Show 341, September 21, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing preview of Saturday’s mouthwatering show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will hopefully leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

Congratulations to Chef Shachi Mehra, the Co-owner of the Adya restaurants in the Anaheim Packing House and in Irvine at University Center. To the best of our knowledge Chef Shachi is the very first Orange County chef to compete on Food Network’s Chopped and win the fierce competition. Chef Shachi is our accomplished guest.

Food Finders, a Southern California nonprofit focused on food recovery, is hosting its 4th annual Chefs to the Rescue fundraiser on Tuesday, October 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Golden Sails Hotel located at 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach. Food Finders celebrates 30 years of rescuing food this year. This unique, food-centric event challenges prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly edible recovered or repurposed food that might otherwise end up being tossed away. Food Finders’ Executive Director Patti Larson and participating chef Maralyn diPiazza of diPiazza Restaurant & Lounge join us with the tempting specifics.

“Downtown Los Angeles’ Preux & Proper is rooted in the bold flavors and techniques of the South. We season our food with a bit of Lowcountry swag and So-Cal culture. Our scratch cookery focuses on thoughtfully sourced sustainable ingredients, modern culinary technique and putting a whole lotta love into everything we do.” Newly launched at Preux & Proper is the lunchtime popup, South City Fried Chicken taking place Monday through Saturday. On Thursday nights it’s (Chef) Sammy’s Cookout. Serving all the delicious details with style is proprietor Joshua Kopel.

Greg Nagel is a certified Cicerone Beer Server and, as a journalist, is a regular contributor to OC Weekly’s extensive beer, wine & spirits coverage. Recently held (September 12th to 14th) at the Long Beach Convention Center was the 3-day 2019 California Craft Beer Summit produced by the California Craft Brewers Association. Greg provides the highlights.

As the long-time Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversaw the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. In addition, she wrote features and contributed to Food’s Daily Dish blog. Noelle also researched and penned the popular Culinary SOS weekly column for Food. A native Southern Californian, she holds a degree in film from the University of Southern California. She left The Times in January 2019. We’ll get updated on Noelle’s new activities with Noelle Carter Food.

The 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide. Event Co-Founder & Producer Carolynn Carreno (James Beard Award-winning author) joins us with the alluring details.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 341, September 21, 2019: Libation & Food Journalist Greg Nagel with highlights from the California Craft Beer Summit

Greg Nagel of FirkFestGreg Nagel is a certified Cicerone Beer Server and, as a journalist, is a regular contributor to OC Weekly’s extensive beer, wine & spirits coverage. Recently held (September 12th to 14th) at the Long Beach Convention Center was the 3-day 2019 California Craft Beer Summit produced by the California Craft Brewers Association.

“The Craft Beer Summit is possibly the most important event of the year for anyone who loves tasting beer or is interested in building their business in the craft beer industry.

“The three-day event launched with hands-on education, tastings, pairings, interactive exhibits and networking opportunities and concluded with the largest California craft beer festival hosted outdoors on the water in Long Beach at Marina Green Park. Unlimited tastings were offered from 170 breweries from across California pouring more than 500 beers of every style and variety.”

Greg provides us with the effervescent highlights.

September 21: Shachi Mehra, Chefs to the Rescue, Preux & Proper, CA Craft Beer Summit, Noelle Carter, Nancy Silverton, Carolynn Carreno

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Proprietress & Chef Shachi Mehra of Adya
Segment Three: Food Finders’ “Chefs to the Rescue” Benefit
Segment Four: Preux & Proper’s Proprietor Joshua Kopel
Segment Five: Libation & Food Journalist Greg Nagel with highlights from the California Craft Beer Summit
Segment Six: Chef & Journalist Noelle Carter, Noelle Carter Food
Segment Seven: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part One
Segment Eight: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part Two

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s mouthwatering show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will hopefully leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

Congratulations to Chef Shachi Mehra, the Co-owner of the Adya restaurants in the Anaheim Packing House and in Irvine at University Center. To the best of our knowledge Chef Shachi is the very first Orange County chef to compete on Food Network’s “Chopped” and win the fierce competition. Chef Shachi is our accomplished guest.

Food Finders, a Southern California nonprofit focused on food recovery is hosting its 4th annual Chefs to the Rescue fundraiser on Tuesday, October 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Golden Sails Hotel located at 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach. Food Finders celebrates 30 years of rescuing food this year. This unique, food-centric event challenges prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly edible recovered or repurposed food that might otherwise end up being tossed away. Food Finders’ Executive Director Patti Larson and participating chef Maralyn diPiazza of diPiazza Restaurant & Lounge join us with the tempting specifics.

“Downtown Los Angeles’ Preux & Proper is rooted in the bold flavors and techniques of the South. We season our food with a bit of Lowcountry swag and So-Cal culture. Our scratch cookery focuses on thoughtfully sourced sustainable ingredients, modern culinary technique and putting a whole lotta love into everything we do.” Newly launched at Preux & Proper is the lunchtime popup, South City Fried Chicken taking place Monday through Saturday. On Thursday nights it’s (Chef) Sammy’s Cookout. Serving all the delicious details with style are proprietor Joshua Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour.

Greg Nagel is a certified Cicerone Beer Server and, as a journalist, is a regular contributor to OC Weekly’s extensive beer, wine & spirits coverage. Recently held (September 12th to 14th) at the Long Beach Convention Center was the 3-day 2019 California Craft Beer Summit produced by the California Craft Brewers Association. Greg provides the highlights.

As the long-time Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversaw the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. In addition, she wrote features and contributed to Food’s Daily Dish blog. Noelle also researched and penned the popular Culinary SOS weekly column for Food. A native Southern Californian, she holds a degree in film from the University of Southern California. She left The Times in January 2019. We’ll get updated on Noelle’s new activities with Noelle Carter Food.

The 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide. Event Co-Founder & Producer Carolynn Carreno (James Beard Award-winning author) join us with the tempting details.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Shachi Mehra of ADYAOur heartiest congratulations to Chef Shachi Mehra, the Co-owner of the Adya restaurants in the Anaheim Packing House and in Irvine at University Center. To the best of our knowledge Chef Shachi is the first Orange County chef to compete on Food Network’s Chopped and win the fierce competition.

It’s a great year for Chef Shachi as she is also one of the three nominees for “Rising Star Chef of the Year” at the 2019 Golden Foodie Awards being celebrated at a gala on Sept. 29th at the Marriott Newport Beach.

Once a month Chef Shachi hosts an interactive cooking class in the Boxcar Patio at ADYA Anaheim. Today’s class is “The Perfect Cup of Chai & Indian Tea Sandwiches.”

Chef Shachi is our guest.

Maralyn diPiazza of Diapiazza'sFood Finders, a Southern California nonprofit focused on food recovery is hosting its 4th annual Chefs to the Rescue fundraiser on Tuesday, October 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Golden Sails Hotel located at 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach. Food Finders celebrates 30 years of rescuing food this year. This unique, food-centric event challenges prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly edible recovered or repurposed food that might otherwise end up being tossed away.

“We’ve seen some of the most amazing dishes at this event made using everything from potato peels to fish necks to pork belly,” said Patti Larson, executive director of Food Finders. “and while restaurants do a great job utilizing their inventory, we want to inspire people to do the same in their own kitchens and across the food industry in general. We also want to ensure that Food Finders can continue to serve its 400+ nonprofit partners that feed people in need, so this event supports that ongoing effort.”

“Food Finders, founded in 1989, works with local food vendors, grocery stores, restaurants and caterers to distribute donated food to other nonprofit organizations that feed impoverished families, children and elderly. Today there are 13 staff and some 300 volunteers who help rescue millions of pounds of food each year. Food Finders’ mission is to eliminate hunger and food waste while improving nutrition in food insecure communities.”

Food Finders’ Executive Director Patti Larson and participating chef Maralyn diPiazza of diPiazza Restaurant & Lounge join us with the tempting specifics.

Sammy Monsour of Preux and Proper“Downtown Los Angeles’ Preux & Proper is rooted in the bold flavors and techniques of the South. We season our food with a bit of Lowcountry swag and So-Cal culture. Our scratch cookery focuses on thoughtfully sourced sustainable ingredients, modern culinary technique and putting a whole lotta love into everything we do.”

Newly launched at Preux & Proper is the lunchtime popup, South City Fried Chicken, served Monday through Saturday. The heart of the menu is inspired regional fried chicken sandwiches where the premium Georgia chicken breast is brined overnight on buttermilk. Think the Austin with rojo bean hummus, burrata, javi’s tia’s hot sauce, pickled radish, cilantro, blue corn tortilla crumble and heirloom tomato

On Thursday night’s it’s (Chef) Sammy’s Cookout Barbecue with handcrafted libations including the Texas Two-Timer (Reposado Tequila based.) The menu highlight is the 18- Hour Bone-In Pork Shoulder (for 8 to 12 guests) served with a variety of creative, regional BBQ sauces. The Baked Mac & Cheese is unusually good and don’t miss the Spam Fries served in a Spam can with pineapple chipotle ketchup.

Serving up all the delicious details are proprietor Joshua Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour.

Greg Nagel of FirkFestGreg Nagel is a certified Cicerone Beer Server and, as a journalist, is a regular contributor to OC Weekly’s extensive beer, wine & spirits coverage. Recently held (September 12th to 14th) at the Long Beach Convention Center was the 3-day 2019 California Craft Beer Summit produced by the California Craft Brewers Association.

“The Craft Beer Summit is possibly the most important event of the year for anyone who loves tasting beer or is interested in building their business in the craft beer industry.

“The three-day event launched with hands-on education, tastings, pairings, interactive exhibits and networking opportunities and concluded with the largest California craft beer festival hosted outdoors on the water in Long Beach at Marina Green Park. Unlimited tastings were offered from 170 breweries from across California pouring more than 500 beers of every style and variety.”

Greg provides us with the effervescent highlights.

Noelle Carter FoodAs the long-time Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversaw the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. In addition, she wrote features and contributed to Food’s Daily Dish blog. Noelle also researched and penned the popular Culinary SOS column for Food.

A native Southern Californian, she holds a degree in film from the University of Southern California and, when she’s not cooking, loves watching old movies. She left The Times in January 2019.

We’ll get updated on Noelle’s new activities with Noelle Carter Food.

Author Carolyn CarrenoThe 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide.

“I fell in love with the Valle de Guadalupe while cooking a dinner there two summers ago,” says Nancy Silverton. “I knew I wanted to come back and to give back to this place. By the end of a marvelous weekend under the stars in this magical place, Javier, Carolynn, and I had decided to start a festival.”

Nancy Silverton (Mozza) joins us with the details.

The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide.

James Beard Award-winning writer Carolyn Carreno, Event Founder and Producer, continues the preview of Valle Food & Wine Festival.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Proprietress & Chef Shachi Mehra of Adya
Segment Three: Food Finders’ “Chefs to the Rescue” Benefit
Segment Four: Preux & Proper’s Proprietor Joshua Kopel
Segment Five: Libation & Food Journalist Greg Nagel with highlights from the California Craft Beer Summit
Segment Six: Chef & Journalist Noelle Carter, Noelle Carter Food
Segment Seven: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part One
Segment Eight: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part Two

Show 128, June 27, 2015: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s over-stuffed show. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case, that’s a good thing…

The war on drugs in America may not be won on its streets – but in its kitchens. The weapon? A groundbreaking new cookbook that uses food to naturally heal brain chemistry in addicts and alcoholics. It’s called Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Cookbook and was authored by Joan Borsten. “Neuroscience has identified a link between the inability to stop using and low levels of dopamine (the feel good brain chemical that addicts crave),” says Dr. Kenneth Blum, well-known addiction scientist and father of the reward gene. “This cookbook reflects an understanding of the power of food and its potential role in enhancing neurotransmitter function.”

Restaurants in tree-lined Claremont, CA are preparing for the third annual “Claremont Restaurant Week” set for July 10 – 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine will run for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties. Jason Cerswell, Lounge 425 Manager at Hotel Casa 425 in Claremont, will provide us with the second installment of our tempting overview.

The 4th Annual I Love Poke Festival tasting event and competition returns to Orange County on Sunday June 28th at The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. The foodie festival and chef competition invites poke connoisseurs and newcomers to celebrate the Hawaiian delicacy, lifestyle and culture as chefs compete for the title of “Best Poke.” Producer Nino “Neens” Camilo joins us with all the 411.

The newly launched Bistro Papillote at The OC Mix at SOCO is the first authentic French restaurant concept from Chef Laurent Brazier, Executive Chef Instructor of La Cuisine Culinary Arts located inside Macy’s Home Store in South Coast Plaza. On the menu is simple French Bistro cuisine. Chef Laurent is our guest.

The bounty of the very best in California summer produce is available. Who better to give us all the juicy details than the incomparable Robert Schueller, the Prince of Produce at Melissa’s World Variety Produce. Just try and stump him on a fruit or vegetable question! Not easy…

Andrew Gruel and Anthony Dispensa of Slapfish Restaurants and FYI Say It To My FaceDon’t miss Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel’s new restaurant makeover series, “Say It To My Face” on FYI. An original episode is aired every Thursday evening with an encore episode thereafter. Check your local listings. On-line food reviewers confront restaurateurs with the shortcomings of their establishments. It’s then up to Chef Andrew and his colleague, Chef Anthony Dispensa, to coach the chef and restaurateur to achieve a much higher level of guest satisfaction when the on-line reviews return for another look! Sometimes it’s tough-love…

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

Show 88, September 13, 2014: Guest Host Chef Rahm Fama and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show

Guest Host Chef Rahm Fama of Food Network’s “Meat and Potatoes” and author of Meat and Potatoes – Simple Recipes That Sizzle and Sear and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

The 4th Annual Taste of Mexico is on tap for Saturday, September 27th with an afternoon picnic and later evening dinner. The location is the Plaza de Culturas y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles. The always delightful Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza is with us with a preview.

We appreciate craft beer on the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” It’s our pleasure to introduce the listeners to the California Craft Brewers Association. It’s a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association representing the craft and specialty brewing industry in California. Executive Director Tom McCormick joins us with the specifics.Cheers…

Amelia and Florent Marneau, chef –proprietors of Marche Moderne, one of the OC’s very best, located at the Penthouse at South Coast Plaza, will host a fundraising Friends of James Beard Dinner on Wednesday September 24, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. An intimate group of one hundred guests will enjoy a magnificent five-course tasting menu paired with exceptional wines generously donated by distributors and winemakers.

Sriracha authority Randy Clemens and Food GPS have joined forces to present the 1st Annual San Diego Sriracha Festival set for Saturday, September 20th from 3 to 6:00 p.m.at Liberty Station. This chef-driven, all inclusive (Adults only) event from The Sriracha Cookbook and Food GPS spotlights the world’s most iconic hot sauce at a unique, historical venue.

Chef & Restaurateur Zov Karmardian needs no introduction to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” An Anaheim Zov’s is in the works. Zov also has brought on board as Culinary Director, Louie Jocson. You know Chef Louie as the executive chef and creator of the glowingly-reviewed Red Table in Huntington Beach.

Ready to be Shaken and Stirred ? Sip LBC Long Beach Wine, Beer & Spirits Week is on tap for September 21st to 27th. One week. Seven Days of Sipping in 30 plus restaurants, lounges, wine bars and gastro pubs.

Chef Rahm Fama of Food Network’s “Meat and Potatoes is Saturday’s guest host. His new cookbook is Meat and Potatoes – Simple Recipes That Sizzle and Sear. He’s also the Corporate Chef at US Foods.

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