Santa Monica legend Raphael Lunetta on food, friendship, and feeding Larry David. Plus, RIP Cole's, goodbye to The Angel, and apologies to Evan Funke.

Santa Monica’s dining scene wouldn’t be what it is without Chef Raphael Lunetta. This week on The LA Food Podcast, host Luca Servodio sits down with the legendary chef behind Lunetta, Marelle, and the iconic JiRaffe to reflect on nearly 40 years in the kitchen. From pioneering California cuisine alongside Josiah Citrin to becoming a regular haunt for Larry David (yes, Curb Your Enthusiasm fans, this one’s for you), Lunetta shares stories, insights, and what keeps him inspired.Plus: the shocking closure of Cole’s after 117 years, the return of Gladstone’s, the El Gato Night Market, and a farewell to The Angel—one of LA’s most essential independent food publications. Oh, and Luca issues a heartfelt apology to Evan Funke.Also check out our sister shows Taqueando with Bill Esparza and Let It Rip, the companion pod for FX’s The Bear.🔥 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