Best Gourmand Podcasts (2024)

1
Joe Sasto blesses the pod with pasta wisdom, Top Chef lore, and his glorious moustache. Plus, decoding LA burgers, Evan Funke gets the Chef's Table treatment, and fast food jobs soar. 1:35:31

39m ago1:35:31

1:35:31

We’re joined on today’s pod by the icon known as Joe Sasto. Joe is a Michelin-pedigree chef whose exploits at San Francisco’s Quince and Lazy Bear earned him the chance to go on Top Chef. His high-octane performance on his season earned him a third-place finish, the opportunity to compete on Top Chef All-Stars, and more importantly, a place in the …

1
Is Langer's actually closing? Plus Father Sal unleashed at. Si! Mon, Cobi's, Horses, Petramale and more. And an interview with Avner Levi of Cento Pasta Bar. 2:00:45

4h ago2:00:45

2:00:45

Today on The LA Food Podcast, is Langer’s closing for good? Is Chick-Fil-A going to save Hollywood? And does JD Vance even know what a donut is? Father Sal is physically with us in Los Angeles today to discuss all this and more. We recap all of the amazing food he’s had in LA this week, from a beachside South American feast to an all-time steak din…

1
The best tacos in LA, work-life balance in fine dining, and postmodern beer with LAist's Gab Chabran. Plus, how Snibbs' Daniel Shemtob developed the perfect shoe for chefs. 1:39:11

1h ago1:39:11

1:39:11

Today on the LA Food Podcast, is work/life balance possible in fine dining? What the heck is postmodern craft beer? And why should Angelenos care about the passing of Famous Amos founder Wally Amos? James Beard-nominated reporter Gab Chabran is with us today to explore all of these topics, and to tell us why he believes the city’s best tacos are in…

1
Making Stuffed Zucchini 47:17

19d ago47:17

47:17

Celebrate the end-of-summer with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Cooking with Ruth" Show with Ruth Milstein who talks about cooking zucchini and shares how to make her recipe for Zucchini Stuffed with Rice and Meat. See her recipe, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/zucchini-stuffed-with-rice-and-meat/ Ruth Milstein is the author of the G…

1
Is Bill Esparza revolutionizing food criticism? Plus, a Bourdain biopic, the rise of restaurant robots, and a beefy interview with First Light Farms' Jason Ross. 1:38:56

22d ago1:38:56

1:38:56

Today on the LA Food Podcast, is Bill Esparza revolutionizing the restaurant review or is he merely feeding his ego? There’s an Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works, a New York Times article on whether the robots are ready to run restaurants, and a lightning round of bad idea / horrible idea featuring ice cream flavored water and and a Bon Appetit …

1
LA earns 5 new Michelin stars. Plus, Tim Walz is a foodie, Pete Wells yells at clouds, and Part 2 of our interview with Botanica's Heather Sperling. 1:51:08

7d ago1:51:08

1:51:08

Michelin held its 2024 California Guide Ceremony earlier this week, and it’s fair to say that LA restaurants fared rather well. Jordan Kahn’s Vespertine earned back its 2 stars, Holbox, Uka and Meteora earned their first, and LA also dominated the list of new Bib Gourmands. But, like I ask my therapist on a weekly basis, what does it all mean? Fath…

1
113. David Leventhal: Living Playa Viva 51:02

6d ago51:02

51:02

In January 2023, Gabriel traveled to the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Guerrero, to experience Playa Viva, an eco-luxury and regenerative boutique hotel founded by our next guest, David Leventhal, and his then-wife shortly after purchasing the land in 2006. Playa Viva is situated at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, just f…

1
The gourmand's guide to visiting (or hosting visitors in) LA. Plus, Botanica's Heather Sperling on her unique journey and the state of food media. 1:48:34

27d ago1:48:34

1:48:34

We’re joined on the pod today by none other than Father Sal. As you know, dear listener, Father Sal doesn’t actually live in Los Angeles, but when he does visit our city, which happens often, he always comes prepared with the most thorough itineraries humankind has ever seen. If planning were an Olympic sport, Father Sal would take home gold, silve…

1
112. High Tea: Clay Williams 20:08

22d ago20:08

20:08

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Clay Williams, Brooklyn-based James Beard Award-winning photographer. Clay has been capturing and helping tell stories about food, hospitality, and the people and places that define our culture for more than 15 years. His work has appeared in the pages of Food & Wine, The New Yo…

1
Hot girls eat pickles, with Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar of Good Girl Snacks. Plus, it's rainin' taco guides as we pick up the pieces of the Esparza-Villa's fallout. 1:32:16

19d ago1:32:16

1:32:16

We’re joined today by Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar, the co-founders of Good Girl Snacks, a company you might be familiar with if you’ve come across their viral Hot Girl Pickles on your social media feed. Yasaman and Leah join us to share their story of ditching their day jobs as recent grads to start a pickle company with a Gen Z twist. We’re a…

1
111. High Tea: Adam Teeter 32:11

22d ago32:11

32:11

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Adam Teeter, New York-based Co-founder and CEO of VinePair. Adam and Josh Malin Co-founded VinePair ten years ago and together they’ve grown the platform into the largest multi-media publication about wine, beer and spirits in America, reaching almost 40 million people a month. …

1
Ruth Milstein - Making Strawberry Sherbet 31:52

2M ago31:52

31:52

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month and Ice Cream Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Cooking with Ruth" Show with Ruth Milstein who shares how to make her family recipe for Strawberry Sherbet. This recipe is so easy and versatile, you can make it with all kinds of fruits, or even a refresh ice tea or coffee flavor! Check out the recipe, her…

1
Bill Esparza vs. Villa's Tacos. Plus, why New Zealand real fruit ice cream is the sweet treat of the summer. With Creamy Boys' Duncan Parsons and Joe Wedd. 1:41:14

25d ago1:41:14

1:41:14

This week, legendary LA food writer Bill Esparza made waves when he dropped a scathing review of Villa’s Tacos on his Instagram stories. The review had been building for weeks, if not more than a year, and its Kendrick-style intensity left all of Los Angeles talking. Father Sal is with us today to dive deep into the situation, including what led to…

1
Rising Giants N.133 - Dominic Sharpe, Country Director, Liger Leadership Academy 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

On this week's episode of Rising Giants we have the pleasure of speaking with Dominic Sharpe, Country Director of Liger Academy. Liger Leadership Academy provides a world-class learning experience – empowering students today to become leaders of tomorrow through experiential project-based learning to develop students' understanding of real-life cha…

1
110. Hot Spot: Ian Burrell + Aaisha Dadral of Equiano Rum 1:10:25

2M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Our next guests are Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral, Co-founders of The Equiano Rum Company, creators of the world’s first African and Caribbean rums. This pioneering venture not only celebrates the rich heritage of rum but also champions the values of freedom and equality, inspired by the legendary figure Olaudah Equiano. Ian, known globally as the …

1
109. High Tea: Matthew Kaner 30:21

2M ago30:21

30:21

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Matthew Kaner, Los Angeles-based sommelier, wine educator, correspondent and consultant. Matthew is the wine correspondent for Men's Journal which garners 12,000,000 unique monthly views. He’s also the Owner of “Will Travel For Wine Consulting” and literally will travel anywhere…

1
Baroo is the LA Times' Restaurant of the Year. Plus, Eater's Mona Holmes on what makes LA food (and food media) great. 1:54:14

2M ago1:54:14

1:54:14

Father Sal is with us today to talk about the LA Times’ 2024 Restaurant of the Year Baroo. We break down what the award means, why it’s significant, and why we are so excited for our upcoming meal at this very special restaurant. We also talk about the LA Times’ Gold Award winner, the rise of non-alcoholic beer, and the sudden closure of Rampart Vi…

1
108. High Tea: Rita Jammet 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Rita Jammet, New York-based restaurateur, hospitality advisor and Founder of La Caravelle Champagne. Rita and her husband André owned and operated the iconic New York French restaurant, La Caravelle. The New York Times described La Caravelle as a “French Legend and a Paris in Ma…

1
The Bear Season 3 Recap - Part 2. Plus, service fees here to stay, street vendors win big, and Gorilla Pies needs our help. 1:18:11

2M ago1:18:11

1:18:11

Part 2 of our The Bear Season 3 recap. Father Sal is with us to break down episodes 6-10. If you listened to Part 1 on Monday, you'll know that we weren't too sweet on episodes 1-5. Did the second half of the season change our opinion? Not exactly, but keep listening to find out where exactly we feel the show got lost in the sauce, and most importa…

1
Rising Giants N.132 - Chef Nak, SAOY 'The Best Cookbook In The World' Gourmand 2023 1:13:11

2M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

This week on Rising Giants, Chef Nak, Rotanak Ros, is back for her second podcast with us. She is the pioneer in her field aiming to bring and elevate the vibrant flavors and cultural heritage of Cambodia to the world stage! Her second cookbook, SAOY, Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine, was recently named 'The Best Cookbook In The World' by the prestigio…

1
107. Jhonatan Cano: Adventures Of A Gourmand 1:00:45

2M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Our next guest bathes throughout the year in an energy of potential and is constantly on a journey of exploration and discovery. Meet Jhonatan Cano, restaurateur, travel enthusiast, and global citizen. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Jhonatan always had a deep yearning to discover the world. He began his career in award-winning hotels such as the Ri…

1
106. High Tea: Bill Esparza 26:30

2M ago26:30

26:30

On this episode of the High Tea series, Bill Esparza, Los Angeles-based James Beard Award winning writer and author of LA Mexicano. Bill is a leading authority on Latin American cuisine as a freelance writer for publications such as New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Eater; he’s also appeared on several food television programs…

1
The Bear Season 3 Recap - Part 1: Does it still have the special sauce? 1:06:11

2M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

Father Sal and I recap episodes 1-5 of The Bear Season 3, which is now streaming on Hulu. Helpful links:The Bear https://www.hulu.com/series/the-bear-05eb6a8e-90ed-4947-8c0b-e6536cbddd5f--Get 10% off when you use code "LAFOOD" on House of Macadamias https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify…

1
Live from Holbox: Lunch with Santiago Lastra, chef of London's Michelin-starred KOL 1:39:58

2M ago1:39:58

1:39:58

Santiago Lastra is the chef of Michelin-starred restaurant KOL in London. He visited in LA on the heels of the World’s 50 Best ceremony in Las Vegas, where KOL was named the number 17 best restaurant in the world. He stopped by the City of Angels for a special collab dinner with Vespertine’s Jordan Kahn, and I’m really honored he made time to grab …

1
Rising Giants N.131 - Tom O'Sullivan, Director, realestate.com.kh 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

On this week's episode of Rising Giants, we are joined by the Director of realestate.com.kh. Tom O'Sullivan. Tom recounts his journey of moving to Cambodia in 2013, initially to help start a social enterprise training restaurant. He later ventured into the real estate industry in Phnom Penh, joining a group that started their first real estate port…

1
105. High Tea: Esther Tseng 20:44

3M ago20:44

20:44

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Esther Tseng, Los Angeles-based food, drinks and culture writer. Esther is an Academy Chair of the USA West region for The World’s 50 Best Bars and has served as judge for the James Beard Foundation. She has contributed to numerous publications like The New York Times, The Los A…

1
Top Chef Season 21 Recap. Plus, service fees live to fight another day, reservation resale platforms get the axe, and Luca gives vegans free political advice. 1:19:22

2M ago1:19:22

1:19:22

Top Chef Season 21 is in the books. A champion has been crowned, both for Top Chef and our LA Food Pod Fantasy Top Chef. Father Sal and I are joined by Jessie Evans also known as Jessie Eats, and Daniel Wargo AKA Forking Around to recap the finale and the season as a whole. But first, a few things that caught my eye this week. An iconic LA fast foo…

1
Rising Giants N.130 - Raksa Neth, Content Creator, Fashion Model 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

On this week’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Raksa Neth. Raksa is one of Cambodia's leading content creators, as well as being a fashion model and digital marketer at Seekers Spirits. She also has recently expanded her career into the Philippines. Raksa focuses on building an authentic brand by keeping as many of the core functions…

1
104. Daniel Johnnes: America's Pioneering Sommelier 1:04:12

3M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Daniel Johnnes, truly needs no introduction. He is a luminary in the wine industry, renowned for his leadership and community-building efforts. As one of America’s pioneering sommeliers—one of our forefathers in the field, if you will—Daniel has dedicated decades to mentoring and educating the next generation of wine professionals. Daniel is the vi…

1
103. High Tea: Mike Jordan 29:21

3M ago29:21

29:21

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Mike Jordan, Atlanta-based journalist and Senior Editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. As Senior Editor, Mike leads the media brand “UATL,” which focuses on Black culture. Just last week, Mike won the James Beard Foundation’s 2024 Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award for covera…

1
Ruth Milstein - Grilling Summer Fruits 33:37

3M ago33:37

33:37

Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Cooking with Ruth" Show with Ruth Milstein who shares how to choose summer fruits and how to grill them for a brunch dish, entree, or light dessert. RELATED RECIPE & ARTICLES as discussed on this episode: * Grilled Fruits Recipes: https://blendradioandtv.com/…

1
What the James Beard Awards and World's 50 Best tell us about dining in 2024. Plus, is Little Tokyo "endangered?" And what the heck is up with Joey Chestnut? 1:09:41

3M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

Kuya Lord’s Chef Lord Maynard Llera took home this James Beard Award this week for Best Chef California, and we’d like to extend him and his whole staff a heartfelt LA Food Pod congratulations. Today’s episode is all about awards. I’m joined by Father Sal to discuss LA’ showing at the Beards, as well as some of the most interesting takeaways from t…

1
Rising Giants N.129 - Sou Sethey, Co-Founder & CEO, Jalat Logistics 48:27

3M ago48:27

48:27

On this week’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sou Sethey, Co-Founder and CEO, Jalat Logistics! Join us as we dive into a riveting conversation with Ti, the CEO and co-founder of Jalat Logistics, who shares his inspiring journey of building a last-mile logistics powerhouse in Cambodia. In the episode, Ti discusses how his UK experien…

1
102. High Tea: Xanthe Clay 21:07

3M ago21:07

21:07

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Xanthe Clay, UK-based chef and food writer with 25 years of experience as a Telegraph columnist. For the past 11 years Xanthe’s been The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy Chair for UK and Ireland. At the Telegraph she provides guidance on everything from roasting a Christmas t…

1
From Boulder to Bourdain, the many lives of Checker Hall's Gabe Kennedy. Plus, Infatuation pans Vespertine, the problem with "shoppy shops," and The Best Restaurant in Town. 2:02:03

3M ago2:02:03

2:02:03

Gabe Kennedy is the all-star chef behind Highland Park’s Checker Hall. He joins us today to tell us his high-octane journey, which includes winning Anthony Bourdain’s competition show “The Taste,” co-founding one of the hottest plant-based supplement companies on the market, and uprooting his life in New York to relocate to LA and grace our city wi…

1
Rising Giants N.128 - Twwo Jaruthassanakul, Investment Manager and Southeast Asia Lead, Seedstars 36:27

3M ago36:27

36:27

In this week's episode, we sit down with Twwo Jaruthassanakul, the Investment Manager and Southeast Asia Lead at Seedstars. Twwo shares his deep insights into the Southeast Asia startup ecosystem, detailing his journey from finance and investment management to venture capital with Seedstars. He delves into the company's current investment strategy,…

1
101. Hot Spot: Jordan Kahn of VESPERTINE 1:04:52

3M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

As the Beatles sang in their 1967 hit, “All You Need is Love,” they weren't just referring to the love of another but also the love of oneself. Our next Hot Spot guest, Chef Jordan Kahn, is writing a new chapter in his career, focused on redefining success and joy through love. Jordan honed his skills under culinary icons like Thomas Keller, Grant …

1
100. High Tea: Cláudia de Brito 22:17

3M ago22:17

22:17

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Cláudia de Brito, Dubai-based journalist, host, moderator and content creator. Born to Portuguese-Cape Verdean parents in Singapore, raised in Dubai and educated in London, Cláudia’s depth of experience and global perspective has helped her cover hospitality and travel for over …

1
Lunch with the Infatuation's Brant Cox at Mae Malai (P.S. EEEEEATSCON is upon us). Plus, The Bear Season 3 trailer, mental health and burnout in the industry, and R.I.P. Always Pan. 1:53:34

2M ago1:53:34

1:53:34

We’re joined on today’s episode by the Infatuation’s Brant Cox for the first-ever in person podcast in LA Food Pod history. Brant and I met up for lunch at Mae Malai in Thai Town for some wonderful boat noodles (and much more). We caught up about what it’s like to be BFFs with Chris Pine, where he’s been eating lately, and oh yeah, a little thing c…

1
Rising Giants N.127 - Alywin Oh, Founder & Lead Trainer, Brighton Academy Asia 45:37

3M ago45:37

45:37

On this week’s episode of Rising Giants we have Alywin Oh, the Founder and Lead Trainer at Brighton Academy Asia, where Max leads the conversation discussing his journey from being a pastor in Singapore to starting Brighton Academy Asia in Cambodia. Brighton Academy focuses on developing the leadership and communication skills of young people in un…

1
99. High Tea: Kayla Stewart 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Kayla Stewart, Houston-and-NY-based food and travel journalist, cookbook author and Editor of Eater Houston. Kayla’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Eater, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and others. Her piece, “The Sweetest Harvest,” won the 20…

1
Fast Eddie: Can Eddie Navarrette save California restaurants? Plus, Something About Her blues. 1:12:28

3M ago1:12:28

1:12:28

Eddie Navarrette is the Executive Director of the Independent Hospitality Coalition in addition to being one of LA’s foremost consultants in helping restaurants navigate the debilitatingly confusing process of opening their doors. He’s been at the center of advocating for restaurants for several years now, helping shape much needed policies for boo…

1
Rising Giants N.126 - Lawrence Lennon, MD, CBRE Cambodia 50:57

4M ago50:57

50:57

Lawrence of CBRE joins us on Rising Giants this week. Lawrence has had a decade long career in emerging market real estate, with experience in Mongolia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia, asset types ranging from commercial real estate, industrial, hospitality and residential property. Lawrence currently oversees CBRE in Cambodia. CBRE are one of the l…

1
98. Deuki Hong + Matt Rodbard: Koreaworld 40:13

4M ago40:13

40:13

When was the last time you ate Korean food at your local Koreatown, enjoyed a K-drama on your favorite streaming service, or flipped open TikTok to a viral sensation soundtracked by a famous K-pop band? Have you noticed the impact of Korean cuisine and culture on our world? Maybe you're noticing it now, or perhaps you're already a citizen of Koreaw…

1
97. High Tea: Prairie Rose 29:35

4M ago29:35

29:35

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Prairie Rose, Los Angeles-based journalist, trained sommelier, cocktail book author, and wine and spirits educator. Prairie is Food & Wine's senior drinks editor and also the senior editor of Liquor.com. In addition to Food & Wine, her work has been featured in The Whiskey Wash,…

1
Baking Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies 35:01

4M ago35:01

35:01

In celebration of World Baking Day (every 3rd Sunday in May) this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Cooking with Ruth" Show features Ruth Milstein who shares how to make Gluten-free Chocolate Brownies. Featuring dark chocolate and poppy seeds, it's a family recipe that her older sister taught her how to make when she was a kid. See the recipe here: htt…

1
Molly Baz and lactation-gate, restaurant finances dissected, and Michelin goes to Mexico. Plus, Top Chef midseason check-in with the hosts of Compliments to the Chef. 1:19:29

4M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

A midseason check in on Season 21 of Top Chef. We’re about half way through the season, so LA Food Pod Top Chef correspondent Father Sal is on the pod to dissect the highs, lows and everything in between. We’re also joined by two of my new favorite people - Bits Nicholas and Nancy DaSilva, the hosts of Compliments to the Chef, the must-listen Top C…

1
Rising Giants N.125 - Samir Cherro, Co-Founder & CEO, GoWabi 40:08

4M ago40:08

40:08

Samir of GoWabi joins us on Rising Giants this week. GoWabi is the leading B2C and B2B application to find and book health, wellness, fitness and beauty services from over 10,000 providers in Thailand. They also offer a SaaS / CRM tool integrated with POS for optimizing and managing salons, spas, clinics or studios. Samir previously worked with Roc…

1
96. High Tea: June Kim 25:48

4M ago25:48

25:48

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with June Kim, Los Angeles-based food media executive and Head of Video for Bon Appétit and Epicurious. As Head of Video, June oversees numerous shows and series highlighting compelling chefs and restaurants, delicious recipes from their test kitchen, and other food and beverage cult…

1
Bill Esparza on his journey, "taco bros," David Chang and much, much more. Plus, World's 50 Best recognizes Kato, 5 So Cal restaurants added to the Michelin Guide, and Sweetgreen embraces beef. 1:49:50

4M ago1:49:50

1:49:50

We’re joined by none other than Bill Esparza, the legendary award-winning writer, author, TV fixer and saxophonist. Maybe you’ve read his reporting at Eater, maybe you’ve eaten at one of his many finds, or maybe you’ve seen him on shows like Somebody Feed Phil. Regardless of where you know him from, Bill’s one of the most essential voices in LA foo…

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