Show 273, May 12, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a sinful preview of this Saturday’s appropriately decadent show. We’re in fabulous Las Vegas…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 probably a pretty good thing…

Vegas Uncork'dWe’re live from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Resort for today’s special show. It’s Vegas Uncork’d Weekend here and the mega-star celebrity chefs with high-profile restaurants in Sin City are in town for the four days of extensive festivities.

As part of the first evening of Vegas Uncorked The Chefs of Thomas Keller Present a French Soiree”. It sold out right away. The two lead chefs are Chef de Cuisine Josh Crain of Bouchon Las Vegas and Chef de Cuisine Matt Alba of Ad Hoc and Addendum in Yountville, CA. Chef Josh joins us.

Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo skillfully merges classic steakhouse with innovative and unique culinary techniques. It’s all enhanced by more than 60 wines-by-the-glass and more than 400 varieties of French and California wine-by-the-bottle. Our guest is Lou Hirsch, the General Manager, known in Vegas for his gracious hospitality.

John Kunkel, owner and founder of 50 Eggs Inc.’s newest concept Chica Las Vegas at The Venetian delivers the robust and vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine combined with a dynamic wine and mixology program. Crafted by celebrity Latina chef Lorena Garcia, the diverse menu draws inspiration from classic renditions and provides guests the opportunity to explore the flavors of Latin American cuisine as one culture, with influences from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, among many more. Chef Lorena pops out of the busy Chica kitchen to chat.

Veteran Las Vegas insider and widely-followed food journalist Al Mancini works alongside The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s long-time restaurant critic Heidi Knapp Rinella. As a Staff Writer he covers the burgeoning food scene in Las Vegas both in the print and online versions of the daily newspaper. Al also posts food & libation related videos. We pull him away from the Vegas Uncork’d festivities for an update.

Juyoung Kang is the lead bartender at The Dorsey at The Venetian. She was the Nevada Restaurant Association’s Bartender of the Year in 2015. For Vegas Uncork’d she stars in Saturday afternoon’s “Behind the Bar: Learn the Craft of Cocktailing with Masters of the Bar at The Venetian & The Palazzo.” We’re shaking craft cocktails with Juyoung.

For the 3rd time in the show’s history we’re happily broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo. It’s a sport’s fan’s and foodies’ paradise. Lagasse’s Stadium is the ultimate sports bar: a restaurant with stadium-seating featuring elevated game-time classics and gourmet options from Emeril Lagasse. Robert DeLillo, the Executive Sous Chef for Exec Scott Pajak is our guest.

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Las Vegas is a truly special dining experience. General Manager Aaron Pannell who is responsible for managing all aspects of the restaurant and related Bouchon Bakery joins us.

All of this and much more deliciousness on today’s overflowing show!

May 12: Live from Vegas Uncork’d and Lagasse’s Stadium

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Josh Crain, Chef de Cuisine, Bouchon Las Vegas
Segment Three: Lou Hirsch, General Manager, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo Resort
Segment Four: Miami’s Lorena Garcia, Executive Chef, Chica at The Venetian Resort
Segment Five: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Segment Six: Celebrity Mixologist Juyoung Kang, Head Bartender, The Dorsey at The Venetian
Segment Seven: Executive Sous Chef Robert DeLillo, Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo
Segment Eight: Aaron Pannell, General Manager, Bouchon Las Vegas and Bouchon Bakery

Now a sinful preview of this Saturday’s appropriately decadent show. We’re in fabulous Las Vegas…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 probably a pretty good thing…

Vegas Uncork'dWe’re live from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Resort for today’s special show. It’s Vegas Uncork’d Weekend here and the mega-star celebrity chefs with high-profile restaurants in Sin City are in town for the four days of extensive festivities.

As part of the first evening of Vegas Uncork’d “The Chefs of Thomas Keller Present a French Soiree”. It sold out right away. The two lead chefs are Chef de Cuisine Josh Crain of Bouchon Las Vegas and Chef de Cuisine Matt Alba of Ad Hoc and Addendum in Yountville, CA. Chef Josh joins us.

Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo skillfully merges classic steakhouse with innovative and unique culinary techniques. It’s all enhanced by more than 60 wines-by-the-glass and more than 400 varieties of French and California wine-by-the-bottle. Our guest is Lou Hirsch, the General Manager, known in Vegas for his gracious hospitality.

John Kunkel, owner and founder of 50 Eggs Inc.’s newest concept Chica Las Vegas at The Venetian delivers the robust and vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine combined with a dynamic wine and mixology program. Crafted by celebrity Latina chef Lorena Garcia, the diverse menu draws inspiration from classic renditions and provides guests the opportunity to explore the flavors of Latin American cuisine as one culture, with influences from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, among many more. Chef Lorena pops out of the busy Chica kitchen to chat.

Juyoung Kang is the lead bartender at The Dorsey at The Venetian. She was the Nevada Restaurant Association’s Bartender of the Year in 2015. For Vegas Uncork’d she is starring in Saturday afternoon’s “Behind the Bar: Learn the Craft of Cocktailing with Masters of the Bar at The Venetian & The Palazzo.” We’re shaking craft cocktails with Juyoung.

A new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too. They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on this Saturday evening, May 12th. We’ll chat with Founder Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

For the 3rd time in the show’s history we’re happily broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo. It’s a sport’s fan’s and foodies’ paradise. Lagasse’s Stadium is the ultimate sports bar: a restaurant with stadium-seating featuring elevated game-time classics and gourmet options from Emeril Lagasse. Robert DeLillo, the Executive Sous Chef for Exec Scott Pajak is our guest.

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Las Vegas is a truly special dining experience. General Manager Aaron Pannell who is responsible for managing all aspects of the restaurant and related Bouchon Bakery joins us.

Josh CrainAs part of the first evening of Vegas Uncork’d The Chefs of Thomas Keller Present a French Soiree”. It sold out right away. The two lead chefs are Chef de Cuisine Josh Crain of Bouchon Las Vegas and Chef de Cuisine Matt Alba of Ad Hoc and Addendum in Yountville, CA. Chef Josh joins us.

“Tucked away in the Venezia Tower sits Bouchon by Thomas Keller, a chef whose French cuisine has won almost every award possible: Michelin Stars, James Beard Foundation, and what Anthony Bourdain called “the best restaurant, ever.” Now you don’t have to go to French Laundry in Yountville to taste his genius — a modern take on French cuisine. Sunday brunch is the standout here, set in the sunlit bustling bistro or al fresco on the patio. An oyster bar that begins at 3 p.m. is the perfect setting for an afternoon with a bottle of rosé poolside. Of all the French restaurants Las Vegas offers, Bouchon is at the top of the must-visit list.”

Having worked so long at the original Bouchon in Yountville, Chef Josh brings to Bouchon Las Vegas an understanding of the restaurant’s sensibility and the importance of making time for meals to be a special occasion.

Louis HirschMorels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo skillfully merges classic steakhouse with innovative and unique culinary techniques.

Highlights include an iced seafood bar and a cheese and charcuterie bar with more than 60 farmhouse and artisanal cheeses from around the world with handmade salamis and meats.

It’s all enhanced by more than 60 wines-by-the-glass and more than 400 varieties of French and California wine-by-the-bottle.

With both wet-and dry-aged steaks as well as a sinful array of desserts, the Las Vegas steakhouse menu also includes a myriad of tasty and colorful handcrafted cocktails that Thrillist says distinguishes Morels as one of the “40 best steak restaurants in Las Vegas.” Outdoor patio seating provides stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Our guest is Lou Hirsch, the General Manager, known for in Vegas gracious hospitality.

Lorena GarciaJohn Kunkel, owner and founder of 50 Eggs Inc.’s newest concept Chica Las Vegas at The Venetian delivers the robust and vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine combined with a dynamic wine and mixology program.

Crafted by celebrity Latina chef Lorena Garcia, the diverse menu draws inspiration from classic renditions and provides guests the opportunity to explore the flavors of Latin American cuisine as one culture, with influences from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, among many more.

Boasting the first Latina chef on the Las Vegas Strip, Chica promises to delight its diners with an astounding array of amazing dishes. Each and every bit of culturally unique food finds its pedigree equally in the homes of Peru or El Salvador as it does in the top restaurants of Mexico or Argentina.

The home cooking that is enjoyed by the people of Central and South America finds a home here in Chef Garcia’s kitchen, enhanced and made even more vibrant for Chica. Latin Fusion cuisine is Chef Garcia’s forte, and it shows: appetizers, main courses, desserts, and even the libations are specially crafted for their heritage and made to fit the modern, dynamic venue of Chica.

Chef Lorena pops out of the busy Chica kitchen to chat.

Juyoung KangJuyoung Kang is the high-profile lead bartender at The Dorsey at The Venetian. She was the Nevada Restaurant Association’s Bartender of the Year in 2015. For Vegas Uncork’d she is starring in Saturday afternoon’s “Behind the Bar: Learn the Craft of Cocktailing with Masters of the Bar at The Venetian & The Palazzo.”

Stunning design and true cocktail culture have found a memorable new home in The Dorsey. At The Dorsey old school service standards and superb cocktail craft live within a thoughtfully designed enclave of warmth, ease, and comfort.

The Dorsey is bold and versatile. Drop by for effortless conversation with cocktail classics or settle in for the evening, to make new acquaintances, over shareable craft punch bowls. “The Penicillin” is a signature favorite, identified by The New York Times as one of eleven essential drinks of the modern cocktail revival.

Stop by later in the night and experience live curated music by renowned DJs who spin old school classics and newer tunes that fit the vibe.

We’re shaking craft cocktails with Juyoung.

Joe IsidoriA new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too.

They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th.

“Kick it late night at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer for a night of burgers, beats, and of course, shakes on Saturday evening, May 12th., Join Chef/Owner Joe Isidori and chow down on Black Tap’s award-winning craft burgers, and for one-time-only, create your very own CrazyShake™ milkshake. With a curated list of specialty “Vegas Uncork’d” ingredients, guests can let their imagination and taste buds go wild with a custom shake. For those ready to show their talents, there’ll be a lip-sync battle to wow the crowds with your favorite 80s pop and 90s hip hop, including special prizes! Attendees will sample mouthwatering snacks, burgers, and signature cocktails with a live DJ spinning tunes to keep the vibes pumping.”

We’ll meet Founder & Chef Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

Robert DeLilloFor the 3rd time in the show’s history we’re happily broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo. It’s a sport’s fan’s and foodies’ paradise. Lagasse’s Stadium is the ultimate sports bar: a restaurant with stadium-seating featuring elevated game-time classics and gourmet options from Emeril Lagasse.

Lagasse’s Stadium combines Emeril Lagasse’s signature cuisine and kicked-up game day eats with more than 100 HD TVs including a 9 foot x 16 foot main TV, luxury boxes, plush stadium-style seating, billiard tables, and an expanded 1,800 square foot outdoor patio just steps from the Strip.

The expansion Vegas Golden Knights are the unlikely sports darlings of this hockey season. They are now, unbelievably, well on their way towards possibly competing for the coveted Stanley Cup. There are also Golden Knights specials on the Lagasse Stadium menu.

Robert DeLillo, the Executive Sous Chef for Exec Scott Pajak is our guest.

Aaron PannellThomas Keller’s Bouchon Las Vegas is a truly special dining experience. General Manager Aaron Pannell who is responsible for managing all aspects of the restaurant and related Bouchon Bakery joins us.

It’s a spectacular location for Weekend brunch on the lushly landscaped patio looking over the rooftop pool in the Venezia tower.

Known for its artisanal breads and traditional French desserts, Bouchon Bakery (2 locations at The Venetian) offers handmade viennoiserie, confections, pastries, tarts and cookies, as well as sandwiches and salads made in-house daily.

Espresso drinks and coffee custom-blended by Chef Keller’s longtime partner Equator Coffees & Teas, are offered year-round.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Josh Crain, Chef de Cuisine, Bouchon Las Vegas
Segment Three: Lou Hirsch, General Manager, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo Resort
Segment Four: Miami’s Lorena Garcia, Executive Chef, Chica at The Venetian Resort
Segment Five: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Segment Six: Celebrity Mixologist Juyoung Kang, Head Bartender, The Dorsey at The Venetian
Segment Seven: Executive Sous Chef Robert DeLillo, Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo
Segment Eight: Aaron Pannell, General Manager, Bouchon Las Vegas and Bouchon Bakery

Show 272, May 5, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s appropriately satiating show. 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 probably a pretty good thing…

It’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to, of course, encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC. We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

We’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us this morning previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

Crustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

A new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too. They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th. We’ll meet Founder Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

The respected food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.” The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

Our culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in January of 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals. Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome. Time to proudly wave the flag…

“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.

Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers. For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family. Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

All of this and much more deliciousness on today’s overflowing show!

Show 272, May 5, 2018: Chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Las Vegas

Joe IsidoriA new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too.

They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th with Burgers & Beats at Black Tap with Chef / Owner Joe Isidori.

“Kick it late night at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer for a night of burgers, beats, and of course, shakes on Saturday evening, May 12th., Join Chef/Owner Joe Isidori and chow down on Black Tap’s award-winning craft burgers, and for one-time-only, create your very own CrazyShake™ milkshake. With a curated list of specialty “Vegas Uncork’d” ingredients, guests can let their imagination and taste buds go wild with a custom shake. For those ready to show their talents, there’ll be a lip-sync battle to wow the crowds with your favorite 80s pop and 90s hip hop, including special prizes! Attendees will sample mouthwatering snacks, burgers, and signature cocktails with a live DJ spinning tunes to keep the vibes pumping.”

We’ll meet Founder & Chef Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

May 5: Golden Road Pub OC, Susan Feniger, Crustacean Beverly Hills, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Steve Dolinsky, Robert Sulatycky, Paul Bartolotta

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Henry Tran, Golden Road Pub OC, Anaheim
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
Segment Four: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills
Segment Five: Chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Las Vegas
Segment Six: Food TV’s Steve Dolinsky, “The Hungry Hound”, ABC 7 TV, Chicago
Segment Seven: Team USA’s Chef Robert Sulatycky and Chef Paul Bartolotta
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish & Raw Bar by Slapfish

We’re back on The Mainland…

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s appropriately satiating show. 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 probably a pretty good thing…

It’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC. We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

We’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

Crustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

A new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too. They are also part of Vegas Uncorked festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th. We’ll meet Founder Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

Food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.” The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

Our culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in early 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals. Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome. Time to proudly wave the flag…

“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.
Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers. For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family. Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

Henry TranIt’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC.

We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

Thankfully this is not typical pub grub served at Golden Road. You’ll initially come for the incredible craft beer selection (40 rotating selections on tap) but the food is destination-worthy, too. Chef Henry comes from TAPS and The Catch so he knows his way around a menu. Surprisingly there are many Vegan options, too.

Instead of Avocado Toast look for Fried Avocado Tacos with corn slaw, black beans, shaved cabbage, tomatillo salsa and chipotle cream. How about Duck Confit Fries?

From the sea the IPA Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels with Vietnamese sausage in a yuzu burre blanc is a standout.

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernWe’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th (5:30 p.m. VIP / 6:30 p.m. GA) at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

For LA Times Food Bowl, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken will host Plant Power, the No Beast Feast, a garden party focusing on the region’s bountiful produce. On the upper plaza of Border Grill in downtown Los Angeles, guests will be treated to a variety of signature bites and an interactive dessert bar at this al fresco strolling event.Featuring an international lineup of prominent chefs, this seasonal, vegetarian and vegan extravaganza will showcase innovative vegetable-driven cuisine paired with fine wines, beers and handcrafted cocktails from female winemakers, brewers and distillers.

Besides Milliken and Feniger, participating chefs include cookbook author Nadine Redzepi (Noma), Monique Fiso of New Zealand (Hiakai), Akasha Richmond (Akasha), Antonia Lofaso (Scopa Italian Roots), April Bloomfield (Hearth & Hound), Brooke Williamson (Playa Provisions), Dahlia Narvaez (Mozza), Dakota Weiss (Sweetfin Poké), Jazz Singsanong (Jitlada), Niki Nakayama (n/naka), Nyesha Arrington (Native Santa Monica), Roxana Jullapat (Friends & Family), Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson (Kismet), Sherry Yard (iPic Theaters), Shirley Chung (Ms. Chi), Tanya Holland (Brown Sugar Kitchen), Valerie Gordon (Valerie Confections), and more.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Girls Inc. and the James Beard Foundation Women’s Leadership Programs to support the advancement of young girls and the empowerment of women in the hospitality industry.

Elizabeth AnCrustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

Crustacean launched its new lunch service this week. Lunch service is available Tuesday – Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Some of the new and notable lunch menu items are the BAHN MI (all served with house made potato crisp and Yuzu crème fraîche) and NOODLES & RICE (three varieties of pho, including a VEGAN option, and those XO cognac noodles) sections.

Crustacean will be open exclusively for Mother’s Day brunch service on Sunday, May 13 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM.  The restaurant is not usually open for brunch on weekends but the “mother of fusion” cuisine, Chef Helene An wants to treat fellow mothers with her famous fare on this extra special day.  The menu will be the full dinner menu, which includes the An family iconic Secret Kitchen dishes garlic noodles and garlic roasted crab.

Joe IsidoriA new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too.

They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th.

“Kick it late night at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer for a night of burgers, beats, and of course, shakes on Saturday evening, May 12th., Join Chef/Owner Joe Isidori and chow down on Black Tap’s award-winning craft burgers, and for one-time-only, create your very own CrazyShake™ milkshake. With a curated list of specialty “Vegas Uncork’d” ingredients, guests can let their imagination and taste buds go wild with a custom shake. For those ready to show their talents, there’ll be a lip-sync battle to wow the crowds with your favorite 80s pop and 90s hip hop, including special prizes! Attendees will sample mouthwatering snacks, burgers, and signature cocktails with a live DJ spinning tunes to keep the vibes pumping.”

We’ll meet Founder & Chef Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew GruelRespected food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.”

The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

The James Beard Award-winning The Feed Podcast is a collaboration between Chicago Chef/Restaurateur Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Leña Brava) and 13-time James Beard Award winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky.

“They’ve known each other for 20 years, and have always craved a food program on the radio that included great sound. Sadly, there was none, so in January, 2014, they launched The Feed Podcast. The show jumps all over the globe – wherever their jobs take them – since Rick also hosts the Public Television series “Mexico: One Plate at a Time,” and Steve also writes for the Travel sections of the Chicago Tribune and The Globe and Mail in Canada.”

“Each show tackles a different subject: wine, spirits, food trends or audio postcards from foreign cities, but some also tackle issues like seafood sustainability and the ability of some diners to “buy” reservations at restaurants. The more evocative side of their reporting comes through in on-the-road shows where either Steve or Rick describe how a particular dish is made (Korean fried chicken, ramen, croissants) then devour it with pleasure as they describe what they’re tasting.”

Paul BartolottaOur culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in late January of 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals.

Team USA (Chef Matthew Kirkley and Commis Mimi Chen) prepared Chilean Salmon Roulade and Suckling Pig Presented Three Ways.

“The Bocuse d’Or is about promoting local and traditional gastronomy, but also revealing young Chefs from all countries in the world. The candidates invest tremendous time and energy in the preparation for the contest, in the national and continental selections, to promote their culinary legacy and win their ticket to go to the Finale that can change their lives and careers.”

Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome from Mexico City. Time to proudly wave the flag…

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.

Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers.

For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family.

Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Henry Tran, Golden Road Pub OC, Anaheim
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
Segment Four: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills
Segment Five: Chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Las Vegas
Segment Six: Food TV’s Steve Dolinsky, “The Hungry Hound”, ABC 7 TV, Chicago
Segment Seven: Team USA’s Chef Robert Sulatycky and Chef Paul Bartolotta
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish & Raw Bar by Slapfish