The LA Food Podcast

On this episode of The LA Food Podcast, we welcome LA Times critic Bill Addison to go deep on his freshly dropped list of the 101 Best Restaurants in California. After years of dissecting his LA-only lists, we finally get to ask: what makes a spot one of the best in the state? Bill takes us behind the scenes of how the guide came together, shares the biggest surprises, and hints at who might quietly hold the crown for best restaurant in California.Then in Part 2, we recap Top Chef Season 22 with Nancy Dasilva and Bits Nicholas of Compliments to the Chef and content creator Jessie Evans AKA Jessie Eats—including who won this season’s Top Chef fantasy pool.Plus: we celebrate LA’s newly crowned Michelin-starred restaurants, including Providence and Somni, now the city’s only 3-star destinations.And don’t miss the trailer for our new pod Let It Rip, the unofficial companion to The Bear on FX, dropping July 1.🔥 Powered by Acquired Taste Media.–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

🎧 Today on The LA Food Podcast, we break down the biggest moments and key takeaways from this week’s James Beard Awards — with a spotlight on Los Angeles’ own Jon Yao of Kato, who took home the coveted Best Chef: California award. What does his win mean for LA’s dining scene, and where does Kato fit into the larger conversation about California cuisine?Then, we sit down with Evan Algorri and Andrew Lawson, the duo behind Etra and Café Telegrama, two of the hottest restaurants reshaping Melrose Hill. They share insights on building community through food, creating intimate neighborhood spaces, and what’s next for their corner of LA’s culinary world.📍 Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just want to stay in the know on LA’s ever-evolving restaurant scene, this episode has you covered.🔥 Powered by Acquired Taste Media.#JamesBeardAwards #LosAngelesFood #LArestaurants #MelroseHill #JonYao #Kato #BestChefCalifornia #EtraLA #CafeTelegrama #LAfoodie #LAeats #AcquiredTasteMedia–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

On this episode of The LA Food Podcast, we're heading south to explore San Diego’s rising food scene. Known for craft beer and beaches, San Diego is now a serious player in the California fine dining landscape. From creative tasting menus to casual neighborhood gems, we spent 48 hours eating our way through the city—and we're sharing every bite.Highlights include: 🍽️ A full San Diego restaurant guide with picks for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites 🍷 The best cocktail bar in San Diego 🌟 Our in-depth review of William Bradley’s Addison, Southern California’s only 3-Michelin Star restaurant, and why it sparked a fierce debate between Father Sal and me🏨 Where to stay for the perfect foodie weekend getawayWe also tackle this week’s Chef’s Kiss / Big Miss lightning round, featuring:The new New York Times food criticsEsquire’s best bars in AmericaOur feelings ahead of the Top Chef Season FinaleWhether you're into high-end tasting menus, restaurant reviews, bar guides, or just great conversation about California’s best food, this episode has something for you.The LA Food Podcast is powered by Acquired Taste Media, a disruptive food media brand bringing fresh and irreverent takes to the world of food and culture. Visit acquiredtastemedia.com and please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts!Helpful Links:The LafayetteWildflour DelicatessenCellar Hand HillcrestRoma NortePuestoADDISONTribute PizzaHeritage BBQ    –Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠

This week on The LA Food Podcast, we dive into Pete Wells’ provocative New York Times piece on how some of the world’s top chefs are using artificial intelligence to reinvent fine dining. From crafting the perfect sausage to generating entire tasting menus, is AI the secret sauce of the future—or the recipe for a soulless, flavorless culinary dystopia? Luca and Father Sal break it all down.In Chef’s Kiss, Big Miss, we unpack: Evan Funke’s *ahem* sleek new Roman bar A spicy Bill Esparza take on Stanley Tucci Matt Rodbard’s controversial take on Jonathan Gold And McDonald’s getting… a little too online?The LA Food Podcast is powered by Acquired Taste Media, the studio behind Taqueando with Bill Esparza and The LA Countdown. Explore more at acquiredtastemedia.com and don’t forget to rate and review wherever you listen.#LAfood #foodpodcast #AIchefs #PeteWells #restauranttech #EvanFunke #BillEsparza #McDonalds #AcquiredTasteMedia–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠

This week on The LA Food Podcast, we're diving into a bold new plan to revive Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade: open-container entertainment zones. Think Bourbon Street meets beachside retail. LA Food Editor Karen Palmer of SFGate joins us to unpack the potential impact on local restaurants and bars, drawing on reporting from other California cities where these zones are already live. Could this be the key to revitalizing LA’s struggling dining corridors—or just another overhyped nothingburger?In Part 2, we sit down with Scott Linder and Ryan Gianola of Matu and the brand-new Matu Kai in Brentwood. We get into why they expanded beyond Beverly Hills, how the new spot differs, and what they’ve learned in their first couple months serving steak to the Westside.Plus, in our lightning round of Chef’s Kiss / Big Miss:Bay Cities and its vermin problemYelp’s "definitive" ranking of the best fast food burgersThe New York Times takes a swing at one of the world’s most famous pizzeriasPowered by Acquired Taste Media. Don’t miss our other show Taqueando with Bill Esparza—this week, Luca takes some friendly fire over his fish taco opinions. And mark your calendar: The LA Chef Conference returns to Redbird and Vibiana on October 6.#LAfoodpodcast #SantaMonica #ThirdStreetPromenade #MatuKai #BrentwoodRestaurants #KarenPalmer #EntertainmentZones #LosAngelesDining #FastFoodRankings #LArestaurants #ChefsKissBigMiss #AcquiredTasteMediaHelpful Links:Karen Palmer on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karenlpalmer/?hl=enKaren on entertainment zones for SFGate https://www.sfgate.com/california/article/california-entertainment-zones-public-drinking-20327329.phpBay Cities’ vermin problem https://la.eater.com/2025/5/27/24438312/bay-cities-deli-temporary-closure-rodent-insect-vermin-infestationNYT on Lucali’s exclusion from their pizza list https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/dining/why-lucali-still-isnt-on-our-best-pizza-list.htmlYelp’s burger ranking https://www.foodbeast.com/news/yelp-reveals-the-top-burger-chains-of-2025/Bettina Makalintal on influencer trips https://www.eater.com/24433836/food-creator-influencer-travel-tourMatu Kai https://www.matusteak.com/Scott Linder on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lindersc/Ryan Gianola on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ryanzane15/?hl=enThe LA Chef Conference https://www.lachefconference.com/–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

This week on The LA Food Podcast, we dive into one of the wildest chef vs. critic stories in recent memory: Thomas Keller of The French Laundry allegedly asked SF Chronicle critic Mackenzie Chung Fegan to leave the restaurant. Was it a momentary lapse or a sign of a chef in crisis?Then: Chef Ari Kolender of LA seafood hotspot Found Oyster and Eagle Rock’s Queen’s Raw Bar & Grill joins us to talk about his gorgeous new cookbook How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea, the rebrand of Queen’s, and his journey from Kosher kid in South Carolina to one of LA’s most celebrated chefs.We also get into: 🧾 Congress' push for a No Tax on Tips law and what it means for restaurants and diners 🍔 Questlove’s no-beef burger spot in Westlake Village🥪 A Katz’s Deli dupe in Burbank 🍕 The unhinged, erm, rise and chaotic fall of Dough Drop Pizza, cyber-vigilanted by the one and only Turk’s Pizza Party in defense of LA’s pizza sceneHit play for chef drama, seafood revelations, and the latest in LA food chaos.Helpful Links:Ari Kolender on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arikolender/?hl=enHow To Cook The Finest Things In the Sea https://www.arikolender.com/cookbookFound Oyster https://www.foundoyster.com/Queen’s Raw Bar & Grill https://queensrawbar.com/Mackenzie Chung Fegan on her dinner at The French Laundry https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/thomas-keller-french-laundry-20290670.phpQuestLove’s new spot per Rebecca Roland https://la.eater.com/2025/5/19/24433364/mixtape-burger-restaurant-opening-neighborly-westlake-village-questloveNo tax on tip law https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/dining/no-tax-on-tips-bill.htmlKatz’s Deli dupe per Matthew Kang https://la.eater.com/2025/5/19/24433481/katzs-deli-jewish-deli-burbank-sandwiches-opening-los-angelesDough Drop Pizza lol https://www.instagram.com/doughdroppizza/?hl=enTaqueando with Bill Esparza Episode 3, featuring Si! Mon chef Jose Olmedo Carles Rojas –Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

This week on The LA Food Podcast, we’re joined by Claire Dinhut—aka Condiment Claire—cookbook author, flavor scientist, and social media sensation. Born and raised in Los Angeles but now based in Europe, Claire has taken TikTok by storm with her inventive approach to sauces, spreads, and the science of taste. Recorded at Venice’s iconic Roosterfish bar, this episode covers her global condiment obsessions, her viral rise to food fame, and the delicious details behind her new release, The Condiment Book—a must-have for any home cook.We also dive into Claire’s “Condiment Mount Rushmore,” her hot takes on trending sauce brands, and her go-to LA eats whenever she’s back in town.Plus: why chefs love and hate burgers, the surprising economics behind oysters, and a major shake-up coming to one of LA’s most beloved French restaurants.Whether you’re a flavor fanatic, cookbook collector, or just obsessed with where to eat in LA, this episode’s for you.Helpful Links:Condiment Claire https://www.tiktok.com/@condimentclaire?lang=enJulia Moskin on burgers https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/10/dining/burgers-jeremy-fox-birdie-gs.htmlAmy McCarthy on oysters https://www.eater.com/2025/5/14/24430156/oyster-cost-dollar-oysters-restaurant?_gl=1*13g3fhu*_ga*NTY3MzcwNDY5LjE2Nzk1MzY5MTc.*_ga_GMSWCRTSTY*czE3NDczMzM3MzMkbzMyMyRnMSR0MTc0NzMzMzc1NSRqMzgkbDAkaDA.Jenn Harris on Pasjoli https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2025-05-15/pasjoli-santa-monica-french-restaurant-reopen–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Go check out Roosterfish

This week on The LA Food Podcast, we dive into the results of a new survey from Substack favorite The Angel that asked Angelenos what they really want from restaurants. Hosts Luca and Father Sal break down what LA diners say matters most—vibe vs. food, great service, price, and originality—and reveal the surprising (and kind of maddening) contradictions in the data.In Part 2, we’re joined by Nancy DaSilva and Bits Nicholas from Compliments to the Chef for a Top Chef Season 22 midseason check-in. We talk fantasy picks, emerging food trends, and who we think has what it takes to win it all.Plus, big news: The LA Food Podcast is now part of the Acquired Taste Media network—home to the new show Taqueando with Bill Esparza! If you're into tacos, regional Mexican cuisine, and the LA food scene, this one’s a must-subscribe.Keywords: LA food scene, restaurant survey, Top Chef Season 22, LA dining trends, Bill Esparza, Taqueando, LA restaurants, Substack The Angel, Mexican cuisine, foodie podcastHelpful Links:Taqueando with Bill Esparza https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZY5gUvBo0Z3pRmCJILM6SJames Beard media nominations https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/2025-james-beard-media-award-nomineesThe Angel survey https://www.theangel.la/p/what-angelenos-want-from-restaurants-survey-resultsCompliments to the Chef https://open.spotify.com/show/5ySvTZh0inCpq1SJP9baq6–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Is Jordan Kahn's Meteora on track for a second Michelin star? On this episode of The LA Food Podcast, we dive deep into LA’s most ambitious fine-dining jungle—Meteora. After falling for Chef Jordan Kahn’s futuristic tasting menu at Vespertine, we head to his Melrose Avenue follow-up to see if the hype (and the hefty price tag) is justified. Is this lush, high-concept, nature-driven restaurant actually deserving of a second Michelin star? We break it down, course by course.Plus, it’s Part 4 of our Opening Cafe Esca series with chefs Luke Reyes and Reilly Cox. This week, they walk us through the creative (and chaotic) process of building a food and beverage menu from scratch for their upcoming coastal Italian spot in LA’s Arts District.And don’t miss our rapid-fire Chef’s Kiss / Big Miss segment, featuring TikTok-famous olive oil squeeze bottles, Apple TV’s new chef series, and maybe the most aggravating pizza guy on the internet.Helpful Links:Meteora https://meteora.la/TASTE on those pesky squeeze bottles https://tastecooking.com/the-big-squeeze/Careme preview, per The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/arts/television/careme-french-chef.htmlEater on Texas Strip https://ny.eater.com/2025/4/25/24416858/texas-renaming-new-york-strip-steak-bill-texas-stripOpening Cafe Esca Part 1 https://open.spotify.com/episode/19HDiV4o0i2dP9ZZ7B7E9BPart 2 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DoKDMtS74ngrVzjBBkzXIPart 3 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7J8MZ7HGuMIdRvq6zYezUy?si=hXmPzXKrQ9uwKktH3tIEuw–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Lele Dinner Club is the buzzy new supper club from Pizzana chef and master pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi, offering an exclusive 10-course Neapolitan tasting menu that’s quickly become Los Angeles’ hottest reservation. With only three seatings so far and a waitlist already topping 6,000 names, this underground culinary experience is redefining LA fine dining. On this episode of The LA Food Podcast, I take Father Sal behind the scenes of the entire Lele Dinner Club journey—how to get in, what’s on the menu, and why this immersive, communal experience is unlike anything else in the city’s restaurant scene.In Part 2, we’re joined by 13-time James Beard Award winner Steve Dolinsky for an exclusive Pizza City Fest Los Angeles 2025 preview. Happening this weekend at LA Live, Pizza City Fest will feature over 40 top pizzerias from across Southern California. I sat down with Steve at LaSorted’s in Chinatown to talk all things LA pizza—what makes it special, how it compares to pizza scenes in New York and Chicago, and why he believes LA is becoming a major pizza capital in the U.S.Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, pizza obsessive, or just trying to score a seat at Lele Dinner Club, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.Helpful Links:Lele Dinner Club https://www.leledinnerclub.com/Pizza City Fest https://pizzacityfest.com/Jenn Harris on Lele Dinner Club https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2025-04-21/le-le-dinner-club-italian-food-daniele-uditiNYT’s Priya Krishna on restaurant design https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/dining/restaurant-ambience-vibes.htmlNYT’s Kim Severson on the return of meat https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/dining/meat-beef-restaurants-politics.htmlEEEEEATSCON 2025 https://www.eeeeeatscon.com/los-angelesAntoni Porowski’s cheese raves https://www.eater.com/2025/4/22/24413509/antoni-porowski-interview-queer-eye–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods