Chef Curtis Stone believes that cuisine is the true soul of a place. And as the affable Australian discovered on a recent trip to Sonoma and Mendocino counties, this part of California has a lot of soul. Stone, who rose to fame through TV appearances on shows like Today and Top Chef Masters, joins host Soterios Johnson on the latest episode of the California Now Podcast to dish on his recent journey to the region while filming Field Trip with Curtis Stone.
After that, author and tour guide Wendy Gorton shares insights on some of her favorite family-friendly hiking trails in the Golden State. Whether you’re tromping through the desert, traversing the Central Valley, or wandering through a redwood grove, Gorton finds ways to keep young ones engaged and entertained while exploring nature.
And finally, SweetC's Designs blogger Courtney O'Dell recently embarked on a taco tour of Southern California, driving from Los Angeles to San Diego to find the best bites. She tells Johnson about a few of her most memorable meals, including a marathon taco session at an upscale spot in Costa Mesa.
Guests
Curtis Stone, host of Field Trip with Curtis Stone and owner of Maude in Beverly Hills
Wendy Gorton, author of 50 Hikes with Kids California
Courtney O'Dell, lifestyle blogger, Sweet C’s Designs
Resources
From a unique fishing trip to tasting wine at a biodynamic vineyard, acclaimed chef Curtis Stone took a deep dive into the wine country destinations of Sonoma and Mendocino to find inspiration for his next menu at Maude.
Maude
Princess Seafood
Single Thread
Littorai Wines
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Author and hiking guide Wendy Gorton can suggest dozens of kid-friendly hikes in California—and each one has something different and exciting to offer families.
Pacific Crest Trail
Kelso Dunes
Mojave National Preserve
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Creekside Carryout
Fern Canyon
Gold Bluffs Beach Campgrounds
The taco is a staple of Mexican-American cuisine, but according to Sweet C’s Designs blogger Courtney O'Dell, SoCal takes the taco to a whole new level.
Olvera Street
Cielito Lindo
Mariscos Jalisco
Tito’s Tacos
Taco María
Playa Mesa
Local Tap House & Kitchen
Puesto
About the Host
Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis, Calif., in 2016 and is just getting to know his surroundings. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson will use the California Now platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.
