Culinary Gems, Hidden Beaches, Napa Valley Wine

According to the online media brand Eater, “the Golden State is hands down the best place to eat in America.” In this episode, Eater LA Senior Editor Farley Elliott backs up this bold claim with a deep dive into the many culinary treasures California has to offer. Alongside host Soterios Johnson, Elliot shares where to find authentic ranch cuisine, why Highway 99 has some of the country’s best Mexican food, and which California town he’d choose for his last meal on earth.

More than a few hidden gems are discovered in this episode: Travel writer Ann Marie Brown shares her knowledge of lesser-known beaches up and down the coast, with insights on where to find solitude, starfish, or something totally unexpected. After that, Food and Wine Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle discusses some of the emerging trends in Napa Valley, highlighting winemakers who go far beyond bold Cabernet Sauvignons and buttery Chardonnays.

Guests

Farley Elliott, Senior Editor of Eater LA and author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks

Ann Marie Brown, author and dedicated outdoorswoman

Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine and Wine and Spirits Editor of Travel + Leisure and Departures

Resources

Eater LA’s Farley Elliott highlights the offerings at some of California’s less-heralded culinary regions.

• Eater: The Essential Guide to Eating California
• David Chang, chef of Majordomo
• Santa Monica Farmers Market
• Central Coast dining
• Central Coast wine country
• California ranch cuisine
• Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach
• Stephanie Mutz, sea urchin diver
• Central Valley dining
• Mexican food on Highway 99
• Gustavo Arellano, author of Taco USA
• Fresno chile history
• Los Toritos Taco Truck in Selma 
• Sacramento dining
• Basque dining in Bakersfield
• Desert dining
• Bill Addison, Eater’s National Dining Critic
• La Copine Kitchen in Flamingo Heights/Yucca Valley
• Copper Top BBQ in Lone Pine
• Los Alamos dining
• Bob’s Well Bread Bakery
• Full of Life Flatbread
• Bell’s

Travel writer Ann Marie Brown explores California’s hidden beaches.

• Best for solitude: Manchester Beach south of Mendocino
• Most scenic: Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur
• Rugged beauty: Sculptured Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore
• Beachcomber-friendly: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, north of Half Moon Bay
• Hidden city beach: Beacon’s Beach in Encinitas
• Whale watching: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla; Dana Point; Big Sur; Mendocino
• Beach wildlife: Gold Bluffs Beach in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Hidden surprise: Bowling Ball Beach south of Point Arena

Ray Isle discusses Napa Valley winemakers who look beyond big Cabernet Sauvignons.

• Napa Valley
• Shafer Hillside Select
• Caymus Vineyards
• Highway 29
• Dan Petroski of Larkmead and Massican Winery
• Lang & Reed Wine Company
• Ayum Schoner of the Scholium Project
• Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson Wines
• Outpost Wines
• Farella Vineyard
• Matthew Rorick of Forlorn Hope Wines
• Cathy Corison, winemaker
• Smith-Madrone Vineyards
• Silverado Trail
• Chappellet
• Cade Winery
• Joseph Phelps Vineyard’s culinary program
• Chef Maria Helm Sinskey at Robert Sinskey Vineyards

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.