January 21: James Republic, Mad Hungry Woman, Sam King, West Coast Prime Meats, Wine Exchange, Pizza Throwdown

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer
Segment Two: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants & Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mag Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Four: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part Two
Segment Six: The “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson on Chicken
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: The Pizza Throwdown. OC Baking’s Dean Kim and Brent Omeste of Centro Collective

The Dumpling Trail in Richmond British Columbia“The SoCal Restaurant Show” is going international. On Saturday morning, January 28th the show is live from Richmond, B.C. (“Where the Far East Meets the Canadian West Coast”) for their festive celebration of Chinese New Year.

Now am enticing preview of this Saturday’s overflowing show with Co-Host & Executive Producer Andy Harris. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually probably a pretty good thing…

The Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the best dining destinations in Long Beach. On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular with Chef Amar Santana to benefit Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Our regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of her “Best Meal” of 2016. Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) it turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego!

The original Water Grill, one of the area’s best fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet. We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

Chicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

How about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us. He’ll preview the expectations for the 2016 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

We love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP and General Admission tickets are available.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Dean James MaxThe Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the best dining destinations in Long Beach. Their Brunch is a standout, too. Think Chorizo & Cheddar Croissant.

On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular along with Chef Amar Santana (Vaca & Broadway by Amar Santana) to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chef Amar is a distinguished C-CAP Alum.

The evening includes a cocktail reception with local craft beer, sparkling wine and still wine and passed hors d’oeuvres. Then it’s a sumptuous seated dinner with three waves of ample food platters served Family-style. Each wave of the three incudes separate platters from each chef. That’s three platters of delights for each wave. Dessert and gourmet chocolates conclude the festivities. If you go away hungry it’s your own fault. There is also both a live & silent auction with crave-worthy items with great appeal for any foodie.

Tickets (and there are only 150 reservations available) are $195 per guest with $150 of that being Tax Deductible.

Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the tempting highlights of her Best Meal” of 2016.

Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) It turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego! A new executive chef is stirring the pot there with the unexpected addition of some Filipino ingredients.

Think Venison Tartare…

Sam KingThe original Water Grill, one of the area’s best fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet.

Focusing on first-of-season seafood, Water Grill prides itself in offering the broadest selection of fin fish, oysters, crustaceans and shellfish to its guests.

“It’s been a dream of ours to bring Water Grill to Orange County,” says Sam King, CEO of the Orange County based King’s Seafood Company. “We hold this project near and dear to our hearts, and we’re so excited to open Water Grill right here in our own backyard. We look forward to sharing our passion for outstanding quality seafood and attentive service with our longtime friends and neighbors.”

The largest Water Grill to date, the nearly 18,000 square-foot restaurant and adjacent patio were designed in partnership with Hatch Design Group. Taking inspiration from a refurbished ship, the restaurant features reclaimed locally-sourced woods and authentic nautical components paired with rustic and iron finishes. A central, copper-top bar anchors the space, while an additional bar is located in the outdoor patio area, offering a multitude of seating options.

The 500-seat restaurant boasts several private dining options and multiple event spaces, ideal for intimate celebrations, business gatherings, large parties and charity events.

We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

King’s Seafood Distribution, the company’s private seafood distribution operation based in Santa Ana, CA provides all the seafood for Water Grill’s menu. Streamlining the process from ocean to table, King’s Seafood Company provides the best quality and largest variety of available seafood to its 20 restaurants. Menus are crafted daily to account for freshly caught fish and seasonal culinary changes for Water Grill guest to enjoy.

“We’re lucky to have incredibly long-lasting relationships with fishermen and purveyors along both coasts, providing a vast selection of quality products for our restaurants,” said King. “We pride ourselves in having a wide variety of fresh seafood. Our continued goal is to have as many live products as possible.”

King’s Seafood Company is based in Costa Mesa, California and has evolved from more than 70 years of family restaurant and hospitality experience, opening their first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1945. Founded by cousins Sam and Jeff King, the company operates six different restaurant concepts that include the King’s Fish House concept with 11 locations throughout Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.  King’s also operates King Signature Group, which includes Water Grill in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica South Coast Plaza, Dallas and San Diego, 555 East in Long Beach, Lou & Mickey’s in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, Pier Burger on the Santa Monica Pier, and Fish Camp in Huntington Beach.

Chicken 101 from the Meatheads at West Coast Prime MeatsChicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. What should you know about the antibiotics in fresh chicken that many of the fast food chains have promised to eliminate?

Also, what is Free Range Chicken anyway? Is it really worth the premium price?

We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeHow about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us.

Kyle will preview the expectations for the 2016 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

Pizza ThrowdownWe love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking Co. in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP & Regular Admission tickets available.

It all began when Chefs Chad Urata and Brent Omeste of the embryonic Centro Collective challenged OC Baking Company’s Master Baker Dean Kim to a pizza throwdown. Not realizing that Dean thrives on wagers, Dean took it one step further and enlisted veteran OC pizza master Sandro Nardone to join him.

When other chefs caught wind of it via social media, The Veterans’ team is now six strong with the addition of Chef Dee Nyugen, Chef Greg Daniels, Lisa Gilmore and of course, Chef Bill Bracken.

On Sunday, January 29th, the friendly rivalry will include both teams creating their best pizza to be judged by participants at the event. Who will win the challenge? You be the judge!

All tickets (VIP @ $50 & General Admission @ $20) include pizza, non-alcoholic beverages and a token to vote for your favorite team.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer
Segment Two: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants & Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mag Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Four: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part Two
Segment Six: The “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson on Chicken
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: The Pizza Throwdown. OC Baking’s Dean Kim and Brent Omeste of Centro Collective

Show 191, October 1, 2016: Anita Lau, Mad Hungry Woman blogger

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanThe Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, joins us with a gem of a San Diego County dining discovery in Del Mar. This is Tasting Room Del Mar with both outdoor and indoor seating.

Earlier in his career the chef there, Steven Lona, was part of the opening team at both Marche Moderne in South Coast Plaza as well as Charlie Palmer’s at Bloomingdales in South Coast Plaza. No wonder the food is first-rate.

The standout dish for Anita was the Pork Belly “because it is absolutely fantastic.” The full review is available on her blog.

Anita also shares her first impressions (especially the libations) of the long-in-the-works El Mercado Modern Cuisine in Santa Ana. This is a new concept from the chef/proprietor (Daniel Godinez) of the highly regarded Anepalco.

Show 182, July 30, 2016: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman blogger

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, has just returned from a visit to Melbourne and Victoria state in Australia. Among her finds is Bass & Flinders, a boutique gin distillery in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

Anita joins us with her spirited report.

“Founded in 2009 by Wayne Klintworth and Bob Laing, Bass & Flinders is an artisanal distillery, producing grape spirit using a traditional Alembic Pot Still to create a range of world‐class distillations including award winning gins, Australia’s first grape based Vodka, Limoncello, Grappa and an outstanding five-year aged spirit, Ochre.”

All the reporting on Anita’s recent trek to Melbourne (Victoria) and Brisbane (Queensland) is available on her Web site. Included is the full commentary on her comprehensive tasting at Bass & Flinders distillery.

Show 165, March 26, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosChef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish fame returns next Saturday on April 2nd. He’s in Dallas with the honor of presenting the Keynote for the Restaurant Franchising Summit.

Now a sneak preview of Saturday’s mouthwatering show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

When partners Chef Michael CimarustiCraig Nickoloff and Donato Poto collaborate on a food venture you expect nothing but the very best. This is the same team that created Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood. Newly launched from this prominent culinary group is Cape Seafood and Provisions, a sustainable seafood market, on N. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. General Manager Ted Bassetti reels in all the 411 for us.

The 2nd Annual SOCO Uncorked in Costa Mesa returns on Thursday, March 31st at South Coast Collection and The OC Mix. Event organizer Nancy Milby of LCA Wine and participating Chef & Restaurateur Noah Blom of ARC (and the soon to be Restaurant Marin and The Guild Club) join us with a tasty preview.

PUBlic 74 opened quietly in San Juan Capistrano last year. On the menu are unusual libations and substantial pub food presented in a rustic gastropub setting. Partner and Executive Chef Gerry Kent is our guest.

It’s our regular monthly wine education segment with the always engaging, Kyle Meyer, co-proprietor of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, and our resident wine authority. You see the word “Reserve” on many USA produced wines. Does this have any real legal definition or is it just a catchy marketing term? You’ll be surprised…

The ambitious 4th Street Market in Santa Ana just celebrated its first Anniversary. The establishment is a contemporary, destination Market Hall with a lot of intriguing differences. It’s always evolving based on patron feedback. 4th Street Market is the dream project of proprietor Ryan Chase of S&A Management. We’ll meet him.

Smog City Brewing Co. was established back in 2011 and moved into their own brewery and Taproom facility in Torrance in 2013. It’s a proudly family-run craft brewery focused entirely on creating and distributing exceptional beers. Our guest, Co-owner Laurie Porter, fosters community relationships and builds Smog City’s presence.

Our regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of a magnificent Chinese New Year banquet she enjoyed with colleagues as well as profiles a bakery/café with an Irish twist that’s one of San Diego’s hottest brunch spots.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Show 165, March 26, 2016: Anita Lau, Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of a magnificent Chinese New Year banquet she enjoyed with colleagues as well as profiles a bakery/café with an Irish twist that’s one of San Diego’s hottest brunch spots.

Anita enjoyed a lavish Chinese New Year repast with prominent San Diego chefs (including the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s Bernard Guillas) at the reenergized Emerald Chinese Cuisine in San Diego. The 12-course dinner was a “journey of Hong Kong classic cuisine with a modern inspiration.”

Anita’s brunch discovery is Chef Maeve Rochford’s Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla. Chef Maeve was the winner of Season 2 of Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship.” She is also very prominent in the expatriate Irish community in California. In addition to the crave-worthy baked goods Chef Maeve features recipes from her Irish grandmother. Think Rochford’s Shepard’s Pie and Erie Hash.

“This blog (Diary of A Mad Hungry Woman) is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I’m passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn’t end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.”

When Anita is not writing or researching food she serves as Co-President of the Los Angeles / Orange County Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Read both restaurant profiles with mouthwatering photos on Anita’s Website.

March 26: Cape Seafood, SOCO Uncorked, PUBlic 74, Wine Exchange, 4th Street Market, Smog City Brewing, Mad Hungry Woman

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Ted Bassetti, General Manager, Cape Seafood and Provisions
Segment Three: 2nd Annual SOCO Uncorked
Segment Four: Executive Chef Gerry Kent, PUBlic 74, San Juan Capistrano
Segment Five: Kyle Meyer, Co-Founder & Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange
Segment Six: 4th Street Market, Downtown Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Laurie Porter, Smog City Brewing Co., Torrance
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

It’s finally Spring and Angels’ Baseball is back. Be listening to the show for your chance to win a four-pack of ducats for Sunday, April 3rd at Angel Stadium when our Halos take on the Chicago Cubs! For all Home Games remember to purchase your tickets at the convenient Angel Stadium ticket office or online at Angels.com.

Now a sneak preview of Saturday’s mouthwatering show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you famished and parched. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

When partners Chef Michael Cimarusti, Craig Nickoloff and Donato Poto collaborate on a food venture you expect nothing but the very best. This is the same team that created Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood. Newly launched from this prominent culinary group is Cape Seafood and Provisions, a sustainable seafood market, on N. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. General Manager Ted Bassetti reels in all the 411 for us.

The 2nd Annual SOCO Uncorked in Costa Mesa returns on Thursday, March 31st at South Coast Collection and The OC Mix. Event organizer Nancy Milby of LCA Wine and participating Chef & Restaurateur Noah Blom of ARC (and the soon to be Restaurant Marin and The Guild Club) join us with a tasty preview.

PUBlic 74 opened quietly in San Juan Capistrano last year. On the menu are unusual libations and substantial pub food presented in a rustic gastropub setting. Partner and Executive Chef Gerry Kent is our guest.

It’s our regular monthly wine education segment with the always engaging, Kyle Meyer, co-proprietor of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, and our resident wine authority. You see the word “Reserve” on many USA produced wine labels. Does this have any real legal definition or is it just a catchy marketing term? You’ll be very surprised…

The ambitious 4th Street Market in Santa Ana just celebrated its first Anniversary. The establishment is a contemporary, destination Market Hall with a lot of differences. It’s always evolving based on patron feedback. 4th Street Market is the dream project of proprietor Ryan Chase of S&AManagement. We’ll meet him.

Smog City Brewing Co. was established back in 2011 and moved into their own brewery and Taproom facility in Torrance in 2013. It’s a proudly family-run craft brewery focused entirely on creating and distributing exceptional beers. Our guest, Co-owner Laurie Porter, fosters community relationships and builds Smog City’s presence.

Our regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of a magnificent Chinese New Year banquet she enjoyed with colleagues as well as profiles a bakery/café with an Irish twist that’s one of San Diego’s hottest brunch spots.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Ted BassettiWhen industry veterans and partners Chef Michael Cimarusti, Craig Nickoloff and Donato Poto collaborate on a food venture you expect nothing but the very best. This is the same team that created the uber-successful Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood.

Newly launched from this prominent culinary group is Cape Seafood and Provisions, a sustainable seafood market, on N. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles.

Cape Seafood and Provisions aims to provide guests with sustainable wild-caught whole fish, and custom filets, in addition to a variety of prepared items including housemade stocks and sauces, and grab-and-go dishes such as chowder and lobster rolls. For those who prefer turf over surf, the shop will also carry natural and USDA Prime steaks and chops from West Coast Prime Meats (Brea, California), which also supplies product to Providence and Connie and Ted’s.

“With Cape Seafood and Provisions, we look forward to sourcing the seafood people cook in their homes, and to further educate guests about what types of fish are safe to buy,” says Cimarusti. “If clients can’t find what they want in the shop, I will do my best to procure it within 48 hours,” he adds, provided it aligns with the shop’s sustainable prerequisites.

Cape Seafood and Provisions will offer the freshest seafood available from sustainable fisheries, sourced locally when possible. Daily selections may include sustainably caught whole, filleted, and portioned fish, East and West Coast oysters, live spot prawns, crabs, lobsters (when in season), clams and mussels, scallops, live uni (in season) and cleaned uni in trays, fresh and frozen shrimp and squid, and imported and domestic caviar.

The market will also sell a selection of “under-appreciated” species of fish, most notably California Groundfish such as Chuckleheads, Vermillion Snappers, Sheepshead, and Rock Cod, whose populations have recently been restored through fisheries management and Marine Protected Areas.

General Manager Ted Bassetti reels in all the fresh 411 for us.

SOCO Uncorked 2015The 2nd Annual SOCO Uncorked in Costa Mesa returns on Thursday, March 31st at South Coast Collection and The OC Mix. Event organizer Nancy Milby of LCA Wine and participating Chef & Restaurateur Noah Blom of ARC (and the soon to be Restaurant Marin and The Guild Club) join us with a tasty preview.

SOCO Uncorked is unlike any other wine and food festival – it is truly a collaboration between all the tenants at  South Coast Collection (SOCO) and The OC Mix. Bites are provided by the culinary offerings at the food hall, including award-winning restaurants like Taco MariaPueblo, ARC, and more. To create the dishes, they use tenant offerings like Savory Spice Shop for all their rubs and spices. Nancy Milby and Master Sommelier Peter Neptune work with the restaurants individually to pair a wine varietal based on the dish they serve.

SOCO’s own Chef Noah Blom, owner and chef of the award winning ARC restaurant at SOCO, will demonstrate (as part of SOCO Uncorked) how to deconstruct a duck, and discuss how all of the various and sundry parts are used. Small bites will be offered of the delicious morsels, featuring duck of course, and will represent all three of Chef Noah’s SOCO restaurants, including the highly anticipated Restaurant Marin and The Guild, both coming soon to SOCO. Wines will be provided be Gerard Bertrand of the southwest of France.

Gerry KentPUBlic 74 opened quietly in San Juan Capistrano last year. On the menu are unusual libations and substantial pub food presented in a rustic gastropub setting. This is from the same team who created the popular PUBlic House in Old Town Temecula in 2008.

With ambiance designed to be industrial, relaxing, and rustic, PUBlic 74 features Edison light bulbs, reclaimed wood, and corrugated metal ceilings. The dining area and bar are full of varied details to offer patrons a true gastropub feel and experience. With two flatscreen televisions and private seating arrangements for up to 30 individuals, PUBlic 74 welcomes a wide variety of clientele. Its family friendly focus can be seen in its menu “For the Littles.”

They also offer select tables and booths to offer patrons the chance to enjoy the ambience of the dining room in close proximity to the bar and kitchen.

House specialties include the Destructed Chicken Pot Pie. It’s an herb grilled chicken breast atop sautéed Spring vegetables.

Partner, Founder and Executive Chef Gerry Kent is our guest.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeIt’s our regular monthly wine education segment with the always engaging, Kyle Meyer, co-proprietor of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, and our resident wine authority.

You see the word “Reserve” on many USA produced wines. Does this have any real legal definition or is it just a catchy marketing term? You’ll be very surprised…

Also Kyle will suggest that perfect pairing for your Easter lamb.

Ryan ChaseThe ambitious 4th Street Market in Santa Ana just celebrated its first Anniversary. The establishment is a contemporary, destination Market Hall with a lot of differences. It’s always evolving based on patron feedback. It’s also an active culinary testing lab for restaurants concepts that have evolved beyond a food truck but are not quite ready for a full-fledged restaurant.

“Where food creators come to learn and grow & foodies enjoy the fruits of that labor.”

“4th Street Market in Downtown Santa Ana is a progressive culinary hub inspired by the spirit of creative chefs, food artisans, and small business entrepreneurs. Originally the longstanding Santa Ana Swap Meet, 4th Street Market features fifteen thoughtfully curated vendors, 10 incubator kitchens, seating for three hundred guests, and more. 4th Street Market invites guests to relax, drink and dine, meet up with friends and family, and enjoy the multitude of activities in the Downtown Santa Ana’s revitalized East End.”

“Open seven days a week, 4th Street Market greets the morning with third wave coffee, creative juice blends, baked goods and dedicated breakfast cafes, with the remainder of the market opening for lunch, dinner. 4th Street Market offers an eclectic mix of dining options, a European inspired butcher shop, ten rental kitchens (including three gluten free and one confectionary), a craft cocktail, beer garden, a cutting edge graffiti wall by Tyke, Ewok and Aloy, a living wall by LiveWall, and a specialty food shop.”

Also featured in 4th Street Market is Electric City Butcher by Michael Puglisi, a unique, European-inspired butcher shop. Chef Puglisi & Electric City Butcher focus on whole animal butchery, nose to tail usage, and classic charcuterie.

4th Street Market is the dream project of proprietor Ryan Chase of S&A Management. We’ll meet him.

Laurie PorterSmog City Brewing Co. was established back in 2011 and moved into their own brewery and Taproom facility in Torrance in 2013. It’s a proudly family-run craft brewery focused entirely on creating and distributing exceptional beers.

Jonathan Porter is the Head Brewmaster and Co-owner of Smog City Brewing Co. He’s an award-winning brewer with three Great American Beer Festival medals, most recently a Gold on 2012 for his Groundworks Coffee Porter. He has worked with area chefs to pair craft beers with well-crafted meals. Porter strives to produce well balanced, pleasing, unique and challenging beers.

Our guest, Co-owner Laurie Porter, fosters community relationships and builds Smog City’s presence. She oversees sales, marketing and distribution. “If Smog City is pouring, she’s probably not far away.”

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of a magnificent Chinese New Year banquet she enjoyed with colleagues as well as profiles a bakery/café with an Irish twist that’s one of San Diego’s hottest brunch spots.

“This blog (Diary of A Mad Hungry Woman) is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I’m passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn’t end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.”

When Anita is not writing or researching food she serves as Co-President of the Los Angeles / Orange County Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Ted Bassetti, General Manager, Cape Seafood and Provisions
Segment Three: 2nd Annual SOCO Uncorked
Segment Four: Executive Chef Gerry Kent, PUBlic 74, San Juan Capistrano
Segment Five: Kyle Meyer, Co-Founder & Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange
Segment Six: 4th Street Market, Downtown Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Laurie Porter, Smog City Brewing Co., Torrance
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

Show 154, January 9, 2016: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s hugely caloric but always healthy show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

Charcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.

The 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier. John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a preview of what’s in store.

We’d love to see you in San Diego on Saturday, January 16th. The producers of The Travel & Adventure Show have graciously extended a exclusive discount offer for our listeners for both One Day & Two Day admissions. A One Day Adult admission is $10 (versus $16) and a Two Day Adult Admission is $18 (versus $25.) Use the Offer Code: “JOHN.” Just visit their website and click on “Buy Tickets.”

Inspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA. Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the Winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines. Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.

“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine. Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.” Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.

Chef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost,Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.

Belfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.

Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Show 154, January 9, 2016: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanAnita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…

British Hong Kong showcased traditional, authentic and refined cuisine. The perfect surviving example is the fine cuisine that is still available at the always elegant Peninsula Hotel. Contemporary fine dining in Hong Kong right now is more ostentatious.

Contemporary fine dining right now in Hong Kong is more ostentatious. Anita points out that a lot of the big deal celebrity chefs with restaurants there are seldom actually in Hong Kong. Oops…

“This blog (diary of a MAD HUNGRY WOMAN) is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I’m passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn’t end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.” Anita Lau

January 9: Josiah Citrin, Michael Hung, San Diego Travel and Adventure, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards, Blackmarket Bakery, Gerri Gilliland, Mad Hungry Woman

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Venice, CA
Segment Three: 3rd Annual San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
Segment Four: Elliott Dolin, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards”
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, Viviane Restaurant, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Segment Six: Pastry Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s hugely caloric but always healthy show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

Charcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.

The 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier. John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a preview of what’s in store.

Inspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA. Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the Winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines. Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.

“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine. Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.” Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.

Chef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.

Belfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.

Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Josiah CitrinCharcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.

As the name suggests, the daily menu features craveable comfort foods cooked over a live fire via a wood oven, over charcoal, in the coals, or in a Big Green Egg – imparting a smoky, backyard barbeque flavor with the use of premium oak and hickory lump coals. Adding to the communal atmosphere of the restaurant, these dishes are all large, family-style portions meant to be shared.

Citrin also offers starters, including a unique tartare selection, such as beef heart and lamb, alongside a selection of farmers’ market vegetables including a whole head of cabbage baked in the coals until it’s completely black on the outside and smoky on the inside.

“This is the type of casual concept I’ve always wanted to open. It’s the food that I prepare for my friends and family in my backyard on the weekend. Not too fancy, just delicious food that you crave,” says Citrin. “Mélisse is your special occasion restaurant, while Charcoal Venice is an every night place for a refreshing beer and a perfectly grilled entrée.”

Travel and Adventure ShowThe 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show in the IFWTWA booth on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier.

This year’s event features a larger expo hall, with more travel destinations and expanded content and seminars. America’s favorite Travel Show series is sure to spark your wanderlust. Consider it the trip you take before your trip!

The Travel & Adventure Show matches travel enthusiasts with the top travel providers from around the globe to craft custom experiences that turn your ordinary get-aways into extraordinary vacations creating lasting memories for years to come.

From Mammoth Lakes to Malaysia, Fiji to Florida, you will browse a huge variety of travel providers, and experience culture-rich demonstrations from your dream destinations. Interact with thousands of domestic and international destinations and travel experts that can help you plan your next vacation, customize your trip, and give you the expert, inside knowledge you need to “travel like a local”.

John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a tempting preview of what’s in store.

Elliot DolinInspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA.

Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines from such highly regarded vineyards as Talley Rincon, Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills. In 2015, Dolin Estate will introduce additional single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from the Central Coast.

Following their first vintage of Dolin Estate Chardonnay, Elliott and Lynn Dolin looked to the Central Coast to find a winemaker whose experience exceeded what was available in Southern California. They set up a meeting with Kirby Anderson at their Malibu Coast Vineyard, and right away they knew they had found a winemaker who shared their appreciation for wines made in a seamless, silky and voluptuous style. In 2010 Kirby began making Dolin Estate’s Chardonnay, and in 2012 he helped expand the portfolio to include Central Coat Rose of Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir.

Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.

Michael Hung“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine.

Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.”

“We love classic American and European cuisine. Dishes as simple as a properly roasted chicken or decadent as lobster cloaked in cognac and cream speak to us. At Viviane, we revive these flavors with a sense of California freshness. We present them to you with care. We hope a conversation begins with you.”

Tucked in a secluded residential neighborhood adjacent to some of Los Angeles’ most famous restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills was originally built in 1949 as the Beverly Carlton. Once a home-away-from-home for mid-century celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the hotel got a second life and its current name when it was revamped by The Kor Group and Kelly Wearstler Interior Designs in 1999.

Today, the property comprises three unique structures – the Olympic Building, Beverly Tower and Cañon Building – and offers 84 guestrooms, a full-service wellness studio, an hourglass pool and patio with outdoor dining.

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.

Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery and the CampChef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs.

Built in 1928, the Santora building houses the bakery’s 2,300-square-foot space, adding a “retro” feel with art-deco elements, reminiscent of simpler times. As the largest Blackmarket Bakery yet, the Santa Ana location remains family friendly as it sees the addition of new menu items, including craft beers and hard ciders. The menu will also feature a new lineup of savory “bar bite” offerings, sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads, seasonal salads and sweet and hearty brunch items (the latter of which will be coming this Spring).

Like its Costa Mesa counterpart, which opened in 2012, the Santa Ana restaurant focuses on its made-from-scratch daily retail offerings such as Chef Rachel’s artisanal breads and now-famous “eggywiches,” as well as delectable desserts, including the Total Eclipse Mousse Cake, Cookie Monster Bread Pudding, and her ever-popular Black Widow Tart. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in Blackmarket signature cookies, including Walnut Mudslides, Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, and the Classic Two Tone.

“Expanding into the Santa Ana market will allow us to serve even more of our community,” explained Chef Rachel, who opened her first Blackmarket Bakery in an industrial park in Irvine back in 2004. “The addition of craft beer and hard cider, as well as an expanded menu of family friendly favorites, gives our Santa Ana location a little something for everyone.”

Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.

Geraldine GilliliandBelfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. The ambiance is genuine Irish charm.

“Finn McCool’s is a stunning old world Gastro-pub with a modern sensibility & heavy emphasis on quality food & drinks. Designed with rich wood, antique Gaelic stained glass and gorgeous original art that was dis-assembled, shipped over from Belfast, Northern Ireland through the Panama canal and meticulously re-assembled on Main Street in Santa Monica. Finns boasts over 18 beers on tap, 200 whiskeys and an impressive menu of quality traditional & modern offerings from the newer “Build your own Burger” and “R&D Menu” (where customers get to help choose the next menu items) to classic offerings like “Fish & Chips in a Newspaper”, “Guinness Irish Stew” and the iconic “Irish Breakfast”.

Executive Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, whose career spans 3 decades, 2 continents & several lauded restaurants, launched Finn McCool’s in 2002 hot on the heels of her much loved restaurant “Gilliland’s”, “Jake & Annies” and her other restaurant, “LULA Cocina Mexicana”, also in Santa Monica.”

“2015 Irish Woman of the Year” was awarded to Chef Geraldine Gilliland by The City of Los Angeles and the L.A. City Council. She was nominated for the honor by Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011.

We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.

2016 has been designated the year of food and drink in Northern Ireland, and Gerri will give us some insight on contemporary food tourism there.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanAnita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…

British Hong Kong showcased traditional, authentic and refined cuisine. The perfect surviving example is the fine cuisine that is still available at the always elegant Peninsula Hotel. Contemporary fine dining in Hong Kong right now is more ostentatious.

“This blog (diary of a MAD HUNGRY WOMAN) is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I’m passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn’t end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.” Anita Lau

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Venice, CA
Segment Three: 3rd Annual San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
Segment Four: Elliott Dolin, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards”
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, Viviane Restaurant, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Segment Six: Pastry Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

Show 150, December 12, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, soon, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

West Coast Prime Meats CookbookWe got a tremendous response to our segment last week on the publication of the West Coast Prime Meats CooksProfessional Recipes for the Home Kitchen cookbook. It’s the ideal gift for the serious home cook and it’s also a worthy coffee table volume. All the chefs’ recipes have been tested to be duplicated in the home kitchen. It’s available through their website at www.WestCoastPrimeMeats.com

for a modest $25.00. Five Dollars of the purchase price goes to a pair of outstanding supports groups for our Veterans, The Wounded Warrior Project and The Gary Sinise Foundation – Serving Honor and Need. It’s the Holiday gift you can feel really good about giving.

Next a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high-energy and appropriately festive show and not, with apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

For the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso and Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs and Lemonade. Chef Marlene shares some tips for creative Holidays dishes with a true Southern flair. Think marination and jerk seasoning.

They always do it B-I-G in Las Vegas. What’s billed as the culinary event of the year, Ultimo – A Weekend of Excellence, hosted by The Venetian and The Palazzo, will take culinary extravagance to new levels, December 17th through the 20th. The highlight of the festivities will be the competition to select Team USA representing the United States in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or international cooking competition in Lyon, France in early 2017. This is the Olympics of the culinary arts.

Chef Richard Rosendale (Richard Rosendale Collective) is our guest. He is on the Chef Jury on Dec. 17th in Las Vegas and led Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or in 2013.

In 2011, beer enthusiasts Meg Gill and Tony Yanow founded Golden Road Brewing to bring fresh beer to the local market in the most sustainable way possible.  “Golden Road is committed to engaging and supporting the growing community of socially-minded beer enthusiasts.” “Brewed and canned in Los Angeles,” Golden Road’s year-round offerings include Point the Way IPA, Golden Road Hefeweizen, Get Up Offa That Brown and Wolf Among Weeds IPA. Co-founder Meg Gill is our guest

Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is just back from a 3-week visit. We’ll get a insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British and now under Chinese authority.

One of the up-and-coming wineries in the Guadalupe Valley in Northern Baja is Lechuza, founded in 2005. It’s owned by Ray Magnussen (with his wife, Patty) who is also the hands-on winemaker. They are Americans. We’ll meet Ray.

Our regular Guest Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, was just in Chicago, a great dining out city whether you’re going for high-end gourmet or great street food. Chef Andrew will discuss his finds ranging from a true Chicago hot dog experience to the best in coal-fired pizza.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!