We had an incredible time in New Orleans (a tip of the toque to New Orleans & Co.) supporting Team USA 2027 in their pursuit to qualify in the Bocuse d’Or Americas Competition to, hopefully, move on to Lyon in January of 2027 for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition. Happy to report Team USA 2027 placed Number 1 in the Americas Competition. It’s now intensive daily training on the long road to Lyon, France. Go Team USA 2027!
75 Main, owned by celebrity restaurateur and hotelier Zach Erdem, is a wildly popular restaurant located in the heart of Southampton’s (The Hamptons, Long Island) Main Street launched in 2010. “The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere, and features both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The menu offers a variety of options, including seafood, steak, pasta, and salads, with an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients.” Zach is the personality of the establishment. Celebrity Restaurateur Zach Erdem joins us.
“BADMAASH is a Los Angeles–born lifestyle and hospitality brand that has been redefining modern Indian cuisine since 2013. Founded by brothers Nakul and Arjun Mahendro, the restaurant has earned local, national, and international acclaim for pushing the boundaries of the Indian dining experience. By blending traditional recipes with contemporary reinterpretations, BADMAASH pairs bold, vibrant flavors with a culture driven approach to service, design, and overall hospitality.” Badmaash Venice has recently joined the family of restaurants along with the DTLA original and Fairfax Avenue. Venice is their first location designed by a high-profile restaurant designer (Preen, Inc.) Nakul steps aside from the tandoori oven to join us.
For the SoCal Restaurant Show the highlight of the OC Fair is the Culinary Arts inside the OC Promenade. That’s where the cooking demonstration stage is. There are also recreations of the facades of classic OC restaurants selling select menu and beverage items. Northgate (still Family-owned) is there with fresh guacamole. You can also meet their long-time food carving artist, the talented Ray Duey. Guests can explore the captivating Sand & Sea Exhibit, marvel at the OC Fair’s culinary competition winners and enjoy interactive craft tables. Our knowledgeable Guide is Kylie Gilliam, OC Fair Culinary Arts Supervisor, who is year-round with the OC Fair.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Believe it or not many food-savvy European visitors to the USA for World Cup games became obsessed with Ranch Dressing (America’s most popular salad dressing.) Not found in Europe…It’s an American creation. It got so crazy that the TSA had to put out a blast reminding departing visitors that the 12-ounce bottles of commercial Ranch dressing had to be placed in checked luggage. In the spirit of international diplomacy Chef Andrew shares his own, proven recipe for classic Ranch Dressing.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!