SoCal Restaurant Show January 10, 2026 Hour 1

“Merenda is a neighborhood wine bar and retail wine shop in south Oceanside. The Kitchen cooks with what’s local to the area and takes cues from the mediterranean, serving mezze-style plates and handmade pasta. The wine list highlights small producers, grower champagne, orange wines and chilled reds that feel right by the coast. Merenda is relaxed, flavorful, and meant to be shared.” Merenda is one of the participating restaurants in the upcoming 2nd Annual Swell Plates series in Oceanside running from January 14th to February 11th. Merenda’s featured dish is a classic jambon-beurre paired with a responsibly made Grüner Veltliner. Owners Aaron Crossland and Lauren Crossland-Marr join us to uncork all that is Merenda Wine Bar.“Bravo’s “Top Chef” star Amar Santana’s long-running Costa Mesa Spanish-inspired concept is now bringing the flavors of Barcelona to DTLA. Blending classic taperia with rustic steakhouse, Vaca celebrates all things Spain with a selection of paellas, a legit jamon program, and cocktails featuring beloved staples like Gin and Tonics and Spanish vermouths. VACA brings Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía, Sevilla, and the Basque Country to the heart of Los Angeles. The menu ranges from traditional tapas to modern interpretations of classic dishes, respecting both genuine Spanish cooking and Chef Amar Santana's nature to re-imagine food cultures. With a superior meats program, and a beverage program that combines Spanish drinking culture with modern American cocktailing, VACA delivers an authentic Spanish restaurant experience to the center of Los Angeles.” Proprietors Chef Amar Santana and Ahmed Labbate join us.