2025 Hollywood Bowl Food Wine Celebrate tenth year with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today menus for the 2025 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine season.
A Decade of Culinary Excellence at the Hollywood Bowl
Now celebrating its tenth season, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine continues to elevate the concert-going experience with exceptional dining curated by two of L.A.’s most influential tastemakers — James Beard Award–winning chef Suzanne Goin and acclaimed restaurateur Caroline Styne.
Since opening their groundbreaking restaurant Lucques in 1998, Goin and Styne have helped shape the very flavor of Los Angeles dining. Their signature approach — rooted in seasonal California cuisine, impeccable sourcing, and elegant simplicity — brings a refined yet relaxed sensibility to the Bowl’s iconic setting.
Whether you’re enjoying a picnic under the stars or indulging in a full-service supper in a box seat, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine is where music and Michelin-caliber dining meet in true L.A. style.
Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne
Hollywood Bowl 2025: California Cuisine Under the Stars
This summer, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine continues to raise the bar with a distinctly California-inspired culinary experience, blending seasonal freshness, award-winning talent, and the effortless elegance Angelenos expect.
At the heart of the program are three full-service restaurants and three gourmet marketplaces, offering everything from elevated grab-and-go options to curated sit-down menus. For guests enjoying the iconic Terrace and Garden Boxes, pre-order menus — crafted by four-time James Beard Award–winner Suzanne Goin — deliver vibrant, summer-ready dishes designed to shine alongside a stellar evening of music.
Pair it all with the exceptional wine and craft beer selections curated by Caroline Styne, named Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year by the James Beard Foundation in 2018. Her expert touch extends into the Bowl’s marketplaces, where a carefully chosen retail wine selection offers varietals and bottles for every kind of wine lover — from natural wine fans to Champagne traditionalists.
Overseeing the full spectrum of offerings is Executive Chef Erik Lopez, whose leadership ensures that the thousands of nightly guests at the Bowl enjoy cuisine as unforgettable as the performances.
Because in L.A., dinner and a show doesn’t just mean reservations — it means a culinary experience that plays in perfect harmony with the night.
The markets feature a number of canned wines as well as a wide selection of vegan, organic and biodynamic bottles, including a collection of natural wines from producers including Broc Cellars, Wavy Wines, Nat Cool by Neipoort and Hollywood Bowl wine sponsor WINC wines.
Sip, Savor, Repeat: Market Tastings Return to the Hollywood Bowl
Back for the 2025 season, the beloved Wednesday and Sunday Market Tastings offer concertgoers a chance to kick off their evening with a little something extra — and perfectly poured.
This 16-week complimentary wine tasting series, hosted at the Plaza Marketplace, features an ever-changing lineup of guest winemakers, importers, and sommeliers — each personally selected by Caroline Styne for their unique voice and expertise in the world of wine.
Designed to be immersive, approachable, and full of discovery, these tastings give guests a rare opportunity to engage with some of the most exciting names in wine — many of whom are Styne’s personal friends, collaborators, and inspirations.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just wine-curious, this pre-show ritual is the perfect pairing of education, flavor, and California hospitality — all before the first note plays.
Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options include three sit-down restaurants with seasonally changing menus, street-food kiosks, pre-ordered picnic boxes and a full-service dinner delivered to your box seat. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine provides catering at several locations for groups both large and small.
Updates include a Burrito Kiosk offering three artisan selections, hand-crafted pizzas made with custom dough from Larder Baking Company and four new three-course picnic boxes including The Burton Way with Suzanne’s slow-roasted salmon and jeweled rice.
The seasonal ‘Supper in Your Seats’ menu introduces a Surf and Turf for Two. The three Marketplaces will also feature Rori’s Ice Cream, a beloved treat from Santa Barbara.
Other menu updates are listed below; a library of photos for downloading may be found HERE; photo credit Suzanne Lanza.
Supper in Your Seats – Available by pre-order online until 6 p.m. the day before a performance, Supper in Your Seats offers curated three-course dinners or customized meals from à la carte selections delivered right to your box seats.
Menu Highlight: The Angeleno – spinach and dandelion salad with chickpeas, peppers, cucumber and paprika vinaigrette;
a choice of slow-roasted salmon with turmeric-spiced carrots, charred lemon yogurt and mint or braised short rib with rajas polenta, spinach, crème fraîche and cherry tomatoes; and sticky toffee pudding with medjool dates and tangerines for dessert.
Newly available Supper in Your Seats items for 2025 include:
the bowl chopped salad: cherry tomato, bacon, blue cheese and buttermilk
grilled stone fruit with triple crème, american prosciutto, walnuts and saba
smoked salmon with whipped goat cheese, beets, meyer lemon, dill and crostini
vegetable tagine with saffron couscous, green olives, almonds and meyer lemon harissa
grilled prawns with yellow tomato gazpacho, avocado, cucumber and pepita pistou
chicken paillard with cornbread stuffing, purslane, queso fresco and succotash salsa
SURF ‘N TURF FOR TWO: 32oz tomahawk, butter-poached lobster tail, roasted fingerlings, young broccoli and bearnaise sauce
Ann’s Wine Bar by A.O.C. – Showcasing a wine list personally curated by Caroline Styne, Los Angeles’ favorite wine bar comes to life at the Hollywood Bowl with a wine-friendly menu of artisanal cheese and charcuterie, farmers plates, grilled flatbreads, market-fresh salads and A.O.C.-style fish and meats. There are also craft brews and farmers market-driven cocktails made with soju and other wine-based liquors.
Newly available items for 2025 from Ann’s Wine Bar by A.O.C. include:
focaccia with cana de cabra, roasted tomatoes & almond salbitxada
stone fruit & arugula salad with whipped ricotta, hazelnuts & saba
heirloom tomatoes with dungeness crab, avocado, pepitas & green harissa
green quinoa dumplings with spiced tomato sauce & sumac yogurt
market fish with tomato rice, pea shoots & french feta salsa verde
manila clams with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, rapini & vermouth
pork belly with soft polenta, roasted peaches & calabrian crema
the backyard – The al fresco dining area, adjacent to the amphitheater, is flanked by two large wood-burning grills and offers an updated seasonal market-driven menu of summer salads and starters, in addition to the wood-grilled selection of fresh fish, seafood, organic chicken, chops and steaks.
Newly available items from the backyard this season include:
blue crab tostadas with black beans, avocado and salsa verde
peach and watermelon salad with purslane, cucumber, mint and crumbled feta
dad’s steakhouse salad with heirloom tomatoes, red onion and roquefort
trumpet mushrooms with gingered brown rice, tofu, bok choy and toasted sesame
swordfish panzanella alla puttanesca—tomatoes, capers and black olives
scottish salmon with corn, cabbage, bacon, brown butter and sherry vinegar
chicken breast with spinach, peppers, chickpeas, ricotta salata and olive chimichurri
lamb chops with beluga lentils, marinated beets, avocado, labneh and walnuts
veal chop with potato-mahon gratin, chorizo and pickled golden raisins
rib eye steak with charred spring onion, domingo rojos and almond salbixada
Picnic Boxes – All four of Suzanne Goin’s complete picnic boxes can be pre-ordered a day before a concert and picked up at the Plaza Marketplace or delivered to your box seats.
Menu Highlight: The Burton Way – slow-roasted salmon with jeweled rice, saffron
and zhoug; cucumber salad with labneh, sesame seeds, and za’atar (v)
root vegetable chips (vg) and ricotta cheesecake tart with meyer lemon curd and raspberry (v)
Kitchen 22 – Made-to-order beef and veggie burgers, Suzanne’s Spanish fried chicken, and grilled Comté cheese on Larder sourdough anchor the Hollywood Bowl’s tribute to classic American fare.
Menu Highlight: Big and Juicy Burgers
Marketplaces – Three Marketplace locations – Plaza, East and West – specialize in premium “grab-and-go” sushi from Seaweed in Glendale, plus charcuterie, cheese plates and other snacks. Marketplace East is expanding its selection of sweets, bakery items and frozen treats, including Magpie’s Softserve and Rori’s ice cream.
Showcasing the best of Goin and Styne’s casual Larder café-marketplace, these Hollywood Bowl venues also feature a large selection of hand-picked wines, craft beers, sodas and waters, as well as salty and sweet snacks, including cookies and brownies, candy, nuts and crackers.
Lucques at the Circle – This is a full-service dining experience for Pool Circle subscribers, showcasing a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from the award-winning cuisine of Lucques.
Newly available items for Lucques at the Circle in 2025 include:
carrot and coconut soup with lemongrass and red curry
spinach and dandelion with strawberries, avocado, ricotta salata and candied pecans
cherry tomatoes and roasted peppers with arugula, manchego and piri piri
ginger shrimp with cabbage, cucumber, rice noodles and toasted sesame
eggplant, pepper and tomato gratin with riojana, summer squash and tapenade
grilled halibut with sweet corn, favas, opal basil and cherry tomato brown butter
duck confit with haricots verts, crushed hazelnuts and glazed cherries
grilled rib eye steak frites with arugula salad, caramelized shallots and béarnaise
Street Food and Snacks – Authentic street foods can be found throughout the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl, including Suzanne’s fried chicken, new hand-crafted burritos (including vegan), artisanal pizzas featuring Larder Baking Company dough, pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, epicurean vegan hot dogs and beverages. The Sweet Shop offers signature desserts, cookies and brownies, coffee and ice cream. Visitors will find L.A.’s Magpies Softserve ice cream pies and their mix-in ice creams, which include nondairy and vegan options.
Hillside Bar – New for the season is this premium bar with wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks.
Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
The Academy Award-nominated actress, entrepreneur, and proud Angeleno has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her fan-favorite Seven Daughters Moscato to travelers worldwide. The wine, celebrated for its vibrant, lightly sweet notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, is the latest addition to the cruise line’s Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection.
And for L.A. locals who already know Taraji as more than just Cookie Lyon or Melinda Gayle, this new venture is pure Taraji: bold, inviting, and full of heart.
“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”
Headquartered right in Santa Clarita, Princess Cruises has long been a part of Southern California’s luxury travel DNA. With its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro—just a freeway ride away from Taraji’s hometown hustle—this partnership feels especially fitting. L.A. residents looking for a chic weekend escape can now sip on Seven Daughters while cruising down the Pacific Coast or setting out on a Mexican Riviera getaway, glass in hand and ocean breeze in hair.
“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”
Seven Daughters isn’t just another celebrity wine—it’s a labor of love and creativity. As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has poured her personality into every bottle. For L.A. tastemakers and wine lovers, this means more than a quality drink; it’s a chance to connect with a star who has always stayed rooted in the community.
With her inclusion in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, Henson joins a glamorous circle of fellow celebrity spirits makers including Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson (Meili Vodka), Camila and Matthew McConaughey (Pantalones Organic Tequila), Blake Lively (Betty Booze and Betty Buzz), Liev Schreiber (Sláinte Irish Whiskey), Jason Aldean (Melarosa Wines), Romero Britto (Love Prosecco), and Kylie Minogue (No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé).
For Angelenos used to spotting stars in Studio City or sipping cocktails in West Hollywood, the idea of toasting with a Taraji-crafted wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific feels just right. Whether you’re heading to Catalina for the weekend or sailing out to Alaska, Seven Daughters is now the perfect local-meets-luxury beverage choice.
The Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, launched by Princess Cruises to spotlight exclusive, star-powered wines and spirits, is about more than just sipping—it’s about celebrating. And with Taraji P. Henson at the helm of her Moscato, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass to life, love, and L.A. style.
WWE & Seagram’s Just Dropped Spiked Drinks — and They’re Debuting in LA with a Summer Slam!
Los Angeles, get ready to crack open a can of pure chaos.
In a move that blends bold flavors with body slams, WWE has officially entered the ready-to-drink game, teaming up with Seagram’s Escapes Spiked to launch a first-of-its-kind boozy beverage line — and the big debut is going down right here in LA.
WWE, now part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), has tapped the iconic malt beverage brand for a multi-year partnership, kicking off with the release of the Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series — a trio of hard-hitting, fruit-forward drinks that are as wild as a lucha libre leap off the top rope.
And fittingly, the launch gets its spotlight moment at one of pro wrestling’s most hyped events: Money in the Bank®, happening Saturday, June 7 at the brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood. That’s right — the launch party hits the heart of SoCal, where Seagram’s Spiked will make its official WWE debut in front of thousands of roaring fans and a global live stream.
LA Is the Launchpad for WWE’s Boozy Revolution
For the first time in WWE’s legendary history, the brand is slapping its name on a ready-to-drink alcoholic product — and naturally, they’re doing it big in the entertainment capital of the world.
“This partnership is about tapping into energy, authenticity, and cultural reach,” said Grant Norris-Jones, EVP and Head of Global Partnerships at TKO. “Seagram’s brings flavor innovation, we bring the spectacle. Together, it’s a main event in a can.”
The Flavors? All Heat, No Filler
The Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series isn’t just rebranded drinks — it’s a full-on flavor smackdown designed with wrestling fans (and party people) in mind:
Rumble Punch™ – A high-voltage remix of the fan-favorite “Jamaican Me Happy,” this can brings a rush of strawberry, watermelon, lemon, and guava.
Pineapple Powerhouse™ – Bright pineapple, tart cherry, and lime make this one feel like sipping a sunset in Venice Beach — until it body slams your taste buds.
Slammin’ Blueberry™ – Smooth blueberry and citrusy lemon make this flavor the sweet submission hold you didn’t see coming.
Each one is clocking in at a session-friendly ABV and is available at major retailers across LA County and beyond. From backyard bashes in Echo Park to rooftop viewings in DTLA, these drinks are built for summer in the City of Angels.
From the Ring to Retail — and Into the Streets of LA
As an Official Partner of WWE, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked won’t just be in the ring — it’ll be everywhere. The brand is locking in major visibility during WWE’s biggest shows of the year, including SummerSlam® and Survivor Series®.
Even better? WWE Superstars will be hitting select LA retailers for in-person appearances, giving Angelenos a rare chance to meet their favorite wrestlers and snag some signed swag while stocking up on drinks. Think: your local BevMo! or Vons turning into a full-blown fan fest.
“This is a dream combo for LA,” said Jaime Polisoto, brand director for Seagram’s Escapes. “You’ve got star power, big flavor, and unforgettable events happening in the coolest city in the country.”
Bottom Line: LA, It’s Time to Sip and Slam
WWE and Seagram’s Spiked aren’t just selling drinks — they’re delivering a full-throttle, flavor-fueled experience made for fans who love their entertainment loud, their drinks cold, and their summer unforgettable.
So whether you’re tailgating outside the Intuit Dome, throwing a rooftop watch party, or just posting up with friends in your favorite Silver Lake bar, make sure you’ve got a can of Seagram’s Escapes Spiked in hand.
Because in LA, we don’t just watch the main event — we live it.
Bob’s Well Bread Brings Santa Ynez Flavor to Calabasas for One Day Only
Good news, L.A.: you won’t have to trek to wine country to get your hands on one of the state’s most beloved baked goods. For one day only, Bob’s Well Bread Bakery—the cult-favorite destination from Los Alamos and Ballard—is popping up right here in Calabasas on Saturday, June 7, starting at 9 a.m., hosted by Calabasas Coffee House.
If you’ve spent any time exploring Central Coast food spots, Bob’s is probably already on your radar. From perfect croissants to impossibly crisp ciabatta, Bob’s Well Bread is a bakery that inspires road trips. But for one Saturday only, the drive gets a whole lot shorter.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many loyal customers from Los Angeles who regularly make the trip to the Santa Ynez Valley and often ask us to open a location closer to home,”
Bob Oswaks
Owner
“So when Ian and Lauri Metrose graciously invited us to do a pop-up at their beautiful Calabasas Coffee House, we didn’t hesitate for a moment. It was a resounding yes! We’re thrilled to bring a taste of Bob’s Well Bread to L.A.—all the handcrafted favorites our guests know and love.”
Set in the heart of Calabasas, Calabasas Coffee House will transform into a bakery-meets-café experience for the day, marrying Bob’s signature baked goods with CCH’s stellar coffee program. “We’re huge fans and couldn’t be more excited to bring their pastries and sandwiches to the coffee shop,” says co-owner Ian Metrose. “We know our CCH community will love this! Our goal is always to serve delicious food and drinks that bring people together, and this partnership is a perfect way to do just that.”
The menu for the day is packed with bakery hits, including:
Grab-and-go sandwiches, ideal with a cold brew or cappuccino
And yes—Bob Oswaks will be on-site, chatting with fans and longtime customers, making the experience feel even more personal.
Co-owner Bob Oswaks
For L.A. food lovers who’ve never made the pilgrimage north, this is a rare chance to taste what the hype is all about—without the two-hour drive. Just show up early: lines are expected, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
WHEN: Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. until sold out WHERE: Calabasas Coffee House | 4774 Park Granada, Calabasas, CA
Grab a coffee, load up on carbs, and consider it your Saturday well spent
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com
Heraclea Olive Oil delivers flavor, health and heritage, reveals Berk Bahceci
We are here with Berk Bahceci from Heraclea Olive Oil.
Berk joined me for a conversation (via zoom). Below has been edited for length and clarity. Find the full conversation on our YouTube Channel.
I’m excited because I’ve tasted your olive oils and they’re subtle, they’re flavorful, and there’s a great story behind them. And today I wanna touch on all of that and a little bit more.
Tell me a bit about your background and how you got into olive oil
Berk: Sure. I moved to the United States approximately 10 years ago for college. Actually. That’s how my story here started. I studied economics at UCLA and then I went to law school at UC Berkeley.
But the day I started law school, I realized something was off. I started questioning whether I was the material to be an attorney. Three years passed by. I took the bar exam and started working. In my first year I realized, I don’t want to be a lawyer anymore.
I started looking for an exit plan. So I reflected back on myself, my life, my childhood. What is one thing that would make me wanna wake up every day with excitement?
I realized olive oil is out there. My family owned some olive groves before, but we were never doing this with a business mindset. It was just produced and consumed within family and friends. I came up with the idea to tell my family, why don’t we turn this into a business, create a brand around it, and sell it here exclusively in the United States.
The market itself is very dominated by a couple big players from certain countries.
I did more research and realized that Turkey is the fifth largest importer of olive oil into the United States, but you are not seeing any Turkish brands on shelves.
What’s the reason for that? It’s probably because producers in Turkey don’t have the means to come here, establish a distribution center like channels, and move product. Selling in bulk is the easiest and most convenient way for those people.
But I wanted to bring a new way for the Turkish olive oil in the United States with Heraclea that’s how we found it.
We’re definitely gonna get into Turkey in a second. A lot of the people watching this are wine lovers. Region is very important. So tell us about the region that you’re farming
Berk: Region has an impact on olive oil as well. That’s the reason why the European Union has a scheme called Protected Designation of Origin. I’m sure wine lovers and cheese lovers will know, when I say PDO, the red and yellow emblem that you see on certain products sold in specialty food stores.
PDO is basically a stamp given by the European Union, to distinct products. What do I mean by that? So the variety of olive that we work with is called Memecik. There are over 2000 olive varieties in the world.
Do me a favor, say that variety again and spell it for us.
Berk: It’s called Memecik. It is very unknown, very rare because it is specific to the region that we produce.
And that’s why the European Union has given a couple years ago to this region and this olive variety, A P D O certification. For example, in California most growers are bequia, right? If they were to plant Memecik, which they can, in California, they won’t be able to have this PDO certification.
So PDO only comes if Memecik is grown in Milas. That’s a very special thing for us and we are very proud to be working with a very rare variety. So when you buy olive oil, it is for certain that you won’t taste it with any other brand because it’s distinct to Milas.
Just the same way that champagne only comes from the Champagne of France.
Berk: That’s exactly what I was going to say.
When did you realize the magic and the power of the Memecik varietal?
Berk: This PDO certification is so new that we did not found this business upon that, that certification. It was just an added value with the PDO, but we always knew that our olive oil was distinct in its quality.
It has actually recently been approved by International judges in New York International Olive Oil competition, Japan Olive Oil Competition, Istanbul Olive Oil Competition. We got gold and silver medals from all of these. And this is the first year that we are actively participating in these competitions.
It’s a really good moment for us because usually these things don’t happen in the first or second year. [Usually] you’re a producer for multiple years or maybe generations. So we’re really proud about that.
Congratulations. And just to give someone listening or watching an idea, the scale of these competitions.
Can you estimate how many different olive oils are in that competition?
Berk: I would say in the thousands, 2000. Maybe a hundred companies are winning these awards. You’re in the select field of the top 5-10% in the entire world.
The panel is composed of people from all around the world, from all producing regions, Italy, Tunisia, Greece, Turkey, Chile, Argentina. Experts. So it’s a good indication that the product is at a certain level of quality.
So let’s talk about the behind the scenes and the process of making this award-winning olive oil.
Berk: We have around a hundred acres of land with over 10,000 trees that we take care of with a team of seven full-time on the field every day. We don’t use any fertilizers, we don’t use any pesticides. We don’t use any chemicals. One reason is our grows are literally on the on mountains. They’re not plantations.
Many olive oil brands have what people call “olive farms” where the companies do intensive and super, super high density farming, which means that where maybe 10 trees would go. They plant a hundred trees. So it’s very compact, producing very high yield olives, but lacking taste because they’re fed with irrigation all the time.
So the olives get really big when they’re given water every day, whereas our olives don’t have irrigation because it’s on the mountains. Our olives, in comparison, are relatively smaller, which keeps the aroma very vibrant. That’s actually the secret behind it.
A lot of people who taste our early harvest olive oil say that it’s a little bit bitter, especially right after the harvest. That comes from the antioxidants that are loaded in it. Because our olives are very small. The density of antioxidants is higher, so that’s why the bitterness comes in.
We just prune the trees, cutting the excessive branches because we’re working in a very scarce, nutrient environment. Like I said, no fertilizers, so you have to keep the trees very optimal by cutting the unnecessary trees and branches so that whatever there is in the soil goes to the fruit.
That’s why our team of seven constantly does these kind of things. These kind of physical touches, no like chemical alteration or anything. Around October we start walking around the grow to determine the day of the harvest. That is the most exciting time of the year
Due to not using fertilizers, we really have to optimize the day of the harvest to maximize our production. So when we determine that day, which is mid-October, usually we start harvesting.
We hire local men and women who are living in nearby villages. We go in with a team of 20 to 30.
We keep it for 90 days until January. We don’t want to go into January. Because fruit flies, conditions and a lot of other things impact the quality.
So we try to finish everything from mid-October until January. We work with a local mill to process our olives. We take two batches every day, one in the afternoon and one at night because we don’t wanna wait in between.
If you start harvest at 8:00 AM and harvest until 4:00 PM the olives that you have harvested at 8:00 AM will have waited nine hours before going into the processing machine. We don’t wanna do that because as the olive waits, fermentation starts and the quality decreases.
So we do two deliveries every day to the local mills, one in the afternoon, and one later in the day. This way we ensure that our olives go right into production within two to four hours of harvest. Believe me, we’re working really hard to maintain that.
Then we store our olive oil in stainless steel tanks in temperature and humidity controlled rooms with nitrogen gas used as a buffer between the olive oil and the rim.
Think of a five ton tank. You fill it out, but there’s always some portion of the tank that is left empty and there’s oxygen in that empty part. When olive oil touches with oxygen in the stainless steel tank as it is stored, oxidation starts, which leads to rancidity, which decreases the quality of the olive oil. So we take that oxygen out by pumping in another gas – of course, food grade safety, no worries there.
That’s the level of attention and care we give to our olive oil.
Let’s switch to the the tasty part. Let’s talk about the flavor of your two bottles. Flavor profiles, aroma, anything you’d like.
Berk: So we have two products right now. We’re bringing in a third one soon.
Olive oil is the white bottle which is made from olives that we harvest starting from October until mid-November.
And the moment that we switch from early to mature harvest is when the olives start turning into this purplish color. As months pass the green olives start to ripen and then change in color. When we see that change into purple, that’s the moment we say, okay, early harvest is done.
Now we’re doing mature harvest and then everything else that we harvest mid-November, till January, is considered mature harvest. That’s the distinction between the two.
The mature harvest is the black bottle. And when it comes to flavor profile, there’s one disclaimer that I wanna make, uh, in general about, uh, these, uh, like.
Flavor profiles. I think to really understand and feel and get this smell. In any olive oil, you have to have a sensory memory, have that experience in your mind, I still remember it.
Here’s an example from my sensory memory:
We had a walnut tree right across the street by our house, and there was a fine paper-like cover, outside of the walnut. Right before they mature, we would take from the tree and taste it and it’s bitter. So that [bitter] taste is in my sensory memory right now.
Same as tomato stems. Like if you touch a tomato plant with your hands and play around and then smell your hands, you’re going to get a very unique tomato stem smell, and that’s like embedded in your mind now. So from now on, every time you taste an olive oil, if there is that distinct smell or taste in it, that’s how you recognize it.
So in our olive oil, early harvest, for example, I get the notes of freshly cut grass, tomato stems, walnuts, banana.
What I was told in this olive oil school that I went to in Spain is, get your hands out there. Touch everything, smell everything. Taste everything. That’s how you develop your sensory memory.
And that’s how you become, as people say, familiar. But you know, like you don’t have to have a certificate to be one. You know, you just go out there and taste stuff and try to. Memorize and remember those smells and tastes.
I was talking to somebody earlier this week about food pairings and he had a similar answer, which was be curious.
Exactly. Taste things, touch things, smell things, and be curious.
I know your website has a cookbook, let’s talk about some of your favorite food pairings with your olive oil
Berk: I love drizzling our early harvest on cheese plates. That’s my favorite thing. Early harvest is more for finishing dishes because it has a bitter aroma to it.
If you cook with it, you may have a bitter taste in the food. Actually, I know people who cook with our early harvest. I know people who drizzle with our mature harvest, so it’s not set in stone.
It really depends on what you like, but generally, early harvest is better for drizzling over salads. Hummus, cheese. Sometimes I dip my bread in it.
That’s a tradition we have in Turkey sometimes, find a piece of bread and dip that into your olive oil, and that’s a good breakfast.
Mature harvest is for everything else. Cooking, baking, marinating. A lot of people are saying that they use it for marinating.
Anything else you want us to discover about olive oil?
Berk: Our goals are twofold. One is, olive oil is a very healthy product for human consumption, There is research showing that the positive effects on health of olive oil, daily consumption of olive oil. We believe that a product that is so healthy for humans should do no harm to the environment.
It’s production should not cause any more trouble to our Mother Nature. That’s why we’re not using fertilizers. That’s why we’re not using pesticides. We think there’s a solution in nature to resolve any problem that these things claim to be curing. That’s number one, producing as environmentally friendly as possible.
Number two is to introduce to the world the intricacies of Turkish cuisine. It is beyond just kebab. It is just one meal in thousands of distinct and unique recipes. And the way that we treat these recipes are not just a list of ingredients.
To us, these are stories from past generations and that Turkish cookbook has 550 very distinct recipes. Each recipe is associated with a specific region or maybe sometimes even a village.
It almost sounds Farm To Table.
Berk: Exactly. That’s the goal. We’re small batch and we have really certain values and principles.
Are there any specific health benefits that you wanna cover?
Berk: There are a lot. There are a lot of research. I’m not a scientist. I’m not a doctor. But consuming olive oil daily helps with chronic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases. Type 2 diabetes, and many more.
We have lab reports showing the amount of antioxidants in our olive oil, which is around 500 milligrams per liter, which is a high amount. Consuming antioxidants is healthy. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory effects as well.
When you consider all of these things and if you consume fats, why don’t you switch to a healthy alternative where research shows that its consumption helps you.
That’s why as a layman I recommend consuming olive oil on a daily basis.
Berk, you’ve given us a lot of good information. You’ve given us a lot of tasty ideas.
Let’s talk about how to buy and how to, how to where we can buy your olive oil.
Berk: We’re available online at heraclea.co. There is no “m” at the end.
We will very soon be available on Amazon.
If you are in New York, we will soon be available in NoHo. Manhattan. Then if you are in Seattle, very soon we will be available in a grocery chains in Seattle.
Hopefully by end of this year we will be in over a hundred physical locations
Hunted Alba White Truffles — Chilli No. 5 Unveils Limited Great Taste Award-Winning White Truffle Hot Sauce
Chilli No. 5 launches a new batch of 50 bottles of magnificent White Truffle Hot Sauce to compete with Truff, the industry leader and USA truffle sauce master.
The only difference is Chilli No. 5 uses real white truffles from Alba in the Piemont and has won the Great Taste Award in 23.
Priced at £25/30€/$ per 100ml, it solidifies its position as one of the priciest and fanciest hot sauces in the global market.
Every October, Chilli No. 5 founder Rumble Romagnoli visits Alba in Northern Italy to hunt and handpick white and black truffles that are used to make a yearly batch of the Chilli No. 5 White Truffle Hot sauce.
Truffle Hunter – Renzo, and Lagotto Romagnolo truffle dog – Charlie
The team has a dedicated Truffle Hunter – Renzo, and Lagotto Romagnolo truffle dog – Charlie to find the best truffles in the world. They also benefit from access to the truffle forest that has belonged to Renzo’s family for generations.
“Truffles are like diamonds. They cannot be made.
You have to find them.
Rumble Romagnoli
Founder
“…Each one is unique. Close your eyes and bring the forest to life with this uber-umami white truffle sauce unmatched so far in the industry.” – Rumble Romagnoli founder says.
Romagnoli adds “You can understand that no expense was spared in sourcing the finest white truffles, carefully handpicked to ensure their unparalleled quality and aroma. Blended with a mix of fresh mushrooms such as Porcini, Ceps, Chantrelles, Girolles, and Morilles, this creation is a true culinary gem.”
According to the Great Taste Award Judges “It becomes clear very quickly that this sauce has been made with real skill. The truffle is very much present but tamed at all times. The additional mushrooms combine for a really characterful sauce that offers umami in spades but has some acidity, tang and sweetness too. On top of all this artistry, there’s the late and subtle arrival of chilli heat to round it all off. This is a very complex sauce, but very accessible too.”
This unique White Truffle Hot Sauce will be a versatile addition to kitchens, grills, and BBQs all over the world used not only as a condiment, but also as marinade, and a BBQ sauce. Traditionally, truffle is used on plain pasta, risotto, or grilled meats to enhance the complexity of this unique flavour. The intoxicating aroma and robust, earthy flavour of white truffles create a truly sensory experience that will transport you to a world of culinary luxury.
Chilli No. 5’s White Truffle Sauce is a limited-edition offering, available for a limited time as only 50 bottles are produced each season. This new batch left the Chilli No. 5 kitchens today, so don’t miss the opportunity to add this rare delight to your upcoming culinary repertoire.
Chilli No. 5’s White Truffle Sauce is the perfect choice for discerning home cooks, food enthusiasts, and those seeking to impress guests with a touch of decadence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting an intimate dinner party, or simply indulging in a gourmet home-cooked meal, this sauce will leave a lasting impression.
This limited-edition White Truffle Hot sauce goes with everything and is perfect for a chilli sauce gift in its designer sustainable packaging.
To explore the rich flavors of Chilli No. 5’s White Truffle Sauce and elevate your culinary creations, visit Chilli No. 5’sWebsite.
Secret of Caesar salad: John Robert Sutton Reveals on “Foods That Matter” Podcast
The Caesar salad was NOT invented in Italy!
The iconic dish, celebrating its 100th birthday this year, has roots in Tijuana, Mexico.
Foods ThatMatter John Robert Sutton
To celebrate, podcast host of CurtCo Media’s Foods That Matter and seasoned food archaeologist John Robert Sutton joined Juan José “Tana” Plascencia, the owner of Caesar’s Restaurant – home of the first Caesar salad – in person.
To eat some original recipe salad and chat about how, why, where, and by whom the dish came to be one of the most popular menu items in the US.
John and Tana’s intriguing conversation, starting with the recipe’s origins and ending with its worldwide prominence, is available on Foods That Matter on all major podcast platforms. You get a firsthand look at the backstory of Caesar salad, delving into all the rich flavors and history that made it such an important influence in the dining world.
Near or visiting Tijuana?
Join Tana at the centennial celebration at Caesar’s Restaurant on July 7, 2024. Plus, if you tell Tana that you listened to this episode of Foods That Matter – Celebrating 100 Years of Caesar Salad with the Origin Story that Starts in Tijuana, Mexico – he will give you the authentic recipe to take home!
About Foods That Matter: Come along for a culinary thrill as Foods That Matter transports foodies to corners of the world through stories of adventure with food archeologist John Robert Sutton, also known as ‘The Indiana Jones of Food.’
John unlocks the secrets to the globe’s extraordinary cuisines, as he’s been doing throughout his travels in over 120 countries while enriching top grocery stores and Michelin-starred chefs with the finest ingredients and powering them with quality products.
The presenting sponsor of Foods That Matter is Watkins, award-winning extracts, spices & herbs, seasoning blends, grilling rubs & marinades, artificial dye-free baking decorations, and more crafted in the USA since 1868. The show is available on podcast platforms, includingApple Podcasts,Amazon Music,Spotify, YouTube and Goodpods.
About CurtCo Media: CurtCo Media – with its talented producers and creative team – provides listeners with quality podcasts, featuring authoritative hosts, distinguished guests, and inspiring storytellers. The company presents many nationally-recognized series, covering topics such as scripted sci-fi (SOLAR), luxury (Cars That Matter, Travel That Matters, Wines That Matter) and others.
