Rebel Kitchens Is A Feast For The Eyes

A word to the wise, don't watch Rebel Kitchens Southern California on an empty stomach, because this PBS SoCal series follows four incredibly talented chefs making the most appealing culinary fare. Not only are they cooks, pit masters and entrepreneurs, but they are also innovators in the hospitality world.

Made by Antonio Diaz, the founder and director of Life & Thyme, he also co-produced and helped played a key creative role in production and creative direction. As a dynamic storyteller, Diaz's engaging food documentary educates viewers about the difficulties in open a restaurant in Greater Los Angeles. Each chef star of the series showcases their special talents and innovative dishes, while sharing their story about dealing with city rules and regulations. From food pop-ups to backyard dining halls, visits to local gardens and some of LA's favorite street vendors, these four chefs are fusing flavors in creative and unexpected ways.

Learn about Chef Daniele Uditi Chef and Founder of LeLe Dinner Club, and Chef and Co-Owner of Pizziana. He brings the flavors of his hometown of Napoli into an intimate family-style underground supper club experience in Los Angeles. Opening this dining concept 8 years ago to help save costs, he explores the traditions of Italian cooking fused with entertaining guests in almost a home-style atmosphere. Chef Daniele shares how he smuggled his family 69-year old sourdough starter from Italy. This starter gave him the confidence to succeed as an award-winning culinary entrepreneur. His secret to success is his welcoming personality, cooking skills and the fresh produce he purchases from a friend's thriving backyard garden.

Those who enter the historic town of San Juan Capistrano will smell the pleasing aroma of Chef Daniel Castillo's legendary Heritage BBQ. This rebel chef reconnects with his roots while overcoming adversity, and finds spirituality through flames, heat and fire. His craft brings Texas-California style BBQ specialities to Orange County fans and Los Angelenos willing to make the drive. He goes outside the box to make his award winning barbecued meats and side dishes. His barbacoa tacos are a pleasing multi-sensory experience with every bite.

Pastry Chef Ellen Ramos of Santa Canela shares her story of growing up in LA, tradition and modernity in the world of Latin American pastries. See her in action in her Highland Park panadería making her iconic LA shaped churros. Chef Ellen rides a Vespa (inspired by the hit show Lizzie McGuire) through Los Angeles to visit her favorite street vendors. She shares how her family heritage inspires her creative fare, and gives viewers a peek into how she has become a LA superstar breaking into the traditional pastry world.

With love and devotion to honor his late mother, Chef Okay Inak of Sora Craft Kitchen infuses his fine dining skills with Turkish culinary traditions. Growing up in Turkey, this award winning chef moved to New York to work at some of the finest dining establishments, including acclaimed Eleven Madison Park and Per Se. Later he moved to Los Angeles to work at the fine dining Mélisse restaurant. His inspiration and passion for cooking is from his mother. He enjoys bring her kitel, a Turkish dumpling filled with meat to LA diners. Operating a restaurant solely by himself in Downtown LA, Chef Okay cooks, cleans, and serves guests to help save money. His beautiful ceramic serving plates are as unique and appealing as the menu items he prepares on Wednesday through Sunday. Diaz said, "Chef Okay is the hardest working chef I know."

Be sure to watch Rebel Kitchens Southern California this weekend of PBS So Cal: December 22 showtimes are at 12 am and 2 pm. The following week the show can be viewed on December 27 at 12 pm, and December 28 at 7 pm and three different times on December 30, 2025.