Sal is with us to discuss all of the above, why you should check out a newly released Great British Baking Show companion pod, why you can maybe skip Tom Colicchio’s new memoir/cookbook, and why your next tasting menu experience might be a couple courses shorter. Our interview today is with Chef Dominique Crisp, Culinary Director of The Lonely Oyster. Dom’s got a fascinating story and he also happens to be part of the Oyster Master Guild. That means Dom is to oysters what sommeliers are to wine. He teaches us to appreciate the wonderful world of merroir, and what distinguishes good oysters from oysters that are, to paraphrase Dom, better than s*x. Dom also tells us how the late, iconic Naomi Pomeroy played a pivotal role in his career, and what he learned from his previous venture Saso, which he opened in Pasadena smack dab in the middle of the pandemic and ultimately decided to walk away from despite its rip-roaring success. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ The Lonely Oyster https://thelonelyoyster.com/ Chef Dom Crisp https://www.instagram.com/domcrisp/ Keith Corbin's memoir https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/677186/california-soul-by-keith-corbin/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini Abdo Hajj – Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

An honest conversation with ex-Otium employees. Plus, reactions to L.A. Taco's Taco 69, Ina Garten's media tour, California's octopus ban, and Paul Hollywood's extracurriculars.

2024-10-0401:19:09

What the hell is happening at Otium? Where the hell is Chef Tim Hollingsworth? And what are its former employees trying to do about it? We’re joined by former Otium employees Rylee Ratcliff and Melissa Mendoza for a raw and honest conversation about the exhausting, frustrating, and maddening weeks they’ve had since the acclaimed Downtown restaurant closed its doors for good on September 8. Father Sal also joins us to give Chef Tim some PR advice. We talk about LA Taco’s latest and greatest Taco 69 list, Ina Garten’s salacious new memoir, why the California legislature is banning farm-raised octopus, and what Paul Hollywood has been up to in his free time. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ Otium Unpaid Staff Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/otium_la_unpaid_staff_feed/?hl=en The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini Abdo Hajj – Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

The future of Wolfgang Puck with Wolfgang Puck and Byron Lazaroff Puck. Plus, Azizam's hot streak, Owen Han's sandwich crown, and the most embarrassing Yelp review of all time.

2024-09-2701:40:34

Today on the LA Food Podcast, the most recognizable chef on the planet joins us for an interview - and I’m not talking about Chef Boyardee. Wolfgang Puck is with us today, alongside his son Byron Lazaroff Puck for honestly one of my favorite conversations we’ve ever had on this platform. Wolfgang has been one of the most if not THE most trailblazing chef in America for more than 40 years, and we discuss the many changes he’s seen in the Los Angeles food scene since he opened Spago back in 1982. But don’t just talk about the past - I was truly impressed to find that the Wolfgang Puck group of restaurants is as innovative and vibrant as ever and much of that is down to the passion and savviness of Byron Lazaroff Puck, Wolfgang’s son and heir apparent to the legendary restaurant empire. Wolfgang, Byron and I discuss what it’s like to operate as a father/son duo, how Wolfgang navigates the temptation to micromanage and how Byron approaches the pressure that naturally comes with the territory. Most interestingly, I ask them both about their vision for the company’s future, and I think their answers might surprise you. But first, Father Sal is with us to quickly recap the New York Times’ list of Best Restaurants in America, how the Los Angeles Times blatantly disrespected me by crowning somebody else LA’s sandwich king, and to dream brand new name for our beloved segment bad idea/horrible idea. RIP, all good things to come to an end, and all that jazz. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ Wolfgang Puck https://wolfgangpuck.com/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini Abdo Hajj The Wolfgang Puck interview was produced by Matt Polizzi https://www.instagram.com/matt_polizzi/ – Get 10% off at Rusty’s Chips using code “LACOUNTDOWN” https://rustyschips.com/discount/LACOUNTDOWN -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Bon Appetit honors an LA hotspot, Josiah Citrin reflects on 25 years of Melisse, and Laurie Ochoa has had it with guest chef dinners. Plus, an olive oil masterclass with Corto's Lisa Pollack.

2024-09-2001:56:18

Today on the LA Food Podcast, which LA restaurant was named one of Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants of 2024? What’s the secret to Chef Josiah Citrin’s longevity? And which famous Los Angeles fruit did Tejal Rao dedicate an entire New York Times column to? Father Sal’s with us to discuss all of it, in addition to the pros and cons of guest chef dinners, the magical world of restaurant music playlists, and a round of bad idea/horrible idea featuring vegan food festivals, insane customized drinks, and a new LA Times seasoning rub question mark? In Part 2, we’re joined by olive oil specialist Lisa Pollack of Corto Olive Oil, located in Northern California. We do something a little different and I actually hand the reins of the pod over to Lisa so that she can treat us to our very own olive oil masterclass. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ Corto Olive Oil https://corto-olive.com/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off on your first purchase of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

High and lows as we bid Poltergeist farewell, but celebrate Holy Basil's big Food & Wine win. Plus, a sneak peek of two exciting concepts coming this Fall to Ojai and Montecito.

2024-09-1301:13:35

What do we make of Poltergeist and Button Mash closing? Was The LA Times out of line in writing about chef-driven optimism during the tough times restaurants are facing? And why does it matter that yet another LA chef has earned a place on Food & Wine’s vaunted list of Best New Chefs? Father Sal’s with us to discuss all of the above plus, why Taste waited until now to post one of the best think pieces on The Bear, why Netflix is giving David Chang’s Dinner Time Live a season 2, and whether pickles belong on pizza. In Part 2, we’re joined by Chef Brandon Boudet of Little Dom’s in Los Feliz for a sneak peek of two exciting concepts he’s opening in Montecito and Ojai this Fall. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ Little Dom's https://www.littledoms.com/ Bar Lou Montecito https://www.instagram.com/barloumontecito/?hl=en Hotel El Roblar Ojai https://www.elroblarhotel.co/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off on your first purchase of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Joe Sasto blesses the pod with pasta wisdom, Top Chef lore, and his glorious moustache. Plus, decoding LA burgers, Evan Funke gets the Chef's Table treatment, and fast food jobs soar.

2024-09-0601:35:31

We’re joined on today’s pod by the icon known as Joe Sasto. Joe is a Michelin-pedigree chef whose exploits at San Francisco’s Quince and Lazy Bear earned him the chance to go on Top Chef. His high-octane performance on his season earned him a third-place finish, the opportunity to compete on Top Chef All-Stars, and more importantly, a place in the pantheon of Top Chef greats. Today Chef Joe brings us with him on his journey, from falling in love with what he calls tweezer food, to becoming a master of pasta, and eventually putting his mastery to work in the form of one of the most exciting snacks on the market - Tantos Pasta Chips. There’s so much in this conversation. We talk what it takes to earn Michelin stars, why he decided to enter the CPG space, who he most fears competing against on Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, and one of my favorite anecdotes, how he became one of the only people on earth who’s ever served the Voltaggio brothers literal testicles. Plus, Father Sal is with us. We wonder, did the Infatuation just release the Da Vinci code of burgers? Does Evan Funke deserve to be on Chef’s Table? And why are fast food jobs in California on the rise despite the rising minimum wage? Among other exciting topics... Helpful links: Chef Joe Sasto https://www.joesasto.com/ Joe on IG https://www.instagram.com/chef.joe.sasto/?hl=en Tantos, the original puffed pasta chip https://www.eattantos.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq12I9gayDmHR6M0ANHnjncgK3sNSQDmlhWZJl0FAltZZo6fAE4 Subscribe to our newsletter, LA FOODSTACK, for access to all of the articles discussed on today's episode and more https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off on your first purchase of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Is Langer's actually closing? Plus Father Sal unleashed at. Si! Mon, Cobi's, Horses, Petramale and more. And an interview with Avner Levi of Cento Pasta Bar.

2024-08-3002:00:45

Today on The LA Food Podcast, is Langer’s closing for good? Is Chick-Fil-A going to save Hollywood? And does JD Vance even know what a donut is? Father Sal is physically with us in Los Angeles today to discuss all this and more. We recap all of the amazing food he’s had in LA this week, from a beachside South American feast to an all-time steak dinner in Beverly Hills. I have him try the viral Ggiata Chicken Caesar Wrap live on the air, and we give a special shout out to our two biggest fans in LA. In Part 2 we’re joined by Chef Avner Levi, the man behind Cento Pasta Bar in West Adams. Cento remains one of my favorite meals I’ve had all year, and Avner’s story is inspiring as hell. We chatted on Cento’s patio with a bottle of wine and, I don’t know if it was the alcohol or what, but I was legitimately moved by Avner’s passion and vision for Cento. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ Avner Levi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glutton_ish/ Cento Pasta Bar https://www.cento.group/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off on your first purchase of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

The best tacos in LA, work-life balance in fine dining, and postmodern beer with LAist's Gab Chabran. Plus, how Snibbs' Daniel Shemtob developed the perfect shoe for chefs.

2024-08-2301:39:11

Today on the LA Food Podcast, is work/life balance possible in fine dining? What the heck is postmodern craft beer? And why should Angelenos care about the passing of Famous Amos founder Wally Amos? James Beard-nominated reporter Gab Chabran is with us today to explore all of these topics, and to tell us why he believes the city’s best tacos are in Whittier, and where you should consider heading next time you’re craving sushi or in need of Japanese pantry goods. Our interview today is with Chef Daniel Shemtob, the founder of The Lime Truck and HATCH Yakitori in Downtown LA. Daniel’s most recent venture is called Snibbs. Snibbs is bringing cutting-edge, and rather good-looking work shoes, I might add to professional kitchens. Daniel saw a big hole in the market for stylish, functional footwear after slipping in the kitchen and missing the opening of his own restaurant. Daniel exudes entrepreneurialism, and this is a deeply inspiring conversation for anyone who’s ever thought of starting a business, or who’s even remotely interested in foot health and/or fashion. And did I mention that Daniel won two seasons of The Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race? Helpful links: LA FOODSTACK, our free newsletter containing links to all of the stories we discuss on today's podcast https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ LAist Food Friday coverage https://laist.com/news/food Gab Chabran on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gabchabran/?hl=en Daniel Shemtob on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daniel.shemtob/?hl=en Snibbs https://snibbs.co/ The Lime Truck https://www.thelimetruck.com/ HATCH Yakitori https://www.hatchyalater.com/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off on your first purchase of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Is Bill Esparza revolutionizing food criticism? Plus, a Bourdain biopic, the rise of restaurant robots, and a beefy interview with First Light Farms' Jason Ross.

2024-08-1601:38:56

Today on the LA Food Podcast, is Bill Esparza revolutionizing the restaurant review or is he merely feeding his ego? There’s an Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works, a New York Times article on whether the robots are ready to run restaurants, and a lightning round of bad idea / horrible idea featuring ice cream flavored water and and a Bon Appetit salad recipe that got way too personal. Plus, my interview with Jason Ross, CEO of First Light Farms. First Light Farms is producing what they call the best-tasting beef in the world - it’s grass-fed and finished wagyu beef raised in New Zealand and served at Matu steak restaurant in Beverly Hills. We track the company’s journey pioneering a new way of doing things in the meat industry, and we discuss what we mean when we use terms like grass-fed and wagyu, what the heck the deal is with regenerative farming, and what plant-based activists misunderstand about creating a more sustainably food system. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK, where you'll find most of the articles we referenced today https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ THAT divorce salad https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/divorce-salad First Light Farms https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ The LA Food Podcast is produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off on your first purchase of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

LA earns 5 new Michelin stars. Plus, Tim Walz is a foodie, Pete Wells yells at clouds, and Part 2 of our interview with Botanica's Heather Sperling.

2024-08-0901:51:08

Michelin held its 2024 California Guide Ceremony earlier this week, and it’s fair to say that LA restaurants fared rather well. Jordan Kahn’s Vespertine earned back its 2 stars, Holbox, Uka and Meteora earned their first, and LA also dominated the list of new Bib Gourmands. But, like I ask my therapist on a weekly basis, what does it all mean? Father Sal’s on the pod today to help us make sense of it all. We also discuss the crucial matter of whether aspiring Vice President of the United States Tim Walz is a foodie, why Pete Wells decided to go all get off my lawn on his final essay as critic of The New York TImes, and a brilliant new series from Eater exploring iconic regional dishes from around the country. Finally, we’ve got Part 2 of our interview with Botanica’s Heather Sperling. Last week’s Part 1 received rave reviews, especially from those who appreciate behind-the-scenes looks at restaurant operations. Well, Part 2 is even better. Heather and I discuss in detail the factors making restaurant finances so damn difficult, and what can be done to ease the burden both for businesses and, get this, landlords. I bet you weren’t expecting that. We also talk about the exciting food happening at Botanica, of course, and why you as a consumer should feel good supporting a business such as theirs. Helpful links: LA FOODSTACK newsletter on Substack https://thelacountdown.substack.com/p/3-hot-takes-on-the-2024-california Botanica https://botanicarestaurant.com/ Heather Sperling https://www.instagram.com/heathersper/?hl=en Heather Sperling in the LA Times https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2024-05-14/one-dollar-at-botanica-restaurant-los-angeles-heather-sperling -- Get 10% off your first order at House of Macadamias using code “LAFOOD” https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off your first order of wagyu beef products at First Light Farms using code “LAFOOD10” https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

The gourmand's guide to visiting (or hosting visitors in) LA. Plus, Botanica's Heather Sperling on her unique journey and the state of food media.

2024-08-0201:48:34

We’re joined on the pod today by none other than Father Sal. As you know, dear listener, Father Sal doesn’t actually live in Los Angeles, but when he does visit our city, which happens often, he always comes prepared with the most thorough itineraries humankind has ever seen. If planning were an Olympic sport, Father Sal would take home gold, silver, bronze, and perhaps even the cutest leotard award. As a gesture of our goodwill to you, dear listener, we’re going to talk today about how to craft the perfect itinerary when visiting LA or when hosting out-of-town visitors. He’ll walk me through his latest plans, and I’ll critique them from a culinary perspective to make sure he’s not taking just another basic bitch visit to LA, but really getting into the guts of what makes our city’s food great right now. Consider this the Gourmand’s Guide to Visiting or Hosting Visitors in LA. We’re also joined today by a restaurant owner who has been a very vocal voice in recent conversations on the tough times restaurants have been having of late. You may have seen her piece in The LA Times breaking down where every cent of a dollar goes once you’ve spent it at a restaurant. It’s Heather Sperling of Botanica in Silver Lake and, honestly, this was such a fascinating conversation, I had to break it up into 2 parts. Today, we’ll be hearing about the path that led her to opening Botanica, and next week we’ll dive into the nitty gritty of owning and operating a restaurant in LA’s rather draconian regulatory environment. Heather actually worked in food media for a long time, and today’s portion of the interview includes some great insights on what we’re losing as the food media universe continues to hemorrhage dollars and therefore journalists. Helpful links: Our free newsletter LA FOODSTACK https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ Botanica https://botanicarestaurant.com/ Heather Sperling on IG https://www.instagram.com/heathersper/?hl=en This episode of The LA Food Podcast was produced with the help of: Adam Skaggs Tiffany Perez Tim Bertolini -- Get 10% off on all purchases at House of Macadamias with the code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off your first order of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using the code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Hot girls eat pickles, with Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar of Good Girl Snacks. Plus, it's rainin' taco guides as we pick up the pieces of the Esparza-Villa's fallout.

2024-07-2501:32:16

We’re joined today by Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar, the co-founders of Good Girl Snacks, a company you might be familiar with if you’ve come across their viral Hot Girl Pickles on your social media feed. Yasaman and Leah join us to share their story of ditching their day jobs as recent grads to start a pickle company with a Gen Z twist. We’re also joined on the pod today by Father Sal to discuss a couple of newsy bits that caught our eye this week. There’s the taco guide to end all taco guides from the LA Times, another big win for LA’s street vendors, and an al pastor tutorial from Bill Esparza. On that note, we also discuss the fall out from last week’s Bill Esparza vs. Villa’s Tacos battle royale, and answer a few comments that y’all left for us on social media. Helpful links: LA FOODSTACK, our free Substack where you can find all the links to the stories we discussed today on the pod https://open.substack.com/pub/thelacountdown/p/its-rainin-taco-guides?r=31nins&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Good Girl Snacks https://goodgirlsnacks.com/ Good Girl Snacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/goodgirlsnacks Good Girl Snacks on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@goodgirlsnacks -- Get 10% off all macadamia products at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off your first purchase of wagyu beef at First Light Farms using code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Bill Esparza vs. Villa's Tacos. Plus, why New Zealand real fruit ice cream is the sweet treat of the summer. With Creamy Boys' Duncan Parsons and Joe Wedd.

2024-07-1901:41:14

This week, legendary LA food writer Bill Esparza made waves when he dropped a scathing review of Villa’s Tacos on his Instagram stories. The review had been building for weeks, if not more than a year, and its Kendrick-style intensity left all of Los Angeles talking. Father Sal is with us today to dive deep into the situation, including what led to it, what the review got right and wrong, and how Victor Villa and others in the LA food community responded. We attempt to answer the essential questions - was Bill’s criticism fair? Did he go too far, was he too mean? And what does it mean that Bill’s opinions on these tacos, seems to be so far removed from that of other key voices in the food world including Bill Addison, LA Taco and even Michelin Bib Gourmand. One housekeeping note, Bill’s review took place on Instagram stories and is no longer available. Fear not, we’ve got your back. We took screenshots and the entire review can be found at our substack, LA FOODSTACK, linked in the show notes. On a lighter note, we’re also joined on the podcast today by Duncan Parsons and Joe Wedd, the duo behind Creamy Boys, a New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream concept down in Hermosa Beach. I had a blast talking to these two rambunctious fellas about how they turned their lifelong friendship and passion for their hometown delicacy into a business concept that is kind of taking Los Angeles by storm. If you haven’t had New Zealand style ice cream yet, I’m not sure you can really say your summer has even begun. So give this a listen, and then go get your Hokey Pokey on. Helpful links: LA FOODSTACK, where you can find Bill Esparza's Villa's Tacos review in its entirety https://thelacountdown.substack.com/ Creamy Boys https://www.creamyboys.com/ -- Get 10% off at House of Macadamias with code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods -- Get 10% off on your first purchase of wagyu beef products at First Light Farms with code "LAFOOD10" https://www.firstlight.farm/us/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

Baroo is the LA Times' Restaurant of the Year. Plus, Eater's Mona Holmes on what makes LA food (and food media) great.

2024-07-1201:54:14

Father Sal is with us today to talk about the LA Times’ 2024 Restaurant of the Year Baroo. We break down what the award means, why it’s significant, and why we are so excited for our upcoming meal at this very special restaurant. We also talk about the LA Times’ Gold Award winner, the rise of non-alcoholic beer, and the sudden closure of Rampart Village restaurant due to homelessness question mark? Arguably even more exciting is that fact that we’re joined in Part 2 by none other than Eater’s Mona Holmes. A James Beard Award nominee, Mona is one of the most intrepid food reporters in the city and possibly the country. We have a wide-ranging conversation on the state of LA food, the state of LA food media, and much, much more. Helpful links: All articles mentioned on the pod are linked in LA FOODSTACK, our free weekly newsletter https://open.substack.com/pub/thelacountdown/p/baroo-is-the-la-times-2024-restaurant?r=31nins&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Mona Holmes in Instagram https://www.instagram.com/monaeats/?hl=en Mona Holmes in Eater https://la.eater.com/authors/mona-holmes Mona Holmes in KCRW https://www.kcrw.com/people/mona-holmes --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thelafoodpodcast/support

#box-pro-ellipsis-173243319935372{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The LA Food Podcast