Show 499, November 12, 2022: Karen Steinwachs, Winemaker, Seagrape Wine Co., Santa Barbara Vintners Part One

Karen Steinwachs of Seagrape Wine Company

Santa Barbara Wine Country, named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year for 2021 and recently honored with multiple wine scores over 90+ points, is bringing some of its acclaimed wines to Orange County for special Wine Tasting Pop-Ups. 

“The fall tasting events will feature a wide range of varietals from small production and highly sought-after wineries. Guests will learn the best wines to gift and pour for their guests this holiday season.”

Thursday, Nov. 17, 5 to 8pm at Wine Gallery in Laguna Beach – Enjoy tasting a variety of wines and light bites. Guests must be 21 or older. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Wine Gallery is located at 1833 S. Coast Hwy., #110, in Laguna Beach.

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 5:30 to 8:30pm at Cucina Enoteca in Irvine – Enjoy a special evening of tasting award-winning wines from Santa Barbara Wine Country, paired with light bites. Guests must be 21 or older. The event is complimentary, but guests are required to RSVP through Eventbrite as space is limited. Cucina Enoteca is a modern California-inspired Italian kitchen meets charming bohemian eatery and retail wine shop. Cucina Enoteca is located in Irvine Spectrum Center at 532 Spectrum Center Dr., in Irvine.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 5 to 8pm at Parlour 17 in Costa Mesa – A variety of award-winning Santa Barbara wines will be showcased and served with light bites. Guests must be 21 or older. The event is complimentary, but guests are required to RSVP through Eventbrite as space is limited. Parlour 17 is a private event space located in Plaza Sereno at 234 E. 17th St., #117, in Costa Mesa.

 For more information, visit the Eventbrite links or Santa Barbara Wine Country Events.

Representing Santa Barbara Vintners (the organizer) is Winemaker Karen Steinwachs of Seagrape Wine CoSanta Rita Hills. (Karen was previously the winemaker at Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard for 15 years.) Karen will be tasting a selection of Seagrape Wine Co. varietals at both the November 17th evening at Wine Gallery as well as on December 8th at Parlour 17 in Costa Mesa.

“Santa Barbara Vintners (Santa Barbara County Vintners Association) is a non-profit 501(c)6 organization founded in 1983 to protect and promote Santa Barbara County as a world-class wine producing and winegrape growing region. The association includes winery members whose annual production is at least 75% Santa Barbara County (or sub-AVA) labeled and extensive industry-associated members. The association produces festivals; educational seminars and tastings; provides information to consumers, trade, and media; and advocates for the Santa Barbara County wine and grape industry.

Show 499, November 12, 2022: Karen Steinwachs, Winemaker, Seagrape Wine Co., Santa Barbara Vintners Part Two

Karen Steinwachs of Seagrape Wine Company

Santa Barbara Wine Country, named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year for 2021 and recently honored with multiple wine scores over 90+ points, is bringing some of its acclaimed wines to Orange County for special Wine Tasting Pop-Ups. 

“The fall tasting events will feature a wide range of varietals from small production and highly sought-after wineries. Guests will learn the best wines to gift and pour for their guests this holiday season.”

Thursday, Nov. 17, 5 to 8pm at Wine Gallery in Laguna Beach – Enjoy tasting a variety of wines and light bites. Guests must be 21 or older. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Wine Gallery is located at 1833 S. Coast Hwy., #110, in Laguna Beach.

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 5:30 to 8:30pm at Cucina Enoteca in Irvine – Enjoy a special evening of tasting award-winning wines from Santa Barbara Wine Country, paired with light bites. Guests must be 21 or older. The event is complimentary, but guests are required to RSVP through Eventbrite as space is limited. Cucina Enoteca is a modern California-inspired Italian kitchen meets charming bohemian eatery and retail wine shop. Cucina Enoteca is located in Irvine Spectrum Center at 532 Spectrum Center Dr., in Irvine.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 5 to 8pm at Parlour 17 in Costa Mesa – A variety of award-winning Santa Barbara wines will be showcased and served with light bites. Guests must be 21 or older. The event is complimentary, but guests are required to RSVP through Eventbrite as space is limited. Parlour 17 is a private event space located in Plaza Sereno at 234 E. 17th St., #117, in Costa Mesa.

 For more information, visit the Eventbrite links or Santa Barbara Wine Country Events.

Continuing the conversation and representing Santa Barbara Vintners (the organizer) is Winemaker Karen Steinwachs of Seagrape Wine CoSanta Rita Hills. (Karen was previously the winemaker at Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard for 15 years.) Karen will be tasting a selection of Seagrape Wine Co. varietals at both the November 17th evening at Wine Gallery as well as on December 8th at Parlour 17 in Costa Mesa.

“Santa Barbara Vintners (Santa Barbara County Vintners Association) is a non-profit 501(c)6 organization founded in 1983 to protect and promote Santa Barbara County as a world-class wine producing and winegrape growing region. The association includes winery members whose annual production is at least 75% Santa Barbara County (or sub-AVA) labeled and extensive industry-associated members. The association produces festivals; educational seminars and tastings; provides information to consumers, trade, and media; and advocates for the Santa Barbara County wine and grape industry.

Show 102, December 20 2014: Show Preview with Executive Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer Andy Harris

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire is today’s special Guest Host.

Chef Gruel, a notable seafood authority, will first comment on his identified trends in seafood looking ahead to 2015. He’ll also update us on his experience as a judge on Food Network’s Food Truck Face Off for Season One and talk about a new food TV series he’s part of, currently in production.

CUCINA Enoteca, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, opened earlier in the year in 8,300 square feet in Fashion Island. It’s a venture of Tracy Borkum’s San Diego-based Urban Kitchen Group. The very popular predecessor sister restaurant is located in the Irvine Spectrum. Leading the day-to-day kitchen operations in Newport Beach as Chef de Cuisine is Orange County native Brent Omeste, a rising culinary talent. Chef Brent is our guest.

Lorenzi Estate Vineyards and Winery in Temecula is one of the newest wineries in the area and already attracting positive-word-of-mouth among wine connoisseurs. It’s the passion project of magazine publisher Don Lorenzi (Inland Empire Magazine) a self-taught winemaker who resides part-time on the estate. His family has a long history in growing wine grapes. They are best known for bold reds and case production is a boutique 2,000 per year. Darnel Damon-Dias, the dynamic Tasting Room Manager, joins us for a verbal tour.

Houweling’s Tomatoes (Mastery Under Glass,) is a family-owned, world-renowned greenhouse tomato grower with facilities in Camarillo, and Delta, BC. A new facility in Mona, Utah is just coming into production. Founded by Cornelius Houweling as a grower of fresh flowers, it’s now led by his son, Casey. Houweling’s is now dedicated to delivering a full complement of scrumptious tomatoes year-round, while constantly innovating to reduce its environmental footprint. They are also pioneers in branding their premium tomatoes and cucumbers. David Bell, the Chief Marketing Officer for Houwelings, joins us with the fascinating story.

Are you in overdrive contemplating just the right wines to match with that festive holiday food celebration ? Fear not…Our new resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer, President and Director of Purchasing for Best Wines in Santa Ana, gives us some inspired suggestions that should provide the proper inspiration.

Cathy Thomas is the award-winning Food Writer for The Orange County Register. Cathy shares with us her favorite dishes of 2014 and looks ahead to some food trends for 2015. Is cauliflower perhaps the new kale for chefs ?

Cathy was just in New York at The James Beard Foundation as the invited guest presenter at a session of the acclaimed Beard on Books author series. The conversation was Melissa’s 50 Best Plants on the Planet. Cathy will share that special experience at the James Beard House as well as talk about some of the restaurants she visited.

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

Show 102, December 20, 2014: Chef Brent Omeste, CUCINA Enoteca, Newport Beach

Brent OmesteCUCINA Enoteca, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, opened earlier in the year in 8,300 square feet in Fashion Island. It’s a venture of Tracy Borkum’s San Diego-based Urban Kitchen Group. The very popular sister restaurant is located in the Irvine Spectrum.

Leading the day-to-day kitchen operations in Newport Beach as Chef de Cuisine is Orange County native Brent Omeste, a rising culinary talent. The menu is a California spin on rustic Italian fare.

Earlier in his cooking career Omeste was mentored by the well-known Director of the Culinary Arts program at Orange Coast College, Chef Bill Barber (now retired.) He’s cooked for Alessandro Pirozzi, Charlie Palmer, and Amar Santana.

On the menu are variations of luxurious pastas, antipasti, creative pizzas and plates small and large, along with fresh crudos and Chef’s whim seasonal specials.

The diverse wine program features more than 250 familiar names, and rare, small-batch varietals for guests to purchase at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or to take home.

Chef Brent Omeste is our guest.

 

December 20: Andrew Gruel, CUCINA Enoteca, Lorenzi Estate Vineyards and Winery, Houweling’s Tomatoes, Best Wines, Cathy Thomas

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish
Segment Three: Chef Brent Omeste, CUCINA Enoteca, Newport Beach
Segment Four: Lorenzi Estate Vineyards and Winery
Segment Five: Houweling’s Tomatoes
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Best Wines
Segment Seven: Cathy Thomas, Food Writer, Orange County Register
Segment Eight: Cathy Thomas, CathyThomasCooks.com

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire is today’s special Guest Host.

Chef Gruel, a notable seafood authority, will first comment on his identified trends in seafood looking ahead to 2015. He’ll also update us on his experience as a judge on Food Network’s Food Truck Face Off for Season One and talk about a new food TV series he’s part of, currently in production.

CUCINA Enoteca, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, opened earlier in the year in 8,300 square feet in Fashion Island. It’s a venture of Tracy Borkum’s San Diego-based Urban Kitchen Group. The very popular predecessor sister restaurant is located in the Irvine Spectrum. Leading the day-to-day kitchen operations in Newport Beach as Chef de Cuisine is Orange County native Brent Omeste, a rising culinary talent. Chef Brent is our guest.

Lorenzi Estate Vineyards and Winery in Temecula is one of the newest wineries in the area and already attracting positive-word-of-mouth among wine connoisseurs. It’s the passion project of magazine publisher Don Lorenzi (Inland Empire Magazine) a self-taught winemaker who resides part-time on the estate. His family has a long history in growing wine grapes. They are best known for bold reds and case production is a boutique 2,000 per year. Darnel Damon-Dias, the dynamic Tasting Room Manager, joins us for a verbal tour.

Houweling’s Tomatoes (Mastery Under Glass,) is a family-owned, world-renowned greenhouse tomato grower with facilities in Camarillo, and Delta, BC. A new facility in Mona, Utah is just coming into production. Founded by Cornelius Houweling as a grower of fresh flowers, it’s now led by his son, Casey. Houweling’s is now dedicated to delivering a full complement of scrumptious tomatoes year-round, while constantly innovating to reduce its environmental footprint. They are also pioneers in branding their premium tomatoes and cucumbers. David Bell, the Chief Marketing Officer for Houwelings, joins us with the fascinating story.

Are you in overdrive contemplating just the right wines to match with that festive holiday food celebration ? Fear not…Our new resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer, President and Director of Purchasing for Best Wines in Santa Ana, gives us some inspired suggestions that should provide the proper inspiration.

Cathy Thomas is the award-winning Food Writer for The Orange County Register. Cathy shares with us her favorite dishes of 2014 and looks ahead to some food trends for 2015. Is cauliflower perhaps the new kale for chefs ?

Cathy was just in New York at The James Beard Foundation as the invited guest presenter at a session of the acclaimed Beard on Books author series. The conversation was Melissa’s 50 Best Plants on the Planet. Cathy will share that special experience at the James Beard House as well as talk about some of the restaurants she visited.

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

Andrew GruelToday’s Guest Host is Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the growing Slapfish empire. He also owns a seafood distributing company to ensure quality for his own restaurants.

Chef Andrew Gruel, a notable seafood authority, will first comment on his identified trends in seafood looking ahead to 2015. He’ll also update us on his experience as a judge on Food Network’s “Food Truck Face Off” for Season One and talk about a new food TV series he’s part of currently in production.

Brent OmesteCUCINA Enoteca, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, opened earlier in the year in 8,300 square feet in Fashion Island. It’s a venture of Tracy Borkum’s San Diego-based Urban Kitchen Group. The very popular sister restaurant is located in the Irvine Spectrum.

Leading the day-to-day kitchen operations in Newport Beach as Chef de Cuisine is Orange County native Brent Omeste, a rising culinary talent. The menu is a California spin on rustic Italian fare.

On the menu are variations of luxurious pastas, antipasti, creative pizzas and plates small and large, along with fresh crudos and Chef’s whim seasonal specials. The diverse wine program features more than 250 familiar names, and rare, small-batch varietals for guests to purchase at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or to take home.

Chef Brent Omeste is our guest.

Darnel Damon DiasLorenzi Estate Vineyards and Winery in Temecula is one of the newest wineries in the area. It’s the passion project of magazine publisher Don Lorenzi (Inland Empire Magazine) a self-taught winemaker. He resides on the estate part-time. His family has a long history in growing wine grapes.

They are best known for bold reds and case production is a boutique 2,000 per year. Even though Lorenzi has been making wines from Temecula grapes since 2002, Lorenzi Estates Wines only recently opened Temecula’s newest tasting room.

In 1968, local winemaking legend Philo Biane planted the first of his 400 acres in Temecula. Because Biane lived next door to a family member of winemaker and winery owner Don Lorenzi, it is no small irony that decades later, Lorenzi Estate Vineyards would be part of the original site Biane planted in the 60’s.

Darnel Damon-Dias, the dynamic Tasting Room Manager, joins us for a verbal tasting tour.

David BellHouweling’s Tomatoes (Mastery Under Glass,) is a family-owned, world-renowned greenhouse tomato grower with facilities in Camarillo, and Delta, BC. A new facility in Mona, Utah is on the threshold of production. Founded by Cornelius Houweling as a grower of fresh flowers, it’s now led by his son, Casey.

Houweling’s is dedicated to delivering a full complement of scrumptious tomatoes year-round, while constantly innovating to reduce its environmental footprint. They are also pioneers in branding their premium tomatoes and cucumbers.

Unlike many greenhouse growers who contract product under their name from other growers in Mexico, Canada and the USA, the Houweling’s brand appears only on products they grow. Houweling’s tomatoes are grown from 3rd party verified 100 per cent Non-GMO seeds.

David Bell, the Chief Marketing Officer for Houwelings, joins us with the fascinating story.

Kyle Meyer of Best WiinesAre you in overdrive contemplating just the right wines to match with that festive holiday food celebration?

You’re on the spot…What’s a compliment-worthy match with potato pancakes, brisket, goose or spiral glazed ham ? You also need to be a hero with the perfect bubbly for New Year’s Eve that’s also affordable ?

Fear not…Our new resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer, President and Director of Purchasing for Best Wines in Santa Ana, gives us some inspired suggestions that should provide the proper inspiration.

Cathy ThomasCathy Thomas is the award-winning Food Writer for The Orange County Register. Cathy shares with us her favorite dishes of 2014 and looks ahead to some intriguing food trends for 2015. Is cauliflower perhaps the new kale for discriminating chefs?

Cathy was just in New York at The James Beard Foundation as the invited guest presenter at a session of the acclaimed Beard on Books author series. The conversation was Melissa’s 50 Best Plants on the Planet.

Cathy will share that special experience at the James Beard House as well as talk about some of the restaurants she visited. One of her dining destinations was Gramercy Tavern with Michael Anthony as the current executive chef.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish
Segment Three: Chef Brent Omeste, CUCINA Enoteca, Newport Beach
Segment Four: Lorenzi Estate Vineyards and Winery
Segment Five: Houweling’s Tomatoes
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Best Wines
Segment Seven: Cathy Thomas, Food Writer, Orange County Register
Segment Eight: Cathy Thomas, CathyThomasCooks.com

Show 89, September 20, 2014: Guest Host Terri Henry and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show

Guest Host Terri Henry of Terri Henry Marketing LLC in Long Beach and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

If you’ve ever eaten at Norm’s, Chipotle, or Public School 612 then you’ve probably been influenced by the marketing strategies of Terri Henry. Before going out on her own Ms. Henry was the long-time Vice President of Marketing for Grill Concepts, Inc. whose iconic brands include The Grill on The AlleyDaily Grill and Public School 310.

Barbara Fairchild is the former long-time editor of Bon Appetit Magazine. In addition to teaching, consulting, and speaking Barbara is now the Travel and Restaurant Editor for GrapeCollective.com. Barbara recently was in Nashville and has some restaurant finds for us.

Executive Chef Chuck Abair (mentored by Providence’s and Connie & Ted’s Chef Michael Cimarusti) is now behind the stoves at the venerable Café del Rey in Martina del Rey.“For me, it’s about exceeding guests’ expectations, making as much in-house as possible, and providing a dining experience that suits the spectacular location.”

David Valiante is the Bar Program Director at Roxanne’s Lounge and The Exhibition Room speakeasy in Long Beach. He’s been a master bartender for 14 years including a stretch as a Flair Bartender. He’s part of Sip LBC Long Beach Wine, Beer & Spirits Week taking place from September 21st to 27th

Cucina Enoteca, a lively California-inspired Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop, just launched a 8,300-square-foot restaurant and wine shop located at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Wine Director Ed Manetta created a balanced, highly edited, and ever-changing wine list. Ed is with us to discuss their highly unusual wine program that’s already making waves.

The 6th Annual L.A. Beer Week taps its first keg September 20th. It’s best described as an epic annual craft beer fest. New this year is that it’s under the management of the L.A. Brewer’s Guild (headed by Jeremy Raub of the award-winning Eagle Rock Brewery.) It’s special beer tastings, food events, and informative panels all over the city.

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

Show 89, September 20, 2014: Ed Manetta, Wine Director – Cucina Enoteca

Ed ManettaCucina Enoteca, a lively California-inspired Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop, just launched a 8,300-square-foot restaurant and wine shop located at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Wine Director Ed Manetta created a balanced, highly edited, and ever-changing wine list. Comprising over 250 familiar names and rare, small-batch gems from the Americas and Europe, Cucina presents an emphasis on Italian varietals. Manetta promises hand-selected offerings for every taste ranging from the novice taster to the seasoned oenophile.

Wine veteran Manetta is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and has 15 years of industry experience.

Ed is with us to discuss their highly unusual retail wine program that’s already making waves.