SoCal Restaurant Show February 22, 2025 Hour 2

SoCal Restaurant Show

“Azure Sky, celebrating it’s 3rd Anniversary this year, is a luxury boutique hotel in Palm Springs. This 21 and over, 14-room hotel is located at 1661 South Calle Palo Fierro, in Palm Springs, California. The vibe transforms a well-maintained mid-century gem into a contemporary, tranquil desert escape with personal service as a hallmark. Managing Operator Acme Hospitality, which has boutique food, beverage and hotel concepts in Santa Barbara and Nevada Counties has partnered with Real Estate Developer, Henry Courtemanche to bring this project to life. Azure Sky, originally built in 1959, evokes a simple and understated style with unmistakable MCM (Mid-century Modern) elements, offers unobstructed views of the San Jacinto Mountains, an oversized lounge pool with two shallow ends that are perfect for relaxing and imbibing. The property is enveloped by desert landscaping—it is a sanctuary with a peaceful residential feel. Guests are within walking distance of Villa Royale, Ace Hotel, Bar Cecil, and other neighboring boutique hotels and restaurants.” Azure Sky’s very hands-on General Manager, Angie Bettinelli, is our guide.

“Join Chef Glenda Galvan-Garcia with The Whole Enchilada – Mexican Recipes Full of History and Fun as she shares the tasty wonders of Mexican cuisine! Covering everything from snacks to main dishes, desserts and drinks, this bilingual book is the perfect way for young chefs to connect with their roots. Have you ever wondered how to make buñuelos? Have you missed abuelita’s arroz con leche? Or craved watermelon on a hot summer day? Learn how to make these and many more delicious dishes with Chef Glenda Galván-García, who will take you through the staples of Mexican cooking as she shares tidbits of Mexican history and introduces you to the Mexican and Chicano characters that have changed the world, making this a fun-filled book that the whole family will enjoy!” Chef Glenda takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over three-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2025 is the 31st year of Wolfgang Puck Catering creating the incredible menu for the Governors Ball. Chef Wolfgang and his team crafted 70 new dishes to add to the eye-popping menu. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2nd. Chef Eric Klein takes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive preview.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. It’s time to revisit 3rd party food delivery. Does it really make sense for a restaurant when the costs are so high? Is it even a sustainable business model for the delivery services? Chef Andrew explains.