SoCal Restaurant Show Andrew Harris and Andrew Gruel

“Beloved food historian, world-traveler and chef George Geary is back with Made in California, Volume 2 – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America (1951 to 2010) with even more remarkable stories of the countless international chains that started in the Golden State. Focusing on the years 1951 to 2010, the second volume of Made in California highlights fifty more food startups that have captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from the Claim Jumper to the Green Burrito, Chuck E. Cheese to Mrs. Fields Cookies, Jamba Juice to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Brimming with captivating historical detail and more than 200 dazzling full-color photos, George Geary’s newest journey into California’s culinary history is sure to awaken every reader’s inner foodie. George briefly puts down his spatula and joins us with a cheesecake at the ready.”
“LXV Wine (Paso Robles) is proprietors Neeta and Kunal Mittal’s connection to India. Paso Robles reminds them of India. Roblans have a deep relationship with the earth and with each other. There is an intimacy in the ecosystem in Paso that expresses itself in the grapes, in the winemaking and, ultimately, in the wines. For Neeta It all started in a small town south of Mumbai where her mother lives and regularly visits the local spice market to purchase the fragrant herbs and spices that go into LXV’s handmade Tandoori Masala. LXV is a space where The Kumals bring the flavors from around the world to their tasting table – through wines and through pairings. They have opened up the restrained jargon of pH and acidity of wine, to a more inclusive and experiential conversation of flavors and senses. Visiting the LXV Tasting Room, located in the beautiful Central Coast of Paso Robles, California, is an invitation to dip your toes in the sensory world of wine and flavors. Guests can enjoy their wine tasting in one of three exclusive spaces - the main tasting lounge, the Cellar room, and the outdoor patio offer three distinct areas and three unique experiences for wine tasting.” Neeta Mittal is our guest to uncork all that is LXV Wines.
“Crafty Counter, a standout product at this year’s Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, makes whole food plant-based vegan eggs made with simple ingredients and no preservatives or artificial ingredients, using cutting edge food science and proprietary technology.
The Austin-based company's vision is to remove chickens from the food system, as 95% of eggs produced today are factory farmed, which in their view is inhumane and contributes to climate change. WunderEggs are now sold in Whole Foods stores nationwide.” Founder and Chief Executive Hema Reddy joins us cracking the shell on all that is WunderEggs.”
“Get ready to savor the flavors of Portugal as Portuguese Wine Week descends upon Los Angeles from June 2 through 9. Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences.
Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and complexity of Portuguese wines right here in Los Angeles.” 
Sandra Gomes Rocha of Diniz Cellars is our guest to uncork all that is Portuguese Wine Week.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

“Beloved food historian, world-traveler and chef George Geary is back with Made in California, Volume 2 – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America (1951 to 2010) with even more remarkable stories of the countless international chains that started in the Golden State.”
“Ruby’s Diner. Panda Express. Yogurtland. Wetzel’s Pretzels. The Cheesecake Factory. California Pizza Kitchen. These and many more iconic American culinary establishments have their roots in California”.
“Focusing on the years 1951 to 2010, the second volume of Made in California highlights fifty more food startups that have captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from the Claim Jumper to the Green Burrito, Chuck E. Cheese to Mrs. Fields Cookies, Jamba Juice to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Brimming with captivating historical detail and more than 200 dazzling full-color photos, George Geary’s newest journey into California’s culinary history is sure to awaken every reader’s inner foodie.”
“Chef George Geary is the accomplished author of 16 books, from single-subject cookbooks to historical-driven California restaurant books, including L.A.’s Landmark Restaurants and The Cheesecake Bible. In addition, he is a cooking-school teacher, pastry chef, culinary travel guide, television personality, and in-demand public speaker on food and Hollywood and California History. A California native who has taught and traveled to 119 countries and every continent, he lives in Southern California and owns a mid-Century historical home.”
Your chance to meet George and get a signed copy of Made in California – Volume 2. George Geary will be appearing at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Thursday evening, May 30th @ 7:00 p.m. to talk about the book and sign copies.
George briefly puts down his spatula and joins us with a cheesecake at the ready.

“Beloved food historian, world-traveler and chef George Geary is back with Made in California, Volume 2 – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America (1951 to 2010) with even more remarkable stories of the countless international chains that started in the Golden State.”
“Ruby’s Diner. Panda Express. Yogurtland. Wetzel’s Pretzels. The Cheesecake Factory. California Pizza Kitchen. These and many more iconic American culinary establishments have their roots in California.”
“Focusing on the years 1951 to 2010, the second volume of Made in California highlights fifty more food startups that have captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from the Claim Jumper to the Green Burrito, Chuck E. Cheese to Mrs. Fields Cookies, Jamba Juice to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Brimming with captivating historical detail and more than 200 dazzling full-color photos, George Geary’s newest journey into California’s culinary history is sure to awaken every reader’s inner foodie.”
“Chef George Geary is the accomplished author of 16 books, from single-subject cookbooks to historical-driven California restaurant books, including L.A.’s Landmark Restaurants and The Cheesecake Bible. In addition, he is a cooking-school teacher, pastry chef, culinary travel guide, television personality, and in-demand public speaker on food and Hollywood and California History. A California native who has taught and traveled to 119 countries and every continent, he lives in Southern California and owns a mid-Century historical home.”
Your chance to meet George and get a signed copy of Made in California – Volume 2. George Geary will be appearing at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Thursday evening, May 30th @ 7:00 p.m. to talk about the book and sign copies.
George briefly puts down his whisk and continues with us.

“LXV Wine (Paso Robles) is proprietors Neeta and Kunal Mittal’s connection to India. Paso Robles reminds them of India. Roblans have a deep relationship with the earth and with each other. There is an intimacy in the ecosystem in Paso that expresses itself in the grapes, in the winemaking and, ultimately, in the wines.”
“For Neeta It all started in a small town south of Mumbai where her mother lives and regularly visits the local spice market to purchase the fragrant herbs and spices that go into LXV’s handmade Tandoori Masala. LXV is a space where The Kumals bring the flavors from around the world to their tasting table – through wines and through pairings. They have opened up the restrained jargon of pH and acidity of wine, to a more inclusive and experiential conversation of flavors and senses.”
 “Being one of the first Indian women to own a winery in the US, that was named in the Top- 10 tasting experiences in America by USA Today, comes with a lot of responsibility for Neeta! She answers more questions on Culture than Vintages, on Food than Wine, on Inspirations than Medals.”
“The ultimate goal for Neeta and Kumal is to create a movement that inspires and heightens moments, and that transcends the personal, business and community.”
“Jeff Strekas is the Winemaker for LXV. Jeff’s pedigree from Napa and Bordeaux style of wine making is a perfect fit for Neeta and Kunal. Jeff is willing to experiment with new varietals and adapt his wine making style to the muses of Neeta with her Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Semillon favorites. He then has to adapt to Kunal and his love for Cabernet Franc! And, in the 2021 vintage, he made a White Sangiovese for Neeta and a Cabernet Franc Rose for Kunal! In the 2022 and 2023 vintages, LXV wine will introduce sparkling!! Blanc De Sangiovese and Blanc De Franc!”
“Visiting the LXV Tasting Room, located in the beautiful Central Coast of Paso Robles, California, is an invitation to dip your toes in the sensory world of wine and flavors. Guests can enjoy their wine tasting in one of three exclusive spaces - the main tasting lounge, the Cellar room, and the outdoor patio offer three distinct areas and three unique experiences for wine tasting.”
Neeta Mittal (Proprietress) is our guest to uncork all that is LXV Wines.

“LXV Wine (Paso Robles) is proprietors Neeta and Kunal Mittal’s connection to India. Paso Robles reminds them of India. Roblans have a deep relationship with the earth and with each other. There is an intimacy in the ecosystem in Paso that expresses itself in the grapes, in the winemaking and, ultimately, in the wines.”
“For Neeta It all started in a small town south of Mumbai where her mother lives and regularly visits the local spice market to purchase the fragrant herbs and spices that go into LXV’s handmade Tandoori Masala. LXV is a space where The Kumals bring the flavors from around the world to their tasting table – through wines and through pairings. They have opened up the restrained jargon of pH and acidity of wine, to a more inclusive and experiential conversation of flavors and senses.”
“Jeff Strekas is the Winemaker for LXV. Jeff’s pedigree from Napa and Bordeaux style of wine making is a perfect fit for Neeta and Kunal. Jeff is willing to experiment with new varietals and adapt his wine making style to the muses of Neeta with her Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Semillon favorites. He then has to adapt to Kunal and his love for Cabernet Franc! And, in the 2021 vintage, he made a White Sangiovese for Neeta and a Cabernet Franc Rose for Kunal! In the 2022 and 2023 vintages, LXV wine will introduce sparkling! Blanc De Sangiovese and Blanc De Franc!”
“Visiting the LXV Tasting Room, located in the beautiful Central Coast of Paso Robles, California, is an invitation to dip your toes in the sensory world of wine and flavors. Guests can enjoy their wine tasting in one of three exclusive spaces - the main tasting lounge, the Cellar room, and the outdoor patio offer three distinct areas and three unique experiences for wine tasting.”
Neeta Mittal continues as our guest to uncork all that is LXV Wines.

“Crafty Counter, a standout product at this year’s Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, makes whole food, plant-based vegan eggs made with simple ingredients and no preservatives or artificial ingredients, using cutting edge food science and proprietary technology.”
“The Austin-based company's vision is to remove chickens from the food system, as 95% of eggs produced today are factory farmed, which in their view is inhumane and contributes to climate change. WunderEggs are now sold in Whole Foods stores nationwide.”
Crafty Counter’s WunderEggs at the Expo were awarded First Place at Albertson’s 2nd Annual Innovation Launchpad competing against 60 finalist participants. 1st Place comes with a cool $163,000 award. In 2022 at the Natural Products Expo West, WunderEggs won the coveted NEXTY Award for “Best New Meat or Dairy Alternative.”
Founder and Chief Executive Hema Reddy joins us cracking the shell on all that is WunderEggs.