Show 302, December 15, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s delectable show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Freelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie graciously shares some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

We’ve been in Las Vegas this week covering ment’or BKB Foundations’ Fifth Annual Young Chef and Third Annual Commis Competition held on the Campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The winners are awarded the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Lyon, France and support Team USA at the 2019 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition Finale in January. Team USA will be defending their Gold Medal win from 2017 (an extraordinary achievement.) We’ll introduce the talented winner of the Young Chef Competition!

The new Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa (on the site of the revered Golden Truffle) is the creation of Chef/Partner John Park and restaurateur Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco.) There is some incredible food, baked goods & desserts coming out of this kitchen. Think Hot Chicken and Hawaiian Malasadas for Brunch. We’ll meet the creative team from Toast.

After an incredible 46-year run Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Ristorante will serve its last dinner on New Year’s Eve. Valentino is one of the pioneers of modern Italian food in Los Angeles. Valentino also is credited with introducing premium Italian wines as part of a deep cellar along with polished, unfussy wine service. Our own West Coast Prime Meats Meathead, Terry Hanks, along with Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio share some engaging memories.

Las Vegas Insider Eric Gladstone is the principal of The Feast of Friends. In Las Vegas Eric produces food festivals and provides creative marketing services to restaurants. His specialty is independent, chef-driven projects. Eric is the organizer of the inaugural Vegas UnStripped food festival in Downtown Las Vegas which will return in 2019. We’ll meet him.

Chef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu has been a resounding success since its opening Downtown mid-last year in the Fashion District. On Sept. 13th during service a small kitchen fire temporarily closed the establishment. The better news is that Rossoblu just reopened last week. Congrats, also, to Chef Steve and Dina Samson for having both Rossoblu and Sotto (his other restaurant) included in the closely watched Los Angeles Times’101 Restaurants We Love” list. Chef Steve is our guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice! Tuna in a can, a staple of everyone’s home pantry, is, incredibly, losing popularity with Millennials. We’ll open the can on this one and explain…

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

Show 302, December 15, 2018: Anne Marie Panoringan, Freelance, Food, Libation & Travel Journalist

Anne Marie PanoringanFreelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie will graciously share some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

A highlight was her stay at River Belle Inn located at the Russian River. On the guest services menu there are Beer and Wine Happy Hour and daily, from-scratch breakfast pastries.

December 15: Anne Marie Panoringan, ment’or BKB, Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Valentino’s Farewell, Eric Gladstone, Steve Samson

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, Freelance, Food, Libation & Travel Journalist
Segment Three: Chef Ian P. Cairns, Winner of ment’or BKB’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ed Lee and Chef / Partner John Park, Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Costa Mesa
Segment Five: Valentino Ristorante, Santa Monica
Segment Six: Eric C. Gladstone, The Feast of Friends, Las Vegas
Segment Seven: Chef / Restaurateur Steve Samson, Rossoblu
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-host

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s delectable show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Freelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie will graciously share some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

We’ve been in Las Vegas this week covering ment’or BKB Foundations’ Fifth Annual Young Chef and Third Annual Commis Competition held on the Campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The winners are awarded the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Lyon, France and support Team USA at the 2019 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition Finale in January. Team USA will be defending their Gold Medal win from 2017 (an extraordinary achievement.) We’ll introduce the talented winner of the Young Chef Competition!

The new Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa (on the site of the revered Golden Truffle) is the creation of Chef/Partner John Park and restaurateur Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco.) There is some incredible food, baked goods & desserts coming out of this kitchen. Think Hot Chicken and Hawaiian Malasadas for Brunch. We’ll meet the creative team from Toast.

After an incredible 46-year run Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Ristorante will serve its last dinner on New Year’s Eve. Valentino was one of the pioneers of modern Italian food in Los Angeles. Valentino also is credited with introducing premium Italian wines as part of a deep cellar along with polished, unfussy wine service. Our own West Coast Prime Meats Meathead, Terry Hanks, along with Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio share some engaging memories.

Las Vegas Insider Eric Gladstone is the principal of The Feast of Friends. In Las Vegas Eric produces food festivals and provides creative marketing services to restaurants. His specialty is independent, chef-driven projects. Eric is the organizer of the inaugural Vegas UnStripped food festival which will return in 2019. We’ll meet him.

Chef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu has been a big success since its opening Downtown mid-last year in the Fashion District. On Sept. 13th during service a small kitchen fire temporarily closed the establishment. The better news is that Rossoblu just reopened last week. Congrats, also, to Chef Steve and Dina Samson for having both Rossoblu and Sotto (his other restaurant) included in the closely watched Los Angeles Times’101 Restaurants We Love” list. Chef Steve is our guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice! Tuna in a can, a staple of everyone’s home pantry, is, incredibly, losing popularity with Millennials. We’ll open the can on this one and explain…

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

Anne Marie PanoringanFreelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie will graciously share some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

A highlight was her stay at River Belle Inn located at the Russian River.

Ian Cairns and Bryn Rene are the winners of the 2018 Young Chef and Commis CompetitionWe’ve been in Las Vegas this week covering ment’or BKB Foundations’ Fifth Annual Young Chef and Third Annual Commis Competition held in the new Hospitality Hall on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The seven Candidates developed a unique recipe based on the selected protein for the competition which was one, whole Bone-In Lamb Saddle provided by Pure Bred. Each Young Chef candidate had a hand-picked assistant helping them during the competition. They had 2 hours and 35 minutes to cook and plate 10 tasting-size portions of the dish for the chef judges.

The winners are awarded the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Lyon, France and support Team USA at the 2019 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition Finale in January. Team USA will be defending their Gold Medal win from 2017 (an extraordinary achievement.) We’ll introduce the talented winner of the Young Chef Competition.

John ParkThe new Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa (on the site of the revered Golden Truffle) is the creation of Chef/Partner John Park and restaurateur Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco.) There is some incredible food, baked goods & desserts coming out of this kitchen. Closed on Monday and Sunday is Brunch service only.

Think Hot Chicken and Hawaiian Malasadas for Brunch.

We’ll meet the creative team from Toast.

Valentino Santa MonicaAfter an incredible 46-year run Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Ristorante will serve its last dinner on New Year’s Eve.

Valentino is one of the pioneers of modern Italian food in Los Angeles. Valentino also is credited with introducing premium Italian wines as part of a deep cellar along with polished, unfussy wine service.

Many talented chefs with successful restaurants of their own now, polished their skills in the Valentino Kitchen. Piero launches a new restaurant on the Bay in Newport Beach (Louie’s) early in the New Year.

Our own West Coast Prime Meats Meathead, Terry Hanks, along with Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio share some engaging memories.

Eric GladstoneLas Vegas Insider Eric Gladstone is the principal of The Feast of Friends. In Las Vegas Eric produces food festivals and provides creative marketing services to restaurants. His specialty is independent, chef-driven projects.

Eric is the organizer of the inaugural Vegas UnStripped food festival which will return in 2019. Eric is also helping to organize a two-night benefit series for the Intuitive Forager, Kerry Clasby.

Steve Samson of Sotto and RossobluChef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu has been a big success since its opening Downtown mid-last year in the Fashion District. On Sept. 13th during service a small kitchen fire temporarily closed the establishment. The better news is that Rossoblu just reopened last week.

Congrats, also, to Chef Steve and Dina Samson for having both Rossoblu and Sotto (his other restaurant) included in the closely watched Los Angeles Times’101 Restaurants We Love” list. Chef Steve is our guest.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice!

Tuna in a can, a staple of everyone’s home pantry, is, incredibly, losing popularity with Millennials.

We’ll open the can on this one and explain…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, Freelance, Food, Libation & Travel Journalist
Segment Three: Chef Ian P. Cairns, Winner of ment’or BKB’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ed Lee and Chef / Partner John Park, Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Costa Mesa
Segment Five: Valentino Ristorante, Santa Monica
Segment Six: Eric C. Gladstone, The Feast of Friends, Las Vegas
Segment Seven: Chef / Restaurateur Steve Samson, Rossoblu
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-host

Show 104, January 3, 2015: Food and Travel Journalist, Steve Bramucci

Steve BramucciSteve Bramucci is a freelance food and travel writer based in Laguna Beach. For what was the final issue of OC Register Magazine (November 6, 2014) he researched and wrote the provocative piece, “The 20-Mile Meal,” the cover story. This was also picked up by Coast Magazine.

“With the help of The Haven Collective’s (Haven Gastropub and Provisions Market) Executive Chef Greg Daniels, writer Steve Bramucci tests the limits of the “Eat Local” concept by sourcing a multicourse dinner from within 20 miles of his Laguna Beach apartment.” With incredible resourcefulness (read the piece) Steve and Chef Greg were able to source everything locally with the exception of a bit of olive oil! (That was California olive oil used by the way so they were very close…)

With a little navigating the article can be found within the Orange County Register’s Website. On the Home Page of The Register’s Web site click on the “Magazines” tab in the top right corner. Once you’re there click on Coast.” On this subpage you’ll see the cover for the OC Register Magazine with the 20-Mile Meal cover.

Steve Bramucci takes us through that journey.

Show 103, December 27, 2014: Show Preview with Kedric Francis (Guest Host) and Producer Andy Harris

Kedric Francis and Andy HarrisKedric Francis (our always dashing, debonair OC gentleman-about-town,) Editor of Coast Magazine, is today’s special Guest Host.

It’s a great time to reflect on the high points of the past year and look ahead. Kedric will share some of his thoughts on 2014 and look ahead to the anticipated edible treats of 2015. He’ll also preview the upcoming food and beverage options of the new $185 million ARTIC transit hub (67,000-square feet) adjacent to Angel Stadium and Honda Center..

We last spoke with Chef Richard Rosendale just after he returned from competing in the international Bocuse d’Or in early 2013. At the time he was the executive chef of iconic The Greenbier (White Sulfur Springs, WV.) Since then he’s gone out on his own and can be seen Saturday mornings on CBS’ “Recipe Rehab.” He’s also a coach for Team USA for the upcoming Bocuse d’Or competition in Lyon in late January. We’ll talk with Richard about Team USA’s chances for 2015 and what it takes to compete in this prestigious and rigorous international competition (24 countries competing) known as the “Olympics of Cooking.”

When Chef Charlie McKenna opened the original Lillie’s Q in 2010 in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago he brought award-winning competition BBQ and timeless Southern cooking to the City of Big Shoulders. Now Chef Charlie and partner Joe Manzella of TAPS Fish House & Brewery and The Catch have launched Lillie’s Q in Brea Downtown. The joint venture marks McKenna’s fourth location for his growing barbecue concept. Chef McKenna is our guest.

Cocktail authorities David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson are back with us providing inspired advice on New Year’s Eve libations. They are the authors of The 12 Bottle BarA Dozen Bottles. Hundreds Of Cocktails. A New Way To Drink.

It’s been an epic year for our Friends at The Winery in Tustin and Newport Beach. The Orange County Concierge Association just awarded The Winery the designation of “Restaurant of the Year.” In unprecedented fashion The Winery also won this recognition from the OC Concierge Association in 2008, 2009, and 2013. At The Golden Foodie Awards this year The Winery took home the honor for “Best Wine list” for the third year in a row. Also in the Orange County Register’s restaurant critic Brad A. Johnson’s 2014 O.C. Restaurant Awards the new Winery in Newport Beach was in Johnson’s “Top 10 New Restaurants” (in the Number Three position.) Winery Managing Partner and Sommelier William Lewis joins us to share all the good news and their celebratory plans for New Year’s Eve.

It’s our pleasure to welcome back Brad A. Johnson, the Orange County Registers award-winning restaurant critic to the show. Brad is going to share his 2014 Orange County restaurant awards with us. Additionally we’ll hear about his favorite Orange County dishes of the year.

In mid-October Johnson penned an intriguing piece for The Orange County Register about the arrival of the new Italian cuisine. He characterizes it as “nothing short of a revolution.” We’ll hear about this movement along with the restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange County who are part of this exciting new wave.

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

Show 103, December 27, 2014: Kedric Francis, Editor, Coast Magazine

Kedric Francis of Coast Magazine and the Orange County Register MagazineKedric Francis (our always dashing, debonair gentleman-about-Orange County,) Editor of Coast Magazine, is today’s special Guest Host.

It’s a great time to reflect on the high points of the past year and look ahead. Kedric will share some of his thoughts on highlights of 2014 and look ahead to the anticipated edible treats of 2015.

Particularly noteworthy for Kedric were high profile restaurant sites that have been creatively re-imagined. He spoke about Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach and Twenty Eight Modern Chinese in Irvine as two prime examples.

He also previewed the upcoming food and beverage options of the massive new $185 million ARTIC transit hub (67,000-square feet) adjacent to Angel Stadium and Honda Center.

December 27: Kedric Francis, Richard Rosendale, Charlie McKenna, David and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, William Lewis, Brad A. Johnson

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Kedric Francis (Guest Host) and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Kedric Francis, Editor, Coast Magazine
Segment Three: Chef Richard Rosendale
Segment Four: Chef Charlie McKenna, Lillie’s Q
Segment Five: David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, The 12 Bottle Bar
Segment Six: William Lewis, Managing Partner & Sommelier, The Winery Restaurant
Segment Seven: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County Register Part One
Segment Eight: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County Register Part Two

Kedric Francis and Andy HarrisKedric Francis (our always dashing, debonair OC gentleman-about-town,) Editor of Coast Magazine, is today’s special Guest Host.

It’s a great time to reflect on the high points of the past year and look ahead. Kedric will share some of his thoughts on 2014 and look ahead to the anticipated edible treats of 2015. He’ll also preview the upcoming food and beverage options of the new $185 million ARTIC transit hub (67,000-square feet) adjacent to Angel Stadium and Honda Center.

We last spoke with Chef Richard Rosendale just after he returned from competing in the international Bocuse d’Or in early 2013. At the time he was the executive chef of iconic The Greenbier (White Sulfur Springs, WV.) Since then he’s gone out on his own and can be seen Saturday mornings on CBS’ “Recipe Rehab.” He’s also a coach for Team USA for the upcoming Bocuse d’Or competition in Lyon in late January. We’ll talk with Richard about Team USA’s chances for 2015 and what it takes to compete in this prestigious and rigorous international competition (24 countries competing) known as the “Olympics of Cooking.”

When Chef Charlie McKenna opened the original Lillie’s Q in 2010 in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago he brought award-winning competition BBQ and timeless Southern cooking to the City of Big Shoulders. Now Chef Charlie and partner Joe Manzella of TAPS Fish House & Brewery and The Catch have launched Lillie’s Q in Brea Downtown. The joint venture marks McKenna’s fourth location for his growing barbecue concept. Chef McKenna is our guest.

Cocktail experts David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson are back with us providing inspired advice on New Year’s Eve libations. They are the authors of The 12 Bottle BarA Dozen Bottles. Hundreds Of Cocktails. A New Way To Drink.

It’s been an epic year for our Friends at The Winery in Tustin and Newport Beach. The Orange County Concierge Association just awarded The Winery the designation of “Restaurant of the Year.” In unprecedented fashion The Winery also won this recognition from the OC Concierge Association in 2008, 2009, and 2013. At The Golden Foodie Awards this year The Winery took home the honor for “Best Wine list” for the third year in a row. Also in the Orange County Register’s restaurant critic Brad A. Johnson’s 2014 O.C. Restaurant Awards the new Winery in Newport Beach was in Johnson’s “Top 10 New Restaurants” (in the Number Three position.) Winery Managing Partner and Sommelier William Lewis joins us to share all the good news and their celebratory plans for New Year’s Eve.

It’s our pleasure to welcome back Brad A. Johnson, the Orange County Register’s award-winning restaurant critic to the show. Brad is going to share his 2014 Orange County restaurant awards with us. Additionally we’ll hear about his favorite Orange County dishes of the year.

In mid-October Johnson penned an intriguing piece for The Orange County Register about the arrival of the new Italian cuisine. He characterizes it as “nothing short of a revolution.” We’ll hear about this movement along with the restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange County who are part of this exciting new wave.

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

Kedric Francis of Coast Magazine and the Orange County Register MagazineKedric Francis (our always dashing, debonair gentleman-about-Orange County,) Editor of Coast Magazine, is today’s special Guest Host.

It’s a great time to reflect on the high points of the past year and look ahead. Kedric will share some of his thoughts on highlights of 2014 and look ahead to the anticipated edible treats of 2015. He’ll also preview the upcoming food and beverage options of the massive new $185 million ARTIC transit hub (67,000-square feet) adjacent to Angel Stadium and Honda Center.

Richard Rosendale of the Greenbrier Resort in Sulphur Springs West VirginiaWe last spoke with Chef Richard Rosendale just after he returned from competing in the international Bocuse d’Or culinary competition in early 2013. At the time he was the executive chef of iconic The Greenbier (White Sulfur Springs, WV.)

Since then he’s gone out on his own and can be seen Saturday mornings on CBSRecipe Rehab.” He’s also a coach for Team USA for the upcoming Bocuse d’Or competition in Lyon on January 24, 2015. We’ll talk with Richard about Team USA’s (Chef Philip Tessier and Commis Skylar Stover of The French Laundry) chances for 2015 and what it takes to compete on the world stage in this prestigious and rigorous international competition (24 countries competing) known as the “Olympics of Cooking.” It’s an intense five and a half hour cooking challenge with thousands of cheering fans watching.

Charlie MckennaWhen Chef Charlie McKenna opened the original Lillie’s Q in 2010 in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago he brought award-winning competition BBQ and timeless Southern cooking to the City of Big Shoulders. Now Chef Charlie and partner Joe Manzella of TAPS Fish House & Brewery and The Catch have launched Lillie’s Q in Brea Downtown. The joint venture marks McKenna’s fourth location for his growing barbecue concept.

Lillie’s Q specializes in slow-smoked pork shoulder, tri-tip, baby back ribs, hot links, and chicken cooked in custom-built smokers over peach wood and lump charcoal. They are also known for their incredible array of standout award-winning sauces.

“I look forward to bringing my southern BBQ roots to the West Coast,”
McKenna said. “It’s approachable, and there is something on the menu for everyone to enjoy.”

Chef McKenna is our guest.

David and Lesley Jacobs SolmonsonOpinionated cocktail authorities David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson are back with us with inspired advice on New Year’s Eve libations. They are the authors of The 12 Bottle BarA Dozen Bottles. Hundreds Of Cocktails. A New Way To Drink.

The Solmonsons are going to discuss how to get the hosts out from behind the bar on New Year’s Eve so they can enjoy their own party.

We’re perhaps thinking of a spirited punch and champagne cocktail bar.

Sir William Lewis of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar in TustinIt’s been an epic year for our Friends at The Winery in Tustin and Newport Beach. The Orange County Concierge Association just awarded The Winery the designation of “Restaurant of the Year.” In unprecedented fashion The Winery also won this recognition from the OC Concierge Association in 2008, 2009, and 2013.

At The Golden Foodie Awards this year at The Fairmont Newport Beach The Winery took home the honor for “Best Wine List” for the third year in a row. Also in the Orange County Register’s restaurant critic Brad A. Johnson’s 2014 O.C. Restaurant Awards the new Winery in Newport Beach was in Johnson’s “Top 10 New Restaurants” (in the Number Three position.)

The Winery’s Managing Partner and Sommelier, “Sir” William Lewis, joins us to share all the good news and their celebratory plans for New Year’s Eve.

Photography by Brad A JohnsonIt’s our pleasure to welcome back Brad A. Johnson, the Orange County Registers award-winning restaurant critic to the show. Brad is going to share his 2014 Orange County restaurant awards with us. These include his selections for Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Outstanding Wine Service and Best New Restaurant. Additionally we’ll hear about his favorite Orange County dishes of the year.

In mid-October Brad A. Johnson penned an intriguing piece for The Orange County Register about the arrival of the new Italian cuisine. The title of the piece is “This isn’t your father’s pasta: The future of Italian cuisine has arrived.” He characterizes it as “nothing short of a revolution.”

We’ll hear about this movement from Johnson along with the restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange County who are part of this exciting new wave.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Kedric Francis (Guest Host) and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Kedric Francis, Editor, Coast Magazine
Segment Three: Chef Richard Rosendale
Segment Four: Chef Charlie McKenna, Lillie’s Q
Segment Five: David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, The 12 Bottle Bar
Segment Six: William Lewis, Managing Partner & Sommelier, The Winery Restaurant
Segment Seven: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County Register Part One
Segment Eight: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County Register Part Two

Show 92, October 11, 2014: Guest Host Kedric Francis & Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show

Our always debonair “Man About Orange County,” Kedric Francis, is the Executive Editor of both The Orange County Register Magazine and Coast Magazine.

If you’re under 50 don’t be fooled. There is plenty to do (and thoroughly enjoy) on a luxury cruise ship as a relaxing vacation option. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam last week on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. Over the next few weeks we’ll be giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard.

A key manager aboard the ms Zaandam is the Hotel Director. He’s basically responsible for everything other than moving, navigating, and maintaining the ship. He actually supervises more of the 615 crew members aboard than the Captain!

Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach debuted with a splash about a year ago. It’s been a really great inaugural year. At the recent Golden Foodie Awards Selanne was the recipient of “Best New Restaurant” (an award decided by peers) and the people’s choice award (decided by popular vote)for “Best Steak.”

Everyone remembers Vince Ferragamo as the popular former quarterback of the L.A. Rams. What you probably don’t know is that Vince is a gentleman wine-maker in Orange County and a certified sommelier. He grows Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes on property in Orange Park Acres.

We’re continuing our report on the recent Hawaii Food & Wine Festival based on Oahu. Food, wine and travel writer Michelle Winner encores with Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguci of Lunchbox in Oahu.

Chef Holly Jivin of The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills has just been promoted to Chef de Cuisine. She has been part of The Bazaar’s culinary team since the restaurant’s opening. Chef Holly also oversees SAAM, the intimate (and very exclusive) chef’s tasting room located within The Bazaar.

Fine wine as an accompaniment is a big part of enjoying a superb meal at one of the many dining choices aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam. Cellar Master Rod is the gracious public face of the extensive wine and spirits program on the ship. He also provides entertaining wine education programs for the passengers including an interactive Blind Wine Tasting event. His motto is that good wine doesn’t need to be expensive.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents “Cocktails for Peat’s Sake! Scotching the Single-Malt Taboo,” the next edition of Touring the Cocktail:MOTAC Los Angeles. The seminar takes place on Monday, Oct. 20th at 6:30 p.m. at The Three Clubs in Hollywood. The evening is hosted by cocktail expert Michael J. Neff.

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

October 11: Kedric Francis, Holland America ms Zaandam, Sellane Steak Tavern, Vince Ferragamo, Mark Noguchi, Holly Jivin, Michael J. Neff

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Kedric Francis & Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Rene Tuinman, Hotel Director, ms Zaandam
Segment Three: Selanne Steak Tavern
Segment Four: Vince Ferragamo, Winemaker & Certified Sommelier
Segment Five: Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi and Michelle Winner
Segment Six: Chef Holly Jivin, The Bazaar by Jose Andres
Segment Seven: Cellar Master Rod, ms Zaandam
Segment Eight: Drinkmaster Michael J. Neff

Guest Host Kedric Francis and Executive Producer & Occasional Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show.

Our always debonair “Man About Orange County,” Kedric Francis, is the Executive Editor of both The Orange County Register Magazine and Coast Magazine.

If you’re under 50 don’t be fooled. There is plenty to do (and thoroughly enjoy) on a luxury cruise ship as a relaxing vacation option. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam last week on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. Over the next few weeks we’ll be giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard.

A key manager aboard the ms Zaandam is the Hotel Director. He’s basically responsible for everything other than moving, navigating, and maintaining the ship. He actually supervises more of the 615 crew members aboard than the Captain!

Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach debuted with a splash about a year ago. It’s been a really great inaugural year. At the recent Golden Foodie awards Selanne was the recipient of “Best New Restaurant”  (an award decided by peers) and the people’s choice award (decided by popular vote)for “Best Steak.”

Everyone remembers Vince Ferragamo as the popular former quarterback of the L.A. Rams. What you probably don’t know is that Vince is a gentleman wine-maker in Orange County and a certified sommelier. He grows Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes on property in Orange Park Acres.

We’re continuing our report on the recent Hawaii Food & Wine Festival based on Oahu. Food, wine and travel writer Michelle Winner encores with Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguci of Lunchbox in Oahu.

Chef Holly Jivin of The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills has just been promoted to Chef de Cuisine. She has been part of The Bazaar’s culinary team since the restaurant’s opening. Chef Holly also oversees SAAM, the intimate (and very exclusive) chef’s tasting room located within The Bazaar.

Fine wine as an accompaniment is a big part of enjoying a superb meal at one of the many dining choices aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam. Cellar Master Rod is the gracious public face of the extensive wine and spirits program on the ship. He also provides entertaining wine education programs for the passengers including an interactive Blind Wine Tasting event. His motto is that good wine doesn’t need to be expensive.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents “Cocktails for Peat’s Sake ! Scotching the Single-Malt Taboo,” the next edition of Touring the Cocktail:MOTAC Los Angeles. The seminar takes place on Monday, Oct. 20th at 6:30 p.m. at The Three Clubs in Hollywood. The evening is hosted by cocktail expert Michael J. Neff.

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

ms Zaandam by Holland AmericaThe “SoCal Restaurant Show” was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam last week on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. Over the next few weeks we’ll be giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard.

A key manager aboard the ms Zaandam is the Hotel Director. He’s basically responsible for everything other than moving, navigating, and maintaining the ship. He actually supervises more of the 615 crew members aboard than the Captain ! Think of a luxury hotel General Manager who also oversees the preparation and serving of over 8,000 meals per day ranging from the casual to fine-dining.

Sellane Steak TavernSelanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach debuted with a splash about a year ago. It’s been a really great inaugural year. At the recent Golden Foodie Awards Selanne was the recipient of “Best New Restaurant” (an award decided by peers) and the people’s choice award (decided by popular vote)for “Best Steak.”

Selanne’s accomplished pastry chef, Heather Fisher, was also nominated for Golden Pastry Chef at The Golden Foodie Awards, also a prestigious peer-decided category.

Joshua Severson is the executive chef at Selanne Steak Tavern. It’s owned by legendary former Anaheim Ducks hockey player and six-time Olympian Teemu Selanne and local Orange County businessman Kevin Pratt.

Vince FerragamoSouthern Californians fondly remember Vince Ferragamo as the popular former quarterback of the L.A. Rams. What you probably don’t know is that Vince is a gentleman wine-maker in Orange County and a certified sommelier. He grows Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes on property in Orange Park Acres.

He’s also been a judge at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition in Pomona.

Ferragamo’s personal cellar is some 2,000 bottles. Not surprisingly he favors Italian wines.

Mark NoguchiWe’re continuing our report on the recent Hawaii Food & Wine Festival based on Oahu. Food, wine and travel writer Michelle Winner encores with Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi of Lunchbox in Oahu.

Chef Mark Noguchi was part of Laulima at Heeia, a cultural education event (and lunch) the Friday afternoon of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival on Oahu. Part of the effort was in both a dry and wet taro field. In Hawaii it’s traditionally used in the making of Poi.

Chef Mark also initiated the innovative LunchBox program for Hawaiian Airlines.  Healthy meals prepared from locally sourced ingredients are now on the menu for Hawaiian Airlines’ employees.

Holly JivinChef Holly Jivin of The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills has just been promoted to Chef de Cuisine. She has been part of The Bazaar’s culinary team since the restaurant’s opening. Chef Holly also oversees SAAM, the intimate (and very exclusive) chef’s tasting room located within The Bazaar.

Chef Michael Voltaggio (Bravo’s “Top Chef” and Ink and Ink Sack) originally hired her.

Cellar Master RodFine wine as an accompaniment is a big part of enjoying a superb meal at one of the many dining choices aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam. Cellar Master Rod is the gracious public face of the extensive wine and spirits program on the ship. He also provides entertaining wine education programs for the passengers including an interactive Blind Wine Tasting event.

His motto is that good wine doesn’t need to be expensive.

Cellar Master Rod’s basic wine cellar is 9,000 bottles. He sells some 400 to 600 bottles of wine every day aboard ship.

Michael J NeffThe Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents “Cocktails for Peat’s Sake! Scotching the Single-Malt Taboo,” the next edition of Touring the Cocktail:MOTAC Los Angeles. The seminar takes place on Monday, Oct. 20th at 6:30 p.m. at The Three Clubs in Hollywood. The evening is hosted by cocktail expert Michael J. Neff.

“Join The Museum of the American Cocktail and cocktail expert Michael J. Neff for an exploration of the ways in which single malt whisky can elevate mixed drinks. Classic and modern ideas will be evaluated and sampled under the direction of Michael Neff, playwright and author who opened the famous Ward III and Rum House in New York. Mr. Neff’s cocktails have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other publications. We are pleased that he will be serve as both presenter and drinkmaster.”

“The Three Clubs, a classic 1950s cocktail lounge and one of Hollywood’s secret delights, will host and serve a light dinner as well as gourmet chocolates.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Kedric Francis & Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Rene Tuinman, Hotel Director, ms Zaandam
Segment Three: Selanne Steak Tavern
Segment Four: Vince Ferragamo, Winemaker & Certified Sommelier
Segment Five: Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi and Michelle Winner
Segment Six: Chef Holly Jivin, The Bazaar by Jose Andres
Segment Seven: Cellar Master Rod, ms Zaandam
Segment Eight: Drinkmaster Michael J. Neff

 

Show 86, August 30, 2014: Guest Host Kedric Francis and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show

Kedric Francis and Andy HarrisGuest Host Kedric Francis of The Orange County Register Magazine & Coast Orange County Magazine and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

The always debonair Kedric Francis, our dashing man about Orange County, is the Executive Editor of both publications.

You’ll remember the always opinionated Chef Shirley Chung (Las Vegas – based) as a finalist in Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” in New Orleans. She is opening a modern Chinese restaurant in Irvine at the end of September.

It’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action in a restored historic bungalow on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Co-founder Wing Lam joins us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

The Palm Restaurant, known for classic steakhouse fare, has been an institution in West Hollywood since its launch in 1975. That location is closing at the end of September. In early November a new, 6,000 square foot Palm will begin welcoming guests in Beverly Hills.

Chef-comedienne Nadia G. is widely known as the creator and host of Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen,” a brand defining series for Cooking Channel and the first ever online show to successfully transition from the internet to primetime. Her new primetime Cooking Channel series is Bite This.” The always unpredictable Nadia G. is our guest.

Brad A. Johnson is the James Beard award-winning restaurant critic for both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Register. Brad is back with us this week to talk about sushi and his favorites in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He’ll also preview an intriguing piece he’s writing for the Orange County Register Magazine on the new wave of Italian restaurants.

Five years ago Haven Gastropub opened on S. Glassell St. in Old Towne Orange during the annual Orange International Street Festival. That Festival attracts some 500,000 hungry and thirsty guests for the three-days. Executive Chef Greg Daniels is with us to talk about their five-year anniversary.

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