Radio Cherry Bombe

Caroline Styne Of The Lucques Hospitality Group On L.A., The Strikes, And Following Her Gut

Aug 14, 2023

Caroline Styne, a force in the L.A. restaurant world, talks about her career, running multiple businesses, and navigating the writers' and actors' strikes. They also discuss her involvement in the L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade event, which has raised over $8 million to fight childhood cancers. The hosts explore the creation of AOC wine bar, their commitment to organic wines, and managing food at the Hollywood Bowl.

41:43

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Episode guests

Caroline Styne

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Carolyn Stein discusses her passion for raising funds to fight childhood cancer through LA Loves Alex's Lemonade, an annual event that has raised over $8 million.

Carolyn Stein emphasizes the importance of consistent high-quality food and outstanding service in running successful restaurants.

Deep dives

Carolyn Stein's Journey in the Los Angeles Restaurant Scene

Carolyn Stein, a well-known figure in the Los Angeles restaurant scene, discusses her award-winning restaurants and her contributions to LA's culinary landscape. Alongside chef Suzanne Goan, she co-founded the Luke Hospitality Group, which includes popular establishments such as AOC, Cal Deverde, Cara Cara, and Dahlias. Carolyn also shares her passion for raising funds to fight childhood cancer through LA Loves Alex's Lemonade, an annual event that has raised over $8 million. She highlights the upcoming event at UCLA and the inspiring support it receives from renowned chefs and attendees.

Introduction

2min

Carolyn Stein's Background and Beverly Hills Perception

2min

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Family Influence

9min

Early Wine List and Restaurant Opening

3min

AOC: Celebrating Wine and Culinary Freedom

5min

Table-side Cocktails and Non-Alcoholic Options

2min

Managing Food and Logistics at the Hollywood Bowl

19min

Hosted by Kerry Diamond
Produced by Catherine Baker and Jenna Sadhu
Edited by Jenna Sadhu
Music by Tralala, “All Fired Up”

For more than two decades, Caroline Styne has been a force in the L.A. restaurant world. She and her business partner, Chef Suzanne Goin, opened restaurants including Lucques and a.o.c. that defined what we think of as California food today: small plates, market-driven menus, relaxed elegance, and organic wines. She’s a business whiz with a lot on her plate: she’s the President and Wine Director of her hospitality company The Lucques Group, which manages two a.o.c. locations, a baking business, two restaurants at The Proper Hotel in Downtown L.A., and the concessions for the 17,000-seat Hollywood Bowl.

In today’s episode, Caroline talks with host Kerry Diamond about her career, her hospitality group, and how the L.A. restaurant scene is fairing in the midst of the writers’ and actors’ strikes. They also talk about something very close to her heart: L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, an event spearheaded by Caroline, Suzanne, and Chef David Lentz that has raised more than $8 million to fight childhood cancers. The upcoming L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is taking place Saturday, Sept. 23rd, and tickets are on sale right now.

Thank you to OpenTable for supporting this episode.

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More on Caroline: Instagram, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade 2023, A.O.C, Hollywood Bowl food and wine