Show 130, July 11, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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

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

Time to check in with our esteemed emeritus show host, Chef Jet Tila. Locally he’s the chef and partner of Stir Market in Los Angeles. He’s also one of three permanent judges on Food Network’s hit series, Cutthroat Kitchen” with Host Alton Brown. Chef Jet’s Porchetta Sandwich at Stir Market was just recognized by Restaurant Hospitality magazine as “Best Sandwiches in America 2015: Pork.”

Chef Marlene Moore of the Temptations Food Court at Pechanga Resort & Casino is no stranger to the show. At the recent Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff she wowed the crowd with her creation and unseated two-time Chili Champ, Chef Damian Stanley, the Executive Sous Chef at Pechanga. Chef Marlene joins us to stir the pot.

Restaurants in tree-lined Claremont, CA are preparing for the third annual Claremont Restaurant Week on now through July 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine runs for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties. Ed Inglese, the proprietor and co-founder of the landmark Tutti Mangia Italian Grill (now in its 18th year), will provide us with more background in our continuing series.

The OC Fair is hosting One Big Party from July 17th to August 16th in celebration of its 125th anniversary with culinary creations to suit all palates. Foodies can enjoy wild and new fare mixed in with the traditional fair food. Culinary enthusiasts can savor a variety of competitions and exhibits highlighting baking, preserving and cocktail-making. The OC Fair’s Robin Wachner is here to provide the highlights.

Brew Ha Ha Productions, creator of award-winning craft beer festivals in Orange County, along with the OC Fair, are presenting the 2nd Annual Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup on July 18-19, opening weekend of the OC Fair. The Brew Hee Haw offers day and evening tasting sessions and includes free admission to the OC Fair, a commemorative festival glass and special presentations by “Dr.” Bill Sysak, Craft Beer Ambassador & Certified Cicerone, at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido.

Hawaii Chef Mark Noguchi is based on Oahu. His latest project is providing the food at the historic Hawaii Mission Houses with the Mission Social Hall & Café. In June, Chef Mark was part of the highly exclusive chefs group participating in the James Beard Foundation’s 7th Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change at Glynwood in Cold Spring, New York. Chef Mark Noguchi joins us to bring us up-to-date.

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

 

July 11: Jet Tila, Pechanga Chili Cookoff Champion, Tutti Mangia, OC Fair, Stone Brewing, Mark Noguchi

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Jet Tila, Stir Market and Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen”
Segment Three: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula
Segment Four: Ed Inglese, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Tutti Mangia Italian Grill, Claremont
Segment Five: OC Fair 125th Anniversary
Segment Six: Dr. Bill Sysak, Beer Ambassador – Stone Brewing Co., Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup Part One
Segment Seven: Dr. Bill Sysak, Beer Ambassador – Stone Brewing Co., Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, Mission Social Hall & Cafe, Honolulu

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

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

Time to check in with our esteemed emeritus show host, Chef Jet Tila. Locally he’s the chef and partner of Stir Market in Los Angeles. He’s also one of three permanent judges on Food Network’s hit series, “Cutthroat Kitchen” with Host Alton Brown. Chef Jet’s Porchetta Sandwich at Stir Market was just recognized by Restaurant Hospitality magazine as “Best Sandwiches in America 2015: Pork.”

Chef Marlene Moore of the Temptations Food Court at Pechanga Resort & Casino is no stranger to the show. At the recent Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff she wowed the crowd with her creation and unseated two-time Chili Champ, Chef Damian Stanley of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. Chef Marlene joins us to stir the pot.

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. Ed Inglese, the proprietor and co-founder of the landmark Tutti Mangia Italian Grill (now in its 18th year), will provide us with more background in our continuing series.

The OC Fair is hosting “One Big Party” from July 17th to August 16th in celebration of its 125th anniversary with culinary creations to suit all palates. Foodies can enjoy wild and new fare mixed in with the traditional fair food. Culinary enthusiasts can savor a variety of competitions and exhibits highlighting baking, preserving and cocktail-making. The OC Fair’s Robin Wachner is here to provide the highlights.

Brew Ha Ha Productions, creator of award-winning craft beer festivals in Orange County, along with the OC Fair, are presenting the 2nd Annual Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup on July 18-19, opening weekend of the OC Fair. The Brew Hee Haw offers day and evening tasting sessions and includes free admission to the OC Fair, a commemorative festival glass and special presentations by “Dr.” Bill Sysak, Craft Beer Ambassador & Certified Cicerone, at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido.

Hawaii Chef Mark Noguchi is based on Oahu. His latest project is providing the food at the historic Hawaii Mission Houses with the Mission Social Hall & Café. In June Chef Mark was part of the highly exclusive chefs group participating in the James Beard Foundation’s 7th Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change at Glynwood in Cold Spring, New York. Chef Mark Noguchi joins us to bring us up-to-date.

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

Jet Tila at Cochon 555Time to check in with our esteemed emeritus show host, Chef Jet Tila. Locally he’s the chef and partner of Stir Market in Los Angeles. He’s also one of three permanent judges on Food Network’s hit series, Cutthroat Kitchen” with Host Alton Brown.

Chef Jet’s Porchetta Sandwich at Stir Market was just recognized by Restaurant Hospitality magazine as “Best Sandwiches in America 2015: Pork.” The key ingredients are porchetta seasoned with fennel, lavender, lemon zest, rosemary and garlic.

“What the Judges Said: This category nearly drove us insane because there were so many great entries, but we fell in love with this porchetta sandwich. In Italy, it’s not uncommon to find street vendors serving this elaborately stuffed and rolled pork in sandwich form, but rarely is it seen in sandwich form in this country. It’s labor intensive to prepare, but well worth the effort. Tila lays juicy white pork atop house-made jam and then adds texture with layers of crispy pork skin. What else can we say but, “Yum!” “

Chef Jet is also part of Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen’s” Summer Tournament, “Camp Cutthroat.” It’s five episodes. Can you imagine host Alton Brown as your Head Counselor? It debuts on Wednesday evening, August 12th.

Marlene MooreChef Marlene Moore of the Temptations Food Court at Pechanga Resort & Casino is no stranger to the show. At the recent Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on June 6th she wowed the crowd with her creation and unseated two-time Chili Champ, Chef Damian Stanley of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar.

A new chili champion has been crowned by the people at the annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Temptations Food Court chef, Marlene Moore, tantalized the sold-out crowd with her original creation of Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili. She edged out seven other Pechanga chefs’ chili varieties which included Texas style chili with a trio of meat, steak chili mac, and black bean chili con carne, with poblano rajas, crispy pork and shishito peppers.

With 219 votes out of a total of 914 from Microbrew Festival attendees, Chef Moore, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, unseated Chef Damian Stanley who had held the chili throne for two years.

Now in its seventh year, 1,695 people came to enjoy brews, chili and music at the 2015 Festival, making it the most well-attended to date. Proceeds from the event benefited Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Chef Marlene joins us to stir the slow-simmering chili pot.

Claremont Restaurant WeekRestaurants 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.

Ed Inglese, the proprietor and co-founder of the landmark Tutti Mangia Italian Grill (now in its 18th year), will provide us with more in our tempting series of previews.

Claremont Restaurant Week, presented by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Discover Claremont, is expected to feature more than two dozen participating restaurants offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that will showcase favorite local dishes and inspired summer seasonal specials. Last year, Claremont chefs highlighted locally grown vegetables, farm-raised beef and fresh fish selections in menu specials priced from $10 for lunch and $20 – $40 for dinner.

Tutti Mangia offers both a two-course lunch for $20.00 and a three-course dinner for $40.00 for Claremont Restaurant Week.

Orange County Fair 2015The OC Fair is hosting One Big Party from July 17th to August 16th in celebration of its 125th anniversary with culinary creations to suit all palates. Foodies can enjoy wild and new fare mixed in with the traditional fair food. Culinary enthusiasts can savor a variety of competitions and exhibits highlighting baking, preserving and cocktail-making.

125 Ways to Graze celebrates the OC Fair’s 125th anniversary with a variety of new options inspired by the number “125” including $1.25 combo add-ons or value-sized portions of menu items at reduced prices. Additionally, select vendors will offer a just-for-2015 luxury menu item for $125.00 including caviar-topped Deep Fried Twinkie and Chuckwagon BBQ Feast with enough barbecued fare to feed the whole family.

New Unique Food Items include Fireball Donut and Samosa Donut from Texas Donuts; Chocolate-Covered Pork Rinds and Wasabi Bacon Bombs from Bacon A-Fair; $125.00 Caviar Twinkie from Chicken Charlie’s; Cuban Fusion Burger from Grant’s Tasti Burgers; and Frosted Flake Chicken Fingers from Pickle O’Pete’s.

$2 Taste of Fair Food, held every Friday from Noon to 4:00 p.m., offers Fairgoers the chance to taste Fair food for $2.00 per item. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, gelato, and more. (Fair admission required.)

The OC Fair’s Robin Wachner is here to provide the highlights.

Doctor Bill SysakBrew Ha Ha Productions, creator of award-winning craft beer festivals in Orange County, along with the OC Fair, are presenting the 2nd Annual Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup on July 18-19, opening weekend of the OC Fair. The Brew Hee Haw offers day and evening tasting sessions and includes free admission to the OC Fair, a commemorative festival glass and special presentations by “Dr.” Bill Sysak, Craft Beer Ambassador & Certified Cicerone, at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido.

Additional new features at this 2nd Annual event are unlimited 2 oz. pours, more than 80 craft beer selections from some of the best breweries in the county, and no ticket fees when you buy the print at home tickets. Two VIP sessions are offered on Saturday, July 18th (12-4 p.m.) & (5-9 p.m.) and one on Sunday, July 19th (1-5 p.m.).  Two GA sessions are offered on Saturday, July 18th (1-4 p.m.) & (6-9 p.m.) and one on Sunday, July 19th (2-5 p.m.), so check the OC Fair’s schedule for those days and plan to make a full day of it.

General Admission tickets are $50 and $60 the day of the event.  VIP tickets are $65 and $75 the day of the event.  A portion of the proceeds from Brew Hee Haw will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County.

Additional new features at this 2nd Annual event are unlimited 2 oz. pours, more than 80 craft beer selections from some of the best breweries in the county, and no ticket fees when you buy the print at home tickets. Two VIP sessions are offered on Saturday, July 18th (12-4 p.m.) & (5-9 p.m.) and one on Sunday, July 19th (1-5 p.m.).  Two GA sessions are offered on Saturday, July 18th (1-4 p.m.) & (6-9 p.m.) and one on Sunday, July 19th (2-5 p.m.), so check the OC Fair’s schedule for those days and plan to make a full day of it.

Bill Sysak, or as he’s more often referred to, “Dr. Bill,” is the Craft Beer Ambassador for Stone Brewing Co. “Dr” Bill is a Certified Cicerone and has proven expertise in selecting, acquiring and serving craft beers. At Stone, he’s responsible for setting the beverage standard and ensuring the beverage philosophy is followed at all Stone Brewing Co. venues.

Mark NoguchiHawaii Chef Mark Noguchi is based on Oahu. He has been a previous guest on the show talking about the Hawaii Wine & Food Festival.

“I cook from an ‘aina based perspective. It’s important for us to know where our food comes from. It defines who we are. The awareness of this intimate connection keeps me grounded.” – Chef Mark Noguchi

His latest project is providing the food at the historic Hawaii Mission Houses with the Mission Social Hall & Café. It’s in Downtown Honolulu. It’s a lunch café that features healthy grab-n-go choices such as sandwiches, salads and soups along with contemporary Hawaiian food inspired by dishes of the 19th-century missionary era.

In June Chef Mark was part of the highly exclusive chefs’ group participating in the James Beard Foundation’s 7th Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change at Glynwood in Cold Spring, New York. The site was a 225-acre agricultural nonprofit’s farm.

This series of workshops provided the chefs with the policy and advocacy skills they need to be effective champions for their chosen food-system causes.

Chef Mark Noguchi joins us to bring us up-to-date.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Jet Tila, Stir Market and Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen”
Segment Three: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula
Segment Four: Ed Inglese, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Tutti Mangia Italian Grill, Claremont
Segment Five: OC Fair 125th Anniversary
Segment Six: Dr. Bill Sysak, Beer Ambassador – Stone Brewing Co., Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup Part One
Segment Seven: Dr. Bill Sysak, Beer Ambassador – Stone Brewing Co., Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, Mission Social Hall & Cafe, Honolulu

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 128, June 27, 2015: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Jason Cerswell, Lounge 425 at Hotel Casa 425

Claremont Restaurant WeekRestaurants 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.

You have to fully appreciate the character of Claremont. The first thing you notice is no parking meters and lots of City-owned parking lots. Their theme is “Take the Time to Exhale.”

Many of the featured restaurants are located within the 12 city blocks of Claremont Village. There is also a convenient Metrolink station adjacent to The Village.

Jason CerswellClaremont Restaurant Week, presented by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Discover Claremont, is expected to feature more than two dozen participating restaurants offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that will showcase favorite local dishes and inspired summer seasonal specials. Last year, Claremont chefs highlighted locally grown vegetables, farm-raised beef and fresh fish selections in menu specials priced from $10 for lunch and $20 – $40 for dinner.

Jason Cerswell, Lounge 425 Manager at Hotel Casa 425 in Claremont, will provide us with the second installment of our tempting overview. Lounge 425 is a repeat participant in Claremont Restaurant Week. Casa is located in Claremont Village adjacent to Claremont’s Village Square, Public Plaza Village Square.

June 27, Joan Borsten, Lounge 425, I Love Poke, Laurent Brazier, Melissa’s Produce

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Author Joan Borsten – Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Cookbook Part One
Segment Three: Author Joan Borsten – Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Cookbook Part Two
Segment Four: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Jason Cerswell, Lounge 425 at Hotel Casa 425
Segment Five: Nino “Neens” Camilo, Producer, I Love Poke Festival, Orange County
Segment Six: Chef Laurent Brazier, Bistro Papillote, SOCO
Segment Seven: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce Part One
Segment Eight: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce Part Two

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 bubbling-over 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, the General Manager of Lounge 425 (small plates restaurant and cocktail lounge) 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 at SOCO is simple French Bistro cuisine. Chef Laurent is our guest.

The bounty of the very best in California summer produce is now 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…

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

Joan BorstenThe 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 the 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.”

Joan Borsten, who co-founded the renowned Malibu Beach Recovery Center (which she has since sold), worked with Dr. Blum and his colleague Dr. Mark Gold to develop a diet rich in dopamine producing foods.

“All drugs of abuse become objects of desire because of their unique ability to make those with low dopamine levels feel good,” notes Dr. Gold, who co-authored a clinical paper with Dr. Blum on the dopamine diet published in the spring 2015 issue of Molecular Neurobiology Journal, a peer reviewed medical journal. Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Cookbook works to fight the impulse of addiction by restoring depleted dopamine levels and healing dopamine receptors. It’s an important statement that diet is a central part of well-being, treatment and recovery.”

Borsten asked four executive chefs, trained in her addiction-busting diet as well as in Michelin-Star traditions and restaurants (the gold standard among foodies), to create the brain-healing recipes. They include such delicacies as Jamaican Mango Shrimp over Coconut Rice; Asparagus, Peas and Basil Salad; and Chocolate Mousse.

“It’s hard to tell that the recipes in Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Cookbook are designed to promote recovery,” notes Dr. Gold who observes they also work on depression and anxiety. “They’re absolutely delicious.”

The cookbook was created to help those who can’t afford treatment, which accounts for about 90 percent of all addicts and alcoholics. But the book will be equally important to the thousands of rehabilitation clinics around the country that have yet to recognize the link between food and addiction.

“Currently, most drug and alcohol treatment centers unknowingly serve the very foods that sabotage recovery and can lead to relapse,” Borsten says. “Even those with five-star chefs.”

Jason CerswellRestaurants 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.

You have to fully appreciate the character of Claremont. The first thing you notice is no parking meters and lots of City-owned parking lots. Their theme is “Take the Time to Exhale.”

Many of the featured restaurants are located within the 12 city blocks of Claremont Village. There is also a convenient Metrolink station adjacent to The Village.

Claremont Restaurant Week, presented by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Discover Claremont, is expected to feature more than two dozen participating restaurants offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that will showcase favorite local dishes and inspired summer seasonal specials. Last year, Claremont chefs highlighted locally grown vegetables, farm-raised beef and fresh fish selections in menu specials priced from $10 for lunch and $20 – $40 for dinner.

Jason Cerswell, Lounge 425 Manager at Hotel Casa 425 in Claremont, will provide us with the second installment of our tempting overview. Lounge 425 is a repeat participant in Claremont Restaurant Week. Casa is located in Claremont Village adjacent to Claremont’s Village Square, Public Plaza Village Square.

Nino Neems CamiloThe 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.”

“It’s going to be another delicious Orange County event,” says Nino “Neens” Camilo, producer of I Love Poke and founder of ONO YUM. “Most of the chefs competing this year are first place winners from past festivals, so they’re accustomed to winning. This will be the most competitive festival so far.”

The I Love Poke Festival will feature 10-12 Orange County chefs competing for the title with their unique versions of the popular fish dish. Notable participants include James Harris of 370 Common, Shawn Gole of North Shore Poke Co., Ben LeFleche of Shades Restaurant & Bar, and Julio Hawkins of Fly-n-Fish Oyster Bar. “Poh-kay” means to cut or slice and is traditionally prepared as a raw salad of fish, sea salt and any number of preferential ingredients. Festival-goers will get to sample the poke as a panel of judges evaluate each dish based on presentation, quality of ingredients and flavor, to crown the winner.

Producer Nino “Neens” Camilo joins us with all the 411.

Laurent BrazierThe 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 at SOCO is simple French Bistro cuisine.

Bistro Papillote provides full service breakfast and lunch, including Chef Laurent’s interpretation of quiches, crepes, Croque-Monsieur, and grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. At the open-air crepe bar, guests are able to watch as delicious, fresh crepes are prepared right in front of them.

Bistro Papillote by La Cuisine is available for private events catered by Chef Laurent’s catering company, La Cuisine. The French wines served there are hand-selected by Chef Laurent who holds his Advanced Certificate of Wine & Spirit from the London WSET, as well as the Level One Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Chef Laurent is our guest.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceThe bounty of the very best in California summer produce is now 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…

For openers we’ll be chatting about the incredible Masumoto Peaches and Nectarines, Harry’s Berry’s Strawberries, Organic Plum Bites and Back Apricots.

Grape season is upon us. Think Muscato, Cotton Candy, Champagne and, something new, Jelly Drops Grapes.

Cotton Candy Grapes™ are an unusual new hybrid variety developed over eight years by breeding wild grape species in California. As its name implies this grape has a distinctive flavor that does, remarkably, taste very much like the spun sugar confection. This is not a genetically engineered product; but rather a tedious hand-pollination process was employed that resulted over many seasons.

The fruit has an initial burst of Cotton Candy flavor that recedes into a mild, juicy sweetness. Actually, these green to light yellow seedless grapes are low in acid and pleasantly sweet without being overly sugary. A great new healthy snack food for kids or the child in all of us!

For openers we’ll be chatting about Masumoto Peaches and Nectarines, Harry’s Berry’s Strawberries, Organic Plum Bites and Back Apricots.

Melissa’s Black Velvet™ Apricots have a deep purple (almost black) skin which is covered with a thin layer of light-colored fuzz. The interior of this fruit is a bright golden color with a super sweet, highly concentrated flavor. The warm late Spring and early Summer weather in California produces an intense flavor in these fruits that is reminiscent of apricot preserves.

Fresh grape season is upon us. Think Muscato, Cotton Candy, Champagne and, something new, Jelly Drops Grapes.

How do you select a ripe melon in your favorite produce aisle? Produce’s Brainiac, Robert, has the wisdom…Hint….It’s absolutely not about thumping the melon.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Author Joan Borsten – Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Cookbook Part One
Segment Three: Author Joan Borsten – Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Cookbook Part Two
Segment Four: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Jason Cerswell, Lounge 425 at Hotel Casa 425
Segment Five: Nino “Neens” Camilo, Producer, I Love Poke Festival, Orange County
Segment Six: Chef Laurent Brazier, Bistro Papillote, SOCO
Segment Seven: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce Part One
Segment Eight: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce Part Two

Show 127, June 20, 2015: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Sal Medina, Packing House Wines

Sal MedinaRestaurants in lush, tree-lined Claremont, CA (known as “The City of Trees”) 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.

You have to love Claremont. The first thing you notice is no parking meters and lots of City-owned parking lots. Their theme is “Take the Time to Exhale.”

Many of the featured restaurants are located within the 12 city blocks of Claremont Village. This creates the creative possibility for progressive dinners where you have a course in an establishment and then leisurely move on to the next stop. There is also a convenient Metrolink station adjacent to The Village.

Claremont Restaurant Week, presented by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Discover Claremont, is expected to feature more than two dozen participating restaurants offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that will showcase favorite local dishes and inspired summer seasonal specials. Last year, Claremont chefs highlighted locally grown vegetables, farm-raised beef and fresh fish selections in menu specials priced from $10 for lunch and $20 – $40 for dinner.

Sal Medina of Packing House Wine Merchants in the restored College Heights Lemon Packing House in Claremont will provide us with the tempting overview.