Show 188, September 10, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Brea, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for Rams and USC Football, is back as today’s special Guest Host. In May in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association’s annual conclave he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a pleasantly tempting preview of Saturday’s ample show and 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 a pretty good thing…

“Today’s top-flight University chefs are likely to be as savvy and competitive as their independent restaurant peers. Eric Ernest, the accomplished fine-dining chef who has headed University of Southern California Hospitality since 2012, knows this all too well.” Chef Eric is also USC Hospitality’s Associate Director of Purchasing, Logistics & Special Projects. He’s our guest.

Carlito Jocson is the long-time Executive Chef, Vice President and Managing Partner of Yard House. With lightening speed he revamped the entire menu of the original Yard House in Long Beach right before they opened in 1996. It’s been a wild ride ever since for the last 20 years. They now have 65 busy locations across the country in 13 states. Chef Carlito joins us with this absolutely incredible success story.

Pizzeria Ortica, the well-respected Italian restaurant (launched in 2009) located across from South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, has added an artfully crafted Sunday brunch to its already well-received lunch and dinner service. Executive Chef Justin Miller (who has been in the kitchen since the beginning) joins us in-studio to share the inviting details.

The 4thannual James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®, is The Foundation’s celebrated national culinary tour. Taste America is bringing together world-class chefs in ten U.S. cities, including the launch in Los Angeles on September 23rd at Vibiana, where Taste America All-Star Chef and James Beard Award-winner Scott Conant (ImperoCaffè, New York) will collaborate with Local Star Curtis Stone (Gwen and Maude) and Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith (Sweet Hedy) to create a one-of-a-kind, four-course dining experience. This special partnering of culinary greats will also feature a tasting reception. Bruce Kalman (Union & Knead & Co.) is one of the high-profile chefs preparing the food for the dazzling tasting reception. He’s our guest.

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

Please note…We graciously moved to the sidelines for Fighting Irish Football today at 11:30 a.m.

Show 188, September 10, 2016: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union & James Beard Foundation’s Taste America, Los Angeles

Bruce Kalman on Union PasadenaThe 4thannual James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®, is The Foundation’s national culinary tour. Taste America is bringing together world-class chefs in ten U.S. cities, including the launch in Los Angeles on September 23rd at Vibiana, where Taste America All-Star Chef and James Beard Award-winner Scott Conant (ImperoCaffè, New York) will collaborate with Local Star Curtis Stone (Gwen) and Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith (Sweet Hedy) to create a one-of-a-kind, four-course dining experience.

This special partnering of culinary greats will also feature a tasting reception, where Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird), Nyesha Arrington (Leona), Josef Centeno (Orsa & Winston), Jeremy Fox (Rustic Canyon), and Bruce Kalman (Union) will dazzle guests with their individual culinary styles.

On Saturday, September 24th is a day of free culinary events from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sur la Table in Westwood. Highlights are a cooking demo and book signing with James Beard Foundation Award Winner Scott Conant (Impero Caffe) and a Noon cooking demo and book signing with James Beard Foundation Award Winner Suzanne Goin (Lucques, AOC, and The Tavern.)

Bruce Kalman (Union & Knead & Co.) is one of the chefs preparing the food for the dazzling tasting reception. He’s our guest.

September 10: USC Hospitality, Yard House, Pizzeria Ortica, Bruce Kalman

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Executive Chef Eric Ernest, USC Hospitality Part 1
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Ernest, USC Hospitality Part 2
Segment Four: Carlito Jocson, Corporate Executive Chef & Managing Partner, Yard House Restaurants
Segment Five: Justin Miller, Executive Chef, Pizzeria Ortica, Costa Mesa
Segment Six: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union & James Beard Foundation’s Taste America, Los Angeles

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Brea, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for Rams and USC Football, is back as today’s special Guest Host. In May in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association’s annual conclave he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a pleasantly tempting preview of Saturday’s ample show and 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 a pretty good thing…

“Today’s top-flight University chefs are likely to be as savvy and competitive as their independent restaurant peers. Eric Ernest, the accomplished fine-dining chef who has headed University of Southern California Hospitality since 2012, knows this all too well.” Chef Eric is also USC Hospitality’s Associate Director of Purchasing, Logistics & Special Projects. He’s our guest.

Carlito Jocson is the long-time Executive Chef and Managing Partner of Yard House. He revamped the entire menu of the original Yard House in Long Beach right before they opened in 1996. It’s been a wild ride ever since for the last 20 years. They now have 65 busy locations across the country in 13 states. Chef Carlito joins us with this absolutely incredible success story.

Pizzeria Ortica, the well-respected Italian restaurant (launched in 2009) located across from South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, has added an artfully crafted Sunday brunch to its already well-received lunch and dinner service. Executive Chef Justin Miller (who has been in the kitchen since the beginning) joins us in-studio to share the inviting details.

The 4thannual James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®, is The Foundation’s celebrated national culinary tour. Taste America is bringing together world-class chefs in ten U.S. cities, including the launch in Los Angeles on September 23rd at Vibiana, where Taste America All-Star Chef and James Beard Award-winner Scott Conant (ImperoCaffè, New York) will collaborate with Local Star Curtis Stone (Gwen and Maude) and Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith (Sweet Hedy) to create a one-of-a-kind, four-course dining experience. This special partnering of culinary greats will also feature a tasting reception. Bruce Kalman (Union & Knead & Co.) is one of the high-profile chefs preparing the food for the dazzling tasting reception. He’s our guest.

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

Please note…We graciously move to the sidelines for Fighting Irish Football on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

Eric Ernest“Today’s top-flight University chefs are likely to be as savvy and competitive as their independent restaurant peers. Eric Ernest, the accomplished fine-dining chef who has headed University of Southern California Hospitality since 2012, knows this all too well.”

USC Hospitality operated 44 food and beverage venues on the University Park Campus, Health Sciences Center Campus, as well as two off-campus venues. It also provides creative full-service catering.

“Ernest and his team of up to 40 chefs turn out about 10,000 meals daily between students, faculty, the hospital, the hotel, the Coliseum and special events. So the pressure is on to produce and produce well.” “The question is not how do we fit their needs?” “Instead of what do they want, it’s what do they not know exists that they can’t live without?” Ernest insists.

Chef Eric is also USC Hospitality’s Associate Director of Purchasing, Logistics & Special Projects. He’s our guest.

“USC really offers top-notch hospitality. That, paired with the executive team and the leadership team, makes (the department) amazing, top to bottom,” Ernest observes.

“We view roasting a carrot with the same attention as making foie gras. We apply modern technique to everything, across the board, to create the best USC experience,” he continues.

With 44 outlets and 44 different menus to fill daily, it’s essential to plan ahead, Ernest stresses. “Good enough isn’t good enough. Our department answers to every single person who walks on the campus,” he promises.

Chef Eric is also proud of USC Hospitality’s Teaching Garden. It’s an unusual collaboration with LA Urban Farms, LA & SF Specialty and Chefs to End Hunger.

Carlito JocsonCarlito Jocson is the long-time Executive Chef and Managing Partner of Yard House. He revamped the entire menu of the original Yard House in Long Beach right before they opened in 1996. It’s been a wild ride for the last 20 years. They now have 65 busy locations across the country in 13 states.

What do Fried Gnocchi with Spicy Sausage, Crab Scampi Pasta and an All-Day Breakfast Sandwich have in common? They’re just a few of the new items that Chef Carlito and Yard House will introduce to its menu on September 12. The restaurant, known for its menu of American favorites and 100-plus taps of beer, will introduce a half-dozen new entrees to its menu, which will be available through January 15, 2017.

“As summer starts to wind down, and we head into the cooler months, it’s natural for the palate to gravitate towards heartier fare,” notes Chef Carlito Jocson. “Our Lobster Mac N Cheese, which has appeared on some of our special menus over the years, like Valentine’s Day or the holidays, is one we’re bringing back because it’s so popular. And, for the first time in our nearly 20-year history, we’re adding a breakfast sandwich.”

Jocson added that as a chef he studies food culture behaviors rather than trends, which helps drive his decision on what he feels needs to be added to the menu.

“I’m out a lot, and I observe what types of food people are seeking out,” added Jocson. “When I’m in Downtown L.A. late at night and there is a line halfway around the block at a chef-driven kiosk for a simple egg sandwich, I immediately start experimenting in the kitchen to create an egg sandwich for Yard House to answer that call for our guests.”

Chef Jocson also noted that, while Italian and Mexican fare have always been dining staples they’re both experiencing a resurgence among diners.

Chef Carlito joins us with this absolutely incredible success story.

Justin MillerPizzeria Ortica, the well-respected Italian restaurant (launched in 2009) located across from South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, has added an artfully crafted Sunday Brunch to its already well-received lunch and dinner service.

The simple, but inspired a la carte menu is available Sundays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pizzeria Ortica experimented with serving brunch on Father’s Day which proved popular and resulted in guests requesting that it be available weekly. Chef Justin Miller’s new menu features small plates, “eggs and such,” and pizzas, with prices ranging from $6-$16.

Innovative cocktails, crafted by award-winning beverage director Joel Caruso, include The Vegetarian—a bloody Mary with housemade mix and pickled vegetables; The Pescatarian, a tequila or gin version with house shrimp stock, and a POG (Hawaiian juice blend of passionfruit, orange and guava) spritzer.

Guests are greeted at the table with a basket of complimentary morning buns, flaky and stuffed with tomato conserva and Parmigiano, the creation of talented sous chef Colleen Flynn. Squash-blossoms filled with lemon ricotta; heirloom tomato-rubbed toast with prosciutto di Parma; and pork belly, braised and sliced with agrodolce, are among the starters.

“With brunch becoming so popular, the abundance of residential complexes within walking distance and Sunday matinees at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Rep, it makes total sense to introduce brunch here,” said Jason Scarborough, Pizzeria Ortica’s general manager.

Executive Chef Justin Miller (who has been in the kitchen since the beginning) joins us in-studio to share the inviting details.

Bruce Kalman on Union PasadenaThe 4thannual James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®, is The Foundation’s national culinary tour. Taste America is bringing together world-class chefs in ten U.S. cities, including the launch in Los Angeles on September 23rd at Vibiana, where Taste America All-Star Chef and James Beard Award-winner Scott Conant (ImperoCaffè, New York) will collaborate with Local Star Curtis Stone (Gwen)and Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith (Sweet Hedy) to create a one-of-a-kind, four-course dining experience.

This special partnering of culinary greats will also feature a tasting reception, where Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird), Nyesha Arrington (Leona), Josef Centeno (Orsa & Winston), Jeremy Fox (Rustic Canyon), and Bruce Kalman (Union) will dazzle guests with their individual culinary styles.

On Saturday, September 24th is a day of free culinary events from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sur la Table in Westwood. Highlights are a cooking demo and book signing with James Beard Foundation Award Winner Scott Conant (Impero Caffe) and a Noon cooking demo and book signing with James Beard Foundation Award Winner Suzanne Goin (Lucques, AOC, and The Tavern.)

Bruce Kalman (Union & Knead & Co.) is one of the chefs preparing the food for the dazzling tasting reception. He’s our guest.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Executive Chef Eric Ernest, USC Hospitality Part 1
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Ernest, USC Hospitality Part 2
Segment Four: Carlito Jocson, Corporate Executive Chef & Managing Partner, Yard House Restaurants
Segment Five: Justin Miller, Executive Chef, Pizzeria Ortica, Costa Mesa
Segment Six: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union & James Beard Foundation’s Taste America, Los Angeles

Show 163, March 12, 2016: Brady Lowe, Founder, Cochon555 Tour

Brady Lowe of Cochon 555COCHON555 Los Angeles is set for Sunday, March 13th at The Viceroy in Santa Monica. It’s 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers, and 5 Pigs. Experience this must-see, annual pork-centric culinary competition as part of the L.A. stop of the extensive national tour. It’s five high-profile chefs cooking over 36 dishes prepared from whole, locally-raised heritage breed pigs.

This year’s competing chefs include Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria, Bruce Kalman of Union, Jason Neroni of Rose Cafe, Brooke Williamson of The Tripel and returning champion Walter Manzke of Republique.

The five chefs will prepare a maximum of six dishes from one whole hog and their utilization will help them win votes from a crowd of hungry gourmands and celebrated judges. In addition to the 36 dishes prepared from locally-raised pigs, guests will feast on educational experiences featuring boutique wines and culinary cocktails paired with delicious bites.

The winner of the regional event will be announced as the “Prince of Porc” and go on to compete for the national title of “King or Queen of Porc” at Grand Cochon, the tour finale, held at the Viceroy in Snowmass / Aspen on June 18th.

Cochon’s founder, Brady Lowe, joins us with all the porkalicious details.

Show 136, August 29, 2015: Russ Parsons, Los Angeles Times, The Taste

Russ Parsons of the Los Angeles TimesRuss Parsons is a veteran food writer and columnist for The Los Angeles Times as well as an award-winning cookbook author. He was previously the Food Section Editor for a number of years. As part of the upcoming Los Angeles Times The Taste, Russ is co-hosting the Saturday morning, September 5th program, “Field to Fork.”

“California’s bounty of fresh produce inspires this homage to seasonal cooking, punctuated with engaging demos from Jessica Koslow (Sqirl), James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef Sherry Yard (Helms Bakery), and Niki Nakayama (n/naka). In addition to offering a glimpse into these locally-inspired perspectives, the event will feature a roundtable moderated by Parsons that examines the rise of the “root-to-stem” philosophy with Gary Menes (Le Comptoir), Bruce Kalman (Union), and Ari Taylor (Alma).”

Russ Parsons is our guest to provide the details.

Show 71, May 3, 2014: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena

Nan KohlerNan Kohler is the Managing Partner of Grist & Toll – An urban Flour Mill in Pasadena. She has extensive background in baking.

Nan discusses her take on celiac disease and the growing need for gluten-free products.

On Sunday, May 4th Chef Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union is cooking a dinner in conjunction with Grist & Toll. Union uses many of their products including their polenta which is a favorite of Chef Jet’s.

Chef Kalman will incorporate Grist & Toll’s whole-grain milled fresh flours into five courses. The price is $85 per guest.

May 3: Sherry Yard, Jesse Barber, Nan Kohler, Barbara Fairchild, Yvon Goetz

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part One
Segment Three: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef Jesse Barber of Barnyard Venice
Segment Five: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part One
Segment Six: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part Two
Segment Seven: Barbara Fairchild, Restaurant & Travel Editor, grapecollective.com, editor, writer, speaker and consultant
Segment Eight: Chef Yvon Goetz, Chef & Partner, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tustin and Newport Beach

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Multiple James Beard Award-winning Pastry Chef Sherry Yard is familiar to the listening audience of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” Her work-in-progress is the ambitious revival of the Helms Bakery in Los Angeles on the border with Culver City.

She will tell us all about her exciting new position as Corporate Vice President of the Culinary Division of iPic Theaters. Watching a movie on the big screen should be a deluxe experience with food to match !

There is a relatively new hidden gem of a very personal farm-to-table restaurant in Venice. That’s Barnyard Venice. Come hungry and prepare to be pleasantly surprised and also well-taken care of.

Nan Kohler, the Managing Partner of Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, is back for an encore. This time she’ll also be speaking about gluten-free.

Barbara Fairchild, the well-traveled Restaurant & Travel Editor for grapecollective.com is back with us to share some inspired restaurant finds from her recent travels both in Europe and in The States.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin has a new location on the Bay in Newport Beach. It’s a “wow” of a spot!

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

Sherry YardRenowned pastry chef and best-selling cookbook author Sherry Yard spent close to 20 years with Wolfgang Puck. She also has been awarded two prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards! On May 5th in New York City Sherry is being inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America. It’s an elite group…

In late 2012 she left Spago to realize a dream project with Sang Yoon. That’s the reopening (and revamping) of the fondly remembered Helms Bakery in Los Angeles on the border of Culver City.

She has just stepped into the newly created position of Corporate Vice President of Culinary Direction for iPic Theaters.

Their new state-of-the-art Westwood complex has just opened. Locally-sourced gourmet food is now on the menu for the luxury movie viewing experience.

She also somehow finds the time to actively serve on both the National and L.A. Boards of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. (C-CAP.)

The iPic Theaters menu for Westwood even includes Helms Treats. There are premium signature cookies and even frozen novelties!

On the ground floor there is an Italian restaurant (Tanzy) open to the public for lunch and dinner.

Sherry Yard was on hand Sunday, April 25th on Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills to observe the cutting of Chef Donald Wressell’s breathtaking birthday cake for the 100th Anniversary of the City of Beverly Hills. Chef Donald is the corporate chef for Guittard Chocolate Co. Sherry has created incredible desserts for the Oscars and was truly impressed with the incredible results. 15,000 slices of deliciousness were served!

Adding a needed basement to the Helms Bakery (where there was none before) has delayed the project. Sherry is now looking at a 2015 launch.

Jesse Barber of Barnyard VeniceBarnyard Venice (opened in 2012) is a bit of a find housed in an old cottage on Pacific Avenue. It’s rustic and comfortable.

Chef Jesse Barber, an alum of the kitchen at Tasting Kitchen, is the menu-maker. Earlier in his career he worked with Thomas Keller at both The French Laundry and Bouchon. He’s put together an ever changing menu with an emphasis on local ingredients. He’s a regular at the Santa Monica Farmers Markets and that’s the basis for his menu which changes almost daily.

His grilled octopus is a standout.

Ramen Tuesday is at the bar.

Nan KohlerNan Kohler is the Managing Partner of Grist & Toll – An urban Flour Mill in Pasadena. She has extensive background in baking.

Nan discusses her take on celiac disease and the growing need for gluten-free products.

On Sunday, May 4th Chef Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union is cooking a dinner in conjunction with Grist & Toll. Union uses many of their products including their polenta which is a favorite of Chef Jet’s.

Chef Kalman will incorporate Grist & Toll’s whole-grain milled fresh flours into five courses. The price is $85 per guest.

Nan explains how the flours produced by Grist & Toll differ from the commercial enriched flour that goes into plain white bread. A lot of the nutritional value is surprisingly lost with the processing of conventional enriched flour.

Nan is also starting to offer baking classes.

Barbara FairchildIt’s a pleasure to welcome food journalist Barbara Fairchild back to the show. She is an editor, writer, speaker and consultant. She was the long-time Editor of Bon Appetit Magazine before the publication relocated to New York.

Her newest position is Restaurant & Travel Editor for grapecollective.com.

Based on her recent travels Barbara has restaurant finds for us from both London and Paris.

Yvon Goetz of the Winery Restaurant and BarThe Winery Restaurant & Bar at the District in Tustin has created quite a splash over the last six years. All that was missing was an ocean view.

Newly arrived on the Bay in Newport Beach is the 2nd location for The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. Partner/ Executive Chef Yvon Goetz is overseeing the kitchen here, too. It’s dinner only at present. Lunch will be coming on the weekends. Chef Yvon is our guest.

The new Winery brings the same distinctive experience as its flagship location in The District in Tustin. This one strives to make the guest feel like they have been transported to a relaxing getaway in Napa or Sonoma. This escape features ocean views from the second-story dining room and breathtaking bar.

The menu here is a bit more seafood centric. Some of the fish (Opah, Ono, and Mahi Mahi) +is flown in from Hawaii daily.

“The major difference with this location will be the stunning views of the waterfront and boat access. We anticipate endless possibilities, with something to suit every palate,” said JC Clow, Managing Partner of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. Three private docks are available for guests to arrive via the Marina.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part One
Segment Three: Sherry Yard of iPic Theaters and Helms Bakery Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef Jesse Barber of Barnyard Venice
Segment Five: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part One
Segment Six: Nan Kohler, Managing Partner, Grist & Toll – An Urban Flour Mill, Pasadena Part Two
Segment Seven: Barbara Fairchild, Restaurant & Travel Editor, grapecollective.com, editor, writer, speaker and consultant
Segment Eight: Chef Yvon Goetz, Chef & Partner, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tustin and Newport Beach

Show 69, April 12, 2014: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Thoughtfully written food blogs proving genuinely useful information are seemingly ubiquitous now but they weren’t ten years ago. Happy 10th Anniversary to “Deep End Dining.”

There is a new addition to the booming Asian Night Market scene locally. A warm welcome to the first K-Town Night Market.

The most ambitious restaurant opening in the OC thus far this year is the long-awaited Provenance in Newport Beach. An impressive organic garden wraps around the perimeter of the restaurant’s spacious patio.

We’ll have a visit from a passionate young wine maker in Sonoma County who is creating limited production wines crafted his way with impressive results.

A local chef with substantial cooking credentials has opened a new, more personal restaurant in Pasadena. Chef Jet will provide the specifics.

The most famous barbeque joint in Mississippi has figured out a way to go national. Their popular sauces and marinades are now available in glass bottles at better food stores across the country.

It’s ice cream season. One of the most popular premium ice cream novelty items ever is the iconic It’s It. It’s SoCal cousin is the Cool-A-Coo. We have the scoop on both

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

Show 69, April 12, 2014: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union Restaurant, Pasadena, CA

Bruce Kalman on Union PasadenaBruce Kalman, who was previously the chef at the Churchill and Urbano Pizza Bar, has opened the 50-seat Union in Old Town Pasadena. It’s Kalman’s version of Northern Italian cuisine.

He’s known for making his popular pastas from scratch by hand.

He’s an alum from the exclusive winner’s circle of Food Network’s “Chopped.”

His much praised polenta is from Pasadena’s Grist & Toll.

Chef Bruce is a big believer in featuring what’s in season. That’s when fresh ingredients are at their peak.

On April 13th Union launched Sunday Family Suppers (Cena di Famiglia.) It’s three courses, including an ample platter of Italian desserts, for $39.

Take a look at Union’s Facebook page for appealing photos of the food.

April 12: Deep End Dining, K-Town Night Market, Provenance OC, Argot Wines, Bruce Kalman, The Shed, It’s It, Cool-A-Coo

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Food blogger Eddie Lin of Deep End Dining
Segment Three: Danny Park, Operations Partner, KTown Night Market, and Yong Kim, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Seoul Sausage Company
Segment Four: Owner/Chef Cathy Pavlos, Provenance in Newport Beach
Segment Five: Justin Harmon, Winemaker, Argot Wine Company, Santa Rosa, CA
Segment Six: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union Restaurant, Pasadena, CA
Segment Seven: HeadShedHead Brad Orrison, The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint and The Shed Saucery, Ocean Springs, MS
Segment Eight: Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris on the iconic premium ice cream novelty now back at Dodger Stadium, the Cool-A-Coo

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Thoughtfully written food blogs proving genuinely useful information are seemingly ubiquitous now but they weren’t ten years ago. Happy 10th Anniversary to “Deep End Dining.”

There is a new addition to the booming Asian Night Market scene locally. A warm welcome to the first K-Town Night Market.

The most ambitious restaurant opening in the OC thus far this year is the long-awaited Provenance in Newport Beach. An impressive organic garden wraps around the perimeter of the restaurant’s spacious patio.

We’ll have a visit from a passionate young wine maker in Sonoma County who is creating limited production wines crafted his way with impressive results.

A local chef with substantial cooking credentials has opened a new, more personal restaurant in Pasadena. Chef Jet will provide the specifics.

The most famous barbeque joint in Mississippi has figured out a way to go national. Their popular sauces and marinades are now available in glass bottles at better food stores across the country.

It’s ice cream season. One of the most popular premium ice cream novelty items ever is the iconic It’s It. It’s SoCal cousin is the Cool-A-Coo. We have the scoop on both…

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

Eddie Lin of Deep End DiningEddie Lin is a larger than life food blogger. Fortunately he also knows what he’s writing about.

Ten years ago he created the always provocative Deep End Dining blog to provide a forum for his views. It’s a hit…

He is also Los Angeles Magazine’s Digest blogger.

Eddie is the author of Lonely Planet’s Extreme Cuisine. You’ve seen him on Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Cooking Channel’s Eat Street, and as a guest judge on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters.

He’s working on a provocative new documentary about the placenta as a possible vitamin-rich, food source.

Deep End Dining…”Daring. Different. Delicious. There’s high end dining. There’s low end dining. And then there’s everything else in between. We’d like to introduce you to another level – Deep End Dining. We are diners dedicated to seeking and devouring the food uncommon, cuisine exotic and entrees less ordered. Have an open appetite and get ready to plunge into…the Deep End.”

Koreatown Night MarketNight Markets are hot right now in SoCal. It was only a matter of time before a Korean Night Market was organized.

KTown Night Market (a free event) is set for Friday, April 18th (4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.) and Saturday, April 19th (2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.) at the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools in KoreaTown.

It’s a veritable buffet of great ethnic food including the best food trucks around curated by Seoul Sausage Co. (winners of Season 3 of Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race.”

For the 1st time ever the winners of “Great Food Truck Race” from Seasons 1 to 3 (Grill ‘Em All, The Lime Truck & Seoul Sausage Co.) will all be together selling the food that made them famous nationwide.

“Our vision is for people to come and experience Korean food, Korean culture and Korean Entertainment.” Everyone is welcome!

Yong Kim of Seoul Sausage Co. and Danny Park, Operations Partner for KTown Night Market are our guests.

Cathy PavlosChef Cathy Pavlos’ Provenance – The Garden at Eastbluff in Newport Beach (Eastbluff Center) is the most anticipated restaurant opening in the OC this far this year. It’s been an anxious two years in the making…

Chef Cathy’s grandfather was a commercial farmer in Huntington Beach. She grew up eating and cooking only her grandfather’s farm raised produce, fresh fish from the docks in San Pedro, fresh fruits from family orchards in Whittier, and often proteins butchered on the farm. She spent 10-years in the local 4-H club raising horses, goats, lambs and rabbits. Her lamb and rabbits were sold commercially.

Provenance’s Mission Statement – Provenance is a neighborhood restaurant – the kind of restaurant you wish you had in your neighborhood. Our menu, with most items made in house from natural and/or organic products, is of consistently high quality and tailored to a simple as well as sophisticated taste and a moderately high budget. Our concept, anchored by our organic garden, will focus on California Cuisine and outstanding service. We will continue to grow and evolve with our customers and promote a friendly, fair, and creative work environment, while profitably providing unwavering attentive and knowledgeable service.

Provenance is already serving seven days a week. No lunch on Saturday and Sunday Farm Breakfast.

Justin Harmon of Argot WinesHow does a software engineer (and ex-chemical engineer) from Chicago find his way to Sonoma County and make the transition to becoming a serious winemaker who is respected by his peers? You’ll meet the passionate Justin Harmon and find out! His first home brew was a Cabernet made from a juice concentrate kit while still in Chicago.

He’s coming to Los Angeles on April 16th to showcase his wines @ a pop-up dinner prepared by Chef David Feau (ex-The Royce at The Langham Hotel in Pasadena) in Downtown Los Angeles organized by Learn About Wine.

Bruce Kalman on Union PasadenaBruce Kalman, who was previously the chef at the Churchill and Urbano Pizza Bar, has opened the 50-seat Union in Old Town Pasadena. It’s Kalman’s version of Northern Italian cuisine.

He’s known for making his pastas from scratch.

He’s an alum from the exclusive winner’s circle of Food Network’s “Chopped.”

His much praised polenta is from Pasadena’s Grist & Toll.

On April 13th Union debuts Sunday Family Suppers (Cena di Famiglia.) It’s three courses, including an ample platter of Italian desserts, for $39.

Brand Orrinson of the Shed BBQIf you’re from the South and love barbeque then you know the familiar catchphrase, “Get Fed at the Shed.”

It refers to The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

The Shed was founded in 2002 by (brothers and sister) Brad and Brooke Orrison and their parents. The original shed was 330 square feet and was built by Brad. He was all of 24 and his sister was 19. With success it expanded to 15,000 square feet over the years. The ‘cue has garnered many serious BBQ competition awards. The Shed burned down in 2011 and was quickly rebuilt retaining the quirky charm of the original.

They have been all over Food TV. Guy Fieri “discovered” them for Food Network’s “Diners Drive-Ins & Dives” and they have also been on Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.” Most recently they even had their own reality series on Food Network.

Their proprietary BBQ Sauces and Marinades have become so popular that they have packaged them in glass bottles for national distribution. They are preservative free, have no MSG, and no added colorings or artificial flavors. This line of their business will eventually be bigger than the BBQ restaurants.

Brad and his crew (including New Orleans Chef Rene Patout) were just here exhibiting (with great flair) at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim. You could taste any of their fine sauces on their fabulous tri-tip!

Cool a Coo Ice Cream SandwichesWe’re talking the best in premium ice cream novelties…

In a recent “What’s Cooking with Travis and Chef Jet Tila” segment (heard on Friday morning @ 7:50 a.m. on AM 830 KLAA) the guys were discussing their favorites in ballpark eats. Travis brought up the decadent subject of It’s It and Cool-As-Coo’s. Travis became a fan of the It’s It during his college years. For Jet, Cool-A-Coos bring back memories of Dodger Stadium. We’ll explore these rich vanilla ice cream sandwich treats dipped in chocolate and topped on both sides with an oatmeal cookie. Both are made right here in California.

Both have great background stories. Unfortunately only one of them is available to enjoy outside of a Ball Park!

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Food blogger Eddie Lin of Deep End Dining
Segment Three: Danny Park, Operations Partner, KTown Night Market, and Yong Kim, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Seoul Sausage Company
Segment Four: Owner/Chef Cathy Pavlos, Provenance in Newport Beach
Segment Five: Justin Harmon, Winemaker, Argot Wine Company, Santa Rosa, CA
Segment Six: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union Restaurant, Pasadena, CA
Segment Seven: HeadShedHead Brad Orrison, The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint and The Shed Saucery, Ocean Springs, MS
Segment Eight: Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris on the iconic premium ice cream novelty now back at Dodger Stadium, the Cool-A-Coo