Show 535, July 22, 2023: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Antibiotics have long been used in the raising (before processing) of proteins including chicken, hogs and cattle. One of the largest poultry processors eliminated antibiotics in most of its company-branded items a few years ago and started promoting “no antibiotics ever” in their marketing. That will soon end and some antibiotics (not impacting human health) will now be added to the chickens’ diets. Understand there are no antibiotic residues remaining when the protein (like chicken) is processed and then packaged for human consumption. What’s going on? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Show 468, April 2, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Park 1039 in San Luis Obispo was built with the dream of bringing together products that inspire the staff, and a team that genuinely loves what they do. Owner Steven Goodale is the heart of Park 1039 and has worked tirelessly to open a top- notch eatery and market for the last three years. Goodale is passionate about fine wines, especially when it comes to France. Steve humbly wants everyone to experience the best food and wine the world has to offer, and bring a unique selection of offerings to his beautiful City of San Luis Obispo.” Steven Goodale joins us to pull the cork on all that is Park 1039.

“California Central Coast Chef Michael Cherney and his wife, Sarah Cherney, owners of Solvang, California restaurant, peasants FEAST, have launched peasants DELI & MARKET, also in downtown Solvang. The peasants DELI & MARKET offers classic and not-so-classic deli sandwiches filled with thoughtfully-sourced, artisanal cured and smoked meats, served on specially-commissioned sesame French rolls from Santa Ynez Valley bakery, Bob’s Well Bread.”

“Founder and Creator Al Mancini (former Food Staff Writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal) has officially launched Neon Feast, a first-of-its-kind restaurant guide and reservation app for greater Las Vegas. Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on their website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities. Traditional dining guides are outdated before they ever get to print, and crowdsourced apps don’t distinguish sincere reviews from vindictive ones,” said Mancini. “Neon Feast avoids all the headaches and basically puts the experts conveniently in the palm of your hands.”

Mark Ketcham (1955-2020) had long dreamt of owning a Vineyard in the Northern California wine country. That dream came true in 2000 when he purchased a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard was quickly converted to 100% Estate Pinot Noir, while retaining the ‘Old Block Pinots’ that were its heritage. The goal was to develop a perfect matrix of Pinot Noir clones, married to the ‘terroir’ of sun, soil, wind and location, all bound by the small creek that borders the perimeter of the property. In 2004, Mark founded Ketcham Estate to make wines from the heritage Pinot vines. Every taste of a Ketcham Estate Pinot tells the story of lovingly tended vines; each vintage yields a perfect balance of bright fruit combined with the acid and structure qualities that make outstanding Pinot Noirs. Ketcham Estate Pinot Noirs are drinkable on their own or paired with California’s bounty of wonderful foods. Ketcham Estate is now owned and managed by Mark’s wife, Allison Ketcham. Allie joins us with a glass of Allie’s Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) in hand.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Can raising cattle be done in a way that is humane, sustainable and also benefit the environment? Chef Andrew discusses the promise of Regenerative Agriculture.

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

Show 468, April 2, 2022: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Can raising cattle be done in a way that is humane, sustainable and also benefit the environment? Chef Andrew discusses the promise of Regenerative Agriculture.

April 2: Park 1039, peasants Deli & Market, Al Mancini, Ketcham Estate

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Steven Goodale, Proprietor, Park 1039, San Luis Obispo
Segment Three: Chef Michael Cherney, peasants DELI & MARKET and peasants FEAST, Solvang
Segment Four: Journalist Al Mancini introducing the Neon Feast Restaurant Guide app, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Al Mancini introducing the Neon Feast Restaurant Guide app, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Six: Allison Ketcham, Proprietor, Ketcham Estate, Healdsburg Part One
Segment Seven: Allison Ketcham, Proprietor, Ketcham Estate, Healdsburg Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“Park 1039 in San Luis Obispo was built with the dream of bringing together products that inspire the staff, and a team that genuinely loves what they do. Owner Steven Goodale is the heart of Park 1039 and has worked tirelessly to open a top- notch eatery and market for the last three years. Goodale is passionate about fine wines, especially when it comes to France. Steve humbly wants everyone to experience the best food and wine the world has to offer, and bring a unique selection of offerings to his beautiful City of San Luis Obispo.” Steven Goodale joins us to pull the cork on all that is Park 1039.

“California Central Coast Chef Michael Cherney and his wife, Sarah Cherney, owners of Solvang, California restaurant, peasants FEAST, have launched peasants DELI & MARKET, also in downtown Solvang. The peasants DELI & MARKET offers classic and not-so-classic deli sandwiches filled with thoughtfully-sourced, artisanal cured and smoked meats, served on specially-commissioned sesame French rolls from Santa Ynez Valley bakery, Bob’s Well Bread.”

“Founder and Creator Al Mancini (former Food Staff Writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal) has officially launched Neon Feast, a first-of-its-kind restaurant guide and reservation app for greater Las Vegas. Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on the website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities. Traditional dining guides are outdated before they ever get to print, and crowdsourced apps don’t distinguish sincere reviews from vindictive ones,” said Mancini. “Neon Feast avoids all the headaches and basically puts the experts in the palm of your hands.”

Mark Ketcham (1955-2020) had long dreamt of owning a Vineyard in the Northern California wine country. That dream came true in 2000 when he purchased a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard was quickly converted to 100% Estate Pinot Noir, while retaining the ‘Old Block Pinots’ that were its heritage. The goal was to develop a perfect matrix of Pinot Noir clones, married to the ‘terroir’ of sun, soil, wind and location, all bound by the small creek that borders the perimeter of the property. In 2004, Mark founded Ketcham Estate to make wines from the heritage Pinot vines. Every taste of a Ketcham Estate Pinot tells the story of lovingly tended vines; each vintage yields a perfect balance of bright fruit combined with the acid and structure qualities that make outstanding Pinot Noirs. Ketcham Estate Pinot Noirs are drinkable on their own or paired with California’s bounty of wonderful foods. Ketcham Estate is now owned and managed by Mark’s wife, Allison Ketcham. Allie joins us with a glass of Allie’s Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) in hand.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Can raising cattle be done in a way that is humane, sustainable and also benefit the environment? Chef Andrew discusses the promise of Sustainable Agriculture.

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

Steven Goodale of Park 1039

Park 1039 in San Luis Obispo was built with the dream of bringing together products that inspire the staff, and a team that genuinely loves what they do.”

“Owner Steven Goodale is the heart of Park 1039 and has worked tirelessly to open a top-notch eatery and market for the last three years. Goodale is passionate about fine wines, especially when it comes to France. Steve humbly wants everyone to experience the best food and wine the world has to offer, and bring a unique selection of offerings to his beautiful City of San Luis Obispo.”

“Park 1039 aims to celebrate food that is alive – an expression of nature. The Chefs are passionate about foraging for wild herbs, flowers and even sea water for finishing salt. The products that can’t be made in-house are thoughtfully sourced from local farmers or high-quality import producers. The Chefs are dedicated to creating seasonal offerings that make their high-quality ingredients the star of each course.”

Michael Cherney of Peasants Feast

“California Central Coast Chef Michael Cherney and his wife, Sarah Cherney, owners of the Solvang, California restaurant, peasants FEAST, have launched peasants DELI & MARKET, also in downtown Solvang. The new space is located at 473 Atterdag Road, across the lane from the duo’s first restaurant, peasants FEAST.”

“peasants DELI & MARKET offers classic and not-so-classic deli sandwiches filled with thoughtfully-sourced, artisanal cured and smoked meats, served on specially-commissioned sesame French rolls from Santa Ynez Valley bakery, Bob’s Well Bread. A focal point of peasants DELI, featured front and center, is a sizable leg of 5J Jamón Ibérico Bellota Cinco Jotas, a rarely-found Spanish import, considered the finest cured ham in the world. Chef Cherney’s renowned and Instagram-famous pastrami smoked salmon is on the menu, as well as house-roasted Kobe roast beef sandwiches; an “Italian” sandwich version, “The Godfather,” with Alle-Pia coppa, Barolo and Sopressa salami, and La Quercia prosciutto; house-roasted turkey breast; veggie options; and, eventually, Cherney’s house-made porchetta sandwich, all finished with house dressings and condiments.”

“Most of my memories of my dad revolve around food, and some of the best of those were from the times he’d take me to hole-in-the-wall delis all over Los Angeles,” said Chef Michael Cherney, owner of peasants FEAST and now, peasants DELI & MARKET, with his wife, Sarah.”

Chef Cherney continued, “We’d sit out on the curb to eat whatever that day’s haul might have been. peasants DELI and MARKET is my recreation of those memories, right down to the scant sidewalk seating in front of the shop.”

“The Cherneys’ debut restaurant, peasants FEAST, is now known up and down the Central Coast for its seasonal, scratch-made comfort food with a Santa Barbara County wine country twist. The eatery originally opened for business just two weeks after the start of the March 2020 pandemic shutdowns.”

Al Mancini of Neon Feast

“Founder and Creator Al Mancini (former Food Staff Writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal) has officially launched Neon Feast, a first-of-its-kind restaurant guide and reservation app for greater Las Vegas. Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on their website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

“Traditional dining guides are outdated before they ever get to print, and crowdsourced apps don’t distinguish sincere reviews from vindictive ones,” said Mancini. “Neon Feast avoids all the headaches and basically puts the experts in the palm of your hands.”

“In contrast to other crowdsourced restaurant review apps, the list of venues on Neon Feast is limited to only those that the experts recommend, currently approaching 500 eateries. The diverse all-star panel includes prominent local and national food writers, local chefs and foodies who were invited to share the restaurants they would recommend to friends and family (without compensation). Restaurants cannot “buy-in” to be included on the app, although premium features allow them to add reservation buttons, one-touch Uber calls and other elements. Some of the searchable filters and lists include cuisine types, neighborhoods, date night spots, late-night dining, breathtaking views, etc.”

Al Mancini joins us to preview what’s on the extensive menu for Neon Feast.

Allison Ketcham of Ketcham Estate

Mark Ketcham (1955-2020) had long dreamt of owning a Vineyard in the Northern California wine country. That dream came true in 2000 when he purchased a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard was quickly converted to 100% Estate Pinot Noir, while retaining the ‘Old Block Pinots’ that were its heritage. The goal was to develop a perfect matrix of Pinot Noir clones, married to the ‘terroir’ of sun, soil, wind and location, all bound by the small creek that borders the perimeter of the property.”

“In 2004, Mark founded Ketcham Estate to make wines from the heritage Pinot vines. Every taste of a Ketcham Estate Pinot tells the story of lovingly tended vines; each vintage yields a perfect balance of bright fruit combined with the acid and structure qualities that make outstanding Pinot Noirs. Ketcham Estate Pinot Noirs are drinkable on their own or paired with California’s bounty of wonderful foods.” Ketcham Estate is now owned and managed by Mark’s wife, Allison Ketcham.

Ketcham Estate is a 17.5 acre property located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Thirteen acres are under cultivation. They grow Pinot Noir Dijon Clones: 115, 626, 777, 828, and Pommard 4.”

Ketcham Estate‘s mission is to make seductive wines with rich fruits, that have structure and balance and are very food friendly. Originally specializing in top-notch Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Ketcham Estate is also now making award-winning Chardonnay, Viognier and Estate grown Pinot Noir Rosé wines.”

“Small annual releases and premium location allow Ketcham Estate to focus on creating exceptional wines and experiences for their friends and family.”

“Ketcham Estate is not about what the famed San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen used to call the “Prismatic Luminescence School of Wine Tasting”, or any type of wine snobbery. Just good wine with food, family and friends. Wine should not be some grand complication and neither is Ketcham’s philosophy.”

Allie Ketcham is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Ketcham Estate.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Can raising cattle be done in a way that is humane, sustainable and also benefit the environment? Chef Andrew discusses the promise of Sustainable Agriculture.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Steven Goodale, Proprietor, Park 1039, San Luis Obispo
Segment Three: Chef Michael Cherney, peasants DELI & MARKET and peasants FEAST, Solvang
Segment Four: Journalist Al Mancini introducing the Neon Feast Restaurant Guide app, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Al Mancini introducing the Neon Feast Restaurant Guide app, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Six: Allison Ketcham, Proprietor, Ketcham Estate, Healdsburg Part One
Segment Seven: Allison Ketcham, Proprietor, Ketcham Estate, Healdsburg Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Show 41, September 21, 2013: Paul Greive, Farmer & Founder, Primal Pastures, Temecula

Primal Pastures“Farmer Paul” Greive, the co-founder with his in-laws, of Primal Pastures in Temecula was with us. Primal Pastures is a pastured, “beyond organic and sustainable” livestock farm with an incredible back-story.

They just funded an amazing Kickstarter campaign to bankroll their expansion. The goal was to raise $40,000. Instead they realized $57,810.

They have recently leased over 200 acres of pastureland to grow. Their basic concept is to raise livestock the way it was done in pre-factory farm days. It’s simpler and far easier on the land.

“Our vision is to establish a “permaculture” – a system that effectively models the natural ecosystem with many varieties of plants and animals acting in synergy with one another on one farm. There are beautiful things that happen when cattle and sheep are incorporated with chickens, turkeys, and ducks.”

September 21: Thai Food Fest preview with Susan Feniger, Kajsa Alger, David LeFevre

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Paul Greive, Farmer & Founder, Primal Pastures, Temecula Part One
Segment Three: Paul Greive, Farmer & Founder, Primal Pastures, Temecula Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef David LeFevre of Fishing with Dynamite
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Proprietress of Susan Feniger’s Street
Segment Six: Kajsa (Sasha) Alger, Executive Chef and Partner, Susan Feniger’s Street
Segment Seven: Steve Samson and Zach Pollack, Co-Executive Chefs / Partners, Sotto Restaurant
Segment Eight: Neal Fraser, Executive Chef / Owner of bld

Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

Thai 2013 Food FestivalMark Sunday afternoon, September 29th on your calendar. Our very own Jet Tila is hosting the Thai 2013 Food Festival at Paramount Pictures Studios in the heart of Hollywood. It starts at 3:00 p.m.

Celebrity chefs from around the country and outstanding local Thai chefs will be there presenting their signature dishes for the guests to sample and enjoy. Entertainment will include music, Thai dancers and fruit carving.

VIP and Regular Tickets are now on sale!

Primal Pastures“Farmer Paul” Greive, the co-founder with his in-laws, of Primal Pastures in Temecula is with us. Primal Pastures is a pastured, “beyond organic and sustainable” livestock farm.

They just funded an amazing Kickstarter campaign to bankroll their expansion. The goal was to raise $40,000. Instead they realized $57,810.

They have recently leased over 200 acres of pastureland to expand.

“Our vision is to establish a “permaculture” – a system that effectively models the natural ecosystem with many varieties of plants and animals acting in synergy with one another on one farm. There are beautiful things that happen when cattle and sheep are incorporated with chickens, turkeys, and ducks.”

Chef David LeFevre of M.B. Post in Manhattan BeachExecutive Chef David LeFevre (ex-Water Grill) of the acclaimed Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing with Dynamite joins us.

Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach is his latest venture. It’s only 40 seats. The oyster bar is already enormously popular. They will serve some 300 to 700 oysters on a given day.

Chef LeFevre will be participating in the upcoming Thai Food Festival. He previews his dish for September 29th.

Susan Feniger of Border Grill and Susan Feniger's StreetSusan Feniger of Susan Feniger’s Street and Border Grill fame needs no introduction to listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She was also one of the early super stars of Food Network with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken in the long running “Too Hot Tamales” series.

Susan Feniger’s Street will be a featured restaurant in the upcoming Thai Food Festival.

There are lots of Thai items on the regular Street menu.

The dish they are showcasing at the festival is Khao Gee, a Northeastern Thai snack.

Kajsa Alger of Susan Feniger's StreetKajsa Alger is the executive chef and partner for Susan Feniger’s Street.

As a teenager she snuck into the kitchen at CITY restaurant to begin an informal apprenticeship. That was the start of her long association with Susan and Mary Sue. She eventually rose to the post of Corporate Chef for all of Mary Sue and Susan’s restaurants.

She was on the Street project since the inception. There was months of intense recipe testing before the opening in 2009.

Kajsa is particularly proud of the Saturday and Sunday brunch menu they are offering until the end of the month. It’s an “All You Can Eat” small plate brunch with breakfast items as well as sandwiches and salads. It’s a modest $25 per guest and for an additional $15 you can partake of bottomless sparkling cocktails.

Steve Samson and Zach Pollack of SottoSteve Samson and Zach Pollack are the Executive Chefs and co-owners of Sotto near Century City in Los Angeles. They have an incredible wood-burning pizza oven that is from Sicily that was installed by Italian craftsmen. Orange County foodies remember them as the opening culinary team for highly-regarded Pizzeria Ortica.

In-mid-August they were the only Los Angeles chefs to be invited by Chef Javier Plascencia (the Wolfgang Puck of Northern Baja) to join with acclaimed San Diego chefs to prepare a seven-course, wine-paired meal at Chef Javier’s ranch, Finca Altozano, located in the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico’s premier wine region. Each course was matched with an appropriate Baja wine from the local region. This was one event as part of a bigger annual vintners’ festival.

Steve’s and Zach’s dish was a beautiful spit-roasted lamb loin.

Restaurateur Javier Plascencia has Romesco in Bonita in the United States and multiple restaurants in Tijuana including Mision 19 and Caesar’s Restaurante Bar (where the original Caesar Salad was created.)

Neal Fraser of bld and RedbirdExecutive Chef Neal Fraser of bld joins us.

Chef Fraser is a contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” this season. He comments on the ups and downs he experienced as a competitor. He observed that it’s a lot harder than he anticipated. That’s significant given that he previously bested an Iron Chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America”.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Paul Greive, Farmer & Founder, Primal Pastures, Temecula Part One
Segment Three: Paul Greive, Farmer & Founder, Primal Pastures, Temecula Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef David LeFevre of Fishing with Dynamite
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Proprietress of Susan Feniger’s Street
Segment Six: Kajsa (Sasha) Alger, Executive Chef and Partner, Susan Feniger’s Street
Segment Seven: Steve Samson and Zach Pollack, Co-Executive Chefs / Partners, Sotto Restaurant
Segment Eight: Neal Fraser, Executive Chef / Owner of bld

On the horizon for Chef Neal is a bld at LAX in the United Terminal and a casual ice cream, donuts, and coffee café.