In this new PBS SoCal web series co-produced with Life & Thyme, Rebel Kitchens Southern California pulls back the curtain on a new breed of culinary rebels—chefs who’ve rejected the traditional playbook. From nomadic street cooks and popup concepts to reimagined dishes that challenge the status quo, these SoCal cooks are fusing flavors in unexpected ways.
Season 2
Season 2 | Episode 1
Heritage Barbecue by Chef Daniel Castillo
Chef Daniel Castillo reconnects with his roots, overcomes adversity, and finds spirituality through his craft at his Texas-California Style BBQ restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, where he tends the fires and slow cooks his own unique BBQ specialties.
Season 1
Season 1 | Episode 1
Poltergeist by Chef Diego Argoti
Chef Diego Argoti creates surreal fusion cuisine, marrying Latin, Italian, Arab and Asian dishes at his restaurant, Poltergeist. Set in the beloved Echo Park barcade, Button Mash, it is a manic space that perfectly fits the chef’s hyper-visual and hyper-flavorful foods.
Season 1 | Episode 2
Evil Cooks by Chefs Alex and Elvia Garcia
Alex García and Elvia Huerta infuse their pop-up, Evil Cooks, with a dash of witchcraft and a heavy dose of attitude. This traveling culinary experience merges the grit of street taquero culture with the raw energy of metal and punk music.
Season 1 | Episode 3
Perilla by Chef Jihee Kim
At Perilla LA, Korean transplant Chef Jihee Kim brings traditional preserved dishes from her homeland and infuses them with seasonal Southern California produce at her deli-style banchan shop.
Season 1 | Episode 4
Comedor Tenchita by Doña Tenchita
Doña Hortensia “Tenchita” Melchor hosts a thriving Mexican restaurant in her own Mid-City backyard, serving traditional Oaxacan food in Los Angeles.
Season 1 | Episode 5
ILÉ by Chef Tolu ‘Eros’ Erogbogbo
Nigerian Chef Tolu ‘Eros’ Erogbogbo takes us on a culinary journey across West Africa, capturing the diverse and unique flavors of each country while telling folk tales for each dish.