SoCal Restaurant Show September 5, 2026 Hour 1

“On July 26th, Team USA 2027 competed in the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans, Louisiana, alongside esteemed culinary teams representing eight countries from across North, Central, and South America. Following an intense five-and-a-half-hour competition, Team USA captured Gold, marking the fourth time that Team USA has taken first place at the Bocuse d’Or Americas. They are now preparing for the Bocuse d’Or Finals in January 2027 in Lyon, France. Led by Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto and Commis Tyler Higson, with Head Coach Chef Mathew Peters, and Jury Member Chef Robert Sulatycky, Team USA completed the competition’s two signature challenges, the platter theme and the theme on a plate.” Chef Vincenzo takes a break from training to join us.“It’s about here…”Ready for LA Chef Con 2026 ? An eagerly-anticipated event for the chef and restaurant community with great networking opportunities. Come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food & drinks. LA Chef Conference 2026 presented by OpenTable + Slang and produced by BMRS Hospitality Recruitment, is the well-established, top-shelf gathering for chefs and restaurant professionals in the heart of Los Angeles. This year’s event takes place Monday, October 5th at City Market Social House in Downtown LA. 15% of all ticket sales will benefit the Independent Hospitality Coalition.” The concluding event at LA Chef Con is the celebratory and festive Cocktail Party from 5 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President, Culinary for Wolfgang Puck Catering joins us with the salivating preview. The key culinary dream team from WPC will be cooking for this.

“Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, The Pastry World Cup, is recognized as the most prestigious Pastry Competition in the World.Born from the vision of legendary chef Gabriel Paillasson in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie was created with the support of the French M.O.F association and the French Pastry Chefs Federation, to elevate pastry to its highest artistic expression. Every two years in Lyon, France, the world’s finest pastry chefs gather to represent their nations in a celebration of craftsmanship without equal.With 52 countries competing and more than 200,000 visitors attending the Finale, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie stands as the most prestigious event in international pastry.” Team USA 2027 will be competing in Lyon. All of the team members volunteer their time to represent the USA. Joining us with the overview of the Pastry World Cup is Chef Donald Wressell, The Training & Operations Director for Team USA 2027 and Chef En-Ming Hsu, a previous Gold Medalist at the World Pastry Cup where she served as the United States Pastry Team’s Captain in 2001. “Every day at Bracken’s Kitchen based in Garden Grove, they see the difference a meal, an opportunity, and a little kindness can make. Hungry Games 9.0 is their biggest fundraiser of the year, with a goal of raising $600,000 to help fuel their community feeding, food rescue, and culinary training programs across Southern California. On Thursday, September 10, Bracken’s Kitchen is bringing their community together for a night of incredible food, live music from Super Deluxe, and a little friendly competition, all for a cause close to our hearts. Every ticket, sponsorship, and dollar raised brings Bracken’s Kitchen closer to their goal and helps them continue feeding the need.”Founder and Chef Bill Bracken joins us with an exclusive preview.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. Today Chef Andrew is sharing his very timely American Gravy Substack piece, “How to Eat Better for Less.”

Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, The Pastry World Cup, 
is recognized as the most prestigious Pastry Competition in the World.“Born from the vision of legendary chef Gabriel Paillasson in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie was created with the support of the French M.O.F association and the French Pastry Chefs Federation, to elevate pastry to its highest artistic expression.” “Every two years in Lyon, France, the world’s finest pastry chefs gather to represent their nations in a celebration of craftsmanship without equal. With 52 countries competing and more than 200,000 visitors attending the Finale, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie stands as the most prestigious event in international pastry.”“Through spectacular challenges — from intricate chocolate and sugar sculptures to ice carving and refined plated desserts — teams are invited to push the boundaries of innovation under a unifying theme. Each creation tells a story, blending artistry, precision, and flavor while reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and responsibility toward the future.”“Judged over hours of intense competition, chefs are evaluated not only on technique and taste, but on their ability to work as a team and to express a powerful artistic and cultural narrative.”Team USA 2027 will be competing in Lyon. These world class pastry artists all volunteer their time to compete representing the USA. Continuing with us providing the overview of the Pastry World Cup is Chef Donald Wressell, The Training & Operations Director for Team USA 2027 and Chef En-Ming Hsu, a previous Gold Medalist at the World Pastry Cup where she served as the United States Pastry Team’s Captain in 2001.

“On July 26th, Team USA 2027 competed in the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans, Louisiana, alongside esteemed culinary teams representing eight countries from across North, Central, and South America. Following an intense five-and-a-half-hour competition, Team USA captured Gold, marking the fourth time that Team USA has taken first place at the Bocuse d’Or Americas. They are now actively preparing for the Bocuse d’Or Finals in January 2027 in Lyon, France.” “Led by Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto and Commis Tyler Higson, with Head Coach Chef Mathew Peters, and Jury Member Chef Robert Sulatycky, Team USA completed the competition’s two signature challenges, the platter theme and the theme on a plate.” “The platter theme highlighted ingredients and preparations inspired by a national tribute, requiring competitors to present a composition featuring halibut fillet with a tomato and shrimp garnish, a sweet corn garnish, and a sauce Choron. Team USA's plate theme centered on a bone-in ribeye paired with brisket, sour cherries, sweet potato gnocchi and Royal Kona coffee beans into the dish.”Chef Vincenzo takes a break from his intense training regimen to join us. Commis Tyler Higson will join us at a future date.

“On July 26th, Team USA 2027 competed in the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans, Louisiana, alongside esteemed culinary teams representing eight countries from across North, Central, and South America. Following an intense five-and-a-half-hour competition, Team USA captured Gold, marking the fourth time that Team USA has taken first place at the Bocuse d’Or Americas. They are now preparing for the Bocuse d’Or Finals in January 2027 in Lyon, France. Led by Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto and Commis Tyler Higson, with Head Coach Chef Mathew Peters, and Jury Member Chef Robert Sulatycky, Team USA completed the competition’s two signature challenges, the platter theme and the theme on a plate.” Chef Vincenzo takes a break from training to join us.“It’s about here…”Ready for LA Chef Con 2026 ? An eagerly-anticipated event for the chef and restaurant community with great networking opportunities. Come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food & drinks. LA Chef Conference 2026 presented by OpenTable + Slang and produced by BMRS Hospitality Recruitment, is the well-established, top-shelf gathering for chefs and restaurant professionals in the heart of Los Angeles. This year’s event takes place Monday, October 5th at City Market Social House in Downtown LA. 15% of all ticket sales will benefit the Independent Hospitality Coalition.” The concluding event at LA Chef Con is the celebratory and festive Cocktail Party from 5 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President, Culinary for Wolfgang Puck Catering joins us with the salivating preview. The key culinary dream team from WPC will be cooking for this.“Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, The Pastry World Cup, is recognized as the most prestigious Pastry Competition in the World.Born from the vision of legendary chef Gabriel Paillasson in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie was created with the support of the French M.O.F association and the French Pastry Chefs Federation, to elevate pastry to its highest artistic expression. Every two years in Lyon, France, the world’s finest pastry chefs gather to represent their nations in a celebration of craftsmanship without equal.With 52 countries competing and more than 200,000 visitors attending the Finale, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie stands as the most prestigious event in international pastry.” Team USA 2027 will be competing in Lyon. All of the team members volunteer their time to represent the USA. Joining us with the overview of the Pastry World Cup is Chef Donald Wressell, The Training & Operations Director for Team USA 2027 and Chef En-Ming Hsu, a previous Gold Medalist at the World Pastry Cup where she served as the United States Pastry Team’s Captain in 2001. “Every day at Bracken’s Kitchen based in Garden Grove, they see the difference a meal, an opportunity, and a little kindness can make. Hungry Games 9.0 is their biggest fundraiser of the year, with a goal of raising $600,000 to help fuel their community feeding, food rescue, and culinary training programs across Southern California. On Thursday, September 10, Bracken’s Kitchen is bringing their community together for a night of incredible food, live music from Super Deluxe, and a little friendly competition, all for a cause close to our hearts. Every ticket, sponsorship, and dollar raised brings Bracken’s Kitchen closer to their goal and helps them continue feeding the need.”Founder and Chef Bill Bracken joins us with an exclusive preview.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. Today Chef Andrew is sharing his very timely American Gravy Substack piece, “How to Eat Better for Less.” All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, The Pastry World Cup, is recognized as the most prestigious Pastry Competition in the World.“Born from the vision of legendary chef Gabriel Paillasson in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie was created with the support of the French M.O.F association and the French Pastry Chefs Federation, to elevate pastry to its highest artistic expression.”“Every two years in Lyon, France, the world’s finest pastry chefs gather to represent their nations in a celebration of craftsmanship without equal. With 52 countries competing and more than 200,000 visitors attending the Finale, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie stands as the most prestigious event in international pastry.”“Through spectacular challenges — from intricate chocolate and sugar sculptures to ice carving and refined plated desserts — teams are invited to push the boundaries of innovation under a unifying theme. Each creation tells a story, blending artistry, precision, and flavor while reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and responsibility toward the future.”“Judged over hours of intense competition, chefs are evaluated not only on technique and taste, but on their ability to work as a team and to express a powerful artistic and cultural narrative.”Team USA 2027 will be competing in Lyon. These world class pastry artists all volunteer their time to compete representing the USA. Joining us with the overview of the Pastry World Cup is Chef Donald Wressell, The Training & Ops Director for Team USA 2027 and Chef En-Ming Hsu, a previous Gold Medalist at the World Pastry Cup where she served as the United States Pastry Team’s Captain in 2001.

“On July 26th, Team USA 2027 competed in the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans, Louisiana, alongside esteemed culinary teams representing eight countries from across North, Central, and South America. Following an intense five-and-a-half-hour competition, Team USA captured Gold, marking the fourth time that Team USA has taken first place at the Bocuse d’Or Americas. They are now preparing for the Bocuse d’Or Finals in January 2027 in Lyon, France.” “Led by Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto and Commis Tyler Higson, with Head Coach Chef Mathew Peters, and Jury Member Chef Robert Sulatycky, Team USA completed the competition’s two signature challenges, the platter theme and the theme on a plate.” “The platter theme highlighted ingredients and preparations inspired by a national tribute, requiring competitors to present a composition featuring halibut fillet with a tomato and shrimp garnish, a sweet corn garnish, and a sauce Choron. Team USA's plate theme centered on a bone-in ribeye paired with brisket, sour cherries, sweet potato gnocchi and Royal Kona coffee beans into the dish.”“This is an incredible honor, not just for Tyler and I, but for everyone who has believed in and supported this team,” said Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto. “Winning Gold at the Americas is an unforgettable moment and we are proud to represent the United States. Now we are focused on what it will take to compete at the Finals in Lyon”Chef Vincenzo takes another break from his training regimen to stay with us. Commis Tyler Higson will join us at a future date.

“It’s about here…”Ready for LA Chef Con 2026 ? An eagerly-anticipated event for the chef and restaurant community with great networking opportunities. Come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food & drinks. LA Chef Conference 2026 presented by OpenTable + Slang and produced by BMRS Hospitality Recruitment, is the well-established, top-shelf gathering for chefs and restaurant professionals in the heart of Los Angeles. This year’s event takes place Monday, October 5th at City Market Social House in Downtown LA. 15% of all ticket sales will benefit the Independent Hospitality Coalition.” LA Chef Con is only open to Hospitality professionals and the remaining tickets are available by lottery. The concluding event at LA Chef Con is the celebratory Cocktail Party from 5 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by Wolfgang Puck Catering. The key members of the uber-talented WPC culinary team will be cooking for this. Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President, Culinary for Wolfgang Puck Catering joins us with the salivating preview. Expect some incredible small bites and properly decadent desserts.

“Every day at Bracken’s Kitchen, they see the difference a meal, an opportunity, and a little kindness can make. Hungry Games 9.0 is their biggest fundraiser of the year, with a goal of raising $600,000 to help fuel their community feeding, food rescue, and culinary training programs across Southern California.”“On Thursday, September 10th, Bracken’s Kitchen is bringing their community together for a night of incredible food, live music from Super Deluxe, and a little friendly competition, all for a cause close to our hearts. Every ticket, sponsorship, and dollar raised brings Bracken’s Kitchen closer to their ambitious goal and helps them continue feeding the need. The objective is to make a BIG impact and have a whole lot of fun doing good!”At Hungry Games 9.0 taste great food, support the community, and help Bracken’s Kitchen reach their $600,000 Goal!Founder and Chef Bill Bracken joins us with an exclusive preview.

Today Chef Andrew is sharing his very timely American Gravy Substack piece, “How to Eat Better for Less – My Rules for Beating the Grocery Bill.” Good advice…socal