SoCal Restaurant Show

Show 474, May 14, 2022: Litty Mathew, Founder, Greenbar Distillery, Los Angeles Part One

Mother’s Day best wishes to all the stellar Moms out there…Should be more than one celebration annually! The Matzo Project, a discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center, introduces carefully made, artfully packaged, legitimately scrumptious matzo to a stale, overlooked corner of the food marketplace. While it currently languishes in the “Ethnic” food isle The Matzo Project’s hope is to help matzo claim its rightful spot in the cracker isle right next to Rosemary Pita Chips and the Gorgonzola Fig Toast.” The Matzo Project’s product line includes Matzo Flats, Matzo Chips, a Matzo Ball Soup Kit and a Matzo Ball Mix. The Matzo Project Co-founders Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez join us. “The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate : the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.” Noted wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi is our well-informed guide to Ventoux AOC. Sampling the creative variety of foods at Angel Stadium is always part of the game experience. A real Executive Chef oversees all of this. New this year is expanded In-Seat Service in various parts of the Big A. Be reminded it’s again cashless for food, beverage and merchandise. We’ll find out what’s on the menu for In-Seat Dining, at Diamond Club and in the Suites. Think BBQ Beef Brisket… Also on the menu are a preview of the wide variety of exclusive Halo merchandise items. There are unique (and limited edition) Shohei Ohtani items. Our guides to all this deliciousness are Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Merchandise Buyer...

“The Matzo Project, a discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center, introduces carefully made, artfully packaged, legitimately scrumptious matzo to a stale, overlooked corner of the food marketplace.” “Summer Camp friends Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez set out to bake a new take on the culturally beloved, but traditionally flavorless box of matzo. Instead, they created a super-snappy, extra-sturdy, crazy-versatile cracker that goes with virtually every single thing they’ve tried to put on it.” “Ashley had been tinkering with the idea of updating matzo for nearly 20 years and casually mentioned it to Kevin when they were charting about him making a change. He began experimenting in his kitchen.” “The two would taste test Kevin’s recipes while Ashley started sketching out plans for The Matzo Project’s branding and packaging. That work led to their muse – the grandmother on their box – asking “Would it kill you to try something new?” “After selling out their first trial batch in a single day, the two moved out of their tiny commissary kitchen and into a larger Kosher bakery in Brooklyn to take their unleavened show on the road.” “While it currently languishes in the “Ethnic” food isle The Matzo Project’s hope is to help matzo claim its rightful spot in the cracker isle right next to Rosemary Pita Chips and the Gorgonzola Fig Toast.” The Matzo Project’s product line includes Matzo Flats, Matzo Chips, a Matzo Ball Soup Kit and a Matzo Ball Mix. New is the Dark Chocolate Ungahpotchkees. Delicious but certainly not easy to ask for… Locally high-profile Chef Jeff Cerciello (ex-The French Laundry) of Farmshop in Brentwood and Chef Jeremy Fox of Birdie G’s in Santa Monica are both fans and buyers. “The Bubbe” of The Matzo Project has given Ashley and Albert permission to join us. She is thinking we’re looking skinny…

“The Matzo Project, a discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center, introduces carefully made, artfully packaged, legitimately scrumptious matzo to a stale, overlooked corner of the food marketplace.” “Summer Camp friends Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez set out to bake a new take on the culturally beloved, but traditionally flavorless box of matzo. Instead, they created a super-snappy, extra-sturdy, crazy-versatile cracker that goes with virtually every single thing they’ve tried to put on it.” “Ashley had been tinkering with the idea of updating matzo for nearly 20 years and casually mentioned it to Kevin when they were charting about him making a change. He began experimenting in his kitchen.” “The two would taste test Kevin’s recipes while Ashley started sketching out plans for The Matzo Project’s branding and packaging. That work led to their muse – the grandmother on their box – asking “Would it kill you to try something new?” “After selling out their first trial batch in a single day, the two moved out of their tiny commissary kitchen and into a larger Kosher bakery in Brooklyn to take their unleavened show on the road.” “While it currently languishes in the “Ethnic” food isle The Matzo Project’s hope is to help matzo claim its rightful spot in the cracker isle right next to Rosemary Pita Chips and the Gorgonzola Fig Toast.” The Matzo Project’s product line includes Matzo Flats, Matzo Chips, a Matzo Ball Soup Kit and a Matzo Ball Mix. New is the Dark Chocolate Ungahpotchkees. Delicious but certainly not easy to ask for… Locally high-profile Chef Jeff Cerciello (ex-The French Laundry) of Farmshop in Brentwood and Chef Jeremy Fox of Birdie G’s in Santa Monica are both fans and buyers. “The Matzo Project Co-founders Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez continue with us.

“The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate: the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.” It covers some 14,000 acres of vineyards with the resulting wines being 54 per cent Red, 38 per cent Rose and 8 per cent White. There are 150 wineries in the AOC representing private ownership, co-ops and negociants. Ventoux AOC wines are just becoming readily available in the USA and generally represent good value. “Vines have been grown in the Ventoux area since ancient times; archaeological digs around the village of Mazan uncovered a potter’s workshop dating from the 1st century BC, where the first known wine amphorae in France were produced.” “The vineyards flourished during the Avignon Papacy, and over the centuries Ventoux wines, alongside other leading French wines, were served to the kings of France at the Royal Court.” Wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi is our well-informed guide to Ventoux AOC.

“The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate: the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.” It covers some 14,000 acres of vineyards with the resulting wines being 54 per cent Red, 38 per cent Rose and 8 per cent White. There are 150 wineries in the AOC representing private ownership, co-ops and negociants. Ventoux AOC wines are just becoming readily available in the USA and generally represent good value. “Vines have been grown in the Ventoux area since ancient times; archaeological digs around the village of Mazan uncovered a potter’s workshop dating from the 1st century BC, where the first known wine amphorae in France were produced.” “The vineyards flourished during the Avignon Papacy, and over the centuries Ventoux wines, alongside other leading French wines, were served to the kings of France at the Royal Court.” Wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi continues with us pulling the cork on all that is Ventoux AOC.

Sampling the creative variety of foods at Angel Stadium is always part of the game experience. A real Executive Chef oversees all of this. New this year is expanded In-Seat Service in various parts of the Big A. Be reminded it’s again cashless for food, beverage and merchandise. Also new is Brewery X in right field on the Club Level. In addition to the limited- edition craft beers the food menu includes a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich on a Black Sesame Seed Egg Bun with Roasted Aioli, Asian Citrus Coleslaw, Gochujang Sauce, House Made Kimchi and served with House Fries, and a House-Made Jumbo Pretzel with Jalapeno White Cheddar Cheese Sauce with a Honey-Beer Mustard Sauce. We’ll find out what’s on the menu for In-Seat Dining, at Diamond Club and in the Suites. Think BBQ Beef Brisket for openers… Also on the menu is an introduction to the variety of collectable Halo merchandise items. There are unique (and limited edition) Shohei Ohtani items. The Main Team Store at Angel Stadium carries exclusive items that you can’t buy anywhere else. The Team Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (On Game Days the Team Store closes 3 hours before the gates open to prepare for the game.) Our guides to all this deliciousness are Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Merchandise Buyer Roman Avila.

Sampling the creative variety of foods at Angel Stadium is always part of the game experience. A real Executive Chef oversees all of this. New this year is expanded In-Seat Service in various parts of the Big A. Be reminded it’s again cashless for food, beverage and merchandise. Also new is Brewery X in right field on the Club Level. In addition to the limited- edition craft beers the food menu includes a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich on a Black Sesame Seed Egg Bun with Roasted Aioli, Asian Citrus Coleslaw, Gochujang Sauce, House Made Kimchi and served with House Fries, and a House-Made Jumbo Pretzel with Jalapeno White Cheddar Cheese Sauce with a Honey-Beer Mustard Sauce. We’ll find out what’s on the menu for In-Seat Dining, at Diamond Club and in the Suites. Think BBQ Beef Brisket for openers… Also on the menu is an introduction to the variety of collectable Halo merchandise items. There are unique (and limited edition) Shohei Ohtani items. The Main Team Store at Angel Stadium carries exclusive items that you can’t buy anywhere else. The Team Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (On Game Days the Team Store closes 3 hours before the gates open to prepare for the game.) Our continuing guides to all this deliciousness are Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Merchandise Buyer Roman Avila.

Chef Andrew Gruel is on the road so Co-Host Andy Harris covers “Ask the Chef.” Andy shares last-minute ideas for inspired Mother’s Day dining (Mother’s Day Brunch at Smorgasburg LA at ROW DTLA) and previews the very special South Coast Plaza 55th Anniversary Dinner on June 5th to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) The headlining chefs for the “O.C. Chefs: The Next Generation” evening are Tony Esnault of the Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Amar Santana (a C-CAP alum) of Vaca and Broadway by Amar Santana.

It’s a very special show as we’re broadcasting from Redbird at the historic Vibiana events center in Downtown Los Angeles. We’re celebrating the publication of Chef Jet Tila’s 3rd cookbook, 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die. Following the show today Chef Jet is conducting a ticketed book-signing and meet-and-greet (with food and beverage sampling from the cookbook) at Redbird’s garden as a benefit for the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) “Long co-chaired by chef Marcus Samuelsson, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens a pathway to success through jobs in the food sector. Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job and life skills to over 15,000 middle-and-high school students in six cities/regions across the United States: New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC/Maryland and Arizona, including 7 Navajo Reservation schools.” On April 17th at the Annual Awards Breakfast at Jonathan Club, C-CAP Los Angeles awarded $607,711 in Scholarships to 34 outstanding L.A. area High School Seniors. C-CAP L.A.’s Program Director Lisa Fontanesi is our guest. “Lasheeda Perry, a distinguished C-CAP Alum, is a trained pastry chef and the owner of Queen of Flavor, LLC, a company that specializes in everything from revamping restaurant menus to helping a restaurant design and execute a dream dessert for a special event. Now based in Long Beach Chef Lasheeda has previously worked across America as an Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (including Beverly Hills’ The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel) and for Bon Appetit Management Co. at LinkedIn. She also teaches fun and entertaining pastry classes on the Food Network App. Chef Lasheeda joins us rolling pin in hand. “Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser’s flagship restaurant Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles. As a follow up to Grace and BLD, Fraser’s menu features seasonal plates ranging from snacks or “kickshaws” to entrees meant to be enjoyed by the whole table. Located in downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana – the cathedral-turned-event-venue also owned and operated by the Frasers. (They also have Fritzi Coop in the Origi...

“Long co-chaired by chef Marcus Samuelsson, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens a pathway to success through jobs in the food sector. Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job and life skills to over 15,000 middle-and-high school students in six cities/regions across the United States: New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC/Maryland and Arizona, including 7 Navajo Reservation schools.” “Founder & Chairman Emeritus Richard Grausman launched this nonprofit in 1991 to help further food and social justice, as well as equity and inclusion by providing tools for job success. Starting in middle schools, C-CAP provides culinary-and-wellness curriculum, and in high schools also provides an integrated approach to employment in the food sector via internships/apprenticeships, job shadows, mentorship, work opportunities, college and career advising, and higher-education scholarships, along with product and food donations.” “The success of C-CAP’s alumni—from winery CEOs to chef-owner restaurateurs—is proof of their methodology. To date, C-CAP has worked with 350,000 students and awarded $62 million in scholarships. C-CAP has transformed thousands of lives in a meaningful way. The urgency to help these diverse communities has never been more critical.” On April 17th at the Annual Awards Breakfast at Jonathan Club, C-CAP Los Angeles awarded $607,711 in Scholarships to 34 outstanding L.A. area High School Seniors. On the horizon is a fundraiser for C-CAP is on Sunday, June 5th at Knife Pleat and The Penthouse at South Coast Plaza. It’s a celebration of South Coast Plaza’s 55th Anniversary to benefit C-CAP. The lead Chefs for “O.C. Chefs: The Next Generation” are Amar Santana of Vaca (a C-Cap Alum) and Tony Esnault of the Michelin Star Knife Pleat. C-CAP L.A.’s Program Director Lisa Fontanesi is our guest.

Jay’s Bar, an American gastropub, is the vision of the late Jason Easton and his wife, Mayuko who now lovingly carries on his welcoming neighborhood legacy. Jay’s Bar is located at Sunset Junction in Silver Lake (4321 Sunset Boulevard). “The bar is a local favorite where savvy locals (including even Oscar-nominated celebrities) come to hang out and socialize while enjoying the craft beers, signature cocktails, and delicious food.” Jacob “Jake” Deleon is the young founder of Fila Manila Filipino American Kitchen based in New Jersey. He has an award-winning line of glass jarred Filipino condiments including savory and sweet varieties that are free of artificial colors and flavors. “He created Fila Manila to celebrate the joy of the Filipino family, culture, and the delicious cuisine and share it with a wider audience of discriminating food lovers.” Jacob Deleon is our guest providing a genuine taste of the Philippines. “Timbre Winery is a Santa Barbara County winery crafting balanced wines of distinction. TIMBRE (pronounced TAM·ber or TIM·ber) is the “color” of music. It is what makes two voices sound different, even when singing the same song. It is why two winemakers, working with the same vineyards, make unique wine. As a terroir-driven winery, Timbre makes wines expressive of the places and times from which they came. As winemakers, they channel those sites through their experience, adding their own mark- their Timbre- to the resulting wines.” Founder and Winemaker Josh Klapper (a former restaurant Sommelier) is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Timbre Winery. “The Village of Arroyo Grande’s Mason Bar and Kitchen is a country-chic restaurant with a full bar, 20 beers on tap, 17 wines by the glass, extensive bottle wine list and premium spirits, paired with creative food in a relaxed setting. It’s an inviting restaurant offering farm-fresh local cuisine in a family-friendly environment. For guests seeking a more festive experience, you’ll find their adjacent award-winning bar is the perfect spot to gather with friends and sample an inspired selection of wine, beer, and unique hand-crafted cocktails.” General Manager Daniel Perez joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu at Mason Bar and Kitchen. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative

Jay’s Bar, an American gastropub, is the vision of the late Jason Easton and his wife, Mayuko, who now lovingly carries on his welcoming neighborhood legacy. Jason tragically passed away in February of last year just a week after taking over the establishment. He was only 44. “Jay’s Bar is located at Sunset Junction in Silver Lake (4321 Sunset Boulevard). The bar is a local favorite where savvy locals (including Oscar-nominated celebrities) come to hang out and socialize while enjoying the craft beers, signature cocktails, wine by-the-glass and bottle and delicious food.” “Jay’s offers whiskey, craft beers on tap and comfort grub with twists. The food menu is a twist of American and Japanese American cuisine. From local favorites such as Jay’s Burger to their new menu items, including Tontkotsu ramen and Takjoyaki, Jay’s has something tasty for guests to enjoy with a cold, refreshing drink. Specialty cocktails, including The Classic Easton, are the inspired creations of master barman, Constantine Williams, a fraternity brother of Jason’s.” Proprietress Mayuko Easton joins us.

Jay’s Bar, an American gastropub, is the vision of the late Jason Easton and his wife, Mayuko, who now lovingly carries on his welcoming neighborhood legacy. Jason tragically passed away in February of last year just a week after taking over the establishment which had been a long-held dream. He was only 44. “Jay’s Bar is located at Sunset Junction in Silver Lake (4321 Sunset Boulevard). The bar is a local favorite where savvy locals (including Oscar-nominated celebrities) come to hang out and socialize while enjoying the craft beers, signature cocktails, wine by-the-glass and bottle and delicious food.” “Jay’s offers whiskey, craft beers on tap and comfort grub with twists. The food menu is a twist of American and Japanese American cuisine. From local favorites such as Jay’s Burger to their new menu items, including Tontkotsu ramen and Takjoyaki, Jay’s has something tasty for guests to enjoy with a cold, refreshing drink. Specialty cocktails, including The Classic Easton, are the inspired creations of master barman, Constantine Williams, a fraternity brother of Jason’s.” Proprietress Mayuko Easton continues with us and is joined by Jay’s Bar’s Master Barman, Constantine Williams.

Jacob “Jake” Deleon is the young founder of Fila Manila Filipino American Kitchen based in New Jersey. He has an award-winning line of glass jarred Filipino condiments including savory and sweet varieties that are free of artificial colors and flavors. “Jake is a first generation FilAm, or Filipino American, who was born in the Philippines and raised in New Jersey with countless memories of joyful family gatherings. At the center of each gathering was a table overflowing with homecooked Filipino dishes. Jakes remembers the delicious flavors of this food together with the laughter of his family bringing comfort and joy to his heart.” “He created Fila Manila to celebrate the joy of the Filipino family, culture, and the delicious cuisine and share it with a wider audience of discriminating food lovers.” “Jake named the brand after the joyful and quirky spirit of the FilAm community combined with Manila, the heart of the Philippine Islands.” His flagship product is Filipino Adobo Sauce and Marinade, used in the Philippines signature dish and Jake’s favorite food. It was a NEXTY Award Winner at Natural Products Expo West for Best Condiment the year it was introduced. “This Filipino staple is tangy, savory, and salty all at once, and Fila Manila’s take on this iconic sauce is both a great entry point to the cuisine and an attractive new option for aficionados with its clean, minimal ingredient list and use of tamari over wheat-based soy sauce. These modest updates to typical conventional versions cut no corners with authenticity; the sauce gets some of its zip from coconut vinegar.” Fila Manila’s newest creation is Ube Purple Yam & Coconut Jam. It was awarded the NEXTY for Best New Pantry Food at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center. “It’s crafted in small batches. Thick and sweet, this creamy coconut and purple yam-based spread is tasty and satisfying – and more than a little crave-worthy.” Jacob Deleon is our guest providing a taste of the Philippines.