SoCal Restaurant Show January 4, 2025 Hour 2

December 2024 marked the 20th Anniversary of Baby Blues BBQ in Venice. They recently reopened (with a complete renovation) after a devastating fire. “Meat up at this LA take on a down-south smokehouse—Baby Blues fires up savory by the pound, serving quality ‘que to LA’s throngs of Dixie transplants. From the peppery punch of the Sliced Brisket Platter, to some good ol’ fashioned fried green tomatoes, the comfort-fueled menu presents enough smoke and soul to satiate even the most homesick southerner. Each table is equipped with an assortment of house-made regional-style sauces, including a molasses-based sweet BBQ sauce and the legendary “XXX” sauce, a one-two-three punch of habanero, poblano, and serrano, for those looking to eat the heat.” Founder & Proprietor Rick McCarthy describes their BBQ style as “hybrid,” with notes pulled from North Carolina, Texas, and Memphis. Rick is our guide to all things Baby Blues BBQ.“Perry's, the multi-award-winning wine & liquor store, based in Provincetown, Cape Cod, MA, opened the new Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors Palm Springs late last year. This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone in the history of Perry’s, as they bring their unique combination of service, selection and community commitment, that has made Perry’s a beloved institution in Provincetown, to the vibrant community of Palm Springs! The year 2024 was not just another year for the Perry’s business; it marks 90 years since Bert Perry first opened the doors of his eponymous store in Provincetown, Cape Cod, MA. A pillar of the Provincetown community, Bert was known for his warmth, character and integrity, and ran his store for over 50 years. Over the years since, successive owners have built on his legacy to create the much loved, award-winning business it is today.”Charlie Greener and Billy Marshall, the current owners of Perry’s, bring their own unique story to the business’ legacy and are our guests.Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Looking ahead in 2025 are Smashburgers still a trend? How about more pickling of vegetables? Chef Andrew shares his informed thoughts.