SoCal Restaurant Show

Andrew Harris and Andrew Gruel
  • 4.8 (6)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED DAILY

Saturdays 10:00AM PT on AM 830 KLAA Los Angeles

  1. MAR 17

    Sadaf Foods with Daniella Soofer Part 1

    “Sadaf Foods based in Vernon, CA has been a family business since 1982 when two brothers immigrated to Los Angeles from Iran. Once settled, they began to long for the comforting and familiar aromas and tastes of home. They found it challenging to locate traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in American supermarkets. To address this, the brothers founded Sadaf, aiming to help the community experience a taste of home in their kitchens.” “Founded and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and trademark registered worldwide, Sadaf started with just three people and 17 products. However, the brothers persisted in sourcing and importing the highest quality ingredients and specialty foods from various Mediterranean cuisines and countries.” “Today, Sadaf employs over 100 people, leading numerous divisions that support more than 1,500 Sadaf brand products distributed nationwide. Sadaf imports products from over 15 countries worldwide, with the mission to connect cultures through delicious and authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.” Look for special Persian New Year’s (Nowruz) displays of Sadaf Foods products at area Ralphs grocery stores. Family member Daniella Soofer is our guide to all that is Sadaf Foods including their newly introduced line of Certified Organic products.

    12 min

  2. MAR 17

    Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

    “Sadaf Foods based locally in Vernon, CA has been a family business since 1982 when two brothers immigrated to Los Angeles from Iran. Once settled, they began to long for the comforting and familiar aromas and tastes of home. They found it challenging to locate traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in American supermarkets. To address this, the brothers founded Sadaf, aiming to help the community experience a taste of home in their kitchens. Founded and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and trademark registered worldwide, Sadaf started with just three people and 17 products. However, the brothers persisted in sourcing and importing the highest quality ingredients and specialty foods from various Mediterranean cuisines and countries. Today, Sadaf employs over 100 people, leading numerous divisions that support more than 1,500 Sadaf brand products distributed nationwide. Sadaf imports products from over 15 countries worldwide, with the mission to connect cultures through delicious and authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.” Family member Daniella Soofer is our guide to all the deliciousness that is Sadaf Foods. “WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned, estate-driven winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. Since breaking ground more than 25 years ago, they have been passionate about crafting Pinot Noirs that convey a sense of place. They coined the moniker “Place Matters” - the Oregonian answer to the French concept of terroir. True to the vision of their Burgundian founder, terroir is not a simple notion ; it's the core to everything WillaKenzie does. It’s in the name, WillaKenzie, which describes the ancient sedimentary soils on which the vines are planted. The name also pays tribute to two of the Willamette Valley’s major rivers : the Willamette and McKenzie, which appear as two sets of waves in the top-right and lower-left corners of their crest. These expressive lines evoke the rivers as well as the rolling hills of their Yamhill-Carlton Estate. The fleur-der-lis at the center of the WillaKenzie crest pays homage to their founder, Bernard Lacroute’s, French heritage. A scientist by training, Winemaker Erik Kramer worked as a hydrogeologist before deciding to apply his precision and passion for balance to his love of wine. Kramer joined WillaKenzie Estate in January of 2017, bringing deep experience creating highly acclaimed Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the region, defined by terroir and texture-driven winemaking and a refined style of finesse and balance.” Winemaker Erik Kramer joins us to pull the cork on all that is WillaKenzie Estate.” “Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry. Ayara Thai in the Westchester area of Los Angeles is hosting a one-day brunch event (NumHERology, Mixology and Thai Gastronomy) on Sunday, March 30th at 11:30 a.m. celebrating women, food, and hope in support of Regarding Her Food! Sisters Chef Vanda and Chef Cathy Asapahu will curate an auspicious menu while guests will enjoy cocktails, mocktails, Thai, and wisdom from a professional numerologist. They’ll leave with full bellies and full hearts, understanding what their personal numerology means for the year ahead.” Chef Vanda is also one of the distinguished Culinary Masters cooking for the Masters of Taste Generous Plates 5-course dinner benefit for Union Station Homeless Services in the renovated Locker Rooms at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday evening, April 6th. Chef Vanda Asapahu is our guest. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he...

    9 min

  3. MAR 17

    Sadaf Foods with Daniella Soofer Part 2

    “Sadaf Foods based in Vernon, CA has been a family business since 1982 when two brothers immigrated to Los Angeles from Iran. Once settled, they began to long for the comforting and familiar aromas and tastes of home. They found it challenging to locate traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in American supermarkets. To address this, the brothers founded Sadaf, aiming to help the community experience a taste of home in their kitchens.” “Founded and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and trademark registered worldwide, Sadaf started with just three people and 17 products. However, the brothers persisted in sourcing and importing the highest quality ingredients and specialty foods from various Mediterranean cuisines and countries.” “Today, Sadaf employs over 100 people, leading numerous divisions that support more than 1,500 Sadaf brand products distributed nationwide. Sadaf imports products from over 15 countries worldwide, with the mission to connect cultures through delicious and authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.” Look for special Persian New Year’s (Nowruz) displays of Sadaf Foods products at area Ralphs grocery stores. Family member Daniella Soofer continues as our guide to all the deliciousness that is Sadaf Foods including their newly introduced line of Certified Organic products.

    14 min

  4. MAR 17

    WillaKenzie Estate winery, Northern Willamette Valey, OR with Winemaker Erik Kramer Part 2

    “WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned, estate-driven winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. Since breaking ground more than 25 years ago, they have been passionate about crafting Pinot Noirs that convey a sense of place. They coined the moniker “Place Matters” - the Oregonian answer to the French concept of terroir. True to the vision of their Burgundian founder, terroir is not a simple notion ; it's the core to everything WillaKenzie does. It’s in the name, WillaKenzie, which describes the ancient sedimentary soils on which the vines are planted. The name also pays tribute to two of the Willamette Valley’s major rivers : the Willamette and McKenzie, which appear as two sets of waves in the top-right and lower-left corners of their crest. These expressive lines evoke the rivers as well as the rolling hills of their Yamhill-Carlton Estate. The fleur-der-lis at the center of the WillaKenzie crest pays homage to their founder, Bernard Lacroute’s, French heritage.” “A scientist by training, Winemaker Erik Kramer worked as a hydrogeologist before deciding to apply his precision and passion for balance to his love of wine. Kramer joined WillaKenzie Estate in January of 2017, bringing deep experience creating highly acclaimed Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the region, defined by terroir and texture-driven winemaking and a refined style of finesse and balance. In partnership with the tenured vineyard management team, Erik drives WillaKenzie Estate wines towards their highest potential.” Winemaker Erik Kramer continues with us pulling the cork on all that is WillaKenzie Estate.

    12 min

  5. MAR 17

    WillaKenzie Estate winery, Northern Willamette Valley, OR with Winemaker Erik Kramer Part 1

    “WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned, estate-driven winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. Since breaking ground more than 25 years ago, they have been passionate about crafting Pinot Noirs that convey a sense of place. They coined the moniker “Place Matters” - the Oregonian answer to the French concept of terroir. True to the vision of their Burgundian founder, terroir is not a simple notion ; it's the core to everything WillaKenzie does. It’s in the name, WillaKenzie, which describes the ancient sedimentary soils on which the vines are planted. The name also pays tribute to two of the Willamette Valley’s major rivers : the Willamette and McKenzie, which appear as two sets of waves in the top-right and lower-left corners of their crest. These expressive lines evoke the rivers as well as the rolling hills of their Yamhill-Carlton Estate. The fleur-der-lis at the center of the WillaKenzie crest pays homage to their founder, Bernard Lacroute’s, French heritage.” “A scientist by training, Winemaker Erik Kramer worked as a hydrogeologist before deciding to apply his precision and passion for balance to his love of wine. Kramer joined WillaKenzie Estate in January of 2017, bringing deep experience creating highly acclaimed Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the region, defined by terroir and texture-driven winemaking and a refined style of finesse and balance. In partnership with the tenured vineyard management team, Erik drives WillaKenzie Estate wines towards their highest potential.” "WillaKenzie Estate is one of the most unique, diverse and historic properties in the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir so clearly represents its sense of place and the unique topography at WillaKenzie offers so many fascinating expressions of the varietal. It’s an honor to work with an Estate that is capable of producing such a broad array of great wines that offer both clarity and distinction." Erik Kramer. Winemaker Erik Kramer joins us to pull the cork on all that is WillaKenzie Estate.

    12 min

  6. MAR 17

    Executive Chef Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai, Westchester Part 1

    “Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry.” “Ayara Thai in the Westchester area of Los Angeles is hosting a one-day brunch event (NumHERology, Mixology and Thai Gastronomy) on Sunday, March 30th at 11:30 a.m. celebrating women, food, and hope in support of Regarding Her Food! Sisters Chef Vanda and Chef Cathy Asapahu will curate an auspicious menu while guests will enjoy cocktails, mocktails, Thai, and wisdom from a professional numerologist. They’ll leave with full bellies and full hearts, understanding what their personal numerology means for the year ahead.” “Growing up in a Thai-Chinese community in the Samsen District along the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, chef and restaurateur Andy Asapahu received his cooking and business prowess by helping his mother cook. Because of the home’s location between the palace and the river, both royal cuisine and the bustling spice trade helped shape the home-cooked flavors so savored.” “Anna, wife of Andy and self-taught chef, hails from the city of Lampang in the heart of northern Thailand and grew up in a family that primarily cooked with home- and locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Since Ayara Thai’s opening day, Anna remains a leader in the kitchen and continues her family tradition of sustainable dining, ensuring dishes inspired and prepared with only the freshest ingredients each season has to offer.” “Today, the family traditions of Andy and Anna are continued and developed into the third generation, through their children. Vanda, Head Chef and Managing Owner, lived and worked in Thailand for 4 years, allowing her to revive old family recipes while discovering new tastes and inspirations. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, it is these old recipes and new flavors Vanda has brought back to share at Ayara Thai.” “Heading up pastry is Vanda’s sister, Cathy, who is known for infusing traditional French pastry with the flavors of Thailand and traditional Thai pastry with French technique. Vanda and Cathy’s mission is to provide the traditional Thai flavors Ayara’s guests enjoy while infusing SoCal twists honoring the duality of their heritage and upbringing.” Chef Vanda Asapahu is our guest.

    12 min

  7. MAR 3

    Bridgetown Roti, East Hollywood, with Co-Proprietor Malique Smith Part 1

    “In 2019, chef Rashida Holmes, a past James Beard Award Nominee, inspired by her diverse culinary background and personal cravings, envisioned Bridgetown Roti, filling a gap in LA's food scene with Caribbean patties and rotis. Initially starting as a pop-up, the business gained traction during the pandemic, receiving a surge of support for Black-owned businesses and earning accolades. Holmes, along with her mother Joy Clarke-Holmes and partner Malique Smith, expanded the menu to include family recipes and secured a commercial kitchen, laying the groundwork for a permanent location (with a proper restaurant kitchen) which opened last year on N. Vermont Ave. in East Hollywood.” “Taste, value and efficiency are the cornerstones of Chef Rashida Holmes’s food and approach to the restaurant business. If those are in place, the love will flow onto the plate.” Think Macaroni & Cheese Pie, Oxtail & Peppers Patty, Rotis and Honey Jerk Whole Wings. Co-Proprietor Malique Smith joins us.

    13 min

  8. MAR 3

    Bridgetown Roti, East Hollywood, with Co-Proprietor Malique Smith Part 2

    “In 2019, chef Rashida Holmes, a past James Beard Award Nominee, inspired by her diverse culinary background and personal cravings, envisioned Bridgetown Roti, filling a gap in LA's food scene with Caribbean patties and rotis. Initially starting as a pop-up, the business gained traction during the pandemic, receiving a surge of support for Black-owned businesses and earning accolades. Holmes, along with her mother Joy Clarke-Holmes and partner Malique Smith, expanded the menu to include family recipes and secured a commercial kitchen, laying the groundwork for a permanent location (with a full restaurant kitchen) which opened last year on N. Vermont Ave. in East Hollywood.” “Taste, value and efficiency are the cornerstones of Chef Rashida Holmes’s food and approach to the restaurant business. If those are in place, the love will flow onto the plate.” Think Macaroni & Cheese Pie, Oxtail & Peppers Patty, Rotis and Honey Jerk Whole Wings. Co-Proprietors Malique Smith stays with us.

    14 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

    4.8
    out of 5
    6 Ratings

    About

    Saturdays 10:00AM PT on AM 830 KLAA Los Angeles

    Information

    • Creator
      Andrew Harris and Andrew Gruel
    • Years Active
      2013 - 2025
    • Episodes
      2K
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © SoCal Restaurant Show
    • Show Website
      SoCal Restaurant Show

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