Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Our heartfelt concerns to all the area residents impacted by the tragic fires in Pacific Palisades and Pasadena / Altadena. In the hospitality community chefs and restaurateurs have lost both homes and their businesses. “PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, has launched this month the Seventh Season of the locally produced, historical documentary series, LOST LA. Public historian and writer Nathan Masters returns as Host for the untold histories behind Southern California’s space shuttle program, the Cold War, the St. Francis Dam disaster and finally, uncovering Disney’s roots and how the city became the birthplace of modern animation. The series is a co-production with the University of Southern California Libraries, as part of their longstanding commitment to building public engagement with regional history collections. The first episode of the new season explores how Southern California took part in creating the Space Shuttle, bringing humanity closer to the cosmos.” Host Nathan Masters is our guest to preview Season Seven of LOST LA. “Celebrating its 15th year, Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks (January 19th to February 1st) has become a favorite tradition in the valley. And why not? The Santa Ynez Valley’s reputation as a culinary-driven destination—with imaginative chefs, deep agricultural roots, collaborative culinary culture, and cuisine that ranges from contemporary, innovative farm-to-table fare to traditional Scandinavian feasts—is as well-earned as its reputation for making world-class wines. And for two weeks, the valley’s restaurants offer the best of the region’s cuisine at an unbeatable price. From January 19th to February 1st, 2025, Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks will showcase the region’s culinary bounty — and being that this is the Santa Ynez Valley, the perfect wine pairings — with a variety of special three-course prix fixe price menus. Dozens of restaurants will participate, each offering curated, chef-driven, three-course menus at prices of $30, $40, or $50, plus tax and gratuity. More than two dozen of the region’s wineries and tasting rooms will also participate at various levels, offering two-for-one tastings, special tasting flights, and discounts on bottle purchases.” Our guide to Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks is Shelby Sim, President and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “Studio UNLTD, the designer of the reimagined Helms Bakery in Culver City, is an award-winning hospitality design firm offering comprehensive services in architecture, interior design, lighting, and furniture design. They believe in a collaborative approach that puts the client’s vision at the forefront. Their legacy of community-altering projects showcases their ability to design spaces that make a lasting impression. Founded in 2009, Studio UNLTD made its mark designing iconic adaptive reuse projects that helped put the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles on the map. The firm, helmed by principals Greg Bleier and Terri Robison, established itself as the go-to interior design company for chefs and restaurateurs in Los Angeles and beyond looking for trusted creative partners to bring their vision to life.” Founder Greg Bleier is our guest unraveling the mystery of successful restaurant design. “Canopy Wine Lounge in Downtown Palm Springs is the first upscale wine lounge in the Coachella Valley, catering to locals, domestic, and international tourists. With nearly 150 wines from around the world, amongst greats Lithology (St. Helena, CA), Waypoint (Napa, CA), Otronia (Patagonia, Argentina), and Alkina (Barossa Valley, South Australia), it promises an unforgettable experience where the world's finest wines meet Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer’s gourmet culinary delights showcasing elevated seasonal California cuisine. Canopy Wine Lounge seamlessly blends the art...
