Show 357, January 25, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s scrumptious 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.

After 8 years as the popular Executive Chef at the prestigious Jonathan Club (Downtown Los Angeles and on the beach in Santa Monica) Jason McClain has amicably departed to pursue some entrepreneurial culinary adventures on his own. At Jonathan Club Chef McClain took traditional club fare in the elevated direction of fine dining at a highly rated, independent restaurant. On the horizon is McClain Chophouse, an ingredient-focused premium steak house and, just for fun, an authentic Philly Cheesesteak food truck. We’ll get an “a la minute” update from Chef Jason.

In December, Chef Josiah Citrin debuted the reimagined Mélisse and Citrin, two new culinary concepts under one iconic roof. After closing Michelin two-star Mélisse in Santa Monica last year, Chef Josiah rethought the award-winning dining destination as an engaging, luxe tasting menu restaurant alongside Citrin, an inviting, á la carte concept paying homage to the original Mélisse’s culinary legacy. With this double debut of anticipated restaurants, Chef Josiah continues to solidify his status as a central figure of fine dining in Los Angeles. Chef Josiah joins us,

DANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Italian-esque vineyard estate where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca . Since we last visited the estate in 2015 the hospitality features for visitors have expanded. Dan Marca is our guest with the update.

Located in Long Beach’s Belmont Heights, Panxa Cocina is a purveyor of modern Latin cuisine from the esteemed Chef / Proprietor Arthur Gonzalez. Since opening, Chef Gonzalez has been serving both quality interpretations of classic dishes and daring new ventures into the uncharted territories of food. We’re celebrating Panxa’s 5th Anniversary with Chef Art.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is back in the news as an often-used food additive. What’s in it and should it be avoided? Cutting through the chatter we’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Show 357, January 25, 2020: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part One

Dan Marca of Dancin VineyardsDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. We last visited the picturesque hillside estate in 2015 and the facilities for guests have expanded since then.

The Marcas take only one thing more seriously than hospitality – growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality and making premium wine that expresses the terroir of their special site while spotlighting the grape’s essential character.

“Our winery and tasting room are set magnificently on the forested foothills of Southern Oregon overlooking the Rogue Valley, one of the most unique terroirs in the wine making world. You’ll imagine you’ve been transported to Tuscany or Burgundy, or both!”

Dan pulls the DANCIN Vineyards cork for us with an update.

Show 357, January 25, 2020: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part Two

Dan Marca of Dancin VineyardsDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. We last visited the picturesque hillside estate in 2015 and the facilities for guests have expanded since then. Time for an update.

“DANCIN is the discipline of cultivating seven separate clones of Pinot Noir along with four distinct clones of Chardonnay to create several exquisite expressions of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We blend these clones the way an artist mixes hues on a painter’s palette. We also artfully craft Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel and Port-style Pinot Noir. This, our various wines and vintages are named after movements within ballet, a form of dance wherein dedication and discipline are integral to the grace and beauty of the final performance.”

Proprietor Dan Marca continues.

January 25: Jason McLain, Josiah Citrin, Dancin Vineyards, Panxa Cocina 5th Anniversary

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Chef Jason McClain, McClain Chophouse and Philly Jay’s Steaks
Segment Three: Chef Josiah Citrin of Melisse and Citrin, Santa Monica
Segment Four: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part One
Segment Five: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part Two
Segment Six: Chef / Proprietor Arthur Gonzalez – Panxa Cocina, Long Beach – Part One
Segment Seven: Chef / Proprietor Arthur Gonzalez – Panxa Cocina, Long Beach – Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s scrumptious 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.

After 8 years as the popular Executive Chef at the prestigious Jonathan Club (Downtown Los Angeles and on the beach in Santa Monica) Jason McClain has amicably departed to pursue some culinary adventures on his own. At Jonathan Club Chef McClain took traditional club fare in the elevated direction of fine dining at a highly rated, independent restaurant. On the horizon is McClain Chophouse, an ingredient-focused premium steak house and, just for fun, an authentic Philly Cheesesteak food truck. We’ll get an “a la minute” update from Chef Jason.

In December, Chef Josiah Citrin debuted the reimagined Mélisse and Citrin, two new culinary concepts under one iconic roof. After closing Michelin two-star Mélisse in Santa Monica last year, Chef Josiah rethought the award-winning dining destination as an engaging, luxe tasting menu restaurant alongside Citrin, an inviting, á la carte concept paying homage to the original Mélisse’s culinary legacy. With this double debut of anticipated restaurants, Chef Josiah continues to solidify his status as a central figure of fine dining in Los Angeles. Chef Josiah joins us,

DANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Italian-esque vineyard estate where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. Since we last visited the estate in 2015 the hospitality features for visitors have expanded. Dan Marca is our guest with the update.

Located in Long Beach’s Belmont Heights, Panxa Cocina is a purveyor of modern Latin cuisine from the esteemed Chef / Proprietor Arthur Gonzalez. Since opening, Chef Gonzalez has been serving both quality interpretations of classic dishes and daring new ventures into the uncharted territories of food. We’re celebrating Panxa’s 5th Anniversary with Chef Art.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. MSG is back in the news as an often-used food additive. What’s in it and should it be avoided? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Jason McClain of the Jonathan Club and Philly Jay's SteaksAfter 8 years as the popular Executive Chef at the prestigious Jonathan Club (Downtown Los Angeles and on the beach in Santa Monica) Jason McClain has amicably departed to pursue some culinary adventures on his own. At Jonathan Club Chef McClain took traditional club fare in the elevated direction of fine dining at a highly rated, independent restaurant.

On the horizon is McClain Chophouse, an ingredient-focused premium steak house and, just for fun, an authentic Philly Cheesesteak food truck (Philly Jay’s Steaks.)

“Chef McClain received his formal training at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY and honed his skills under the tutelage of some of the USA’s great culinary talents in Philadelphia and Miami. He has evolved his menus by focusing on one thing : ingredients.”

“At Jonathan Club Chef Jason joined forces with a local urban farming company to plant a 42-bed rooftop garden. Four times each year he used his expertise to contribute to the surrounding neighborhood by inviting underprivileged youth to visit the Club to learn the value of growing fresh ingredients firsthand.”

We’ll get an “a la minute” update from Chef Jason.

Josiah CitrinLast December, Chef Josiah Citrin debuted the reimagined Mélisse and Citrin, two new culinary concepts under one iconic roof. After closing Michelin two-star Mélisse in Santa Monica last year, Chef Josiah remade the award-winning dining destination as an engaging, luxe, intimate tasting menu restaurant alongside Citrin, an inviting, á la carte concept paying homage to the original Mélisse’s culinary legacy.

Chef/Partner Ken Takayama, Wine Director Matthew Luczy, and General Manager James Spencer, all formerly of Mélisse, helm both restaurants which were designed by Dex Studios and Redford House. With this double debut of anticipated restaurants, Chef Josiah continues to solidify his status as a central figure of fine dining in Los Angeles.

“Located within the Mélisse space that flourished in Santa Monica for two decades, Chef Josiah and Chef/Partner Ken Takayama revived their Michelin two-star institution with a new service model which brings a more personal, intimate approach to service. Challenging the format of traditional restaurant service, Mélisse brings the intimacy of the kitchen directly to guests with chefs and sommeliers—who also double as servers—leading diners through the experience. The nine-course tasting menu is intended to bring a sense of discovery, shifting in accordance with the seasons while adhering to Chef Josiah’s signature California progressive cooking style.”

“Drawing from Chef Josiah’s classical French training and longtime connection with the Santa Monica Farmers Market, the coursed tasting menu ($295) can be accompanied by a France and California-focused wine pairing ($195) from Wine Director and Certified Sommelier Matthew Luczy. Guests can also opt for a non-alcoholic pairing ($195), featuring housemade kombucha and infusions.”

“An extension of the original Mélisse, Citrin offers an upscale yet comfortable, convivial, and fun dining experience where guests can expect the same meticulous attention to detail and technique for which chefs Josiah Citrin and Ken Takayama are celebrated. Executed in a California progressive style, the á la carte menu inherits some of the signature dishes that made Mélisse a bastion of the Los Angeles fine dining landscape, including Lobster Bolognese and Caviar Egg.”

“Seasonal ingredients shine on Citrin’s menu in dishes like Truffle Pasta with house-made tagliatelle, truffle foam, and white truffles shaved tableside; Wild Japanese Yellowtail “Buri” with radish, grapefruit, and nori; and Santa Barbara Rockfish with chive blossoms, mussels, mussel broth, and quince mustard.”

“Distinct from the 77-seat dining room, the 22-seat bar offers the full menu and cocktails (which take their names from some of Chef Josiah’s favorite songs), as well as a special burger exclusive to the bar. Citrin’s rock n’ roll cocktail list, also available to order at Mélisse, includes libations like the Love Me Two Times made with mezcal, cherry liqueur, cinnamon demerara, yuzu, and angostura; as well as the Wild Horses with white rum, Pimm’s, blueberry-thyme syrup, lime, and angostura.”

Chef Josiah Cirtin surfs in with all the details.

Dan Marca of Dancin VineyardsDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. We last visited the picturesque hillside estate in 2015 and the facilities for guests have expanded since then. Time for an update.

The Marcas take only one thing more seriously than hospitality – growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality and making premium wine that expresses the terroir of their special site while spotlighting the grape’s essential character.

“Our winery and tasting room are set magnificently on the forested foothills of Southern Oregon overlooking the Rogue Valley, one of the most unique terroirs in the wine making world. You’ll imagine you’ve been transported to Tuscany or Burgundy, or both!”

“DANCIN is the discipline of cultivating seven separate clones of Pinot Noir along with four distinct clones of Chardonnay to create several exquisite expressions of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We blend these clones the way an artist mixes hues on a painter’s palette. We also artfully craft Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel and Port-style Pinot Noir. This, our various wines and vintages are named after movements within ballet, a form of dance wherein dedication and discipline are integral to the grace and beauty of the final performance.”

Dan pulls the DANCIN cork for us with an update.

Arthur Gonzalez of Panxa CocinaLocated in Long Beach’s Belmont Heights, Panxa Cocina is a purveyor of modern Latin cuisine from the esteemed Chef / Proprietor Arthur Gonzalez. Panxa Cocina opened in December 2014 and is located on the corner of Broadway and Termino in the Belmont Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. Since opening, Chef Gonzalez has been serving both quality interpretations of classic dishes and daring new ventures into the uncharted territories of food.

Known for their Weekend Brunch featuring Blue Corn Pancakes. Also popular for their Happy Hour.

“Panxa Cocina was born out of a lifetime of love for Latin cuisine and a desire to support locally sourced foods. Growing up in Cerritos, California, Chef Arthur Gonzalez helped his German mother and his Oaxacan grandmother prepare meals growing up.”

“After working in several restaurants in New Mexico, Chef Gonzalez was introduced to James Beard award-winning Chef Eric Distefano of Coyote Café and Geronimo, who became his mentor. While working at Señor Lucky’s in Santa Fé, Chef Gonzalez met Vanessa Auclair, his current business partner here in California.”

“Vanessa and Chef came back to Southern California to work at McKenna’s On The Bay in Long Beach as Manager and Head Chef, respectively, with the goal of creating delicious, clean and simple food. Their success at McKenna’s led to the opening of seafood focused Roe on Second Street in Belmont Shore. Deciding to try something new, Vanessa and Chef opened Panxa, inspired by their Southwestern roots, together creating a menu authentic to New Mexico and influenced by his family’s cooking throughout his childhood.”

“At Panxa, pronounced pan-zah (the Catalan word for belly), Chef Gonzalez has created a place for flavorful unique dishes, craft cocktails, wine, and an extensive tequila menu.”

We’re celebrating Panxa’s 5th Anniversary with Chef Art.

Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. MSG is back in the news as an often-used food additive. What’s in it and should it be avoided? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Chef Jason McClain, McClain Chophouse and Philly Jay’s Steaks
Segment Three: Chef Josiah Citrin of Melisse and Citrin, Santa Monica
Segment Four: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part One
Segment Five: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part Two
Segment Six: Chef / Proprietor Arthur Gonzalez – Panxa Cocina, Long Beach – Part One
Segment Seven: Chef / Proprietor Arthur Gonzalez – Panxa Cocina, Long Beach – Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 139, September 26, 2015: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Greetings, and now a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We move aside this morning a bit early for Notre Dame football at 11:30 a.m.

Cooking authority Amelia Saltsman wrote the highly regarded Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook and is a fixture at The Market. Her newest tile is The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen – A Fresh Take On Tradition. Amelia joins us with all the tasty facts on her new book.

Executive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last couple of weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and cooked at one of the most prestigious charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas. We’ll catch-up with the always on the move Chef Eric.

DANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Italian-esque vineyard estate where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. Dan Marca is our guest.

In three years. Seoul Sausage Company has become the premier force behind cutting edge Korean BBQ in Los Angeles.  What began as a tiny catering company run out of their apartment kitchen, Seoul Sausage is now a multi-faceted culinary enterprise comprised of an acclaimed restaurant in West LA’s “Little Osaka” neighborhood, two food trucks, a customized grilling Scion and an in-demand catering company. Newly opened is a Downtown L.A. location in Little Tokyo with an expanded menu and a full bar. Co-founder Ted Kim joins us with a fiery update.

What is the role of a sommelier in a restaurant ? It’s certainly changing…Is the person a friend or a foe ? How do you really know? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, shares his informed thoughts.

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

Show 139, September 26, 2015: DANCIN Vineyards, Co & Proprietor Dan Marca

Dan MarcaDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca.

The Marcas take only one thing more seriously than hospitality – growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality and making premium wine that expresses the terroir of their special site while spotlighting the grape’s essential character.

“Our recent expansion allows us to use our estate’s natural topography for a gravity flow system that cuts out the need for pumps. We can get the wine from barrel to bottling with minimal agitation which is integral for great Pinot Noir because its delicate flavor is easily damaged” says owner Dan Marca.

DANCIN was the first vineyard estate in the area to serve food prepared from their own kitchen. The menu is deliciously simple and designed to pair with the wines. Standouts are the stuffed mushrooms and variety of specialty artisan pizzas from Cindy’s wood-fueled oven.

“Dance like Nobody’s Watching.”

Dan Marca is our guest.

 

September 26: Amelia Saltsman, Spago Las Vegas, Dancin Vineyards, Seoul Sausage, Wine Exchange

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Amelia Saltsman and The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: DANCIN Vineyards, Co & Proprietor Dan Marca
Segment Five: Seoul Sausage Co. and Co-Founder Ted Kim
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-proprietor, The Wine Exchange

Greetings, and now a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We move aside this morning a bit early for Notre Dame football at 11:30 a.m.

Cooking authority  wrote the highly regarded Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook and is a fixture at The Market. Her newest tile is The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen – A Fresh Take On Tradition. Amelia joins us with all the tasty facts on her new book.

Executive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last couple of weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and been the lead working chef at one of the most prestigious annual charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas. We’ll catch-up with the always on the move Chef Eric.

DANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, hillside, Italian-esque vineyard estate where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. Dan Marca is our guest.

In three years. Seoul Sausage Company has become the premier force behind cutting edge Korean BBQ in Los Angeles.  What began as a tiny catering company run out of their apartment kitchen, Seoul Sausage is now a multi-faceted culinary enterprise comprised of an acclaimed restaurant in West LA’s “Little Osaka” neighborhood, two food trucks, a customized grilling Scion and an in-demand catering company. Newly opened is a full-service Downtown L.A. location in Little Tokyo with an expanded menu and a full bar. Co-founder Ted Kim joins us with a fiery update.

What is the role of a sommelier in a restaurant? It’s certainly changing…Is the person a guest’s friend or a foe ? How do you really know? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, shares his informed thoughts.

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

Amelia SaltsmanSanta Monica-based cooking authority and culinary personality Amelia Saltsman wrote the highly regarded Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook and is a fixture at The Market. Her newest title is The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen – A Fresh Take On Tradition.

In The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen Amelia traces the delicious thread of Jewish cuisine from its ancient roots to today’s focus on seasonality and sustainability. Guided by the Jewish lunar calendar, she divides the book into six micro-seasons that highlight the deep connection of Jewish traditions to the year’s natural cycles.

Amelia draws on her own rich food history to bring the reader a warmly personal cookbook filled with soul-satisfying spins on beloved classics and bold new dishes. From her Iraqi grandmother’s kitchri—red lentils melted into rice with garlic slow-cooked to sweetness—to four-ingredient Golden Borscht with Buttermilk and Fresh Ginger and vibrant Blood Orange and Olive Oil Polenta Upside-Down Cake, Amelia’s game-changing approach is sure to win over a new generation of cooks.

You’ll find naturally vegan dishes, Middle Eastern fare, and new ways to use Old-World ingredients—buckwheat, home-cured herring, and gribenes—in fresh, modern meals. Inspired by the farm-to-table movement, her 150 recipes offer a refreshingly different take on traditional and contemporary Jewish cooking.

Whether you’re Jewish or not, observant or not, Ashkenazic or Sephardic, this yearlong culinary journey through the Diaspora will have you saying, “This is Jewish food? Who knew?”

Amelia joins us with all the incredibly delectable facts on her new book.

Eric KleinExecutive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last couple of weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam on a 7-day Northeast Canada Discovery voyage, and been at-the-stoves with Wolfgang Puck as the host chef at one of the most prestigious annual charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas.

Last week Chef Eric was the host chef for Chef Wolfgang Puck’s 3rd annual “Sip & Savor” benefit at Spago Las Vegas. It benefits Keep Memory Alive.

It’s a mix-and-mingle, wine-and-dine event which gave the guests the opportunity to indulge in an interactive culinary affair sampling the signature cuisine of each of Puck’s six Las Vegas restaurants, paired with a number of Chef Puck’s favorite wines.

We’ll catch-up with Chef Eric.

Dan MarcaDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca.

The Marcas take only one thing more seriously than hospitality – growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality and making premium wine that expresses the terroir of their special site while spotlighting the grape’s essential character.

“Our recent expansion allows us to use our estate’s natural topography for a gravity flow system that cuts out the need for pumps. We can get the wine from barrel to bottling with minimal agitation which is integral for great Pinot Noir because its delicate flavor is easily damaged” says owner Dan Marca.

Dan Marca is our guest.

Ted Kim of Seoul SausageIn three years. Seoul Sausage Company has become the premier force behind cutting edge Korean BBQ in Los Angeles. What began as a tiny catering company run out of their apartment kitchen, Seoul Sausage is now a multi-faceted culinary enterprise comprised of an acclaimed fast-casual restaurant in West LA’s “Little Osaka” neighborhood, two food trucks, a customized grilling scion and an in-demand catering company.

Newly opened is a full-service Downtown L.A. location in Little Tokyo with an expanded menu and a full bar. Think Vinny’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with Adobo marinated chicken, honey habanero slaw, aioli and served on a brioche bun. On the Adult Beverage side of the menu is the Seoul Sista with rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and matcha coconut cream.

Founded by brothers Ted and Yong Kim alongside Chef Chris Oh, Seoul Sausage Company broke onto the public’s awareness when they won Season 3 of The Great Food Truck Race, Food Network’s second highest rated show. Now, food celebrities including Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentis, Bobby Flay and Simon Majumdar frequent their store during TV shoots to munch on their favorite dishes.

Co-founder Ted Kim joins us with a fiery update.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeWhat is the role of a sommelier in a restaurant? It’s certainly changing…Is the person a friend or a foe to the guest? How do you really know?

Can a sommelier work his way up with experience or is it a requirement to be certified by one of the Wine World’s governing bodies? Who creates the wine lists that you see at restaurants?

Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, shares his informed thoughts.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Amelia Saltsman and The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: DANCIN Vineyards, Co & Proprietor Dan Marca
Segment Five: Seoul Sausage Co. and Co-Founder Ted Kim
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-proprietor, The Wine Exchange