Remembering KCBS Food and Wine editor Narsai David

Narsai David, Food and Wine editor for KCBS Radio, has died at age 87. Today, the station remembers his unforgettable tips as well as his accessible, and sometimes surprising, approach to being a food star.

David was born to Assyrian parents in South Bend, Ind., and grew up in Turlock, Calif. There, he developed a passion for food from his mother, who taught him how to can peaches. By 1970, he had opened his own restaurant, Narsai’s Restaurant in Kensington.

Narsai’s Restaurant became a destination for a budding culture of people who now call themselves “foodies” and David became an originator of farm-table cuisine.  He fed rock royalty such as the Rolling Stones, and actual royalty from the U.K. That led to a TV show, newspaper columns and, eventually, a show on KCBS Radio starting in the 1980s.

Leading up to July 4, 2022 , he offered some tips for anyone entertaining over the summer.

“There is always some sausage in the freezer,” he said. “I’m very big on freezing, meats. It’s just very handy to take something out of the freezer and pop it... in the pan.”

KCBS Radio anchor Rebecca Corral, former KCBS Radio director of news and programing Ed Cavagnaro and more shared memories from David’s decades at the station. Cavagnaro also shared that the food expert was deeply involved in philanthropy.

After a fall at his home last year, David’s health began to decline. Corral visited the culinary legend during his final weeks – she said he was still slicing deserts and laying them out for guests even as he dealt with pain.

He is survived by his wife, Venus, and his son Daniel, as well as friends, family, fans and listeners.